Prince and Stevie Nicks: A Musical Collaboration and Cautionary Tale
Prince, a prolific singer-songwriter and musician, collaborated with many stars throughout his career. One notable collaboration was with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. Nicks recently opened up about their relationship, revealing that Prince once warned her about her drug use.
A Remarkable Collaboration
In the early 80s, Nicks and Prince worked together, forming what Nicks described as “a really amazing relationship.” She recalled feeling flattered when Prince showed interest in her. Despite this, their relationship remained platonic, as Nicks valued their musical connection.
Inspiration Strikes
While on her honeymoon with then-husband Kim Anderson, Nicks heard Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” on the radio. Inspired, she started creating her own version. “All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I’m singing along, going, ‘Stand back!’” Nicks recalled. She immediately bought a tape recorder to capture her ideas, which led to the creation of “Stand Back,” a hit single from her 1983 solo album “The Wild Heart.”
Meeting Prince
After writing “Stand Back,” Nicks requested a meeting with Prince. They met in a Los Angeles studio, where Prince listened to her song and added his own keyboard parts. He then hugged her and left. Nicks praised Prince’s musicianship, noting that no band could replicate what he did alone.
Musical Connection Over Romance
Nicks admired Prince but avoided a romantic relationship, focusing on their musical collaboration. “I really wanted a musical relationship, and I had smartened up, even then,” she explained. Prince, however, sought more than just a musical connection.
Mutual Inspirations
Prince’s “When Doves Cry” was inspired by Nicks’ song “Edge of Seventeen.” Despite her admiration for Prince, Nicks struggled with heavy drug use during the 80s. Prince, who opposed drug use, frequently lectured her about it. “The eighties were pretty bad drug years for me,” Nicks admitted.
A Sobering Warning
Prince warned Nicks about her drug use. “He’d go, ‘You gotta be careful, Stevie.’ And I’d go, ‘I know, I know,’” she recalled. Following Prince’s death, Nicks expressed her sadness over his accidental drug overdose, noting that he would be just as surprised by it.
Nicks’ Battle with Addiction
Nicks ended up in rehab twice: first at the Betty Ford clinic in 1986 for cocaine addiction, and then at another hospital in 1993 for Klonopin addiction. A plastic surgeon’s warning about the damage to her nose from cocaine use prompted her to seek help, ultimately saving her life and career.
Reflecting on Prince’s Legacy
Nicks’ story highlights Prince’s musical genius and generosity. Despite his opposition to drugs, he tragically succumbed to opioid addiction. Prince will always be a musical legend, missed by millions.
