The atmosphere felt irreplaceable as the grounds of London’s Hyde Park started to fill up with what appeared to be a multi-generational influx of Stevie Nicks‘ followers. Flares, maxi skirts, denim, hats with peacock feathers, and long, flowy dresses—everyone glammed up from head to toe for the occasion.
On Friday, July 12th, Hyde Park transformed into a real-life snapshot of a rock show from the 1970s. Within the first steps into the gates of BST, there was an overwhelming sense of belonging. When music was playing, you would not feel alone. The day’s all-female line-up supporting Stevie Nicks was curated to perfection.
Running to the Great Oak Stage to catch Paris Paloma‘s performance, a rising UK singer/songwriter, was the first stop of the day. Her 8-track setlist could only be described as an ethereal odyssey of musical display of womanhood and the female experience. Barefoot in an over-the-top purple gown with huge puff sleeves, Paloma shone brighter than ever with the devoted audience at her feet.
As she closed her set with her mega-hit ‘labour,’ Paris Paloma’s concert reached a formative effect. People’s reaction to ‘labour’ was chilling, screaming with unspoken togetherness and hypnotising rally similar to Stevie Nicks’ wizardry.
Next up was Talia Rae, East London singer/songwriter, who blew everyone’s minds with her powerful vocals and storytelling. With only two singles under her belt, Rae blessed the Birdcare Stage with a bearing heart and one-to-watch talent to an extent when people asked aloud in admiration, ‘who is this.’
Throughout the festival, each artist shared their unique story on how Stevie Nicks influenced or even inspired their passion for music and performing. The mother, the rockstar of our generation, the mystical talent of music genius, the anticipation was crippling.
Surrounded by other eager Stevie Nicks admirers, she begins with ‘Outside The Rain.’ Performing at Hyde Park was extra sentimental as this was where Nicks shared the stage with Tom Petty, only a few months before his passing in 2017, whom she honored with her cover of ‘Free Fallin.’ The entire show was a combination of the greatest hits, Nicks’ detailed backstories, banter, and an absolute joy for music.
Stevie Nicks joined the group Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and changed the trajectory of the global music scene. With her distinctive vocals and luring songwriting, Fleetwood Mac saw massive success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the album, ‘Rumours,’ a record that sold over 40 million copies worldwide and making it the 5th best-selling album of the 1970s and the 9th best-selling album of all time.
Hearing hits like ‘Dreams’ and ‘Gypsy’ became instant core memories for everyone involved. Stevie Nicks was immensely charming and entertaining. For ‘Gold Dust Woman,‘ alongside her accompanying band, Stevie Nicks turned the track into a 10-minute-long rager, with angst, masmerising stage presence, and visuals fuelling the original greatness.
Another musical highlight was the famous 16th-note guitar riff of ‘Edge Of Seventeen,‘ which felt like a musical climax. Before the encore began, people speculated what tracks and other tricks she might have up her sleeve. But what happened, nobody could predict, but we all dreamt of.
After performing Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rhiannon,’ Stevie Nicks moved on to her duet with Tom Petty, ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,’ and to our surprise, she brought out Harry Styles. In utter shock, people became emotional, hysterical, and ecstatic with their reunion.
Their pairing crystallised into one of the most symbiotic collaborations. Exchanging loving, and admiring looks, Stevie Nicks and Harry Styles made history and everyone’s dreams come true. What really opened the tear floodgates was their rendition of ‘Landslide,’ dedicated to Christine McVie, the keyboardist and vocalist of Fleetwood Mac and Nicks’ best friend, on what would have been her 81st birthday.
As they stood, arms around each other, Stevie expressed her gratitude for her fans’ help through her grief. She shared what her mom told her whenever she was sad: “‘Stevie, when you’re hurt, you always run to the stage.’ That’s what I’ve done.”
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Words: Karolina Kramplova