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Stevie Nicks Talks Challenges of Promoting Solo Album While on Tour with Fleetwood Mac: "I Don't Wanna Tick Anybody Off"
Stevie Nicks has an new solo album -- 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault -- of which she's
justifiably proud. She hasn't been able to spend much time promoting it, though, because her day job as the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, currently out on a massive world tour, is keeping her pretty busy. Last week, during a break in the tour, she appeared on The Tonight Show to perform "Lady," one of the new songs, but she says it's unlikely you'll see her do that onstage with the band. Why? It's complicated, says Stevie.
"I don't even know if the people in Fleetwood Mac have even heard this record. Honestly. We don't talk about it a lot," Stevie tells ABC News Radio. "It's like, y'know....it's not their thing. So I don't push it on them, and I just let it go. I don't wanna tick anybody off, and I don't wanna make people think that I'm not focused on Fleetwood Mac, because I totally am...but in my own time, then I can do anything I want, and I can promote this record."
As for the possibility of her taking time out during a Mac performance to spotlight a tune from 24 Karat Gold, Stevie says, "Could Christine [McVie] play 'Lady' and me sing it, and she sing a harmony? Absolutely. Will that happen? Probably not, but maybe." Noting that she really wanted her bandmate to hear the record, she laughs, "I put it on her iPod. I bought her an iPod and then put it on the iPod!"
24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault, which debuted in the top 10 when it was released in September, is a collection of songs that Stevie wrote mostly between 1967 and 1989, with a few from the '90s thrown in. But Stevie explains that these songs aren't a bunch of rejects that weren't good enough to be included on albums: they just never made it for a variety of reasons.
"These weren't songs that weren't the 'better' songs. Some of them were recorded by Fleetwood Mac and I didn't like it," she tells ABC News Radio. "You'll get three-fourths of the way into recording a song and you'll just go, 'I don't like the way it's coming out, so I'm pulling it.' Same with my own producers: 'I don't like what you've done with the song, so I'm pulling it.'" Or, 'There's too many fast songs,' 'Too many mid-tempo songs,' 'Too many ballads -- a ballad has to go.' So, that's what happened to these songs. These songs should have all been on records already."
As Stevie continues to eke out time to promote 24 Karat Gold, she says she is truly enjoying the Mac tour, since it's the first one to feature Christine McVie in 16 years. "She's so excited and she gets, just, like sixteen-thousand people on their feet screaming several times a night," laughs Stevie. "And it's pretty spectacular. So she's getting, like, spoon fed this amazing reaction of people being so happy that she's back that she's just thrilled, you know? She just feels like she won the lottery! So, it's pretty great to watch and I think it's really fantastic. Everybody's in really good shape."
They'll have to be, considering the Fleetwood Mac world tour will stretch far into 2015. That's why Stevie says she can't say right now if she'll join the rest of the band in the studio to record a new album, as Mick Fleetwood says he hopes she will in his new autobiography.
"I don't know, because nothing can be done on that until we're done, and we have another seventy shows until this American tour is done, then we have Australia, then we have Europe. This isn't gonna be done until this time next year," Stevie tells ABC News Radio about the prospect of a new Mac album. "So, I don't know how I'm gonna feel in a year."
"I don't know whether I'm gonna wanna go back to my own thing or whether I'm gonna wanna sign up for another year of making a record," she adds. "I don't really know what I'm gonna wanna do then."
Fleetwood Mac is currently on tour in Canada. They'll return to the U.S. next week but have dates scheduled in North America through March.
STEVIE NICKS "24 KARAT GOLD - SONGS FROM THE VAULT"
Out Now! Order from Stevienicksofficial.com
29 comments:
I thought for sure she would record with FM for a final album. If she records 4 or 5 songs in the manner in which she recorded 24K she can contribute to a FM album during their tour haitus, and then go back to recording her solo stuff next year. The main thing is that she RECORDS. If she wants to build upon her legacy that will be done by making new music, not doing tours.
If she SERIOUSLY can't record with them for a month or two then 24 Karat Gold will have been the last solo album of hers that I will have purchased.
I LOVE her. She is my absolute #1 favorite artist. But I will be too heartbroken and disappointed if she doesn't take this amazing opportunity to create art with her bandmates - especially with Christine's return. There is too much amazing potential here for her to disregard it and make another sub par record with the enormously bland Dave Stewart.
I'm sure Stevie is going to get blasted for possibly not recording a new Fleetwood Mac album, but that's her choice to make. It's sad that she can't even mention her solo record. You would think that Christine would want to hear it since Stevie and Christine are supposed to be close. Stevie doesn't want to upset Lindsey - that's the bottom line.
^^ What band are you talking about? For one thing, FM has never recorded an album during a tour hiatus. Secondly, since 1976, FM has not recorded anything quickly. The reason why Stevie recorded 24K Gold so quickly is because it was HER album and she had the final say in all matters (which is reflected in her producing credit). By contrast, FM decisions are committee-based or dictated by Lindsey, which can be fraught with friction, turf battles and politics (as evidenced by the Destiny Rules documentary). You simply do not know the characters involved or the dynamics or recording in such an environment, so please stop trying to dictate what Stevie and/or FM should do with their time. Stevie is an established, legitimate solo artist in her own right who, at this point in her career, really doesn't need the aggravation of a prolonged tortuous recording process. If anybody is to blame here, it is Lindsey, who botched the production on half of her Say You Will songs and basically made her life miserable by fighting over every nagging detail. Lindsey has to change and, better yet, prove that he is a changed man before Stevie even considers the possibility of recording with him again.
As the original poster, I just want to clarify that the purpose of my post was pretty much to say I would like to see Stevie record more, with or without FM. I was just throwing out a scenario as to how that could happen. I don't know anybody in the band (as you correctly surmised) and they don't work for me so I clearly don't have any power to dictate to them how they spend their time. Just having fun, sorry if it offended/ aggravated anyone.
@Paul Snyder why not blame Christine for the last 16 years? Now that she's come out of retirement Stevie is expected to drop everything and record with FM? Stevie has already changed her life around to tour with them, her next move should be her own, and not held against her if she decides not to record with FM. Personally I'd like to see her retire 24K Gold (as opposed to touring to support it) and go into the studio to record another solo album. Which, of course, won't happen because then FM and fans will be upset with her for not recording an FM album. Honestly, they should've recorded before touring, if another album was so important to them.
Let me get this straight...we should feel sorry for Stevie because she can't promote her new solo album due to the fact she's preoccupied with a Fleetwood Mac tour where she will earn at least $15 million dollars (again) compared to the additional 300 solo albums she might sell if she promoted what is arguably one of her best solo efforts since the early 1980s? That sucks.
I believe that Lindsey is too hard on her and that was the biggest reason for the demise of their romantic relationship. He allowed that to bleed into their professional relationship even more once the romance was over. Who could stand that? I listened to the demo of Storms on youtube and he is telling her at the beginning that she is singing it wrong. You can hear in her voice, as she responds to him, how upsetting it is for him to criticize her like that! She absolutely loved him or it wouldn't have bothered her that much, but I can certainly see why she couldn't continue to do so. Lindsey needs to quit being a control freak as concerns Stevie! He has a wife now & I bet he doesn't treat her and the children that way! BE NICE TO STEVIE, LINDSEY!!!!!
They'll wait for Stevie to contribute to a new FM album before releasing. Without her it just won't sell. Even I wouldn't buy it. She wouldn't dream of FM releasing an album without her on it. Not sure what she really said in this interview but no part of me thinks she'll let FM release an album without her. She's too proud. And we all know she always comes through. Remember when she came out of Betty Ford they had to redo some of the songs they started to work on because she had a fit? She'll be on it.
True, I'm not buying it if she isn't on it!!! When it's all said and done, Stevie is very loyal to Fleetwood Mac!
Sounds like manufactured drama. She'll be on the album -- and I know they support each other's solo work - but when there's no drama, people don't pay attention.
I'm sure what they've already recorded sounds amazing. I think the EP from last year still sounds pretty great and I can only imagine what the new Buckingham - McVie songs sound like. Probably just as amazing as many of their collaborations on Tango In The Night sounded when that album was brand new. I'd be fine with a Stevie-less FM album. I just don't think many other people would.
Lost my love for Stevie today.
Except She's The main reason Fleetwood Mac hasn't recorded an album in nearly 12 years. She agrees to go on tour after tour but she won't record with them. She's holding them back artistically because she knows they won't release an album without her unless she quits.
I think Stevie needs to decide what will be in her best interest and also what will be the healthiest way to proceed. I know if I had to work with two of my ex's there would be blood shed. I am blessed to have been able to walk away. Stevie in her own right can stand and deliver. She is the most successful of the bunch on her own. Still they don't care to give her much credit. They (or mostly Lindsey) complain cause they have to do their part and back her up even take the led when it is time for a drum, guitar, piano part. Seriously if they were serious in wanting to make an album or just some new music together they would probably be jamming together during the down times.
Everyones on about whether she records or not but what I most got from the article was her desire to do 'lady' on the tour with Christine which would be fantastic-maybe drop Silver Springs and slot it in before Songbird-And then its win-win shes doing the tour AND promoting! :]
I think that Lindsey is one of the few people who REALLY cares about Stevie's songs. Yet he gets constantly made out to be some tyrant! Stevie is creating as usual a great deal of drama with these statements! If it weren't for the Dance,her solo career might have tanked years ago. As for Christine leaving,so what,Linds left for 10 years, Stevie left for four! Christine remained steady for 28 years and she saw it all,but that's yesterday. They have a chance to complete a NEW album 40 years from the White album. But I would like to suggest this is just drama. I have no doubt Stevie will step up to the plate. She may even have to.....contractually! I Don't believe this Album will take a year to record,most of it is recorded,so I wouldn't speculate about anything.
Say you will didn't do all that well without Christine! Let the group work it out it!
Are you with todays recording knowone at their age or then 10 years ago with say you will would sell millions of albums so don't say then syw did not do that well. Because that is a pretty good album. Take Stevie out of the touring and not being apart of the album I bet the whole thing would not do all that wel,. as a whole. As for the first 2 posts about why Stevie did not record with the mac first., if your read up on why she did 24 karat first it because of record contract obligations that had to be done and yes there is some good work there. I agree with one post that Stevie should not stop her solo projects just because Chris came back. She already has gone out and prolonged the mac thing for chris's return. Relax everyone she will come too the table, with her contributions too the album. My thinking will be at the end of the world tour she will get in there for a month or 2 and go her thing and then give Lindsey a little time to work on it. While she goes solo in 2016 and then at the end of 2016 release the mac album. then tour for one more year with the album. Their is so much more Stevie wants to do before she retires and the Buckingham & Nicks thing I hope will resurface again after that. I think Stevie is trying really hard to stay on good terms with Lindsey so that can happen down the road.
Stevie do whatever you want. Those that don't like it can lump it. Everyone expects to much. Just be grateful for what you have been given. Entitlement is ugly people. Get over it. Thanks for your honesty Stevie, decide what you want to do when your ready. xoxo
Hey - there were lots of good songs on SYW. And of course Stevie will write for the new record. Can you imagine her going on the road to promote an album she isn't on? No way. And I agree, without her on the album and future tour, it wouldn't work. Can you imagine a new record without her gypsy touch? Who would want it? After a Lindsey song and another pop tune from Chris, you need a Stevie song to crawl into.
What's most shocking from this article and the delusional comments that follow it is this unrealistic idea that they all have time to waste. They're old. Someone is soon gonna drop dead.
When it comes down to it Stevie will join the others. The thing is, she doesn't have to be there for the whole production of it. Lindsey and Christine have already cut most of their new material, all that's needed are Stevie's vocals and final mixing and production. There's no way they would spend months upon months in the studio for Stevie's three or four contributions. Stevie could then go on her own solo tour to promote 24KG, because the album wouldn't be released until well into 2016 anyway given the new tour schedule.
I think Stevie will give them a couple months, maybe three, at the conclusion of the EU/AU legs of the tour in 2015 to record. There's no way Warner could get the album out next year, and Stevie can go and do her own stuff while final mixes/post-production work is done and be ready when it comes time to promote. As I said in my last post, Christine and Lindsey have already worked out a great majority of their own new songs so there's no way this would take even half as long as SYW took to record.
As a record I will admit SYW has grown on me over the years, but there are still just a few Stevie compositions that just turned out bad. What Lindsey did to "Smile At You," compared to the Mirage-era demo, is just criminal. I've listened to it many times and I think I get what he was trying to do, with the stripped-down, cold vibe. It just didn't work with Stevie's voice.
I feel pretty confident Stevie will find a way to make a new Mac album work with her solo career. Besides, her previous record contract was fulfilled with the release of 24KG; she said in an interview she owed the label a record so she gave them one - a fabulous one.
A new Fleetwood Mac album, which may be their last, without Stevie on it? Can't imagine. If they want to sell the record, Stevie will be on it. No two ways about it.
Stevie!! We'll make you smile at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas! Relax, kick off your shoes and have some fun with your 24KG. No stress! You deserve R &R where the sky meets the ocean! A great place to relax, write, think, read, chill and process! Absolutely no stress! You need time for yourself! Take some time for yourself and the best is yet to come :)
OMG. Calm down. Stevie WILL be on the new Fleetwood Mac album, one way or another. Otherwise, what's the point? This may be their final album, and surely their handlers and marketing advisors would not let a final Mac album come out without Stevie on it. She is too much a vital part of it all, not to be on the swansong album. So everybody chill out...you can pretty much bet she'll be on it. She's just talking her game and drama right now.
Stevie's workload is much easier than the others because she is not a musician. Lindsey carries most of the weight in the studio, being a producer responsible for bringing everything together. Stevie just has to bring to the table three or four songs, and sing harmonies on the other songs. Seems like they will go out of their way to make the process as easy as possible for her.
I hope Lindsey brings in a co-producer to lighten the load and facilitate the recording process.They are not getting any younger! Mick said this may well be the band's finale. Another taxing tour is something I hope they don't do. The only motivation for that is monetary. They can promote the album without a tour; perhaps by broadcasting an exclusive performance like the The Dance, featuring a heavy dose of new songs and some classics.
I understand Stevie's reluctance of committing her time to the album. However, her solo career will continue, but the band that made her famous (resulting in her solo career), will be gone forever. She owes them (and their fans) one last gesture; one last act for a proper closure.
^^She owes them? Ha.
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