Stevie Nicks, a name known far and wide for her incredible music and being part of the famous band Fleetwood Mac, has lived a life many can only dream about. With her songs remaining timeless classics, Nicks shared some wisdom she has gathered over the years, especially advice she would give her 28-year-old self.
Embracing Fearlessness
“I am pretty fearless, and you know why? Because I don’t handle fear very well,” Stevie Nicks once said. She explained how she’s always led her life guided by instincts, whether it was about music, love, or chasing dreams. Nicks understands fear but doesn’t let it control her. “I’m not a good terrified person.” This mindset has seen her through some adventurous times.
The story of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, starting their music journey together with the album Buckingham Nicks in 1973, before joining Fleetwood Mac, is a fascinating tale of growth, challenges, and success. The early days were not easy, as Nicks revealed. “We had no money,” she recalled, sharing how she used to clean their producer’s house for $250 a month to help pay rent. Then came a turning point when Fleetwood Mac signed them on, and suddenly, she and Buckingham were on the verge of becoming millionaires. It was a change from having barely enough to manage daily expenses to needing a business firm to handle their finances.
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, and as a solo artist, Stevie Nicks contributed many hit songs. From “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” to “Landslide,” and into her solo work like “Edge of Seventeen,” her music has enchanted millions. From her debut album, Bella Donna, in 1981, to her 2014 album, 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault, Nicks has always shown a unique talent for creating music that resonates with people.
The Life Lessons of Stevie Nicks
Living the rock star life came with its highs and lows. Nicks faced the challenges head-on, including battling addiction and navigating personal relationships. Despite everything, she says she has no regrets. “I had amazing love affairs—maybe that I shouldn’t have had—but my heart said, ‘Do it,’ and I did. I’m not sorry for anything.” Stevie believes everything happened for a reason and led her to where she is today.
During a difficult 2020, amid the pandemic, a 72-year-old Nicks shared her longing for normalcy and her desire to continue her ‘rock and roll life’. “Everything that was done was meant to be done in order for us to be sitting here today with the life that we have. So that I can be sitting here … at 72 years old, praying that the pandemic will go away so that we can all go back out and I can have the last 10 to 15 years of my rock and roll life. That’s really it.”
So, what advice would Stevie Nicks give to her 28-year-old self? Simple, yet profound – “Follow your heart.” This wisdom summarizes the essence of how she’s lived her life, making decisions that may not have always seemed logical but felt right to her. She trusted her instincts and took risks, which has led her to a successful career filled with unforgettable memories, iconic songs, and a legacy that will live on forever.