Fleetwood Mac’s music has soundtracked countless lives, their legacy a testament to enduring rock and roll royalty. But beneath the soaring vocals and infectious rhythms simmered a complex web of relationships. At the center of this dynamic stood Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, two musical forces whose bond was as potent as it was volatile.
Their creative partnership fueled iconic tracks like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way”, yet their personal friction became a defining aspect of the band’s story. Public spats and backstage tension became a running narrative, adding a layer of drama that only amplified the band’s allure.
In 2018, the long-simmering tension reached a boiling point with Buckingham’s departure from Fleetwood Mac. This seemingly permanent shift left fans wondering if the band’s fractured core could ever mend. However, a recent glimmer of hope has emerged. Mick Fleetwood, the ever-optimistic drummer and co-founder, expressed a desire for reconciliation between Nicks and Buckingham
Stevie Nicks Denies Firing Lindsey Buckingham
Years after Fleetwood Mac parted ways with Lindsey Buckingham, the reasons behind the split remained murky. In a recent interview, Fleetwood hinted that Stevie Nicks might have been the driving force, aiming to reshape the band to her personal vision.
This claim didn’t sit well with Nicks. Breaking her silence on the matter, she firmly denied Fleetwood’s version of events. “His version of events is factually inaccurate and while I’ve never spoken publicly on the matter, certainly it feels the time has come to shine a light on the truth,” Stevie explained.
She emphasized that his portrayal was inaccurate and felt compelled to finally set the record straight. The songstress explained, “To be exceedingly clear, I did not have him fired, I did not ask for him to be fired, I did not demand he be fired.”
A Bridge Between Two Legends?
Despite some brief interactions, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham have largely avoided contact since Buckingham’s departure from Fleetwood Mac. Nicks did reach out after his heart attack in 2019 and again at Christine McVie’s funeral, but their relationship remains strained.
Mick Fleetwood, ever the optimist, holds onto hope for reconciliation. He acknowledges the emotional rift between them but expresses a personal desire for them to heal. “It’s no secret, it’s no title-tattle that there is a brick wall there emotionally. Stevie’s able to speak clearly about how she feels and doesn’t feel, as does Lindsey,” the drummer explained.
Interestingly, he clarifies that this doesn’t necessarily require a reunion tour – simply a mending of their fractured bond. Fleetwood said, “I would love to see a healing between them — and that doesn’t have to take the shape of a tour, necessarily.”
“Without Christine, No Can Do”
But Stevie seems to have closed the door on a potential Fleetwood Mac reunion. Following Christine McVie’s passing in 2022, she believes the possibility of a new tour has vanished. “Without Christine, no can do,” she stated, emphasizing that the band wouldn’t function in her absence.
Nicks further doubts Buckingham’s potential participation even if she is open to it. She acknowledges his recent health struggles, questioning his ability to handle the grueling touring schedule Fleetwood Mac is known for.
“Even if I thought I could work with Lindsey again, he’s had some health problems,” she clarified. “It’s not for me to say, but I’m not sure if Lindsey could do the kind of touring that Fleetwood Mac does, where you go out for a year and half. It’s so demanding.”
A Flame That Never Dies
Years before the band’s split with Buckingham, Nicks expressed unwavering confidence in their enduring connection. While acknowledging their history of explosive fights, even bordering on violence, she believed a deeper spark remained.
In a candid interview with MTV, Nicks declared that the “electric crazy attraction” between her and Buckingham would forever exist. Despite his marriage, children, and seemingly peaceful life, Nicks felt an unbreakable bond. “Who Lindsey and I are to each other will never change,” she stated.
This unwavering belief adds another layer to the complexity of their relationship. Nicks’ conviction highlights the depth of their connection, even amidst the turmoil. Whether this translates to reconciliation or simply acknowledges an undeniable past remains to be seen.