A Glimpse into the Past
More than 50 years after it was written, a recently unearthed letter from Stevie Nicks offers a poignant and prophetic glimpse into her mindset just before she and Lindsey Buckingham achieved global stardom. The Fleetwood Mac frontwoman shared the handwritten note, penned to her family in 1973, on Instagram, coinciding with the long-awaited remastered re-release of the duo’s only album, Buckingham Nicks.
Written from the “Famous” Sound City Recording Studio in Los Angeles, the letter captures the voice of a 24-year-old artist on the cusp of her 25th birthday, filled with a mix of exhaustion, ambition, and humor. Nicks complained of “sitting around listening to 12 hours of music per day,” but remained steadfast in her belief that the hard work would be worth it. In a remarkably prescient passage, she envisioned her future success: “…when I am sitting in my small but luxurious Beverly Hills home overlooking my small but tasteful pool that is totally secluded, where I can sun in the nude and tan my entire fat body while waiting for my plastic surgery leg lift—it will all be worth it.”
The letter also contained a powerful endorsement of her then-partner and musical collaborator, Lindsey Buckingham. Referencing their song “Don’t Let Me Down Again,” she predicted, “Lindsey may go down in history as one of ‘greats’ in guitar playing. It really is quite amazing.”
The Lost Album Re-emerges
Nicks’ nostalgic post comes as she and Buckingham re-released their 1973 album on September 19, 2025, making it widely available on digital platforms and CD for the first time. Upon its initial release 52 years ago, Buckingham Nicks was a commercial failure, leading Polydor Records to drop the duo. The album subsequently became a cult classic and a rare collector’s item, with fans relying on vinyl copies and bootleg recordings.
Despite its initial flop, the album was instrumental in shaping rock history. In 1974, Mick Fleetwood was so impressed by Buckingham’s guitar work on the record that he invited him to join Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham famously accepted on the condition that Nicks join as well, a decision that would transform the band into one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
The re-released album showcases the duo’s raw talent and the foundational sound that would later define Fleetwood Mac. Several tracks contain elements that would be reworked for future hits:
- “Crystal” was re-recorded for the band’s 1975 self-titled album.
- “Don’t Let Me Down Again” features instrumentals reminiscent of “Second Hand News” from the iconic 1977 album Rumours.
- The guitar riffs in “Lola (My Love)” bear a striking resemblance to those in “The Chain.”
A Tumultuous but Enduring Legacy
The re-release is particularly significant given the duo’s famously turbulent relationship, which has included a painful public breakup during the making of Rumours and Buckingham’s contentious firing from Fleetwood Mac in 2018. This new collaboration suggests a potential thaw in their relationship, celebrating the musical partnership that started it all.
While looking back on her storied career, Nicks continues to be a formidable presence in music. According to digitaltrendstoday.com, she appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live during its historic 50th season on October 12, 2024. She also maintains an active touring schedule, though a recent shoulder injury forced the rescheduling of her Detroit concert at Little Caesars Arena from September 7 to October 28. The re-emergence of Buckingham Nicks, coupled with the intimate look provided by her 1973 letter, serves as a powerful reminder of the duo’s origins and their undeniable, lasting impact on the landscape of rock and roll.
