Stevie Nicks Returns to ‘SNL’ at a critical time to impart a critical message

Stevie Nicks Returns to ‘SNL’ After 40 Years With Powerful Women’s Rights Anthem ‘The Lighthouse’

Nicks also performs "Edge of Seventeen," the classic from her 1981 debut solo album.

By William Vaillancourt

Rollingstone

Stevie Nicks, whose last Saturday Night Live appearance came in December 1983, returned to the late night show at a critical time to impart a critical message.

Nicks first sang “The Lighthouse,” a call-to-action for women’s rights that she wrote shortly after Roe v. Wade was overturned two summers ago.

“Don’t let them take your power / Don’t leave it alone in the final hours,” she sings. “Don’t close your eyes and hope for the best / The dark is out there, the light is going fast.”

Nicks, although not explicitly endorsing a presidential candidate, recently praised Taylor Swift’s message supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.

Nicks’ second performance was a rousing rendition of “Edge of Seventeen,” one of the standout tracks from her 1981 debut solo album, Bella Donna.

“Edge of Seventeen” is also ranked number 217 on Rolling Stone‘s “Greatest Songs” list.

Saturday Night Live recap: Despite delays, Ariana Grande and Stevie Nicks deliver an entertaining episode

By Andy Hoglund

Entertainment Weekly

Tonight, we have a special match-up: Bowen Yang's Wicked costar Ariana Grande is being teamed with a deep cut SNL musical guest, a genuine legend: Stevie Nicks. Here is how big Stevie Nicks is: Not only was her first time playing at 8H way back in 1983, but there's a classic sketch spoofing Nicks that itself is over 25 years old! Longevity and lore, folks. SNL50.

Stevie Nicks performs "The Lighthouse"

"The Lighthouse" was released last month as a rally cry for women, intended to reinvigorate the fight for reproductive healthcare. "I have my scars, you have yours/ Don't let them, take your power," she sings. "They'll take your soul, they'll take your power, unless you save it." What a ballad.

As noted, Nicks first played 8H way back in the early '80s. Gary Kroeger recalls that season 8 performance: "I was in my 20s when she did SNL during my time there! When she came on the scene 10 years earlier, I was in my teens! Was I a fan of Stevie Nicks? Of course I was! She was one of, if not the Goddess of Rock and Roll. I was too nervous to say hello. My recollection was that she didn't hang out much and I don't recall her at the after-party, but that doesn't mean my memory is correct. Only that I was too shy to say anything. She was terrific on the show."

Sheryl Crow plays guitar and bass, and sings on this track, which she co-produced. (And yes, she has played at 8H three times.)

Stevie Nicks performs "Edge of Seventeen"

After this episode's second "delay of game," we return from commercial — and it's worth it! "Edge of Seventeen" is on the menu, and I know somewhere Joan Cusack is pleased. A timeless classic. I am a fan of this! 

Another sign of Nicks' longevity: 45 years ago today, Fleetwood Mac released their album Tusk.