Fleetwood Mac was already making waves in the music scene long before Stevie Nicks joined. The British band had built a solid reputation with their blues-inspired sound, captivating fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Their early success hinted at the greatness yet to come.
Everything changed in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks entered the picture. Their arrival brought a fresh energy, catapulting the band into global superstardom. Nicks, in particular, stood out—not only as a key member of Fleetwood Mac but also as a solo icon, earning accolades and a double induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Yet, behind the fame and success, Nicks’ relationships with her bandmates have always been complex. From creative tensions to personal challenges, the dynamics within Fleetwood Mac shaped her journey. Here’s what her fellow members of this legendary lineup have shared about their iconic bandmate over the years.
Lindsey Buckingham
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham shared a long history before joining Fleetwood Mac. They started with the psychedelic band Fritz and later as the duo Buckingham Nicks, releasing an album in 1973. Though their romantic and professional partnership seemed strong, cracks appeared during the creation of Rumours, setting the stage for future turbulence.
Their rocky collaboration persisted for decades but hit a breaking point in 2018 when Buckingham was fired from Fleetwood Mac. Reports claimed Nicks had threatened to leave if he stayed, a claim she denied. Buckingham, however, suggested the move was her attempt to reshape the band’s direction, favoring a mellower, more Nicks-centric style.
In reflecting on their relationship, Buckingham didn’t hold back. He described Nicks as struggling with creativity and energy, suggesting loneliness had taken a toll on her. “She’s alone,” he remarked, painting a somber picture of his former collaborator while reigniting public fascination with their strained dynamic.
Christine McVie
Christine McVie had been a key voice in Fleetwood Mac for years when Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the band. Known for hits like “You Make Loving Fun” and “Don’t Stop,” McVie played a vital role in the band’s success. However, Nicks’ arrival brought a mystical vibe that captivated audiences, leaving McVie feeling sidelined.
Initially, McVie admitted to feeling jealous of Nicks, but the sentiment was short-lived. She embraced her role as a collaborator rather than a frontliner. “I could no more do twirls in chiffon than Stevie could play the blues on the piano,” she once remarked, highlighting their complementary strengths.
Despite the band’s well-documented tensions, McVie and Nicks forged a lasting bond. McVie admired Nicks for her honesty, creativity, and iconic persona, calling her “a lovely, kind, beautiful woman.” Their differences only deepened their friendship, which McVie cherished until her passing.
Mick Fleetwood
Mick Fleetwood witnessed constant upheaval during Fleetwood Mac’s early years, with members frequently coming and going. After Christine McVie joined, the band lost several key guitarists, including Peter Green and Danny Kirwan. When Lindsey Buckingham was invited to join, he insisted his partner, Stevie Nicks, come along too—a decision that reshaped the band’s future.
Amid the band’s rising fame, Fleetwood and Nicks had a two-year affair, adding to the tension caused by Nicks and Buckingham’s breakup. Fleetwood later expressed regret for overlooking Buckingham’s feelings during that turbulent time, admitting, “We just thought he was okay, but he needed to be acknowledged.”
In 2024, Fleetwood reflected on the strained dynamic between Nicks and Buckingham. Acknowledging the emotional rift, he shared his hope for reconciliation. “I would love to see a healing between them,” he said, though he added it wouldn’t necessarily require a reunion tour.
John McVie
John McVie, often the quietest member of Fleetwood Mac, played a crucial role in the band’s success. Alongside Mick Fleetwood, he provided stability while also delivering iconic bass lines that supported songs by Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and his wife, Christine McVie.
In a 2004 interview, McVie recalled the excitement he felt when Nicks and Buckingham joined in 1975. He described hearing them perform together for the first time, remarking on the powerful effect their music had on him. “Goosebumps!” he recalled, impressed by their talent.
McVie also shared his fondness for Nicks, calling her a good friend with a memorable sense of humor. He appreciated her directness, saying, “You always know where you stand with her.” However, he claimed he didn’t know about her affair with Fleetwood until it came out in Fleetwood’s autobiography.