Why did Stevie Nicks leave Fleetwood Mac?

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For many fans, Stevie Nicks embodies the soul of Fleetwood Mac. Throughout their history, the band has welcomed numerous gifted vocalists and songwriters, yet none have mesmerized listeners as much as Nicks during her extended stints with the group. Her influence in Fleetwood Mac continued until 2022.

To clarify, Nick wasn’t an original member of the band. She joined approximately ten years after its formation in 1974, only to leave again in 1990. A significant event leading up to her departure was the exclusion of her song “Silver Springs” from their famous album Rumors. By 1990, she petitioned Fleetwood Mac’s drummer and co-founder Mick Fleetwood for permission to include it on a solo project. However, he declined, which ultimately led to Nick’s decision to part ways with the band.

Stevie Nicks left the band in 1990

Nick departed Fleetwood Mac about three years following Lindsey Buckingham, with keyboardist Christine McVie leaving two years later. These three musicians formed the main songwriting team for the band during their most successful period, which unfortunately led to a decline in the final decade of the 20th century.

During this break, Nick released her album “Street Angel” in 1994, but later reconciled with Mick Fleetwood, rejoining the group in 1997. This event came twenty years after they had put out their famous “Rumors” album, leading to a decision among the main members to reunite given its historical impact. Nicks then teamed up once more with Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Lindsay Buckingham, and bassist John McVie for a highly successful arena tour. The band was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Nick stayed with Fleetwood Mac during the entire 21st century. There were disagreements between her and her ex-boyfriend, Buckingham, leading to his expulsion from the group in 2018. Despite this, the other members continued, but it was the death of Christine McVie in 2022 that signaled the end of the band’s journey.

Nicks will not promote the band without Christine McVie

According to Nick, the band Fleetwood Mac wouldn’t function without their keyboardist, Christine. She made this statement to Mojo Magazine in 2024: “It’s impossible for us to reassemble Fleetwood Mac if Christine isn’t part of it. Without her presence, it simply wouldn’t function.

Stevie Nicks hasn’t put out a solo album since the release of “24 Karat Gold” in 2014, but she continues to be an active performer on tour. She graced the stage of Saturday Night Live in 2024, and she shared with Rolling Stone that she intends to keep touring as long as she feels capable. “As long as I can maintain my appearance,” she joked, “I’ll do it until I feel it’s no longer fitting for my age.

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2025-04-05 22:00