Why Stevie Nicks ended decades of collaboration with Lindsey Buckingham

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As a longtime fan and witness to the rollercoaster ride that is Fleetwood Mac, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as Stevie Nicks shares yet another chapter in the band’s tumultuous history. The departure of Lindsey Buckingham was undeniably a turning point, one that echoed through their discography like the haunting notes of “Edge of Seventeen.

More recently, Stevie Nicks shared detailed insights into Lindsey Buckingham’s departure from Fleetwood Mac back in 2018, emphasizing longstanding personal and professional disputes. Known for his crucial contributions as a guitarist and songwriter, Buckingham teamed up with Nicks within Fleetwood Mac in 1974, a union that significantly transformed the band’s style and contributed to the creation of iconic albums like Rumours.

At first, it was said that Buckingham left due to disagreements about touring dates. But later on, Nicks revealed that their complex romantic past and deteriorating relationship were actually the root causes of the separation. Although their relationship had been tense since their high-profile split in the late ’70s, they still found a way to collaborate musically.

By 2018, long-standing issues reemerged, peaking at the MusiCares Person of the Year ceremony. At this event, Nicks claimed that Buckingham’s alleged rude behavior towards attendees like Harry Styles served as a breaking point for her.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, I found myself grappling with the idea of continuing our partnership. The wisdom of my late parents echoed within me, urging me to cut ties with Buckingham once and for all. In my mind, I heard a voice saying, “I stood by Lindsey for as long as it was feasible. It’s not that I didn’t give him countless opportunities.

Fleetwood Mac after Buckingham

After Buckingham left the group, Fleetwood Mac replaced him with Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as Neil Finn from Crowded House. This change in lineup signified a major transition for the band, but Nicks stated that they managed it without any conflicts. In the end, she was content with the results, expressing her wish for Buckingham to continue making music on his own.

The most recent encounter between Nicks and Buckingham occurred at a brief moment during the 2023 memorial for Christine McVie, who was Fleetwood Mac’s longtime keyboardist and vocalist for many years. McVie’s passing served to underscore the apparent end of Fleetwood Mac, as Nicks suggested that the band could not carry on without her presence.

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2024-11-08 00:01