Stevie Nicks, the legendary singer-songwriter, is set to headline BST Hyde Park this weekend. The performance is expected to be a deeply emotional one, as Nicks plans to pay tribute to two of her closest friends who have passed away: Tom Petty and Christine McVie.
A Stage Shared and a Friendship Forged
In 2017, Stevie Nicks joined Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers onstage at BST Hyde Park, lending her iconic voice to their hit duet, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.” This song, originally released on Nicks’ debut solo album in 1981, marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship and musical collaboration between the two artists.
Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty were life-long friends. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty shared a stage for the last time at BST Hyde Park in 2017. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Tragically, Petty’s performance at BST Hyde Park with Nicks in 2017 would be their last together. He passed away from an accidental drug overdose just a few months later at the age of 66.
Nicks’ return to the same stage where she last performed with Petty is sure to evoke a mix of emotions. Sources close to the singer have shared that she sees this performance as an opportunity to honor her late friend and collaborator.
Saying Goodbye Through Music
The loss of Tom Petty wasn’t the only blow to Nicks in recent years. In November 2022, she lost another musical soulmate, her Fleetwood Mac bandmate, Christine McVie. McVie’s passing left Nicks devastated, and she has spoken openly about the difficulty of not being able to say goodbye to her friend in person.
Stevie Nicks rues the fact she "didn’t get to say goodbye" to Christine McVie. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
Nicks has shared her grief over not being able to say a proper goodbye to McVie. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
Nicks has stated that Fleetwood Mac will never reunite without McVie, emphasizing the profound impact of her absence. However, she continues to honor McVie’s memory by performing the songs they created together. During her recent solo tour, Nicks dedicated her encore performance of “Landslide” to McVie, a touching tribute accompanied by images of her late bandmate projected on the screen.
A Career Spanning Decades
While the BST Hyde Park concert will undoubtedly be emotionally charged, fans can still expect an unforgettable performance showcasing Nicks’ impressive musical catalog. From her iconic hits with Fleetwood Mac such as “Rhiannon,” “Gypsy,” and “Dreams,” to solo classics like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Rooms on Fire,” Nicks’ music has resonated with generations.
Overcoming Obstacles
Nicks’ journey to the BST Hyde Park stage hasn’t been without its challenges. She recently had to postpone several shows due to a leg injury requiring surgery. However, the resilient singer is determined to return to the stage and deliver a performance that honors her late friends and celebrates the enduring power of music.
The upcoming BST Hyde Park concert promises to be a poignant and unforgettable event, a testament to the power of music to heal, to honor, and to connect us even in the face of loss.
