STEVIE NICKS
55, is the singer-songwriter of Fleetwood Mac –
on tour for the first time in 15 years

 

You Magazine (Mail on Sunday Supplement)
16th November 2003
Interview: Maureen Paton

My parents were very protective of me. They both grew up poor during the Depression, and my mother vowed I would never go through what she’d gone through.

By the time I was five, I was a little diva. I was out of control, so my parents decided to have another child. I hated Chris, my brother. I would pull his hair and kick him, until one day my father gave him permission to fight back. I’ll be apologising to him for the rest of my life.

My mum and dad made me emotionally open. That was the atmosphere I grew up in. It’s very hard for women in the music business to have relationships, though.

When you’re rich and famous you are the dominant force in a relationship, even if you try hard not to be. I’ve talked of sacrificing everything for Fleetwood Mac, but I realise now that it is simply the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.

I’ve been married once, but we separated within months. My friend Robin died of leukaemia in 1983, three months after giving birth to her son. Three months later, in the emotion of the moment, I married her widower. But it wasn’t a marriage at all. I didn’t marry again, as I knew I’d never be home, and didn’t want to argue with someone about my work.

My first serious boyfriend was a senior in high school, the same year I met Lindsey Buckingham, my fellow songwriter. Lindsey is the only boyfriend I ever really lived with. I loved to make sure his blankets were right, his food was right.

Lindsey and I have forgiven each other for all the horrible days we put each other through. We are so enjoying each other right now. We get to have our little love affair on stage again and again, and we share it with the world, but I know he’s really happy with his wife Kristen.

Don Henley, of the Eagles, and I had a wonderful relationship for over a year, but we were in two of the most famous bands in the world, and our time together was limited.

The one who broke my heart most was probably Joe Walsh [also with the Eagles], but I’ve never admitted that before. We were busy being superstars – and everyone was doing way too many drugs – but I was so in love with him. Joe is married again now, but we’re still close.

I’m still friends with all my ex-boyfriends. I’m going on holiday with Mick Fleetwood and his wife. Mick was married to his previous wife, Jenny, when we had a relationship; I felt very bad about it, as I adored their daughters. But we were completely high and messed up. We knew it was doomed. If it had gone on, it would have broken up Fleetwood Mac.

I’m great friends with Sheryl Crow, who is like my baby sister. I’m very protective of her.

I made a conscious decision that I was not going to have children. I didn’t want others raising them, and looking after them myself would get in the way of being a musician and writer.

Lindsey had his first child at the age of 50, and I feel his little girl Leelee is like my own. I’m not her godmother, but I insist on being a part of her life. She is just to die for. And their little boy Will is gorgeous, like his father. I tell Lindsey’s wife that their children make my heart sing. I feel that this is the way it’s supposed to be.

I think my mum and dad would be delighted if I adopted a baby. I have my extended family though. When I’m not touring, I live with my brother Chris, his wife Lori and their daughter Jessie, in the house in Phoenix I’ve had since 1980. My parents live five minutes away.

At Christmas I’ll be home for six weeks. That’s when I bond with my family. My mum collects my cuttings; Chris does my merchandising and Lori is one of my backing singers.

Chris sat with me when three girls were killed in a car crash after going to my show. I needed someone to tell me it was not my fault. Nobody but Chris could get that over to me.

My other family is Fleetwood Mac. I don’t need the money, but there’s an emotional need for me to go on the road again. There’s a love there; we’re a band of brothers.

 

Thanks to trackaghost from transcribing this article and sending it to this website