10 Things Most Fans Don’t Know About Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks has cemented her place as one of the most iconic figures in music history. Often hailed as the queen of rock and roll, she continues to inspire generations with her talent, resilience, and timeless appeal. Despite her incredible success, Stevie has faced her share of challenges, including battles with addiction and difficult relationships. Through it all, she’s emerged stronger, captivating fans with her music and personal journey. Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and little-known moments of Stevie Nicks’ extraordinary life with these 10 surprising facts most fans don’t know.

Her Unforgettable Moment with Jimi Hendrix

Long before Stevie Nicks became a rock legend herself, she shared a remarkable moment with one of music’s greatest icons, Jimi Hendrix. Back in the late 1960s, Stevie and Lindsey Buckingham were part of the rock band Fritz, opening for Hendrix at a San Francisco music festival.

Reflecting on the experience, Stevie recalled: “There were like 20 bands, and then there was Jimi Hendrix. The advantage you get when you do that is being on the side of the stage when Jimi Hendrix is on. And he actually looked at me and said, ‘This is for you, darling.’”

That brief but unforgettable moment stayed with her. In a 2011 interview, Stevie revealed how much Hendrix influenced her, saying she learned “grace and humility” from the legendary guitarist. It was a pivotal experience for the future queen of rock.

Stevie Nicks: A Trailblazer in Rock and Roll History

Earning two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a rare honor, and for years, it was an achievement dominated by men. Stevie Nicks changed that. She became the first woman to be inducted twice—once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and again as a solo artist in 2019.

It wasn’t until 2021 that Carole King and Tina Turner joined this exclusive club. Stevie’s groundbreaking recognition highlights her incredible impact on music, both as part of a legendary band and as a powerhouse on her own.

High School Sweethearts: How Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham Began

Before their iconic days in Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s story began in high school. The two met at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California, where Lindsey was performing a cover of California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and The Papas. Stevie was instantly captivated.

Their chemistry quickly turned into a romance, and they later joined forces to form their first band, Fritz. Though their relationship has seen its ups and downs over the years, their musical connection started with this high school spark. The rest, as they say, is history!

Close Call with Blindness: Nicks’ Wild Party Tale

Stevie Nicks has been open about her struggles with partying in her early days, but one wild night nearly cost her eyesight. After the massive success of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, the band threw a legendary 48-hour party before hitting the road for their tour.

Amid the chaos, Stevie forgot she was wearing contact lenses and left them in for far too long, which began to damage her corneas. Thankfully, the tour manager stepped in, blindfolding her to give her eyes a chance to heal. His quick thinking saved her sight—and taught Stevie an unforgettable lesson!

Her Brief and Regrettable Marriage

Stevie Nicks has had her share of high-profile romances but has only been married once—and she regrets it deeply. In 1983, tragedy struck when her best friend, Robin, passed away from leukemia just two days after giving birth to a son. Reflecting on that time, Stevie shared, “I went absolutely crazy when Robin died. The only thing I could think of was trying to take the load off Kim [Robin’s husband], marrying him, and helping raise their son.”

Stevie and Kim Anderson tied the knot that same year, but the marriage drew criticism, with many friends refusing to attend. It ended in less than a year, with Stevie later calling it “something completely ridiculous.

Stevie Nicks’ Journey Through Rehab and Recovery

Stevie Nicks has been candid about her struggles with addiction, once admitting, “There was a point where I was the worst drug addict” in Fleetwood Mac. After her 1986 solo tour, she entered the Betty Ford Clinic to address her cocaine problem. By then, she had spent over a million dollars on drugs, had a dime-sized hole in her nose, and faced dire warnings from doctors about her health.

Following rehab, Nicks was prescribed the tranquilizer clonazepam (Klonopin) to help her sleep. Marketed as a “take as needed” drug, it left her dependent for eight years. She later described that period as “a total no-time. I just existed. It took away all my wonderful drama, my tempest, my compassion, my empathy.”

In 1993, she entered rehab again to detox from clonazepam and has remained sober since, reclaiming her creativity and passion for life. Her resilience continues to inspire fans around the world.

How Stevie Nicks Got Her Start in Music

Stevie Nicks’ musical journey began at just five years old, thanks to her grandfather, AJ Nicks, a country singer in Phoenix, Arizona. He built her a guitar and taught her snippets of country songs. Stevie even joined him on stage, dressed in adorable cowgirl outfits, performing duets that sparked her lifelong passion for music.

The Story Behind “Landslide”

“Landslide,” one of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic songs, was written by Stevie Nicks at a pivotal moment in her life. It reflects the challenges of growing up, written when she was deciding whether to return to school or follow her musical dreams with Lindsey Buckingham. Since its release in 1975, the song has been covered by artists like Smashing Pumpkins and The Chicks and even appeared in an episode of Joy.

The Witch Rumors

As Stevie Nicks rose to fame, rumors spread that she was a witch or practiced the mystical arts. Her style, with flowing dresses and shawls, added to the mystique. The 1976 Fleetwood Mac song Rhiannon, about a woman believed to be a witch, only fueled these rumors. However, rumors about her being a witch were so intense that she once feared for her safety. She even tried changing her appearance to distance herself from the image. However, in 2013, she embraced it by appearing as a witch in American Horror Story, reprising the role in 2018.

Fleetwood Mac’s First Guitarist Disappears During Grocery Run

Fleetwood Mac’s first guitarist, Peter Green, mysteriously disappeared in 1970. After going grocery shopping one day, he simply never returned. Green had been struggling with mental health issues and drug use, and some believe his disappearance was linked to his deteriorating state. It was later revealed that he had voluntarily checked into a mental health facility, marking a dramatic and unexpected departure from the band.