Fleetwood Mac remains an iconic name in the annals of rock history, well-regarded not only for their stellar musical catalog but also for the captivating stories, rumors, and interpersonal drama surrounding the band. These elements have collectively cemented their legendary status in the music world. Among the many anecdotes that fans discuss, the tumultuous relationship between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks stands out as particularly intriguing. Their romantic entanglement predates their Fleetwood Mac journey and played a significant role in Buckingham’s eventual departures from the band.
Thanks to a plethora of interviews, books, and journalistic accounts, enthusiasts can piece together the narrative of Buckingham and Nicks, illustrating how their complex relationship intertwined with Fleetwood Mac’s history.
The Early Relationship of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks
An Unconventional Career Beginning
The romance between Buckingham and Nicks began long before their partnership within Fleetwood Mac. The couple first crossed paths while attending Menlo-Atherton High School in California, where they bonded over their shared passion for music. According to Q Magazine, a school party marked their initial connection, with Buckingham transfixed as Nicks strummed her guitar. Their musical chemistry quickly became evident when Nicks joined Buckingham in an impromptu performance of “California Dreamin’.”
Both already involved in local bands—Buckingham with Fritz and Nicks with The Changing Times—their love for music brought them closer together. After members of Fritz departed for college, Buckingham invited Nicks to join as the lead singer, which not only strengthened their musical collaboration but deepened their emotional bond.
As their relationship progressed, they made the bold decision to drop out of San Jose University to pursue their musical dreams full-time, forming the duo “Buckingham Nicks.” Though their album with Polydor was eventually met with commercial failure, a chance hearing of the track “Frozen Love” by Mick Fleetwood led to Buckingham’s recruitment into Fleetwood Mac in 1972. Remarkably, Buckingham insisted that Nicks join him, paving the way for their entry into the iconic band in 1975.
Dynamics of their Relationship and the Band’s Impact
The Legacy of Rumours
As members of Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham and Nicks profoundly influenced the band’s sound, especially on the 1977 album Rumours, which has become a hallmark of rock history. However, much of the album’s emotional weight stemmed from the personal turmoil of its members, especially the fallout from Buckingham and Nicks’ tumultuous relationship. Tensions often flared during the recording sessions, resulting in fierce arguments and a heightened atmosphere, often exacerbated by substance use.
In a revealing moment during an interview with Oprah’s Master Class, Nicks recounted how she ultimately ended her romantic relationship with Buckingham while still committed to the band. She maintained that their band was more important than their personal issues. In her words, “the band was way more important than each separate person’s problems.”Remarkably, both continued to contribute to Fleetwood Mac, navigating their strained relationship while prioritizing the goals of the group.
The Iconic “Silver Springs”Performance
A Musical Exposure of Emotions
Amidst this backdrop of personal conflict, Buckingham and Nicks channeled their emotional struggles into their music. Songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” encapsulated the collective grief the band experienced during their recording sessions, particularly reflective of the complexities between Buckingham and Nicks. Nicks’ lyrical take on their relationship wasn’t particularly glowing, showcasing the emotional fallout of their breakup.
The song “Silver Springs,”originally the B-side of “Go Your Own Way,”was written for Rumours but ultimately omitted to keep the album concise. As Nicks has illustrated, the title was inspired by a moment from their past, when they were driving through Maryland and saw a freeway sign for “Silver Springs.”This name resonated with her as a poignant reminder of lost potential. Nicks’ lyrics explore the entire spectrum of emotions from love to heartbreak, offering listeners a raw portrayal of love’s bittersweet nature.
So I’ll begin not to love you
Turn around, see me runnin’
I’ll say I loved you years ago
Tell myself you never loved me, no
Don’t say that she’s pretty
And did you say that she loved you?
Baby, I don’t want to know
Through “Silver Springs,”Nicks crafts a narrative that contrasts with Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way,”which provides a glimpse into a relationship that is both hopeful and tragic.
Lindsey Buckingham’s Ousting and the Band’s Future
The State of Fleetwood Mac Today
Despite the attempts made by Buckingham and Nicks to coexist within Fleetwood Mac, their differences ultimately led to Buckingham’s departure in 1987 amidst a tumultuous tour. Feeling undervalued and overwhelmed, he chose to step away from the band but later returned for a reunion. However, in 2018, he was ousted once more, allegedly due to disagreements surrounding an upcoming tour. While Fleetwood Mac publicly expressed their respect for Buckingham’s contributions, the fallout led to Buckingham filing a lawsuit against the band.
This tumult highlighted lingering issues from their past. In statements covered by Yahoo, Nicks attributed his departure to deeper relationship troubles rather than mere tour disagreements. She voiced her offense at Buckingham’s behavior during a charity event, leading to past tensions resurfacing. Buckingham noted that he had issued Fleetwood Mac an ultimatum—either he or Nicks had to go. Despite these conflicts, Mick Fleetwood has indicated that he remains open to the idea of a reconciliation, though the current dynamics might make such a reunion difficult to navigate.
For more in-depth insights into this captivating saga of Fleetwood Mac, refer to the sources from Q Magazine, Oprah’s Master Class, Yahoo, and Rolling Stone.