The 1960s was a revolutionary decade for music, culture, and youth expression.

Few voices capture the essence of that era better than Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood, two iconic figures whose careers were deeply shaped by the vibrant music scenes of the 60s and 70s.

In a candid conversation, they reflect on their early experiences, the unique energy of those times, and how the music industry has transformed over the decades.

Stevie Nicks recalls her formative years as a young musician living near Stanford University, frequently traveling to San Francisco’s legendary venues like Winterland, the Family Dog, and the Fillmore.

These clubs were the epicenters of the burgeoning rock scene, where bands like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Chicago performed regularly.

For Stevie and her bandmate Lindsay Buckingham, playing at these venues was both a thrilling and surreal experience.

“We played every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for about three and a half years,” Stevie remembers.

“We opened for probably every huge band you can imagine.

” The opportunity to stand on the side of the stage and watch legends perform was a formative influence, preparing her for a lifelong career in music.

Stevie admits she never wanted to be trendy or part of fleeting fads.

Instead, she aspired to be a rock-and-roll star in the traditional sense.

Her song *Gypsy* captures this sentiment with lyrics that evoke nostalgia for that special time: “So I’m back to the velvet underground, back to the floor,” referencing the simplicity and magic of those early days.

For her, that era was unique and irreplaceable — a time when music was raw, passionate, and deeply personal.

Mick Fleetwood, reflecting on his own experiences in London during the 60s, describes a scene filled with “an incredible amount of untapped energy.

” As a drummer and musician, he found himself amidst the British Invasion, witnessing firsthand the rise of bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Yardbirds.

Mick was also connected personally to the scene, being George Harrison’s brother-in-law during The Beatles’ peak.

He describes the period as “very fresh,” filled with innocence about the music business despite its commercial realities.

Unlike today’s highly structured industry, the 60s represented a “green” environment where creativity flourished with fewer pitfalls.

He recalls attending shows and being part of a community where music and fashion were rapidly evolving.

Yet, Mick also notes that this innocence made the era precious — a time before the business side of music began to overshadow the art.

Both Stevie and Mick acknowledge that the music industry today is vastly different from what it was in their early days.

Stevie expresses a wistful longing for the past, noting that she sometimes “lives in the past a little too much.

” She feels that the magic of the 60s and 70s, especially in venues like the Fillmore, is irreplaceable.

“There are few and far between in these days that really appreciate how to do it in the proper way,” Stevie says.

She likens musicianship to being a “well-trained animal,” emphasizing the discipline and depth required to truly excel.

Unfortunately, she observes, many modern artists lack this depth and tend to be transient, chasing trends rather than creating lasting art.

Mick echoes this sentiment, describing the current industry as “another animal” focused more on projecting oneself as a musician rather than the music itself.

He stresses the importance of remembering the roots and the business aspects that can spoil the artistic process if not carefully managed.

One encouraging note in their conversation is the resurgence of grassroots music scenes in places like Australia, where small clubs and pubs still nurture emerging bands.

Stevie highlights how many successful Australian bands today have benefited from a personalized, community-oriented approach to music-making, similar to what she experienced decades ago.

“This element is inherited through that circumstance,” she explains, referring to the continuity of authentic musical passion passed down through generations.

Mick agrees that such environments are vital for preserving the spirit of live music and genuine artistic growth.

For both artists, the 60s music scene was more than just a career starting point — it was a defining cultural moment that shaped their identities and values.

Stevie’s nostalgic reflections reveal how much those early experiences meant to her: “I can’t walk through the doors of the Fillmore and not feel like I’m walking into an incredible place.

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Mick’s insights remind us that behind the glamour and fame was a time of innocence and raw creativity, which laid the foundation for modern rock and pop music.

Their shared memories underscore the importance of preserving the history and lessons of that era for future musicians and fans.

Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the golden age of rock music and the enduring impact of the 60s music scene.

Their stories highlight the blend of talent, opportunity, and cultural forces that created an unforgettable era of music history.

While acknowledging the changes and challenges of today’s music industry, they both emphasize the timeless value of passion, authenticity, and respect for the craft.

For Stevie and Mick, the magic of those early days remains a guiding light — a reminder of why they chose a life in music and what continues to inspire them decades later.

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