History of Stevie Nicks in Timeline

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Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks, born Stephanie Lynn Nicks, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter. Her career is defined by her prominent role in the legendary band Fleetwood Mac, where she contributed significantly to their iconic sound and success through her songwriting and distinctive vocals. Beyond her work with Fleetwood Mac, Nicks has also enjoyed a successful solo career, marked by numerous hit songs and albums. Her signature style, characterized by mystical lyrics, flowing bohemian attire, and captivating stage presence, has made her a lasting icon in music and pop culture.

May 26, 1948: Stevie Nicks is born

On May 26, 1948, Stephanie Lynn Nicks, known professionally as Stevie Nicks, was born. She would later become a successful American singer-songwriter celebrated for her work as a solo artist and with the band Fleetwood Mac.

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1967: Meets Lindsey Buckingham

In mid-1967, Stevie Nicks met Lindsey Buckingham during her senior year at Menlo-Atherton High School. She joined him in harmony after seeing him playing "California Dreamin'" at the Young Life club, and he later asked her to replace the lead singer in the band Fritz.

1968: Fritz opens for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin

From 1968 until 1970, Fritz, the band Stevie Nicks joined, opened for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Nicks credits both acts as inspiring her stage intensity and performance.

1970: Fritz opens for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin

From 1968 until 1970, Fritz, the band Stevie Nicks joined, opened for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Nicks credits both acts as inspiring her stage intensity and performance.

1972: Linked to Lindsey Buckingham

In 1972, Stevie Nicks was romantically linked to Lindsey Buckingham.

1972: Fritz disbands

In 1972, after Fritz disbanded, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham continued to write as a duo.

1972: Writes Rhiannon and Landslide

In 1972, while Lindsey Buckingham toured with the Everly Brothers, Stevie Nicks wrote "Rhiannon" after seeing the name in the novel Triad by Mary Leader, and "Landslide", inspired by the scenery of Aspen and her deteriorating relationship with Buckingham.

1973: Buckingham Nicks album released

In 1973, Buckingham Nicks, the eponymous album by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, was released by Polydor Records but was not a commercial success.

December 31, 1974: Invited to join Fleetwood Mac

On December 31, 1974, Mick Fleetwood called Lindsey Buckingham, inviting him to join Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham insisted that Stevie Nicks was "a package deal", leading to both of them joining the band.

1975: Fleetwood Mac achieves worldwide success

In 1975, Fleetwood Mac achieved worldwide success with the album Fleetwood Mac. "Rhiannon" became a hit song, and Nicks's live performances of the song became theatrical and intense.

1975: Joins Fleetwood Mac

In 1975, Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac along with Lindsey Buckingham, helping the band to achieve worldwide success and become one of the best-selling music acts of all time.

1976: End of relationship with Lindsey Buckingham

In 1976, Stevie Nicks's relationship with Lindsey Buckingham ended.

1976: Relationship with Buckingham ends

In 1976, while Fleetwood Mac began recording their follow-up album, Rumours, Stevie Nicks ended her personal relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, though they continued to work together professionally. They also sang back-up on Warren Zevon's eponymous second album.

November 1977: Begins affair with Mick Fleetwood

In November 1977, after a New Zealand concert on the Rumours tour, Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood secretly began an affair. Fleetwood was married at the time, causing anger and complications.

1977: Rumours success

From 1977 to 1978, Fleetwood Mac experienced success with the Rumours album and tour.

1977: Silver Springs Track Recorded

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac recorded the song 'Silver Springs'. This track would later cause a dispute between Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood.

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1977: Rumours becomes best-selling album

In 1977, Rumours became the best-selling album of the year.

October 1978: Mick Fleetwood leaves his wife for Sara Recor

By October 1978, Mick Fleetwood left Jenny Boyd for Sara Recor, who was a friend of Stevie Nicks.

1978: Rumours success

From 1977 to 1978, Fleetwood Mac experienced success with the Rumours album and tour.

1978: Wins Grammy Award for Album of the Year

In 1978, Fleetwood Mac won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Rumours.

1978: Linked to Mick Fleetwood

In 1978, Stevie Nicks was romantically linked to Mick Fleetwood.

1978: Rumours wins Grammy Award

In 1978, the album Rumours by Fleetwood Mac won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

1978: Sings backup on "Magnet and Steel" and "Whenever I Call You Friend"

In 1978, while working on Tusk, Stevie Nicks sang backup on virtually every track of Not Shy by musician Walter Egan, and her backup vocals featured prominently on "Magnet and Steel." Nicks also recorded the duet "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Kenny Loggins.

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October 19, 1979: Tusk album released

On October 19, 1979, Fleetwood Mac released their third album with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, titled Tusk.

1979: Solo project demos and founds Modern Records

During the Tusk sessions in 1979, Stevie Nicks wrote and recorded demos for a solo project and also founded Modern Records with Danny Goldberg and Paul Fishkin to record and release her solo material.

1979: Abortion after becoming pregnant by Don Henley

In 1979, Stevie Nicks had an abortion after becoming pregnant by Don Henley.

1979: Records Gold with John Stewart

In 1979, Stevie Nicks recorded the song "Gold" with John Stewart.

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1980: Involved with Jimmy Iovine

During 1980, Stevie Nicks was involved with Jimmy Iovine, who produced Bella Donna.

July 27, 1981: Bella Donna is released

On July 27, 1981, Stevie Nicks released her first solo album, Bella Donna, to critical and commercial acclaim.

November 1981: Embarks on White Winged Dove Tour

In November 1981, Stevie Nicks embarked on her White Winged Dove tour, which she had to cut short to record Mirage.

1981: Guest appearances with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

During 1981, Stevie Nicks made occasional guest appearances with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on their Hard Promises tour.

1981: Built home in Paradise Valley, Arizona

In 1981, Stevie Nicks built a home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

1981: Begins solo career

In 1981, Stevie Nicks started her solo career while remaining a member of Fleetwood Mac, and released the album Bella Donna.

1981: Mirage Recorded

In late 1981 and early 1982, Fleetwood Mac recorded the album Mirage.

1982: Friend's death and marriage to Kim Anderson

In 1982, after her friend Robin Anderson died of leukemia, Stevie Nicks married Robin's widower, Kim Anderson, believing that Robin would want her to care for the baby. They divorced three months later.

1982: Mirage Recorded

In late 1981 and early 1982, Fleetwood Mac recorded the album Mirage.

June 10, 1983: The Wild Heart released

On June 10, 1983, Stevie Nicks released her second solo album, The Wild Heart.

June 1983: Performs at US Festival and tours US

In June 1983, Stevie Nicks performed at the second US Festival and later toured the U.S. until November 1983.

November 1983: Performs at US Festival and tours US

In June 1983, Stevie Nicks performed at the second US Festival and later toured the U.S. until November 1983.

December 1983: Appears on Saturday Night Live

In December 1983, Stevie Nicks appeared on Saturday Night Live, performing "Stand Back" and "Nightbird".

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1983: Marriage to Kim Anderson and subsequent divorce

In 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend Robin Anderson, soon after Robin's death from leukemia. They divorced after only three months. The Bella Donna album was on top of the charts during this time.

1983: Involved with Joe Walsh

In 1983, Stevie Nicks was involved with Eagles and James Gang guitarist Joe Walsh.

1983: "Stand Back" peaked at number five

In 1983, Stevie Nicks' song "Stand Back" peaked at number five on the pop singles chart.

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1984: Recording songs for Mirror Mirror

In 1984, Stevie Nicks recorded songs for her third solo album, originally titled Mirror Mirror, but was ultimately unhappy with the album.

1984: Toured with Joe Walsh and wrote "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?"

In 1984, Stevie Nicks toured with Joe Walsh and wrote "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" about Walsh's deceased daughter.

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November 18, 1985: Rock a Little released

On November 18, 1985, Stevie Nicks released her third solo album, retitled Rock a Little.

1985: Fleetwood Mac Begins Work on Tango in the Night

In late 1985, Fleetwood Mac started working on the album 'Tango in the Night'. Due to Stevie Nicks' promotional schedule for her 'Rock a Little' album, she was mostly unavailable to work on the album with the band.

October 1986: Tours for Rock a Little

Until October 1986, Stevie Nicks toured for Rock a Little, and performed with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers during their tour in Australia.

1986: Ended relationship with Joe Walsh

In 1986, Stevie Nicks's relationship with Joe Walsh ended due to mutual drug abuse.

1986: Nicks' Stay at Betty Ford Center Inspires "Welcome to the Room...Sara"

In 1986, following her stay at the Betty Ford Center, Stevie Nicks was available for a few weeks to work on Fleetwood Mac's 'Tango in the Night'. Her time at the center inspired the song "Welcome to the Room...Sara".

April 1987: Release of Tango in the Night

In April 1987, Fleetwood Mac released 'Tango in the Night'. The album became the band's second-highest selling album, following 'Rumours'.

September 1987: Fleetwood Mac Embarks on Shake the Cage Tour

In September 1987, Fleetwood Mac started the 'Shake the Cage' tour with Rick Vito and Billy Burnette replacing Buckingham. However, the tour was suspended due to Stevie Nicks suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and developing an addiction to Klonopin.

1987: Prescription of Klonopin

In 1987, a psychiatrist started prescribing Stevie Nicks ever-increasing amounts of Klonopin, in an attempt to prevent her from relapsing into cocaine abuse, a dependency which would last until 1994.

November 1988: Fleetwood Mac Releases Greatest Hits Album

In November 1988, following the commercial success of 'Tango in the Night', Fleetwood Mac released their 'Greatest Hits' album.

1988: Nicks begins work on fourth solo album

In 1988, Stevie Nicks started working on her fourth solo album with English record producer Rupert Hine, with whom she later became romantically involved.

May 11, 1989: The Other Side of the Mirror Album Release

On May 11, 1989, Stevie Nicks released her fourth solo album, 'The Other Side of the Mirror', which achieved commercial success.

November 1989: Nicks Tours the U.S. and Europe

In November 1989, Stevie Nicks concluded her tour of the U.S. and Europe. She later stated that she had no memory of the tour due to her growing dependency on Klonopin.

1989: Nicks begins work with Fleetwood Mac on Behind the Mask

In 1989, Stevie Nicks collaborated with Fleetwood Mac to work on 'Behind the Mask'.

1990: Release of Behind the Mask

In 1990, Fleetwood Mac released 'Behind the Mask', which achieved moderate commercial success in the U.S. and reached number one in the UK. During the tour, Buckingham and Nicks reunited on stage to perform 'Landslide'. After the tour, Nicks left the group due to a dispute with Mick Fleetwood over the release of "Silver Springs".

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September 3, 1991: Release of Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks

On September 3, 1991, Stevie Nicks released 'Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks', marking the 10th anniversary of her solo career debut.

1992: Bill Clinton Uses "Don't Stop" as Campaign Theme Song

During the 1992 U.S. presidential campaign, Bill Clinton used the Fleetwood Mac hit "Don't Stop" as his campaign theme song.

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1992: Recording of Street Angel

In 1992 Stevie Nicks recorded material written mostly in previous years for her fifth solo album, 'Street Angel', which was recorded during 1992 and 1993

1992: "Silver Springs" included on Fleetwood Mac retrospective album

In 1992, "Silver Springs", written by Stevie Nicks about her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, was included on the four-disc Fleetwood Mac retrospective 25 Years – The Chain.

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1993: Recording of Street Angel

In 1993 Stevie Nicks recorded material written mostly in previous years for her fifth solo album, 'Street Angel', which was recorded during 1992 and 1993

1993: Nicks Reunites with Fleetwood Mac for Clinton's Inaugural Gala

In 1993, Stevie Nicks rejoined the classic 'Rumours' lineup of Fleetwood Mac, including Buckingham, to perform "Don't Stop" at Bill Clinton's inaugural gala. She faced criticism for her weight gain, attributed to Klonopin use.

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1993: Nicks' Forehead Injury Leads to Detox

In 1993, Stevie Nicks tripped over a box at a baby shower, cutting her forehead. Realizing it was due to Klonopin, she underwent a 47-day detox in a hospital.

May 23, 1994: Release of Street Angel

On May 23, 1994, Stevie Nicks released her fifth solo album, 'Street Angel', which was recorded during 1992 and 1993, but it was poorly received. She later expressed disappointment, citing her second rehab stint hindered her involvement.

1994: Writing for Trouble in Shangri-La Begins

In 1994, Stevie Nicks began actively writing for 'Trouble in Shangri-La' as she emerged from her Klonopin dependency.

1994: End of Klonopin Prescription

In 1994, Stevie Nicks' Klonopin prescription, which began in 1987, came to an end.

1995: Writing for Trouble in Shangri-La Continues

In 1995, Stevie Nicks continued writing for 'Trouble in Shangri-La'. Tom Petty convinced her to write music again. She resumed recording songs with Sheryl Crow, who produced and performed on several tracks before a scheduling conflict forced her to drop out.

1996: Fleetwood Mac Reunion

In 1996, Lindsey Buckingham enlisted Mick Fleetwood and John McVie to work on a planned solo album, which led to a reunion of Fleetwood Mac.

1996: Contributions to Movie Soundtracks

In 1996, Stevie Nicks contributed the duet "Twisted" with Lindsey Buckingham to the Twister movie soundtrack. She was also featured on the Boys on the Side soundtrack with "Somebody Stand by Me", penned by Sheryl Crow. Additionally, she remade Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" for the TV show Party of Five.

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1997: The Dance Tour

In 1997, Stevie Nicks rejoined Fleetwood Mac for 'The Dance', a successful tour coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the release of 'Rumours'. She started working with a voice coach and adopted a healthier lifestyle to prepare for the tour.

April 28, 1998: Release of Enchanted Box Set

On April 28, 1998, Stevie Nicks' box set 'Enchanted' was released to acclaim. It included liner notes from Nicks, rare photographs, and pages from her journals, and she supported it with a U.S. tour. Nicks also contributed to the 'Practical Magic' soundtrack and performed in Don Henley's benefit concert for the Walden Woods Project.

1998: Grammy Nominations, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, and BRIT Award

In 1998, Fleetwood Mac's live CD 'The Dance' received Grammy nominations. Stevie Nicks joined the group for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Fleetwood Mac was awarded the Outstanding Contribution at the BRIT Awards.

1998: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac

In 1998, Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

May 1, 2001: Release of Trouble in Shangri-La

On May 1, 2001, Stevie Nicks' album 'Trouble in Shangri-La' was released, revitalizing her solo career with critical and commercial acclaim. "Planets of the Universe" was nominated for a Grammy Award.

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May 2001: VH1 Artist of the Month

In May 2001, Stevie Nicks was named VH1's "Artist of the Month".

2001: Fleetwood Mac Begins Work on Say You Will

In 2001, Fleetwood Mac, without Christine McVie, began work on a new studio album, making Stevie Nicks the sole woman in the band.

2001: "Planets of the Universe" Reached Number One

In 2001, Stevie Nicks' song "Planets of the Universe" (from Trouble in Shangri-La) reached number one on the Billboard Club chart.

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April 2003: Release of Say You Will

In April 2003, Fleetwood Mac released 'Say You Will', which achieved commercial success but received mixed reviews. The album was recorded without Christine McVie.

2003: Absence of Christine McVie

In 2003, Christine McVie did not feature in the Fleetwood Mac lineup, and continued in 2004.

2003: Grammy Hall of Fame Award

In 2003, Stevie Nicks received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

September 2004: End of Say You Will Tour

In September 2004, Fleetwood Mac concluded the world tour to support their album 'Say You Will'.

2004: Absence of Christine McVie

In 2004, Christine McVie did not feature in the Fleetwood Mac lineup, continuing from 2003.

2004: Release of Destiny Rules Documentary

In 2004, the documentary 'Destiny Rules' was released on DVD, chronicling the relationships between Fleetwood Mac members during the making of 'Say You Will'.

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May 2005: Caesars Palace Stint and Two Voices Tour

In May 2005, Stevie Nicks performed a four-night stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, followed by 10 shows with Don Henley on the 'Two Voices' tour.

October 2005: Attended Melbourne Cup Week and launched tour promotion

In October 2005, Stevie Nicks attended the Melbourne Cup Week in Australia, where one of the horse-racing stakes was named The Stevie Nicks Plate. She used the opportunity to promote her Gold Dust tour extension.

March 2006: Toured Australia and New Zealand with John Farnham

In March 2006, Stevie Nicks toured in Australia and New Zealand with John Farnham.

October 2006: Performed at Bette Midler's Hulaween

In October 2006, Stevie Nicks was the featured performer for Bette Midler's benefit function, Hulaween.

March 2007: Tom Petty's Homecoming Concert DVD release

In March 2007, Tom Petty's Homecoming Concert in Gainesville, FL, which contained performances with Stevie Nicks, was released as a DVD.

March 27, 2007: Release of Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks

On March 27, 2007, Reprise Records released 'Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks' in the U.S., debuting at number 21 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

May 17, 2007: Tour with Chris Isaak Begins

On May 17, 2007, Stevie Nicks' tour with Chris Isaak, supporting the release of 'Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks', opened in Concord, California.

May 29, 2007: Release of "Stand Back" Remix

On May 29, 2007, Reprise Records released "Stand Back" (issued with club mixes).

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July 2007: Putting Paradise Valley home up for sale

In July 2007, Stevie Nicks announced that her Paradise Valley, Arizona home would be put up for sale for a reported $3.8 million.

September 15, 2007: "Stand Back" Debuts on Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart

On September 15, 2007, the remix single of "Stand Back" debuted on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart at number 10, later peaking at number four. It also debuted on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales chart at number three, later peaking at number one.

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2007: Relationship with Joe Walsh

In 2007, Stevie Nicks referred to Joe Walsh as one of her greatest loves.

2007: Stevie Nicks discusses her marriage to Kim Anderson

In 2007, Stevie Nicks told the Telegraph that they were all in such insane grief they were completely deranged after the death of Robin Anderson, which led to Nicks marrying Anderson's widower Kim Anderson.

2008: Soundstage Sessions tour

In 2008, Stevie Nicks embarked on the Soundstage Sessions tour in the U.S.

2008: Fleetwood Mac Announces 2009 Tour

In late 2008, Fleetwood Mac announced that the band would tour in 2009, beginning in March. Christine McVie would not be featured in the lineup, as per the 2003-2004 tour.

March 17, 2009: "Crash into Me" Released as Digital Download

On March 17, 2009, Stevie Nicks released "Crash into Me" as a digital download, along with "Landslide" (orchestra version) as a B-side, from her album 'The Soundstage Sessions'.

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March 31, 2009: Release of The Soundstage Sessions

On March 31, 2009, Stevie Nicks released the album, 'The Soundstage Sessions', via Reprise Records, which debuted at number 47 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

2009: Fleetwood Mac's Unleashed Tour

In 2009, Fleetwood Mac embarked on the 'Unleashed' tour, featuring a 'greatest hits' show with album tracks such as 'Storms' and 'I Know I'm Not Wrong'. Christine McVie was not part of the lineup.

2009: Stevie Nicks Reflects on Health Warning

In 2009, Stevie Nicks recalled a plastic surgeon's warning from the January before her tour, stating that another hit of cocaine could be fatal. She reflected on the influences of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix and her decision to address her cocaine addiction.

2009: Stevie Nicks discusses cocaine use

In 2009, Stevie Nicks told Chris Isaak that she started using cocaine because they were told that it was recreational and not dangerous.

2009: Release of Live in Chicago

In 2009, the video recording of a Soundstage Sessions concert date was released as Live in Chicago. Vanessa Carlton performed as a guest artist.

August 2010: Series of Shows in August 2010

In August 2010, Stevie Nicks performed in a series of shows, but she did not include any of her new music to prevent it from being uploaded to YouTube. The Santa Barbara show benefited a young girl with rhabdomyosarcoma through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

March 20, 2011: Heart & Soul Tour Launch

On March 20, 2011, Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks launched the Heart & Soul Tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

August 9, 2011: Began In Your Dreams solo tour

On August 9, 2011, Stevie Nicks began her solo tour for In Your Dreams in Denver, Colorado.

December 2011: Australian and New Zealand leg of In Your Dreams tour

In December 2011, Stevie Nicks continued on an Australian and New Zealand leg of the In Your Dreams tour accompanied by Dave Stewart.

June 2012: Resumed In Your Dreams tour

In June 2012, Stevie Nicks resumed the In Your Dreams tour.

December 27, 2013: Officiated wedding of John McCauley and Vanessa Carlton

On December 27, 2013, Stevie Nicks, as an ordained minister, officiated at the wedding of Deer Tick singer John McCauley and singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton.

2017: Rumours sales reach 45 million

As of 2017, Rumours had sold over 45 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

December 13, 2018: Induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On December 13, 2018, Stevie Nicks was announced as one of seven inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2019, which made her the first woman to be inducted twice to the hall.

2019: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist

In 2019, Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, making her the first woman to be inducted twice.

2020: Relationship with her stepson's daughter

In 2020, Stevie Nicks mentioned in an interview that her stepson's daughter, named Robin, calls her "Grandma Stevie".

2023: Concerts with Billy Joel

In 2023, Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel performed a series of concerts across the United States, beginning with SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles on March 10.

April 19, 2024: Taylor Swift references Stevie Nicks in "Clara Bow"

On April 19, 2024, Taylor Swift referenced Stevie Nicks in her song "Clara Bow" from the album The Tortured Poets Department (2024), with the lyric "You look like Stevie Nicks / In '75, the hair and lips". Nicks also wrote a poem in the liner notes.

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2024: European Leg of Tour Announced

In early 2024, Stevie Nicks announced a European leg to her tour, starting in Dublin, Ireland on July 3.