Stevie Nicks comments on Chappell Roan’s “outrageous” schedule
Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks has commented on the “outrageous” schedule and treatment endured by rising pop star Chappell Roan.
Roan has been very outspoken since rising to prominence about the pressures modern musicians face. The singer has hit out at both the toxic behaviour of fans and the rigours of the road. This has drawn criticism from certain fractions on the internet, but Nicks has spoke out in support.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Nicks commented, “Me and a friend of mine went and looked at her schedule, and it was outrageous. What she’s already done and then what she’s going into. It’s as bad as any schedule we ever did, and she’s new, and she’s young“.
Nicks continued: “I said, ‘They’ll burn her out if that’s what they want to do, because there’s always somebody to replace you.’ It must make them all very fearful. That’s why it’s good that Chappell just said, ‘Well, go ahead, replace me. I’m canceling because I’m not going to drop dead for all you people.’”
The Fleetwood Mac star’s comments arrive shortly after Roan revealed that she had been diagnosed with “severe depression“. Roan explained that the parasocial side of fame is taking a hefty toll, explaining that she can no longer engage in normal activities like going to the park.
In an interview with the Guardian, she asked, “How do I do this in a safe way where I’m not going to be stalked or harassed?” And she revealed that she now has to book security in order to carry out normal tasks in public.
It is Nicks’ belief that the touring schedule that Roan faces is exacerbating this stress. Roan has been gigging consistently since last September, but has since wrapped up her planned shows for the year.
To some degree, Roan’s public struggles have prompted a re-think of the industry as a whole. Certain artists have even discussed being worthy of reaching for further success. “We’re just going to be the next Fat White Family, and we’re happy with that level,” lead singer Abigail Morris remembered thinking while discussing the trajectory of The Last Dinner Party during an interview with BBC Radio 6.
Roan’s rise has followed an unstoppable trajectory, but she is not alone. Roan recently confirmed that she has been talking a lot with Sabrina Carpenter, who is having a similar rise to fame as her most recent singles, ‘Please Please Please’ and ‘Espresso’. “We’re both going through something so fucking hard,” she said, “She just feels like everything is flying, and she’s just barely hanging on… It was just good to know someone else feels that way”.
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