Stevie Nicks, the rock and roll icon known for her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics, kicked off her co-headlining tour with Billy Joel in a poignant way. She paid tribute to two of her closest friends and collaborators, Christine McVie and Tom Petty.

The tour, named “Two Icons – One Night,” promises to be a celebration of some of the most iconic music of our time. But before the concert even started, Nicks set the tone by dedicating her performance to McVie and Petty.

Petty and Nicks had a special bond that spanned over four decades. They first met in 1978 when Petty’s band, The Heartbreakers, opened for Nicks on her solo tour. They quickly became close friends and even toured together in the 1980s.

Their musical collaborations were just as memorable as their friendship. In 1981, Nicks and Petty released the hit duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” which became one of their signature songs. They also worked together on The Heartbreakers’ 1981 hit “Insider,” and Nicks’ 1983 track “I Will Run to You.”

Sadly, Petty passed away in 2017 at the age of 66. But his spirit lives on through his music and through the memories of those who knew him best. Her tribute to her dear friend was a touching moment that reminded everyone of the incredible legacy he left behind.

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Petty and Collaborators

Nicks’ tribute to Christine McVie was also meaningful, as the two have been friends and collaborators for over four decades. McVie, best known as a member of Fleetwood Mac, has also worked with Nicks on several projects, including her 1981 hit “Think About Me” and her 1985 single “I Can’t Wait.”

Her performance at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium on Friday night was full of surprises, including a duet with Billy Joel. The two legends sang “And So It Goes,” a poignant ballad from Joel’s 1989 album “Storm Front.”

The collaboration was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting connections. It was also a testament to the enduring legacies of Nicks, Petty, McVie, and Joel, who continue to inspire audiences around the world.

The concert, which was the first of her Two Icons – One Night co-headlining tour with Billy Joel, was an emotional tribute to the people who have helped shape her career.

One of those people is Tom Petty, with whom Nicks had a close friendship and collaboration. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2019, Nicks revealed that Petty had given her the song “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” which became a hit and helped launch her debut solo album, “Bella Donna,” into the stratosphere. 

Nicks paid tribute to Petty by performing the song with Billy Joel during the concert, which was met with ear splitting applause from the audience.

Power of Music

However, it was the tribute to McVie that really hit home for fans and for Nicks herself. McVie, who passed away at the age of 79 last November, was a founding member of Fleetwood Mac and had a close friendship and collaboration with Nicks. 

During her encore, she honored McVie by performing “Landslide,” one of the band’s most iconic songs, while photos of the pair were displayed on the screen behind her.

Her performance was a moving tribute to McVie’s life and legacy, and a reminder of the enduring bond between the two artists. The fact that this was Nicks’ first live performance since McVie’s passing only added to the poignancy of the moment, and fans were quick to express their appreciation for the tribute on social media.

The concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to honor those who have had an impact on our lives. Nicks’ ability to weave together her own songs with those of her friends and collaborators is a testament to her talent as a musician and her capacity to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level.

As Nicks and Joel brought the concert to a close with a rousing rendition of “You May Be Right,” it was clear that the night had been a celebration of the enduring legacies of some of the most prominent musicians of our time. 

The memories of Petty and McVie will continue to inspire Nicks and her fans for years to come, and their music will remain a timeless reminder of the power of friendship, collaboration, and the magic of rock and roll.

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Nicks and Joel Duet

After performing a duet of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” with Joel, she took a moment to honor McVie with a poignant performance of “Landslide.” 

After finishing the song, Nicks emotionally told the crowd, “There’s really not much to say…We just pretend that she’s just still here. That’s how I’m trying to deal with it. Thank you for listening.” 

In a statement after McVie’s passing, Nicks called her “best friend in the whole world” and promised to never forget her. The tribute was a touching moment that showcased the deep bond between Nicks and McVie and the impact they had on each other’s lives and careers.

Nicks is a legendary singer-songwriter and musician, known for her work with the iconic rock band Fleetwood Mac and for her solo career. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1948, and began her musical career in the 1970s. 

Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and quickly became one of the band’s most popular and influential members, writing and performing some of their biggest hits, including “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” and “Landslide.”

In addition to her work with Fleetwood Mac, Nicks has had a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and hit singles over the years. Her unique voice and haunting melodies have made her one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in rock and roll history.

Over the course of her career, Nicks has won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Her impact on the music world is immeasurable, and her music continues to inspire and influence generations of fans and musicians alike.

Photo: NME