The biggest regret of Stevie Nicks’ career: “I always hoped in my heart of hearts”
When you’re a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, the concept of harbouring any regrets might seem foreign. Yet, Stevie Nicks, the iconic lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and a brilliant vocalist, has always been more human than her ethereal persona suggests. Despite her angelic voice and otherworldly presence, Nicks has never been immune to the flaws and missteps that come with being human. She, too, has made her share of mistakes along the way.
Nicks’ struggles with cocaine were widely publicised, as were her numerous relationships, particularly with members of Fleetwood Mac. In truth, the band has never shied away from their tumultuous past, often standing proudly beside their collective flaws. However, one of Nicks’ most significant regrets is connected to a more wholesome aspect of the band’s history, highlighting a side of her career that contrasts sharply with the more notorious elements.
Nicks’ confession came in the wake of the passing of Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac’s founding member and a true guitar virtuoso. While Fleetwood Mac became synonymous with the golden, sun-soaked rock of the ’70s, the band initially thrived on a steady diet of R&B, with Green at the helm like an axe-wielding warlord. Few artists could have crafted such a distinctive sound, and even fewer would have willingly shunned the spotlight, content in the knowledge that their musical legacy was secure and their influence would far outweigh their material wealth.
Following Green’s tragic passing, Nicks wrote: “I am sorry to hear about the passing of Peter Green. My biggest regret is that I never got to share the stage with him. I always hoped in my heart of hearts that that would happen. When I first listened to all the Fleetwood Mac records, I was very taken with his guitar playing. It was one of the reasons I was excited to join the band”.
Nicks added: “His legacy will live on forever in the history books of Rock n Roll. It was in the beginning, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac and I thank you, Peter Green, for that. You changed our lives.”
The idea of seeing Stevie Nicks standing next to Peter Green on the stage is certainly one that slips away from us. One man who shared the stage with him was Mick Fleetwood, who also shared his condolences: “For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental,” he said.
“No-one has ever stepped into the ranks of Fleetwood Mac without a reverence for Peter Green and his talent, and to the fact that music should shine bright and always be delivered with uncompromising passion,” Green added. “Peter, I will miss you, but rest easy your music lives on. I thank you for asking me to be your drummer all those years ago. We did good, and trail blazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy. God speed to you, my dearest friend.”
Of course, on reflection, Peter Green’s legacy is one of profound influence on the world of guitar music. His ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument, his pioneering role in the British blues movement, and his contributions to Fleetwood Mac have ensured that his work will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Despite the personal struggles that cut his career short, Green’s music continues to inspire, reminding listeners of the power of the blues and the enduring impact of a true musical innovator.
