Stevie Nicks Reveals Her Biggest Regret As A Singer
via @CBSSundayMorning / YouTube
Few artists in rock history carry the mystique and influence of Stevie Nicks. As a defining member of Fleetwood Mac and a solo performer in her own right, she carved out a place in music that blends poetic storytelling, raw emotion, and unforgettable style. Her presence is as iconic as her voice — haunting, vulnerable, and powerful all at once.
Throughout her long career, Nicks has been praised not just for her musical gifts but for her ability to inspire others with her distinct persona. Her ethereal fashion, emotional depth, and fearless creativity helped shape an entire generation of musicians and fans alike. However, like many rock stars of her era, her path was also shaped by darker influences that now cast a shadow over her earlier years.
In a rare moment of reflection during a 2016 interview with The Seattle Times, Stevie opened up about the one thing she wishes she could take back. It wasn’t a missed opportunity or a lost relationship — it was the reliance on drugs during a pivotal time in her career. For Nicks, the cost of those choices is something she still thinks about today.
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The Wild Years That Took a Toll
When asked if she ever longed for the days of the 1970s and ’80s, Nicks didn’t hesitate. “I wouldn’t want to ever go back there,” she told The Seattle Times. While she acknowledged the fun and excitement of that period, she also made it clear that the party lifestyle came with serious consequences. “It was a lot of fun between 1975 and 1990 — until it wasn’t.”
Nicks’ biggest regret, as she revealed, was her use of c*caine during performances. Like many of her peers at the time, she leaned on substances to keep up with the demands of touring and fame. But over time, what started as a tool for energy and confidence turned into a trap that clouded her experiences on stage.
Looking back, Nicks expressed both gratitude and sadness. Gratitude that she can now perform sober and feel just as exhilarated, and sadness that she didn’t realize it sooner. “I wish I had known that I actually had the energy to do this entire set totally sober and get just as excited,” she said. “It makes me sad that I ever did my first line of c*ke.”
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Rediscovering Joy Without Substances
Today, Nicks performs with a renewed sense of purpose and freedom. She can take the stage for three hours with Fleetwood Mac and truly enjoy the moment, without relying on anything artificial. The difference, she said, is night and day — a fuller, more authentic experience.
Her journey to sobriety has given her a deeper appreciation for her craft. Performing without substances has shown her that the emotional highs of music don’t need to be chemically enhanced. It’s a revelation that would have meant everything to her younger self, had she only known.
Still, Nicks doesn’t dwell in bitterness. Instead, she uses her past as a reminder to cherish the present. By embracing her current reality with honesty and enthusiasm, she offers fans a version of herself that is stronger, wiser, and more connected to the music than ever.
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The Power of Storytelling Remains
Even after decades in the industry, Nicks continues to deliver raw, emotional performances that resonate deeply. When asked how she keeps that emotional authenticity alive, her answer was simple: she loves stories. “Great stories inspire me,” she said. “At 16, I could sing a love song well.”
For Nicks, the magic of music lies in its ability to make you feel something real. That connection to story and emotion has always been her anchor, even during the turbulent years. It’s what makes her voice — and her presence — timeless.
Her honesty about her past and growth is as inspiring as her songs. By choosing health, clarity, and truth, Stevie Nicks shows that even legends evolve — and sometimes, that’s the most powerful act of all.
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