As the lights dimmed on a humid May evening in Orlando, Florida, thousands of eager fans gathered in anticipation. Stevie Nicks was about to take the stage. The former Fleetwood Mac singer started performing solo in 1981 with her “White Winged Dove Tour,” boasting the lyrics from the beloved song “Edge of Seventeen.” “Bella Donna,” her debut album after leaving the band, topped the Billboard 200 that same year, and her music career has never been the same since.
Nicks began her show with “Outside the Rain,” track nine on “Bella Donna.” The crowd went wild. At 75 years old, her voice has remained nearly the same—just with added maturity. “Look in my eyes, touch my face/Baby there’s no one that/Can ever replace that heartache,” rang throughout the entire Amway Center. She then seamlessly transitioned into Fleetwood Mac’s song “Dreams,” a smash hit on TikTok two years ago. User 420doggface20 re-popularized the tune for Generation Z by aimlessly skateboarding in the middle of the street drinking cranberry juice. This carefree aesthetic perfectly encapsulates the song, and the audience knew every word. Nicks swayed as she sang her emblematic lyrics, and a kaleidoscope of colors filled the stage.
After a blackout, the iconic chords of another Fleetwood Mac hit, “Gypsy,” began. The screen behind her lit up with footage from the 1982 music video. Nicks returned to the stage in a monochromatic black outfit complete with flowy sleeves. The audience simply watched her in awe. There were hardly any phones in the crowd—everyone was taking in the moment.
An overwhelming cheer filled the arena as the set came to a close. Nicks then re-entered the stage and began her encore set with a cover of “Free Fallin’” by the late musician Tom Petty. Close friends in the 1980s, Nicks originally wanted to join Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, but ultimately never did. I remember my mom playing this song for me in the car every day before elementary school started, so hearing this song live from such a talented artist was exhilarating.
“Rhiannon,” one of my favorites, caused the audience to explode in screams. Since she had not played arguably Fleetwood Mac’s most popular song, we assumed it did not make the setlist. The surprise made me that much more excited to hear the iconic opening lyrics: “Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night / And wouldn’t you love to love her?” Gorgeous images of twirling vines and blossoming flowers illuminated the enormous screen. Blue lights encompassed the stage and flickered, adding to the overall dreamy aura this song emits.
She concluded her concert with “Landslide,” a song that never fails to make you reminisce. A song about the ever-evolving path of life, the introspective lyrics highlight the inevitable nature of growing up. The simplistic instrumentalization forces you to feel the passage of time through Nicks’ prolific lyrics. The crowd lit up with flashlights, swaying them to the acoustic hit. Only the lead guitarist and Nicks remained on stage, creating an intimate moment between them and the audience. It felt as if we were in Nicks’ recording studio, watching her practice such a personal song. I was overwhelmed with emotion hearing her melodious voice and just embraced my mom.
I walked out of the arena filled to the brim with pure bliss—that was the concert of my dreams. I threw on my new sweatshirt and left feeling nostalgic. Stevie Nicks’ concert elicited feelings of euphoria, wistfulness, and warmth. If you have the opportunity to see her live, consider attending Nicks’ tour, running until March of 2024.
Just wanted to compliment you on your article. You have a gift. The true feeling of expression. Don’t even care If you looked up some words, which I doubt. Now to top it off. Stevie Nicks who is honestly the best inspirational talented human in my life. Will never deny it. Always will carry on. You nailed this article. Please let us know if Stevie sees this. It should be posted at her concerts too. Just beautiful. Hope to read a book of yours. Looking to see if you have any.
I completely agree. This article made me feel as if I were there!
Brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for your wonderful expressions of some of the most inspiring songs of my life!
I grew up on her songs I feel in love through her songs I became me through her songs with that said my live for her has know end peace
I always swore that if she came close to my area I would attend her concert it is the number one on my bucket list
I’ve been a fan of Stevie Nicks since I was a kid! I’m now 62 years old. Nothing has changed except for the passing of Christine McVie. Yes, there has been changes regarding the band. For example Lindsey Buckingham. I’m still a fan
Stevie Nicks is an angel. Thank you for your beautiful description of a humble talent that the world has been blessed to meet.
Saw Stevie and billy Joel at arrowhead this year and it was sooooo good I love Stevie nicks! Could of listened to her all nite! beautiful voice! Billy was great also!
I am a very big Stevie Nicks fan I have seen her 43 times in my life and I’m 61. She’s coming to Dallas in April and I will be at both shows. I can hardly wait. Everyone out there if you get a chance to see her please do so . she’s an angel in disguise I love her with my whole soul.
Was on my bucket list ,I saw her in Atlanta Ga. At state farm arena She was my teen idol ,she was so amazing .!!!
Will be seeing her in october…sooooo excited!!!!
👍👍 I’m seeing her at the garden❤️❤️
We went to her August, 2023 concert in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. Oh, and it was only 107 degrees! She is superwoman! She kicked it, and did a long program! So glad I got to go! I hope she had a good experience. She was very appreciative and thanked everybody for coming out in that extreme heat.
Thank you, also to radio station V100RocksFM in Topeka, Kansas.
I have seen Stevie over 20 times and just saw her in Milwaukee on August 8th. She was as always amazing.
I’ve been fortunate to see Stevie Nicks a handful of times, both solo and with Fleetwood Mac. I’ve had to miss the last couple of times she showed up here (I live near Nashville, TN) but I have loved the opportunities I’ve had to see her live and in person. Maybe the next time she comes to town, I’ll be able to make the show.
Lovely article. Although FM will likely not tour again (per Mick Fleetwood’s statement after Christine McVie’s death), FM still exists and Stevie is still a member. She’s not a former member of FM. Unfortunately, the only member who is a former status of the legendary lineup and still alive, is LB. I would imagine, without Christine and Lindsey, Mick Fleetwood would find it difficult to tour again. Neil Finn and Mike Campbell are great musicians in their own right, but they together are no match for Lindsey Buckingham’s brilliance and his connection to the group and fans.
I saw her in concert in Aug 2023 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She is my most favorite female artist and has been for the majority of my life I’m 68yo now. My son lives in Chicago and Stevie was coming to Milwaukee which is abt an hour drive. He called me and told me hey mom come to Chicago got ti keys for us to see Stevie Nick’s. Now I live in florida so I made arrangements to fly to Chicago. Being my son knew of my love for her music this was beyond my wildest dreams. Needless to say when the lights dimmed and she walked on stage my emotions got the best of me happy tears being there to see her and with my son. This is a memory that will stay with me a lifetime & beyond. The concert was amazing and couldn’t ask for anything more. Oh one thing I’m 30miles from where Tom petty was from so her tribute to him was very special and u certainly could tell when she spoke of him it was heartfelt.
I saw her in concert in Aug 2023 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She is my most favorite female artist and has been for the majority of my life I’m 68yo now. My son lives in Chicago and Stevie was coming to Milwaukee which is abt an hour drive. He called me and told me hey mom come to Chicago got tickets for us to see Stevie Nick’s. Now I live in florida so I made arrangements to fly to Chicago. Being my son knew of my love for her music this was beyond my wildest dreams. Needless to say when the lights dimmed and she walked on stage my emotions got the best of me happy tears being there to see her and with my son. This is a memory that will stay with me a lifetime & beyond. The concert was amazing and couldn’t ask for anything more. Oh one thing I’m 30miles from where Tom petty was from so her tribute to him was very special and u certainly could tell when she spoke of him it was heartfelt.
There’s no arguing about it. Rhiannon is not Fleetwood Mac’s most popular song. Well it’s a great one, it’s not even close to their most popular. Where did you come up with such a statement? Let’s have some facts, Jack. If you go by charting history, it would be number seven.
I have been a fan of Stevie Nicks since I was 17and I am also 62 years young!!I saw Fleetwood Mac at 17..and then again in 2008…they were amazing both times!! I was also a big fan of Buckingham Nicks.
Love Stevie nicks she’s amazing music is so confront ing,guess if you think about it, it can make you or break you,right!?