Mick Fleetwood Yearns for Reconciliation Between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
via Alan White / YouTube
The rock world has seen its fair share of feuds and fallouts, but few have been as widely felt as the rift between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame. Mick Fleetwood, the band’s iconic drummer, has come forward with a heartfelt wish: he wants to see the two estranged members mend their bonds, though he clarifies this hope doesn’t necessarily signal a band reunion.
The Strife Within Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s legacy has been one rich with musical innovation, punctuated by internal conflicts. The strife reached a tipping point in 2018 with Buckingham’s abrupt departure from the band, an event cloaked in controversy and finger-pointing. Buckingham attributed his exit to Nicks and later pursued legal action, citing substantial financial losses due to his exclusion from the group’s tour.
Yet, Stevie Nicks has publicly stated, “she did not have him fired”—a testament to the complexity of the situation and the differing narratives that have emerged.
In a candid exchange with MOJO, the band’s heartbeat, Mick Fleetwood shared his insights into the deep-seated discord between his two longtime collaborators. He acknowledged the existing “brick wall there emotionally” with an earnestness that reveals his desire for camaraderie over chaos.
Reflecting further on the strained dynamics, Fleetwood expressed, “Stevie’s able to speak clearly about how she feels and doesn’t feel, as does Lindsey. But I’ll say, personally, I would love to see a healing between them.”
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Mick Fleetwood’s Quest for Personal Healing
It’s important to note that Fleetwood doesn’t hinge this reconciliation on the prospect of another tour. He sees value in healing for its own sake, understanding that the restoration of friendship goes beyond the glare of the stage lights and the shouts of adoring fans.
Mick Fleetwood’s connection with Stevie Nicks, fortunately, has stayed resilient through the storms that have shaken the band. He’s even looking forward to being in the crowd at Nicks’ upcoming performance at Hyde Park’s British Summer Time event, saying, “I’m gonna get myself a vicarious fix. For once, I get to be a punter in the audience and see them do all the work.”
Meanwhile, as Fleetwood navigates the choppy waters of his personal life, he conveys a vulnerability that’s rarely showcased in the rock ‘n’ roll sphere. The loss of Christine McVie, his comrade, shook him profoundly, as did the dispersal of the band and the end of a personal relationship. He shared with openness the toll these events took on him, recounting, “I just found myself sort of licking my wounds.”
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Mick Fleetwood’s Commitment to Maui
Fleetwood’s personal investments extend beyond music, touching the lives of many in his local community of Maui, Hawaii. Recounting the devastating blow dealt by fires in 2023, which claimed his restaurant, Fleetwood’s On Front St, he couldn’t help but feel the collective pain of the region’s residents.
It was more than just a physical loss; the restaurant held a special place in the fabric of the Maui community, serving as a welcoming spot for locals to connect and share. Despite the distress caused by the blaze, Fleetwood’s focus remained on the people and the island he calls home. He said of the residents of Lahaina, who have been pushing through the aftermath, “They’re making progress. And people are coming back to the island, which gives us a lot of hope of coming through this. It just takes time.”
His innate optimism hasn’t waned; thoughts of resurrecting his cherished establishment tease his mind. “I’m even starting to think about bringing back my crazy little restaurant,” he muses, considering the role it played — far more than a venue for food and drink, it was a gathering hub, imbued with the spirit of community and camaraderie.
