Stevie Nicks, Rock Goddess

Stevie Nicks, the rock goddess with a voice like spun gold, has captivated audiences for over five decades. As the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac and a successful solo artist, Nicks' influence on music and popular culture is undeniable. Stevie Nicks is a rock goddess.

I have seen her perform with Fleetwood Mac many times in decades past. But last night, at the Chase Center in San Francisco (where the Warriors play basketball), I saw her for the first time as a solo artist.

All I can say is WOW! The woman is 75 years old and still rockin' it! By her side with his trademark long locks (now grey) was legend Waddy Wachtel. He serves as Stevie Nicks' musical director and lead guitarist.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1948, Nicks' musical journey began alongside her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham. Together, they wrote and performed songs that would become Fleetwood Mac's signature sound. Hits like "Rhiannon," "Go Your Own Way," and "Dreams" showcased Nicks' poetic lyricism and haunting vocals, often tinged with themes of love, loss, and mysticism.

Nicks's stage presence is as mesmerizing as her music. Adorned in flowing shawls, witchy boots, and headbands crowned with feathers, she embodies a free spirit who dances to her rhythm. Her twirling and swaying movements add a theatrical dimension to her performances, transporting listeners to a world of her own creation.

Beyond her musical prowess, Nicks is a fashion icon and a role model for women in rock. Her unapologetically feminine style and fierce independence paved the way for generations of female artists to embrace their individuality and express themselves without boundaries. Stevie Nicks is a true force of nature, a musical enchantress who continues to inspire and ignite imaginations with her timeless songs and captivating spirit. Many in the crowd were dressed like Stevie from different eras!

My takeaways from last night: her fans truly love her! There were two old-fashioned encores, where she left left the stage until the defining applause brought her back. She paid tribute to Tom Petty, a collaborator and friend who passed away in October 2017.

And to top it off, Stevie sang her classic Landslide. It is more than just a song; it's a tapestry woven with emotions, memories, and a touch of the mystical. She used this song along with a visual tribute on the screen behind her, to her close friend and Fleetwood Mac bandmate, Christine McVie.

Stevie shared the story of how she auditioned for Fleetwood Mac when Mick Fleetwood gave her a chance to join the group. There was one catch (unknown to Stevie): Christine McVie, the band's enigmatic keyboardist and vocalist, held the ultimate power. If she didn't like Stevie, the door to Fleetwood Mac would remain firmly shut.

Well, Christine did like her and the rest is history as they say. Stevie and Christine, two voices intertwined, became the heart and soul of Fleetwood Mac. And last night's final song exemplified that bond.

Rock on Stevie!

And that's my message to one and all! Rock on!