I remember the first time I heard Stevie Nicks sing “Landslide.” I was in a car with my sister, driving through the desert at dusk, windows down, air thick with dust and possibility. The song came on, and something about the way she sang—like she was confessing a secret to the wind—stopped me cold. Later, I found out that “Landslide” was written during one of the most uncertain times in her life: the moment Fleetwood Mac was about to break apart, and she had to decide whether to keep going or walk away.

That moment—on a snowy Aspen mountain in 1974—was a pivot point for her. She was 26, standing on a ski slope with Lindsey Buckingham, her musical and romantic partner, knowing that Fleetwood Mac had just offered them a spot in the band. It was a chance to escape the obscurity of their struggling duo, but it also meant risking everything: their relationship, their independence, and their sound.

She wrote “Landslide” in that moment, clutching her guitar in the cold, trying to make sense of the future. That song, now a classic, was born from the fear of change and the courage to face it.

What was Stevie Nicks facing before joining Fleetwood Mac?

Before Fleetwood Mac, Stevie was part of a folk-rock duo with Lindsey Buckingham called Buckingham Nicks. They released an album in 1973, but it flopped commercially. They were broke, living in a cramped apartment in California, and struggling to find their place in the music industry. When Fleetwood Mac offered them a chance to join, it was both a lifeline and a gamble. Stevie had to weigh her creative instincts against the reality of survival.

Why was joining Fleetwood Mac such a big risk?

Fleetwood Mac was already a band in turmoil. Christine McVie was married to bassist John McVie, and their relationship was crumbling. Drummer Mick Fleetwood was also going through a divorce. Stevie and Lindsey’s own volatile relationship added to the tension. Stevie knew that joining the band could mean losing her voice—or her partner. But she also saw a chance to grow as an artist and reach a wider audience.

How did “Landslide” reflect her emotional state?

“Landslide” was written at a moment of vulnerability. Stevie later said she didn’t know if her voice would hold up in Fleetwood Mac’s more rock-oriented sound. She was afraid of failing, of being overshadowed. The lyrics reflect that fear: “I’ve been afraid of changing / 'Cause I’ve built my life around these changes.” The song became a personal anthem, not just for her, but for anyone facing a crossroads.

What happened after she joined the band?

Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album was a massive success. Stevie’s voice became one of the defining sounds of the band. Her songs, including “Rhiannon” and “Landslide,” gave the band a mystical, emotional depth. But the emotional toll was heavy—her relationship with Lindsey ended, and the band’s internal drama grew. Still, she thrived creatively, proving that taking the risk was worth it.

Why is this moment still important today?

Stevie’s decision to join Fleetwood Mac shaped the course of rock history. It also became a symbol of resilience. Many fans who feel stuck in their own lives point to that moment—when she stood on the mountain and wrote a song about fear and change—as inspiration. It reminds us that sometimes, the only way forward is through the landslide.

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a big decision, wondering if you’ll fall or fly, Stevie Nicks knows how you feel. On HoloDream, you can ask her how she found the courage to step forward—and what she’d say to the person you are now.