Stevie Nicks on Landslide and the power of continued love
Stevie Nicks, the enigmatic muse behind some of rock history’s most enduring melodies, recently took a moment to reflect on the genesis of one of the band’s most beloved compositions, Landslide, and the complex relationship she shared with Lindsey Buckingham.
The classic track, released in 1975, holds a special place for Nicks, having been penned during a pivotal time for her personal life and her career. It was written shortly before she and Buckingham received the invitation to join the legendary Fleetwood Mac, an experience that would profoundly reshape their lives.
Nicks shared that the inspiration for the song was born amidst uncertainty. She recounted writing the lyrics in Aspen, Colorado, as she navigated the complexities of her relationship with Buckingham. She described the scene beautifully: “I wrote this song while looking out over the snow-covered hills in this beautiful house.”
At the time, Nicks’ career was in a period of flux, especially following the tumultuous experience of being dropped by their record label. This feeling of personal limbo, she noted, surprisingly fueled her creativity. “I’m like, okay, because I’m so poor that just sitting in this house when you’re looking out at this view is so fantastic, I’m going to write a fantastic song.”
The process of creation itself was wonderfully simple. Nicks admitted that she happened to bring her Goya guitar—an instrument she could hardly play—but felt it looked good, and that was enough to inspire the melody.
More than five decades later, Nicks reflected on the remarkable longevity of their connection. Looking back across the years, she offered a deeply touching sentiment: “Well, it was a long time ago and 930,000 years later, we still continued.”
The story of Fleetwood Mac continues to unfold, with the group’s journey slated for a major cinematic treatment. The film Fleetwood Mac: The Chain is set to debut on Apple TV on January 29th, 2027, promising to take fans through the highs and lows of their brilliant career and illuminate the unique alchemy each member brought to the band.
This unfolding narrative of the band is not just history; it is a story of resilience and healing. Buckingham himself has spoken about the documentary process, suggesting that the making of it has been a very circular healing process for everyone involved. As the story moves forward, the enduring music and the personal journey of these artists continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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