Fleetwood Mac Rejected a Stevie Nicks Song Twice — and It Pushed Her to Quit the Band

Fleetwood Mac is often remembered as one of the most successful bands in rock history, but success came with deep personal strain. Like other famous groups, internal conflict shaped much of their work, especially during the making of their Grammy-winning 1977 album Rumours. The tension did not stop once the album was finished. One major dispute centered on a Stevie Nicks song that the band rejected twice.

That song was “Silver Springs,” which later became one of the most talked-about tracks in the group’s history. The repeated rejection left Nicks hurt and frustrated and played a role in her decision to step away from Fleetwood Mac for a time.

Why “Silver Springs” Was Left Off Rumours

The first rejection came during the final stages of Rumours. At the time, vinyl records had strict time limits. Albums were capped at about 45 minutes, and adding “Silver Springs” would have pushed the record past that limit. As a result, the band removed the song, replacing it with the shorter track “I Don’t Want To Know.”

The decision deeply upset Nicks. Richard Dashut, who co-produced Rumours, later called “Silver Springs” the “best song that never made it to a recorded album.” The song was written during a painful period for the band, when personal lives were unraveling at the same time the group was reaching new heights.

A Song Born From Breakups and Conflict

While recording Rumours, Christine and John McVie were ending their marriage, and Christine began dating again. Mick Fleetwood was also going through a divorce. At the same time, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were breaking up, creating tension that spilled directly into the music.

“Silver Springs” reflected Nicks’ heartbreak and lingering feelings toward Buckingham. In a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, she explained the song’s meaning: “It was me realising that Lindsey was going to haunt me for the rest of my life, and he has.” The song expressed regret, anger, and unresolved emotion that never found a place on the album.

Success for One, Silence for the Other

While Nicks’ song was cut, Buckingham’s music about their breakup took center stage. “Go Your Own Way” became one of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits. It was released as the A-side, with “Silver Springs” placed quietly on the B-side.

“Go Your Own Way” topped charts in parts of Europe and reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The contrast added to Nicks’ frustration, as her most personal work remained largely unheard while Buckingham’s songs gained wide attention.

A Second Rejection Years Later

More than a decade later, the issue resurfaced. In 1990, Nicks was preparing Timespace – The Best of Stevie Nicks and wanted to include “Silver Springs.” She asked Mick Fleetwood for permission to use the song. He refused.

Fleetwood wanted to save the track for a future Fleetwood Mac box set, 25 Years — The Chain, which would not be released until two years later. Rights concerns may have played a role, but the decision reopened old wounds. This refusal added to growing tension between Nicks and the band.

Stepping Away From the Band

By this point, Fleetwood Mac had been dealing with years of stress. Ongoing personal conflict, creative disagreements, and drug addiction weighed heavily on the group. The second rejection of “Silver Springs” became one of the final issues that pushed Nicks to leave the band for several years.

Her absence was not permanent. In 1997, Nicks reunited with Fleetwood Mac, marking a new chapter for the group and its legacy.

“Silver Springs” Finds Its Place

That same year, a live version of “Silver Springs” appeared on The Dance. The song finally gained the attention it had long been denied. It earned Grammy nominations in 1998 and reached No. 5 on several Billboard charts.

Over time, “Silver Springs” became one of Fleetwood Mac’s most recognized songs. It remains closely tied to the story of Nicks and Buckingham, continuing to resonate with listeners decades later as it approaches 50 years since its original creation.