Stevie Nicks, the iconic vocalist of Fleetwood Mac, once considered leaving the legendary band to join Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in the early 1980s. This revelation highlights a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her deep admiration for Petty's music and her desire for a different creative path.
The potential move underscores the internal tensions within Fleetwood Mac during that period, even as they achieved massive global success. Nicks felt a strong connection to Petty's sound, seeing it as more aligned with her evolving artistic vision.
Key Takeaways
- Stevie Nicks preferred Tom Petty's music over Fleetwood Mac's in the early 1980s.
- She stated she would have joined Petty's band if asked.
- Nicks collaborated with Petty on her debut solo album, Bella Donna.
- Petty gifted Nicks an 'honorary Heartbreaker' badge, symbolizing their bond.
- This period marked a significant shift in Nicks's musical direction and personal connections.
The Ascent of Fleetwood Mac and Internal Strife
Fleetwood Mac underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Before their addition, the band was known for its blues-rock roots. Nicks and Buckingham, who had previously released an album as a duo, dramatically reshaped the group's sound, propelling them to global stardom.
Mick Fleetwood discovered Buckingham and Nicks while Fleetwood Mac was recording at Sound City Studios. He heard their track 'Frozen Love' and was impressed. With Bob Welch's recent departure, Fleetwood approached Buckingham to join the band. Buckingham agreed, but only if Nicks joined with him.
Their self-titled 1975 album, often called the 'White Album,' featured Nicks's songwriting contributions, including hits like 'Rhiannon' and 'Landslide.' This success, however, masked growing interpersonal conflicts. The relationships within the band, particularly between Nicks and Buckingham, and John and Christine McVie, were becoming strained. These tensions reached a peak during the creation of their monumental album, Rumours.
Fleetwood Mac's Evolution
Fleetwood Mac began as a British blues-rock band in the late 1960s. Their sound changed dramatically with the addition of American singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in 1975. This new lineup brought a pop-rock sensibility that led to their most commercially successful period, including albums like Fleetwood Mac and Rumours.
Nicks's Growing Affinity for Tom Petty's Sound
Despite Fleetwood Mac's continued success, Nicks began to feel a shift in her musical preferences. She found herself increasingly drawn to the work of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This Florida-based band, formed from the group Mudcrutch, was rapidly gaining traction in the late 1970s.
Petty and the Heartbreakers released a string of successful songs, including 'Breakdown' and 'American Girl.' Their 1979 album, Damn the Torpedoes, solidified their status as a major rock act, producing hits like 'Refugee' and 'Here Comes My Girl.' Nicks found herself resonating deeply with their style.
“I started to prefer Tom Petty’s music to Fleetwood Mac’s music at the time. If they had told me to leave Fleetwood Mac and join them, I would have gone out with them.”
This quote reveals the extent of her desire to collaborate with Petty. While Petty already handled lead vocals for his band, Nicks actively sought ways to work with him. Her admiration was not just for the music but also for the creative environment Petty fostered.
Did You Know?
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham recorded their debut album, Buckingham Nicks, in 1973. It was while working on this album at Sound City Studios that Mick Fleetwood first heard their music, leading to their invitation to join Fleetwood Mac.
The Solo Journey and Collaboration with Petty
Ultimately, Nicks did not leave Fleetwood Mac to join Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Instead, she embarked on a highly successful solo career. Her debut solo album, Bella Donna, released in 1981, became a commercial and critical triumph. For this project, Nicks enlisted Jimmy Iovine as producer, a choice that brought her closer to Petty's circle, as Iovine had a working relationship with Petty.
A highlight of Bella Donna was the duet 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around,' featuring Tom Petty himself. This collaboration became a massive hit and solidified the musical bond between Nicks and Petty. They also performed together live, notably covering the song 'Needles and Pins,' further cementing their artistic partnership.
Bella Donna Success
- Released: July 27, 1981
- Chart Position: Reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200
- Singles: 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' (with Tom Petty), 'Leather and Lace' (with Don Henley), 'Edge of Seventeen', 'After the Glitter Fades'
- Sales: Certified 4x Platinum in the US
An Honorary Heartbreaker: A Symbol of Connection
Despite never officially joining the Heartbreakers, Nicks received a special token of appreciation from Petty. She recounted to Rolling Stone how Petty presented her with a unique gift: a platinum sheriff's badge.
“Tom made me a little platinum sheriff’s badge that had 24-karat gold and diamonds across the top and said ‘to our honorary Heartbreaker, Stevie Nicks.’”
This badge, inscribed with 'To the only girl in our band' on the back, became one of Nicks's most cherished possessions. She keeps it on her black velvet top hat, taking it with her everywhere she goes. For Nicks, this memento symbolized more than just a collaboration; it represented a feeling of belonging and camaraderie she felt with Petty and his band, a different kind of support than she experienced within Fleetwood Mac.
The relationship between Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty remained strong throughout their careers. While Nicks continued to be a vital part of Fleetwood Mac, her solo work and her connection with Petty allowed her to explore different musical avenues and express her artistic individuality. This period highlights the complex dynamics of band life and the powerful pull of creative kinship.