Stevie Nicks attributes inspiration for new album to Prince and other ‘fantastic men’
Stevie Nicks has always been inspired by the music of Prince, ever since she heard his hit “Little Red Corvette” in 1983 while working on her second solo album. The influence of Prince’s music was evident in her song “Stand Back,” which he even worked on in the studio, playing the synthesizer alongside keyboardist Dave Bluefield. Although Prince went uncredited on the track, Nicks shared her publishing royalties with him, showcasing the mutual respect and admiration they had for each other’s talent. This collaboration led to the success of “Stand Back,” which became a top five hit for Nicks.
Now, more than four decades later, Nicks is honoring her late friend Prince on her upcoming album. During a speech at a Beverly Hills event where she received the Hall of Fame Award from Pollstar, a live music trade publication, Nicks revealed that one of the songs on her new album is dedicated to Prince. This album will mark her first solo LP since 2011’s “In Your Dreams,” and she described the music as being genuine and heartfelt, reflecting her memories of “fantastic men” in her life.
In recent years, Nicks has revisited the music of the ’80s, culminating in her appearance as the musical guest on TV’s “Saturday Night Live” for the first time in over 40 years. During her speech at the event, she reminisced about attending the premiere of Prince’s iconic 1984 movie “Purple Rain” and even shared a touching moment between her and Prince, where he mentioned, “You always bring me a gift; you never bring me you.” This sentiment became the inspiration for her upcoming album, reflecting her personal experiences and connections with the influential men in her life.
One of the key relationships that has influenced Nicks’ music over the years is her tumultuous romance with Lindsey Buckingham, her bandmate in Fleetwood Mac. Before joining Fleetwood Mac, Nicks and Buckingham formed the duo Buckingham Nicks, releasing a self-titled album in 1973 that has since become a cult classic. Apart from Buckingham, Nicks has also been romantically linked to prominent figures like Mick Fleetwood, Joe Walsh, and Don Henley, all of whom have left a lasting imprint on her life and music.
Nicks revealed that she began writing her new album while displaced by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, finding solace in creating music during a challenging time. Living in a hotel for months, she channeled her experiences into her songwriting, resulting in seven autobiographical tracks that are raw, honest, and reflective of her journey. This upcoming album promises to be a poignant tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped Nicks’ life and career, showcasing her unique perspective and storytelling prowess.