Stevie Nicks wasn’t happy when she didn’t get a chance to sing on one of Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 hits. The tension escalated in the studio, leading to one of the band’s biggest blowups.
With so many personal issues already in the mix, this disagreement only added fuel to the fire. Nicks had just returned from rehab, and her frustration over the song choice triggered a massive argument.
Eventually, they managed to push through it all, setting aside their differences for the album. But not before some hard truths were laid out between the bandmates.
Tensions Rise During Tango in the Night Era
By the late 1980s, Fleetwood Mac was still riding high on the success of Rumours. Frontwoman Stevie Nicks, however, had begun focusing more on her solo career.
Her personal struggles with cocaine led her to enter rehab in 1985 at the Betty Ford Center. This decision pulled her away from the band during a crucial time.
As Fleetwood Mac worked on their 14th album, Tango in the Night, Nicks was largely absent from the studio, creating tension among the band members.
Stevie Nicks Loses Her Cool Over a Song
In March 1987, Fleetwood Mac gathered in the studio to listen to the final mix of Tango in the Night. As the song “Everywhere” played its final notes, Stevie Nicks erupted in anger.
Mick Fleetwood, sensing her frustration, asked what was wrong. Nicks didn’t hold back, complaining she couldn’t even hear herself on the record. Her absence from much of the recording process left her feeling sidelined.
Fleetwood reminded her of the tight deadline and her long absences. But Nicks, still upset, fired back, worried about how it would look when the album dropped, especially with her not being as involved as expected.
A Rift Between Stevie and Christine
Stevie and Christine McVie had always been close, promising to support one another as bandmates. But when it came to McVie’s track “Everywhere,” that bond was tested.
Fueled by frustration and a bit of wine, McVie confronted Nicks, asking why she was so upset. Nicks admitted she wanted to sing harmonies on the song.
McVie didn’t hold back, reminding Nicks she wasn’t around during the recording. She even suggested Nicks apologize so they could move forward and fix the situation.
Stevie Nicks Gets Her Way on “Everywhere”
Despite the tension, Stevie Nicks insisted on adding her background vocals to “Everywhere.” The band eventually gave in to her request.
Mick Fleetwood later admitted that it was the right call, saying it made the album sound more like classic Fleetwood Mac. Both Nicks and McVie had valid points.
In time, Nicks softened her stance, even praising McVie in a Rolling Stone interview, acknowledging that Christine was the true hitmaker of the band.