At 76, Stevie Nicks Opens Up About Lindsey: ‘I Couldn’t Bear It’

Stevie Nicks, the legendary voice of Fleetwood Mac, has opened up about her tumultuous relationship with former bandmate Lindsey Buckingham, revealing the emotional turmoil that has defined their partnership for decades. In a candid interview, Nicks expressed her frustrations with Buckingham’s controlling nature, stating, “I couldn’t stand it.”

Their creative collaboration, which produced timeless hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way,” has long fascinated fans, but behind the scenes, their relationship has been marred by conflict. Nicks and Buckingham, who began their musical journey as a duo in the early 1970s, saw their bond deteriorate as their careers soared. The release of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album “Rumours” in 1977 marked a peak in their success but also laid bare the emotional chaos stemming from their highly publicized breakup.

Nicks described their contrasting artistic approaches as a source of tension. While Buckingham’s perfectionism drove him to obsess over every detail, Nicks thrived in a more spontaneous creative environment. This fundamental difference often led to heated disagreements, ultimately culminating in Buckingham’s abrupt departure from Fleetwood Mac in 2018. Nicks cited an incident during a Music Cares event that pushed her to her limit, revealing that Buckingham’s dismissive behavior was no longer tolerable.

Despite their struggles, Nicks acknowledged the brilliance of their musical partnership, stating, “We made incredible music together.” However, the emotional toll of their dynamic has left a lasting impact, characterized by cycles of reconciliation and conflict. As Nicks reflects on their shared history, she emphasizes the bittersweet nature of their relationship, underscoring that, while their connection was fraught, it was also a driving force behind some of rock history’s most iconic music.

With Buckingham’s departure, the future of their relationship remains uncertain, yet Nicks seems to have found peace in celebrating their shared legacy, a testament to the profound yet complicated bond that shaped both their lives and the sound of Fleetwood Mac.