Every member of Fleetwood Mac has contributed to the drama surrounding the band’s whole existence. Even after their final breakup, they remained in the spotlight. This was due in part to the level of tension that surrounded each member. Despite their well-known songs and amazing live performances, this tension continued to draw attention.
Numerous factors contributed to this, including long-term drug use, alcohol exposure, the demands of being a well-known rock star, and interpersonal dynamics within the band. It was a mix of all four in the cases of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
From the moment they met in high school, the two were drawn to music. The two, who played together in the band Fritz, decided to leave San José State University to pursue their musical goals. They were somewhat successful because Fritz went on to open for well-known performers like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. But after the band broke up and the demands of that music subsided, Nicks and Buckingham’s friendship blossomed into a romantic one.
This went on until 1975 when the band extended an invitation to the pair to join the group. But at the time of this, the two were already close to calling it quits. It was difficult to handle their relationship in a way that maintained civility. To some extent, it was managed, but there was constant friction in the group. This friction led the two to write songs about each other and ultimately resulted in Nicks‘ departure.
I mean, back in 1976, I broke up with Lindsey. We were breaking up when we joined Fleetwood Mac, and we had only been there for a year and a half,” Nicks remarked. “Therefore, we decided to sort of restart our relationship. I knew that it would have blown up completely if we had broken up in our second month together at Fleetwood Mac.”
Nicks left Fleetwood Mac on the best terms possible when the time came. “The moment had come. She remembered, “And the band was solid by then, so I could go away knowing that he was safe and that the band was safe.” She also knew that they could resolve the issue.
Nicks had a prosperous solo career after that. Due to obligations with her solo work, she was unable to attend every recording session. The band came back together to record the Extended Play album in 2013. Even so, Lindsey Buckingham wrote one final piece about her despite her absence.
“I wrote that song for Stevie,” said Buckingham while discussing the song “Sad Angel.” She had to battle for everything all the time. “She was in the midst of mentally reintegrating herself into the band after releasing a solo album,” reflected Buckingham, “We’ve known each other since high school.” “Sad Angel, have you come to fight the war?” is what I wrote. Together, we descend to Earth, with the throng yelling for more.
“All these years later, we are still writing songs that are dialogues for each other,” he said, reflecting on the romantic absurdity of the circumstance. A significant portion of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless appeal is probably attributed to the emotions that permeate their songs. These emotions are equally timeless.
