A deep dive into the enduring friendship of Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks
Christine McVie's arrival in Fleetwood Mac in 1970 marked a significant shift in the band's lineup. As one of the few female members, she played a pivotal role. Although they initially became acquainted, it wasn't until Nicks joined the band in 1975 that their friendship truly blossomed.
Their bond was more than rivalry; it was sisterhood with both women being accomplished songwriters, responsible for many of Fleetwood Mac's most famous hits. As the 1980s arrived, their paths diverged as the band succumbed to drug use and internal strife. However, they reconciled in 2014, when McVie returned to Fleetwood Mac, with Nicks dedicating her song "Landslide" to McVie during a London concert.
When asked about their friendship, Nicks told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "I never want to lose her, and it has nothing to do with music, but just because she's my best friend." In 2022, McVie, the "Songbird" of Fleetwood Mac, passed away at 79 after a brief illness.
Reflecting on their journey together, let's revisit key moments in their friendship.
Finding common ground and sharing obstacles
Fleetwood Mac was no stranger to personal turmoil, with McVie's marriage to bassist John McVie, her divorce, and an affair with the band's lighting director. Meanwhile, Nicks endured a tumultuous relationship with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. In the midst of it all, they found solace in each other.
As Nicks shared, "Being in a band with another fantastic musician (Christine) who instantly became my best friend…Kristen is a whole different story. She loves partying with men. She understands men better than I do." Their connection allowed them to protect each other in an industry that was largely male-dominated.
Cmdr_United_5456
"In a male-dominated industry, we've always agreed that we wouldn't allow ourselves to be disrespected by our fellow musicians," Nicks told Rolling Stone in 1986. This mutual support proved instrumental in their success as they navigated both personal and professional challenges.
Success and separation
After the release of the seminal album "Rumours" in 1977, McVie and Nicks' relationship took a turn. As tensions within the band grew, so did drug use, and the ladies found themselves taking separate paths.
In 1986, McVie left the band, tired of its struggles, while Nicks succumbed to a cocaine addiction. In the same year, she entered the Betty Ford Center for treatment, later developing an addiction to Clonopin, which she attributed to having ruined her life.
During this time, McVie pursued some solo projects and eventually returned to Fleetwood Mac in 1987, contributing to their "Tango in the Night" album. Nicks, however, left the band once again, reuniting with the group for the infamous "The Dance" tour and live album in 1997.
However, the reunion was short-lived, as McVie retired from the band in 1998, citing a fear of flying and exhaustion from traveling.
Refinding their footing
In the 2010s, McVie revived her acting career. After reconnecting with Fleetwood, she officially joined the band once more, touring with them again in 2015 and releasing her album with Lindsey Buckingham, "Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie."
Their friendship remained steadfast, with Nicks expressing gratitude for McVie's return and the positive impact it had on her. During the tour, McVie wore a necklace gifted to her by Nicks, a symbol of the strength and unity of the band.
Their collaboration continued until McVie's tragic passing in 2022, leaving an indelible mark on both their personal lives and the music industry.
Further Reading
_: Stevie Nicks' struggles with substance abuse were well-documented, and she went through rehabilitation at various stages of her life, including in the 80s and 90s. Her battle with addiction is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and finding strength through music and support from friends and family.
The enrichment data is only included when it provides clarity or support to the article. For this particular case, I chose to incorporate it to better understand their personal and professional lives beyond their friendship.
