Stevie Nicks recently revisited the contentious 2018 dismissal of Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac, sharing candid reflections on their complex relationship, which ultimately led to the difficult decision. Despite the initial shockwaves the move sent through the music world, Nicks underscored that her personal and professional history with Buckingham, rather than a breakdown within the band, drove the decision. For Nicks, the situation was both emotional and unavoidable.
In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, Nicks revealed how she had tried for years to sustain a working relationship with Buckingham. “I dealt with Lindsey for as long as I could,” she admitted, adding with a sense of exasperation, “You could not say that I did not give him more than 300 million chances.” While their storied relationship was never an easy one, Nicks reflected on how time and repeated conflicts had pushed her to a point where a change felt inevitable.
Their partnership’s final breaking point, according to Nicks, came during a MusiCares benefit concert in 2018. Recalling the night with both clarity and a sense of finality, she explained, “I didn’t even tell anybody it had happened in my head until the whole ceremony was over.” In a somewhat poetic gesture, Nicks had brought along a song she’d once recorded with LeAnn Rimes called “Borrowed.” She hoped the emotional piece could serve as a bridge, perhaps even a symbol of their musical bond. “I took it with me to play for him because I thought we could do this song beautifully,” she said, capturing her desire to preserve a piece of their past. However, things didn’t go as Nicks had hoped; instead, she felt Buckingham’s mood and attitude overshadowed the moment.
During this period, Buckingham’s behavior was particularly grating for Nicks. She observed how his demeanor affected not only herself but others around them, including some unexpected figures like pop sensation Harry Styles, who had also attended the MusiCares event. “That’s when he wasn’t very nice to anybody,” Nicks recalled. “He wasn’t very nice to Harry Styles.” For Nicks, this incident reflected a deeper issue—one that stretched beyond her own interactions with Buckingham and began to affect their shared professional environment.
The weight of her decision was something she grappled with privately. According to Nicks, she could vividly recall her late mother’s voice, cautioning her against remaining in a dysfunctional situation. “I could hear my mom saying, ‘Are you really going to spend the next 15 years of your life with this man?’” This, combined with her father’s pragmatic perspective, solidified her resolve. “My dad and mom liked Lindsey a lot, but I could hear my father saying, ‘It’s time for you guys to get a divorce,’” she explained. Though her parents had passed, their wisdom guided her, and with a heavy heart, she concluded, “I’m done.”
The split wasn’t simply a personal decision; it reshaped the dynamics of Fleetwood Mac. For many fans, Buckingham’s departure marked the end of an era. Known for his passionate and often fiery musical contributions, Buckingham was a driving force behind some of the band’s most iconic hits. His distinctive guitar work, coupled with Nicks’ ethereal vocals, created a unique sound that defined Fleetwood Mac’s golden years. While Buckingham pursued a solo career after his departure, his absence left a noticeable void for fans who cherished the classic lineup’s chemistry.
Reflecting on Buckingham’s talent, Nicks was able to separate her professional admiration from their personal issues. “Lindsey is incredibly talented,” she acknowledged. Though their paths had diverged, she expressed her genuine hope for his success in his solo ventures. For Nicks, Buckingham’s legacy as a musician was indisputable; the decision to part ways was purely personal and practical, not a reflection of his contributions to Fleetwood Mac.
In the wake of Buckingham’s departure, Fleetwood Mac went through some significant transformations. To fill the gap, the band brought on two new members—Neil Finn of Crowded House and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Both musicians brought their own artistry to Fleetwood Mac, breathing new life into the band’s lineup and allowing the group to maintain its momentum on tour. Though fans and critics had mixed responses, the revised lineup’s ability to balance old classics with new interpretations was generally well-received.
Nicks’ career has only grown since Buckingham’s departure, and she has become an enduring symbol of resilience and creativity in rock music. As the first woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—first with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and then as a solo artist in 2019—Nicks has remained true to her values, using her experiences to inspire new generations of artists. Despite the challenges, she has consistently shown a commitment to preserving Fleetwood Mac’s legacy, even if that meant making tough choices along the way.
Buckingham, meanwhile, has embraced his own path, releasing solo work that showcases his renowned songwriting and guitar skills. While the 2018 dismissal was undoubtedly a painful chapter, it allowed both artists to continue pursuing their creative passions independently. To fans, the story of Fleetwood Mac is one marked by constant reinvention, making Nicks and Buckingham’s complex history an indelible part of rock music’s tapestry.
Ultimately, Nicks’ reflection on the events leading to Buckingham’s departure underscores a narrative that’s both personal and universal—a story about artistic passion, strained relationships, and the courage to make difficult decisions in pursuit of peace. Whether together or apart, Nicks and Buckingham have left an indelible mark on music history, their talents celebrated worldwide even as their paths diverge. The tension that fueled their creativity may have dissipated, but their contributions to Fleetwood Mac’s legacy are timeless.