Stevie Nicks: Fleetwood Mac’s legacy lives on, but the band cannot

As a lifelong fan and admirer of Fleetwood Mac, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss with Christine McVie’s departure. Her music was not just an essential part of the band’s sound; it was the soul that gave life to their harmonies. The idea of Fleetwood Mac without her feels as unimaginable as a California sunset without its vibrant hues.


Stevie Nicks has made it clear that Fleetwood Mac cannot carry on without the late Christine McVie. In an interview with Mojo, she expressed her conviction that the band simply cannot function in any capacity without McVie’s presence. As she put it, “It’s impossible for Fleetwood Mac to reform under these circumstances.”

In November 2022, when Christine McVie passed away unexpectedly, the prospect of Fleetwood Mac reconvening seemed extremely unlikely. McVie played a pivotal role in the band since her arrival in 1971, offering not just her captivating vocals and keyboard prowess but also penning some of the group’s most famous tunes, including “Over My Head,” “Morning Rain,” “Songbird,” and “You Make Loving Fun.”

Her departure has left a gap in Nick’s life that he finds difficult to fill. In truth, Stevie Nicks once stated, “Christine was primarily responsible for writing our hit singles…”

2019 marked McVie’s last performance with Fleetwood Mac, during a tour that didn’t include original member Lindsey Buckingham. Tensions with Stevie Nicks had been escalating for some time, leading to his exit from the band in 2018. To replace him, Fleetwood Mac enlisted Neil Finn from Crowded House and Mike Campbell, who was previously with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, to round out the group.

Stevie Nicks on the death of Christine McVie

Upon hearing about McVie’s demise, Nicks found it unexpectedly unreal. “It was all bafflingly odd since there had been no warning signs,” she disclosed. “We received a call, and I intended to hire a plane to visit her, but her family advised against it because she might not be around the next day. Regrettably, the very next day, she passed away.”

Nick openly lamented the inability to bid farewell personally, mentioning, “I yearned to visit and sing on her bed, which might have expedited her departure, I joked. However, it was crucial for me to be near her. Unfortunately, I couldn’t manage that, so it was a significant source of distress for me.”

Why a Fleetwood Mac reunion probably will not happen

Christine McVie significantly shaped Fleetwood Mac during her tenure, and when she left the band in 1998, it signified the close of a significant period. After taking a break from touring for about 16 years, she rejoined the group in 2014, bringing joy to fans. Her reunion with Buckingham in 2017 resulted in the creation of the album “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie“, highlighting their exceptional musical synergy.

Nevertheless, the departure of Buckingham from the band the subsequent year marked the end of their joint ventures under the Fleetwood Mac name. In his own words, “I believe seeking change is ingrained in me…”; this sentiment was evident as he appeared to accept the decision gracefully in public.

Regarding the prospect of Fleetwood Mac embarking on another tour, Nicks discussed other challenges during her Mojo interview. Although the band members might be open to such an event, she highlighted Buckingham’s health concerns as potential obstacles. In response to being asked if he’d be interested in a reunion, Buckingham expressed his eagerness, saying, “Absolutely, in a heartbeat.” He also suggested that it would be fitting for the band to conclude on a positive note.

In 2019, Buckingham had an emergency open-heart surgery due to a heart attack, which additionally impacted his voicebox.

As a gamer, I can relate to the exhaustion that comes with long tours, like the one Fleetwood Mac embarks on for over a year and a half. Despite his recent solo album release and resuming performances, I’m not confident I could handle the intensity of our joint tour again. Health issues have been a challenge for Lindsey, and it seems the grueling nature of our extended tours might be too much for him now. It’s not my place to decide, but from where I stand, I’m unsure if Lindsey is up for the demanding touring schedule that Fleetwood Mac requires.

The band lives on…sort of

Even though there’s some doubt about the future of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks is dedicated to preserving their music legacy. People can continue enjoying their tunes, and fans attending Stevie Nicks concerts should anticipate a substantial portion of Fleetwood Mac’s discography in her performances. As Nicks herself mentioned, “Fleetwood Mac plays a big role in my concert.”

In light of Fleetwood Mac disbanding temporarily, this offers me an opportunity to perform songs like ‘The Chain,’ which I haven’t sung solo before. I aim to preserve the spirit of Fleetwood Mac through my own performances, ensuring their music remains relevant and continues to resonate with fans for years to come.

Read More

2024-08-09 15:01