Stevie Nicks Reflects on Writing ‘Landslide’ While Deciding Whether She and Lindsey Buckingham ‘Should Continue’

Stevie Nicks has shared insights into the origins of her iconic song “Landslide” during her recent remarks at the City of Hope 2026 Spirit of Life Gala. The legendary Fleetwood Mac singer recounted how the song emerged from a pivotal moment of uncertainty in both her professional and personal life, specifically her relationship with former partner Lindsey Buckingham.

At the gala, held on October 27, Nicks, now 78, spoke candidly about the backdrop against which “Landslide” was created. The picturesque scenery of Aspen, Colorado, served as a muse for her songwriting during a time when she was contemplating whether to continue her romantic relationship with Buckingham, which had begun in 1972 prior to their joining Fleetwood Mac.

Nicks opened her narrative by explaining the scenario in which “Landslide” took shape. While enjoying a serene view from a mountain house where she was staying, she mentioned that the friends she was with had departed for dinner, providing her with a moment of solitude to channel her creativity. “I was lucky enough to be in this beautiful house looking out over the snow-covered hills,” she reflected. This peaceful setting provided a fertile ground for inspiration amid her emotional turmoil.

She further elaborated that her financial situation motivated her artistic drive at that time. “I’m like, okay, because I’m so poor that just sitting in this house when you’re looking out at this view is so fantastic, I’m going to write a fantastic song,” said Nicks. She recalled bringing her Goya guitar, which she felt she could barely play, but nonetheless initiated the process of crafting the song that would resonate with audiences for decades to come.

Originally, Nicks and Buckingham met as high school students in California and soon began dating, eventually forming a folk-rock duo named Buckingham Nicks in 1973. Unfortunately, their self-titled debut album failed to achieve commercial success, which led to their being dropped by their record label. This setback prompted both artists to reconsider their future as a musical pair.

While Nicks took on various odd jobs to make ends meet, Buckingham found opportunities to perform with renowned groups, such as the Everly Brothers. Their fortunes changed in 1974 when they were introduced to drummer Mick Fleetwood, eventually leading to their joining Fleetwood Mac alongside Christine and John McVie. The turning point for the group came in 1975, with the release of Nicks’ “Landslide,” which quickly became a classic.

Although Nicks and Buckingham’s romantic relationship dissolved in 1976 during the recording of Fleetwood Mac’s seminal album “Rumours,” the complexities and emotional narratives of their lives influenced the band’s music significantly. Remarkably, even in the aftermath of their separation, their artistic collaboration continued to flourish and has shaped the legacy of Fleetwood Mac.

In a recent interview with E! News, Buckingham revealed that he and Nicks have been in consistent communication and are navigating their complicated history in a constructive manner. He attributed their collaborative work on a forthcoming Fleetwood Mac documentary as a significant step in healing past grievances. “We had left things in 2019, not in a very good place for all the wrong reasons,” he disclosed, indicating that the creative process has been beneficial for all involved.

Reflecting on their enduring bond, Nicks expressed on the Song Exploder podcast that their connection has been characterised by both turbulence and brilliance. “Our relationship was up and down and up and down and up and down and difficult, but at the same time, fantastic,” she noted, suggesting a complexity that parallels their music and enduring legacy as artists.

The ongoing dialogue between Nicks and Buckingham hints at a reconciliation of sorts, revealing that even life’s hardships can foster profound creativity and collaboration. As Fleetwood Mac continues its evolution decades after their startling rise to fame, the intertwined lives of Nicks and Buckingham remain a testament to the enduring power of music born from deeply personal experiences.