Lindsey Buckingham, the iconic guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, recently opened up about his often tumultuous relationship with Stevie Nicks. His reflections provide insight into the struggles and bittersweet moments that defined their partnership, shaping some of the band’s most memorable music. What truly transpired between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks? How did their relationship impact Fleetwood Mac? Join us as we explore the poignant details of their romance that Buckingham has shared.

Pre-Fleetwood Mac: The Early Years

The love story between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks began in high school in Palo Alto, California, during the late 1960s. At that time, Lindsey was playing in a band called Fritz, and he saw Stevie as the perfect candidate for a vocalist. Although they enjoyed each other’s company, they were not yet a couple, dating other people while pursuing their musical dreams.

Things shifted in the early 1970s when Lindsey and Stevie decided to move from Palo Alto to Los Angeles. Stevie later noted that this move brought them closer together, though it was temporarily delayed when Lindsey contracted mono, forcing them to postpone their relocation by a year. During this time, Stevie cared for him, strengthening their bond. Finally, in 1972, they arrived in Los Angeles as “Buckingham Nicks,” releasing an album that, unfortunately, flopped, leading to their dismissal from the label.

Despite their struggles, they remained devoted to their music. Lindsey took session guitar jobs while Stevie worked as a waitress, making ends meet as they honed their craft. Their perseverance caught the attention of Fleetwood Mac when Mick Fleetwood approached Lindsey to join the band—on the condition that Stevie be included as well.

Joining Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac welcomed Buckingham and Nicks in 1974, setting the stage for both musical success and personal turmoil. Although they appeared as the ideal couple on stage, their relationship was fraught with complexities. From 1971 to 1975, they were emotionally intertwined, akin to a married couple without the official title. Stevie took on multiple roles, from managing household tasks to supporting their musical careers.

Their most challenging moments led to the creation of some of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved songs, including “Gypsy.” Despite the initial excitement of joining Fleetwood Mac, their circumstances remained precarious. Stevie felt that they had too much at stake and encouraged Lindsey to give their relationship another chance, which led them to live together and focus on their music.

Initially, both believed they would stay with Fleetwood Mac for just a year, earn some money, and eventually explore other paths. However, fate had other plans. When Bob Welch departed from the band, Fleetwood stumbled upon the Buckingham Nicks album while visiting Sound City Studios and was blown away by Lindsey’s unique guitar style. Though he hadn’t been actively seeking new members, Lindsey’s talent made him a perfect fit.

Behind the Scenes: Tension and Breakup

Fleetwood had not originally intended for Stevie to join the band, but Lindsey insisted that he wouldn’t join without her. This led to a pivotal dinner meeting between the duo and the rest of Fleetwood Mac, where chemistry was evident, resulting in their invitation to join the band.

Despite their on-stage harmony, the behind-the-scenes dynamic was far from perfect. The initial excitement of collaboration was quickly overshadowed by personal conflicts. The creative synergy between Buckingham and Nicks inspired the other band members, particularly Christine McVie, who felt compelled to enhance her own songwriting.

As Fleetwood Mac rose to fame, their hits like “Monday Morning,” “Crystal,” and “Rhiannon” showcased their individual talents and the unique chemistry they shared. However, the pressure of touring and the complexities of their relationship began to take a toll. The initial connection that had sparked their success slowly gave way to friction.

Conclusion

The romance between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks is a story filled with passion, creativity, and heartache. Their relationship not only influenced their personal lives but also left an indelible mark on Fleetwood Mac’s music. As they navigated the tumultuous waters of love and collaboration, they produced some of the most iconic songs in rock history, forever intertwining their fates in the annals of music. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and artistry, even amid personal struggles.