Stevie Nicks, the ethereal voice of Fleetwood Mac and celebrated solo artist, continues to mesmerize fans with her distinctive sound and powerful lyrics, embodying the soul of rock music. Her tumultuous relationship with fellow band member Lindsey Buckingham, her legendary collaborations, and influences, particularly from the late Prince, have shaped her career and the music industry at large.
Nicks' inspiration from Prince resonates deeply with her work. One of her most notable solo tracks, "Stand Back," was significantly influenced by Prince’s iconic song, "Little Red Corvette." Speaking about this influence, Nicks reflected, "I feel like Prince is with me…When I’m nervous, I’ll talk to Prince." His presence lingers as she performs, especially when donning her signature white coat during her act. After Prince's passing in 2016, Nicks expressed regret over never collaborating with him and lamented, "Then he was gone — he was like a spirit then." This longing emphasizes Nicks' appreciation of collaborative artistry and the connections formed within the industry.
Despite her success, Nicks's career has seen its share of challenges. Following her departure from Fleetwood Mac after the "Behind the Mask" album, she struggled personally and artistically during the creation of her solo work, particularly the album "Street Angel." Nicks faced various personal battles, impacting her creativity during these years. Nonetheless, her comeback began with the 1997 reunion album "The Dance," sparking renewed interest and success.
The dynamics within Fleetwood Mac significantly impacted Nicks' artistic path. When she and Buckingham joined the band, everything changed. Lesley-Ann Jones, author of the recent biography "Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie," recounted how Nicks and Buckingham's introduction to the group led to unprecedented musical harmony and collaboration. "I just remembered thinking, ‘This is it!’" McVie noted upon witnessing their immediate chemistry.
Nicks and Buckingham’s romantic past often influenced their creative collaborations, and their chemistry on stage translated to extraordinary music. Their 1977 album "Rumours" was monumental, featuring classic hits like "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way." Yet, the tension stemming from their breakup gave rise to some of the band's most iconic songs and remains evident to this day. Nicks candidly shared, "Lindsey knows I did not have a great time during 'Say You Will.' Because he was just not being very nice or friendly to me," addressing the challenges during the making of the album.
While both artists have explored solo avenues, they’ve remained intertwined creatively. After multiple reunions and performances, the friction between the duo often spilled over, especially during interviews and performances. Nicks recounted, "You could not say I did not give him more than 300 million chances," alluding to the complexity of their relationship, shaped by both collaboration and conflict.
Nicks is not merely about rock and roll nostalgia; she actively continues to innovate. Recently, she revealed her upcoming performance with Billy Joel at Ford Field on March 29, 2025, which promises to be a thrilling showcase of both artists' biggest hits. This event marks another chapter for Nicks, as she gears up to perform fan favorites like "Rhiannon" and "Edge of Seventeen."
Reflecting on her career, Nicks expressed, "When Christine died, Fleetwood Mac died," hinting at the deep connection she shared with fellow members. The loss of Christine McVie, who passed away at 79, has undoubtedly affected Nicks and the band's dynamics. Nicks poignantly posted, "A few hours ago, I was told my best friend, had passed away… See you on the other side, my love," capturing the heartfelt bond they shared over the years.
Moving forward, Nicks seems focused on her solo endeavors. She noted, "I have no interest in reuniting with Buckingham for a farewell Fleetwood Mac tour," marking her desire to carve her own path away from their shared history. Despite their complicated relationship, Nicks still respects Buckingham's artistry. "I hope he lives a long life and continues to go studio and work with other people," she remarked, highlighting the mutual respect underneath their tumultuous relationship.
Stevie Nicks stands as more than just one of rock's leading women; she embodies resilience, creativity, and the complexity of collaborations within the music industry. Her ability to evolve over decades, coupled with her homage to musical greats like Prince and her significant history with Fleetwood Mac, makes her one of the most enduring figures in rock music. Despite the ups and downs, her voice continues to resonate, proving at every turn the timeless nature of her art.
With upcoming performances and releases, Nicks remains committed to her legacy. Fans eagerly anticipate where she will take her music next, proving the influences and relationships she has cultivated throughout her career will always be instrumental to her artistry.