Stevie Nicks reveals Prince inspiration for song on latest album
Stevie Nicks recently revealed at the 2025 Pollstar Music Awards that she is currently working on a new album that has been inspired by “memories of mine of fantastic men.” One of these remarkable individuals happens to be the iconic musician, Prince.
Nicks shared a touching anecdote about the inspiration behind a song she wrote about Prince. The encounter took place after the premiere of Prince’s film Purple Rain, to which he had invited Nicks because of their close friendship. Nicks, who famously wrote her hit song “Stand Back” after being influenced by Prince’s “Little Red Corvette,” recalled feeling unsettled after witnessing a scene in the movie where Prince’s character slaps Apollonia. This led to an amusing exchange at the afterparty when Prince inquired about her opinion of the film, to which Nicks confessed that she hadn’t stayed for the entire screening due to her reaction to the scene. She humorously mentioned, “Because you slapped that girl!”
Following this confession, Nicks presented Prince with a beautiful 24-carat necklace adorned with little gold hearts as a gift. To her surprise, Prince declined the gift, stating, “I don’t want your necklace.” What struck Nicks the most was Prince’s poignant remark, which became the catalyst for the song she wrote about him for her upcoming album: “You always bring me a gift. You never bring me you.”
The inspiration for this new album struck Nicks during her 92-day stay at a hotel in Los Angeles amidst the wildfires earlier this year. The experience made her reflect on the feeling of being on tour without actually working, prompting her to delve into songwriting. Nicks revealed that the songs she has written so far are deeply personal and autobiographical, offering a raw and unfiltered insight into her experiences and memories with the remarkable men who have influenced her life.
With a total of seven songs already penned, Nicks described these tracks as genuine and heartfelt, devoid of the ambiguity often found in her previous work. She emphasized that these songs are based on real stories and memories that she feels passionately about, offering a transparent look into her life and the remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on her.
While the audience eagerly awaits the release of this album, Nicks’ dedication to honoring the memory of Prince through her music is a testament to the profound connections she has forged with the extraordinary individuals who have shaped her career and personal journey in the music industry.