Stevie Nicks shares a personal story from the 1970s that influenced her life and Fleetwood Mac's path, connecting it to her new single, "The Lighthouse," which focuses on women’s reproductive rights.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Nicks discusses her choice to terminate a pregnancy during the band's meteoric rise to success, a decision she credits with preserving Fleetwood Mac's future.
The timing of her unexpected pregnancy coincided with the aftermath of Fleetwood Mac's groundbreaking album "Rumours" in 1977. Nicks discovered she was pregnant despite having an IUD and receiving regular medical care, a situation that caught her completely off guard during a crucial period in the band's history.
The pregnancy occurred during a complex period in Nicks's personal life following her separation from bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. At the time, she was dating Eagles singer Don Henley. The situation presented multiple challenges, both personal and professional, that would have significantly impacted the band's dynamic.
In her CBS Sunday Morning interview, Nicks explained her thought process during this challenging time. She discussed the practical implications of continuing the pregnancy, including the impact it would have had on her studio work and touring schedule.
As told to Rolling Stone, Nicks elaborated on her decision-making process, expressing her views on parenthood and her commitment to hands-on mothering. She emphasized that she wouldn't have been comfortable delegating childcare responsibilities to others while pursuing her musical career.
The singer's openness about her experience extends beyond personal narrative into advocacy. In 2020, Nicks spoke out about reproductive rights during the presidential election, expressing concerns about potential changes to abortion access in the United States.
Her stance on the issue remains firm, as demonstrated through her new music and recent interviews. The release of "The Lighthouse" represents her continued engagement with the topic of reproductive rights, connecting her personal experience to contemporary discussions.
Nicks maintains that her decision ultimately served a greater purpose, enabling Fleetwood Mac to continue their musical journey and impact countless lives through their art. Speaking to The Guardian, she shared these thoughts:
There's just no way that I could have had a child then, working as hard as we worked constantly. And there were a lot of drugs. I was doing a lot of drugs... I would have had to walk away.
Following this pivotal moment, Fleetwood Mac went on to achieve unprecedented success, with Nicks later establishing herself as a successful solo artist. The band's unique dynamic, featuring two female lead singers and songwriters, set them apart in the music industry.
Stevie Nicks reflected on Fleetwood Mac’s unique impact, highlighting how their music brought healing and connection. She also shared her commitment to advocating for reproductive rights, a decision that remains influential today. Her openness about this experience deepens the band's historical legacy.
Looking back on her journey, Nicks stands firm in her choices while acknowledging the complexity of the situation. She addresses potential critics with characteristic directness, stating that while she might have been a good mother, she chose a different path that allowed her to fulfill her artistic vision.
The story of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac demonstrates how personal decisions can have far-reaching effects on cultural history. Her candid discussion of this pivotal moment provides insight into the challenges faced by women in the music industry during the 1970s.
