Stevie Nicks, the iconic voice and mystical presence behind Fleetwood Mac, has revealed her biggest regret as a performer. Known for her songwriting prowess, her integral role in one of rock's most legendary bands, and her captivatingly witchy aesthetic, Nicks has also navigated a past marked by turbulent relationships and substance use.
In a candid interview with The Seattle Times back in 2016, Nicks reflected on her experiences and confessed that her past drug use is what she regrets the most. When asked if she ever felt nostalgic for the 1970s or 1980s, her response was firm: "I wouldn’t want to ever go back there. Yes, it was a lot of fun between 1975 and 1990 — until it wasn’t.”
Stevie Nicks Opens Up About Sober Performances
Nicks elaborated on how her experiences on stage have drastically changed since she embraced sobriety. She emphasized the joy and energy she now finds in performing without relying on substances.
"I walk onstage every night now and do a three-hour show with Fleetwood Mac, and I have a great time up there," Nicks shared. "I wish I had known that I actually had the energy to do this entire set totally sober and get just as excited. On one hand, that makes me feel great and on the other it makes me sad that I ever did my first line of coke.”
A Regret Rooted in Growth
Nicks' regret is understandable, considering the pervasive culture of substance use within the rock and folk music scenes of the 70s and 80s. It was an era defined by excess, and Nicks, like many of her contemporaries, was caught in its whirlwind. Her ability to now perform with such passion and energy while sober highlights a significant personal transformation and a profound realization about her own capabilities.
Nicks' reflection serves as a powerful reminder that growth and change are always possible, and that even the most challenging experiences can lead to valuable lessons and a renewed sense of self.