Delving into Fleetwood Mac’s musical timeline is akin to uncovering the tales of two distinct bands. Despite the unwavering presence of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, the group’s bluesy origins starkly contrast with the sound introduced by the talented Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
The Genesis of Fleetwood Mac’s Iconic White Album
Before joining Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were part of the duo Buckingham/Nicks. Coincidentally, while they were working their magic at Sound City Studios in California, Fleetwood Mac was recording in the adjacent room. One day, the entrancing melodies of “Frozen Love” resonated through the corridors, enchanting Fleetwood.
At a crossroads after Bob Welch’s exit, Fleetwood saw an opportunity and invited Buckingham to fill the void. Buckingham was interested, but he had a stipulation: Nicks was a package deal. This pivotal decision led to the creation of the legendary self-titled White Album, spotlighting timeless Nicks classics like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide.”
Externally, the band appeared in harmony. However, behind the curtain, brewing disagreements between Nicks and Buckingham and the McVies added tension. Yet, their dedication to music shone through, leading to iconic albums like Rumours and Tusk. Concurrently, Nicks became increasingly enchanted by a rising Floridian band.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, evolving from Mudcrutch’s ashes, were steadily carving a name for themselves with anthems like “Breakdown” and “American Girl.” Their record, Damn the Torpedoes, solidified their reputation as one of the era’s premier live acts, boasting hits like “Refugee” and “Here Comes My Girl.”
Stevie Nicks: A Solo Phenomenon
Stevie Nicks, sensing a drift from Fleetwood Mac’s evolving musical direction, was intrigued by the idea of teaming up with Petty. In the documentary Runnin Down a Dream, she candidly expressed, “I found myself gravitating more towards Tom Petty’s sound than Fleetwood Mac’s. Given the choice, I would’ve eagerly joined them.”
Motivated by this new direction, Nicks sought out producer Jimmy Iovine to craft her debut solo venture, Bella Donna. This album spotlighted the memorable duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” with Petty. Enjoying immense solo success, Nicks later joined Petty onstage for a heartfelt performance of “Needles and Pins.”
Though she never became an official member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Nicks was lovingly considered part of the band. Reflecting on a special memento from Petty in a chat with Rolling Stone, she reminisced:
“Tom gifted me a stunning platinum sheriff’s badge adorned with gold and diamonds, inscribed ‘to our honorary Heartbreaker, Stevie Nicks’. The reverse read, ‘To the band’s lone lady’. This precious gift accompanies me everywhere, perched on my black velvet top hat. It remains the most cherished piece of jewelry a gentleman has ever presented to me.”
