Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com

Stevie Nicks Returns to “SNL,” Reflects on Music and Activism

Stevie Nicks recently made her long-awaited return to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), marking her first appearance since 1983. The iconic singer revealed that when she first received the invitation, her instinct was to decline due to the live nature of the show, saying, “Absolutely not. Because I was terrified to do it, ’cause it goes out live!” However, she overcame her fear and delivered a memorable performance of her latest song, “The Lighthouse,” which resonated powerfully with the audience.

Stevie Nicks: The Lighthouse (Live) – SNL by
Saturday Night Live on
YouTube

Nicks shared that the inspiration for “The Lighthouse” emerged in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She composed and recorded the song in less than a day, feeling compelled to address the crucial issue of women’s rights. When asked about her decision to engage in the often-contentious abortion debate, Nicks responded, “Because everybody kept saying, ‘Well, somebody has to do something. Somebody has to say something.’ I have a platform. I tell a good story. So maybe I should try to do something.” Reflecting on her own experiences, she added, “I was there. I have been there, done that.”

A Personal Journey

In the late 1970s, Stevie Nicks gained immense fame as part of Fleetwood Mac, navigating the complexities of personal and professional relationships. During her time at the height of her career, she faced a life-changing decision after discovering she was pregnant while in a relationship with Don Henley of The Eagles. Acknowledging the challenges of motherhood while being a touring musician, Nicks ultimately chose to terminate the pregnancy in 1979. “In my younger life, I’d already decided I didn’t want to have somebody have their feelings hurt all the time,” Nicks explained, adding that she had unintentionally become pregnant despite taking precautions.

“It would have destroyed Fleetwood Mac if I had had the baby,” Nicks admitted, recognizing the difficulties of balancing motherhood and her burgeoning career in such a tumultuous environment. As a key member of Fleetwood Mac, she had penned the band’s only No. 1 single in the United States, “Dreams,” a classic that continues to enjoy popularity today.

Fleetwood Mac – Dreams (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster] by
Fleetwood Mac on
YouTube

Empowerment Through Music

While “Dreams” captures the essence of heartbreak, Nicks’ new release, “The Lighthouse,” represents a bold stand for reproductive rights. When asked about the criticism she faces regarding her past choices, she emphasized the importance of personal agency: “The choice, ultimately, was mine. If people want to be mad at me, be mad at me. I don’t care.” Nicks recognized that had she made the alternative choice, she could have been a good mother but had instead channeled her energy into her musical career.

Nicks achieved remarkable success as a solo artist, becoming the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. Despite her professional triumphs, she has endured significant loss, notably the passing of her close friend and fellow musician Christine McVie in 2022. Nicks expressed her sorrow, recalling her desire to be there for McVie in her final moments, saying, “I wanted to go and step in, sit on her bed, and hold her hand.” To honor McVie, Nicks ends her performances with a heartfelt tribute, though the emotional weight often prevents her from looking back at the accompanying montage.

A Lasting Legacy

Even though McVie is no longer with her, Nicks finds comfort in their enduring bond. She carries a necklace containing a portion of McVie’s ashes, cherishing it as a reminder of their connection. “A little bit of her,” Nicks said, affirming that McVie remains in her heart.

As for “The Lighthouse,” Nicks is less concerned about its commercial success and more about its message. She expressed her belief in the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. “Poets write what they write, and poets should not be censored. This song should not be censored,” Nicks declared. “It should go out into the world and do what it’s gonna do, maybe change some minds. There is a God, and God gave me this talent to sing and write and dance. So, I’m doing my job.”

       
For more info:

       
Story produced by John D’Amelio. Editor: Steven Tyler.

     
See also:

More

Tracy Smith is an award-winning correspondent for “CBS News Sunday Morning” and “48 Hours,” who joined CBS News in 2000. Smith has covered a wide range of subjects, producing revealing interviews with news-making artists to moving, in-depth reporting.

Source
www.cbsnews.com