Why Stevie Nicks ended decades of collaboration with Lindsey Buckingham

Stevie Nicks recently provided an in-depth account of Lindsey Buckingham's firing from Fleetwood Mac in 2018, highlighting years of personal and professional tensions. Buckingham, known for his pivotal role as guitarist and songwriter, joined Fleetwood Mac with Nicks in 1974, a move that revitalized the band's sound and led to the success of classic albums like Rumours.

Initially, Buckingham's departure was explained as a conflict over touring schedules. However, Nicks later clarified that their strained romantic history and deteriorating relationship ultimately led to the split. Their dynamic had shifted since their high-profile breakup during the late 1970s, which they managed to navigate while creating music.

By 2018, the longstanding friction resurfaced, culminating at the MusiCares Person of the Year event. Nicks recounted that Buckingham's behavior at this event, including his reported rudeness toward other attendees like Harry Styles, was a tipping point for her​.

Nicks stated that this moment made her reconsider their partnership. She described an inner dialogue influenced by her late parents' wisdom, pushing her to sever ties with Buckingham for good. She recalled thinking, "I dealt with Lindsey for as long as I could. You could not say that I did not give him more than 300 million chances."​

Fleetwood Mac after Buckingham

Following Buckingham's exit, Fleetwood Mac brought in Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Neil Finn from Crowded House. The lineup change marked a significant shift, though Nicks reflected that the band adapted without conflict. Ultimately, she felt at peace with the outcome, expressing hope that Buckingham continues to create music independently​.

The last time Nicks and Buckingham interacted was briefly at the 2023 memorial for Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac's longtime keyboardist and singer. McVie's passing further emphasized Fleetwood Mac's end, as Nicks indicated that the group could not continue without her​.