Fleeting love: The tale behind Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks break up anthem ‘Silver Springs’
08 Dec 2023
Words by Megan Earl
Heartbreak. One of the most emotionally painful experiences a human being can endure. There’s no ritual on earth that speeds up the recovery process and you’ll hear an echo of cliché phrases until you wake up one day no longer thinking of…what was their name again? And in the realm of music, which usually speaks louder to the ears of a broken heart. Few breakup anthems have managed to capture the raw essence of heartache and longing quite like the haunting melody of late 1970s hit, “Silver springs”.
Heartbreak. One of the most emotionally painful experiences a human being can endure. There’s no ritual on earth that speeds up the recovery process and you’ll hear an echo of cliché phrases until you wake up one day no longer thinking of…what was their name again? And in the realm of music, which usually speaks louder to the ears of a broken heart. Few breakup anthems have managed to capture the raw essence of heartache and longing quite like the haunting melody of late 1970s hit, “Silver springs”.
A direct result of the split between Fleetwood Mac’s front woman, Stevie Nicks, and lead guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham, which holds a special place in the band's history. The song sets the stage for the complex dynamics of love and loss, unveiling the bittersweet tale of what could have been. The title itself was inspired by Silver Spring, in Maryland, as the band passed through on tour. “It sounded like a pretty fabulous place to me” said Nicks in the Classic Albums documentary about Rumours. “It’s a whole symbolic thing of what [Lindsey] could have been to me.”
The feeling of ‘what if’ is in the spirit of “Silver springs” and is why time may have cast its spell on the song, but listeners worldwide and through the decades have found comfort in the powerhouse lyrics that have had us all belting in our kitchens “But you won’t forget me”…well, our ex partners may have, but the song has certainly stood the test of time and offered us an insight to the universal experience of heartbreak.
Back to the bandmates. The pair met when they were just 16, forming musical partnership “Buckingham Nicks”, which led to the release of their album in 1973. The music may not have struck a chord with the public, but it did put them on the map to secure critical acclaim. Cut to a couple years later and an unexpected invitation and opportunity of a lifetime landed in Buckingham’s lap; a request to join Fleetwood Mac, with the condition he brought Stevie along for the ride with him. Despite the undoing of their romantic relationship, Buckingham enforced that the two came as a packaged deal.
"And so, Lindsey, you and I have to sew this relationship back up. We have too much to lose here. We need to put our problems behind us. Maybe we're not going to have any more problems, because we're finally going to have some money. And I won’t have to be a f--king waitress." - Stevie Nicks, 2017
Although the pair found a resolution and rekindled their romance, that’s not to say their newfound success didn’t come without any complications, as Nicks opened up during her 2013 interview on Oprah’s Master class:
"We never, ever, with everything that happened to us, ever, let love affairs break Fleetwood Mac up," Stevie added. "But Lindsey always blamed Fleetwood Mac for the loss of me. Had we not joined Fleetwood Mac, we would've continued on with
our music, but we probably would've gotten married, and we probably would've had a child. It would have been a different life."
But the rhythm of their lives didn’t lead to the pace of suburbia and eventually drove a wedge between the pair. While writing the “Rumours” album the band blew up. After eight years of marriage the McVie’s divorced and in 1986, Stevie and Lindsey’ love story reached its end. Lyrics of lost love poured out of both Nicks and Buckingham, inspiring some of the bands greatest hits, “Go your own way”, “Dreams” and the most significant record on their split, “Silver springs'. The song lyrics read like an unsent letter, and instead of staying firmly in the notes app, it became a chart-topper that expressed the regret, nostalgia and unfulfilled love that often accompanies the end of a romantic relationship.
Although not included in the original release of the album, due to its length, “Silver springs” became a cornerstone of the band’s legacy, which ultimately was included in their later releases. The line of questioning in the track alludes to the insecurity that occurs during a breakup, and the influx of intrusive thoughts that beg us to gain some semblance of clarity and connection. Juggling the stages of grief for the fairy-tale ending that never became a reality.
“I never thought that ‘Silver Springs’ would ever be performed on stage,” she reflected, during a 1997 MTV interview. “My beautiful song just disappeared [20 years ago]. For it to come back around like this has really been special to me.”
By 1997, their romance was ancient history, but the ferocity of Nicks’ performance captured media attention. During the bridge she turned to face her former lover, locking eyes to drive the lyrics home, signifying how she never achieved closure from Buckingham. This moment of raw emotion sparked inspiration for Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel "Daisy Jones & The Six". A prime example of the impact that Nicks had on contemporary storytelling. Set in the 1970s, the novel captures the rise and fall of a fictional rock band while drawing inspiration from the real-life dynamics of Fleetwood Mac. The character of Daisy Jones in the novel reflects the magnetic allure and creative spirit associated with Stevie Nicks. Daisy's connection to music, her unconventional style, and her embodiment of the free-spirited ethos of the era echo Nicks' influence on fashion and music. Just as "Silver Springs" encapsulates heartache and longing, Daisy Jones' journey through fame, and personal struggles mirrors the complexities of Nicks’ own experiences, especially with fleeting romance.
“People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime” , which is the opening line to Brian A. “Drew” Chalker’ poem, encouraging us to be open to, to recognise and to appreciate the different types of relationships that we’ll encounter throughout our lives. To feel the extent of love we have to be willing to endure the potential pain of losing it. Nicks’ music speaks to listeners, as many of us have entertained the fantasy of what could have been. But the reality is that every relationship in our lives serves a purpose and some have a shorter expiration date than others. Romantic relationships act as a mirror to our insecurities, inner pain and have the potential to unlock personal growth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t go our own way when the time is right.
Featured Products
Moonage Daydream Orange Velvet Blazer
Embrace the golden era of fashion with the Moonage Daydream Orange Velvet Blazer. Crafted from suede-like cotton velvet, it envelopes you in a luxurious feel enhanced by its soft viscose lining.The true magic lies in its exquisite 70s-inspired silhouette and tailoring. Complemented by round...
- £47.50 GBP
£95.00 GBP- £47.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Let's Dance Heartbeat Disco Shirt
Step into a time machine with the Let's Dance Heartbeat Disco Shirt, a harmonious blend of retro charm and everyday style. This shirt, echoing the unmistakable vibe of the 70s, is your ticket to a vintage daydream.Designed with an intention to mirror the comfortable...
- £32.50 GBP
£65.00 GBP- £32.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Moonage Daydream Orange Velvet Trousers
Dive into the rich allure of the Moonage Daydream Orange Velvet Trousers in their vibrant orange hue. Made from 100% cotton velvet, these trousers present a lush, suede-textured finish, embodying the spirited essence of the 70s.Designed with a flattering high waist and classic wide...
- £39.50 GBP
£79.00 GBP- £39.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Lady Stardust Cream Shaggy Jacket
Unveil your inner rockstar with the Lady Stardust Cream Shaggy Jacket. Crafted from the softest curly faux fur, adding that rich texture to any look, this piece is the essence of the glam rock era. Its gentle cotton lining promises warmth, without compromising breathability,...
- £47.50 GBP
£95.00 GBP- £47.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Angelina Green Corduroy Embroidered Long Coat
Vintage vibes are reborn in the form of our Angelina Green Corduroy Embroidered Long Coat. With decadent embroidered floral details on a luxurious retro green corduroy base, this coat will turn heads wherever you go. Luxuriously soft faux fur trim and collar infuse an...
- £87.50 GBP
£175.00 GBP- £87.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Midnight to Daylight Patchwork Platform Boot
Step into a retro dream with our Midnight to Daylight Patchwork Platform Boot! Adorned with eye-catching patchwork of layered faux leather, these striking boots encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the 70s, ensuring every step is a statement.Versatile and vibrant, they sync perfectly with our...
- £79.50 GBP
£159.00 GBP- £79.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Dream On Cream Floral High Neck Mini Dress
Step into a world of timeless romance with the Dream On Cream Floral High Neck Mini Dress. Lovingly crafted from authentic viscose crepe, this piece showcases a delicate dance of our soft and feminine cream floral print, transporting you to a different time with...
- £39.50 GBP
£79.00 GBP- £39.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Fame Green Pussybow Shirt
Evoke your charisma with the Fame Green Pussybow Shirt. With every detail thoughtfully crafted, this shirt is a nod to an era when individuality reigned supreme and fashion was an expression of one's soul. The semi-sheer fabric, infused with a hint of shimmer, elevates...
- £29.50 GBP
£59.00 GBP- £29.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
On Tour '74 Varsity Jacket
Steeped in nostalgia, our On Tour '74 Varsity Jacket is the embodiment of vintage charm. Crafted from a cosy wool blend complemented with a soft cotton lining, it's both a statement in style and a haven of warmth.Drawing inspiration from an archival varsity jacket, its...
- £60.00 GBP
£120.00 GBP- £60.00 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Little Jeanie Chevron Wide Leg Jeans
Bathed in a nostalgic mid-blue hue, our Little Jeanie Chevron Wide Leg Jeans seamlessly merge 70s inspiration with modern-day comfort. Crafted from stretch cotton denim, they wrap around your curves, providing a snug fit while offering year-round versatility.Every part of these jeans speaks attention...
- £47.50 GBP
£95.00 GBP- £47.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Venus Loon Velvet Rainbow Trapeze Coat
Unleash a kaleidoscope of style with our Venus Loon Velvet Rainbow Trapeze Coat. Crafted from suede-like cotton velvet, it feels as luxurious as it looks finished inside with a smooth Viscose lining.. The coat stands out with its panelled rainbow-hued cotton velvet. Delicate piping...
- £62.50 GBP
£125.00 GBP- £62.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Dream On Galactic High Neck Mini Dress
Dive into an interstellar odyssey with the Dream On Galactic High Neck Mini Dress. Crafted from an authentic viscose crepe, this piece showcases a dazzling dance between the vintage and the cosmic, with its captivating Peter Max-inspired Galactic print. A celestial ode to the...
- £39.50 GBP
£79.00 GBP- £39.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Marionette Brown Floral Applique Belted Coat
Get winter ready in our Marionette Brown Floral Applique Belted Coat. This masterpiece boasts a luxurious deep chocolate brown faux suede base, brought to life with the softest cream faux fur collar and cuffs. Our coat, with its breathable cotton lining and subtle padding,...
- £62.50 GBP
£125.00 GBP- £62.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Hot Love Heartbeat Knit Mini Dress
Artfully crafted from a custom Jacquard our Hot Love Heartbeat Knit Mini Dress proudly showcases our retro heartbeat print – a design we believe harmonises effortlessly with the unmistakable 70s essence. Its soft, comfortable fabric ensures you stay wrapped up in style throughout the...
- £34.50 GBP
£69.00 GBP- £34.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Cosmic Voyage Galactic Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Step into a realm of interstellar elegance with the Cosmic Voyage Galactic Wide Leg Jumpsuit. Crafted from a slinky viscose, this ensemble promises a graceful drape that caresses the skin, all while illuminating the mesmerising galactic print, whose vibrant hues shimmer under the spotlight.This...
- £54.50 GBP
£109.00 GBP- £54.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
End of the Line Stripe Knit Mini Dress
Channel the undying spirit of ’74 with the End of the Line Stripe Knit Mini Dress. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bowie & Elton, its bold chevron stripe design stands out, capturing the essence of a time when music and fashion walked hand...
- £42.50 GBP
£85.00 GBP- £42.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
You Really Got Me Green Check Coat
Looking for that vintage charm this winter, then look no further than our You Really Got Me Green Check Coat. Our debut custom check, a masterful creation by our print designer Erin Cadigan, which serves as a canvas for this striking coat. Finished with...
- £62.50 GBP
£125.00 GBP- £62.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Jitterbug Love Green Check Belted Mini Dress
Channel your retro side this season in our Jitterbug Love Green Check Belted Mini Dress. Crafted with our custom green check print weaved from cotton, this mini dress balances style and comfort with the comfort of cotton lining, ensuring you're ready for any event...
- £34.50 GBP
£69.00 GBP- £34.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Bang Bang Black Velour Pussybow Body
Dive into the depths of 70s elegance with the Bang Bang Black Velour Pussybow Body. Crafted from sumptuously soft and stretchy velour, this piece also boasts ethereal sheer sleeves that add a touch of whimsy to its bold silhouette.It features a seductively fitted body...
- £39.50 GBP
£79.00 GBP- £39.50 GBP
- Unit price
- per
Born To Boogie Sequin Flares
With the elegance of woven tapestry and the dazzling brilliance of sequins, the Born To Boogie Sequin Flares are nothing short of a masterpiece. Each sequin is meticulously sewn and overlaid with intricate stitching, casting shimmering reflections and ensuring longevity. Each high-waisted flare is...
- £60.00 GBP
£120.00 GBP- £60.00 GBP
- Unit price
- per