# Stevie Nicks on SNL **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** talk-variety-show\ **Created:** [October 13, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733 "2024-10-13T21:48:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/1 "2024-10-13T21:48:19Z")
I’ll be honest, I know she’s a legend but I was wondering what she was doing on SNL. Then I heard her sing The Lighthouse and she blew me away. I checked out the actual recorded version but I prefer the SNL version. Incredibly topical song with an incredibly powerful performance. Feel free to disagree but I think it could be an anthem for women and someone of her age is just the perfect person to be singing it to this generation. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/m1PpthYqJks/maxresdefault.jpg "Stevie Nicks: The Lighthouse (Live) - SNL") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1PpthYqJks) ---
**Author:** ![Deanna\_D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e495f1/32.png) [@Deanna\_D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deanna_D)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2024, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/2 "2024-10-13T21:56:20Z")
Thanks for posting this! I actually hadn’t seen her performance, so I’m glad I was able to follow your link and check it out. Stevie definitely has an anthem there, so it’s great that SNL was able to put her front and center for new fans to discover. Not to mention–how does she still look that amazing? ---
**Author:** ![SwissMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@SwissMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwissMan)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/3 "2024-10-13T22:10:50Z")
> [@Deanna\_D](#): > > Not to mention–how does she still look that amazing? It’s witchcraft, naturally. Love how the audience erupted on the second performance when they heard the opening chords of “Edge of Seventeen.” ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2024, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/4 "2024-10-13T22:33:53Z")
> [@psychobunny](#): > > was wondering what she was doing on SNL. Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac almost 50 years ago (January 1975). So bringing her on for the 50th year of SNL was a natural fit. I still remember both her and the show starting out, it was a great time to be growing up. Oh, and its great that she can still get up there and perform like she did. She did not embrassess herself, and I still have a crush on her. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2024, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/5 "2024-10-13T23:33:47Z")
We saw her live a couple of weeks ago. She still puts on a great show. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/6 "2024-10-14T00:14:27Z")
That’s Waddy Wachtel on lead guitar, who’s a year older than Nicks and still crushing it. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/7 "2024-10-14T01:18:40Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > That’s Waddy Wachtel on lead guitar Do you think Waddy is bored of playing those 1/16 notes for the last almost 45 years? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/8 "2024-10-14T01:50:13Z")
My wife and I both applauded after her set. The singers have also been with her a long time. It was amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/9 "2024-10-14T02:29:36Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Oh, and its great that she can still get up there and perform like she did. She did not embrassess herself, and I still have a crush on her. I wonder why you seem to be surprised that “She did not embrassess(sp) herself…” As far as I can tell, she’s been performing pretty much non-stop since 1966. Yes she’s had less hectic years, but she’s never stopped writing or performing. I’m curious about the surprise that she was on SNL or that she performed well as she always has. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/10 "2024-10-14T02:38:17Z")
I was a little worried when there was a long delay before her second song. I wondered if she was okay. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/11 "2024-10-14T02:58:17Z")
She was legendary, and not in a good way, for showing up to shows in the early 1980s extremely wasted. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/12 "2024-10-14T03:03:41Z")
The same could be said about countless rock stars performers what have you. And it’s been a lllonng time since the 80’s. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/13 "2024-10-14T03:05:00Z")
I have mixed feelings. I have nostalgic fondness for her but haven’t really enjoyed her for some time. Regardless, I’m glad she’s still doing what she loves and still has a huge fan base. Seems like she was supposed to join in on Ariana Grande’s opening song and when she didn’t, my mind went to cynical places. I would have gotten a kick out of her being in a sketch but that’s out of her control. As to her first song, it sure isn’t subtle. Though I agree with the message, I don’t care for it as a whole. Just seemed like a string of things one would yell at a political rally, but with instruments in the background. I couldn’t really detect a melody or rhythm. She looks lovely for her age. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/14 "2024-10-14T03:05:15Z")
True, but her “performances” were legendary, and not in a good way. Even in that pre-Internet era, word got around fast. I never attended any of those shows, but I did know some people who did. It wasn’t even amusing. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/15 "2024-10-14T03:19:39Z")
However, again the 80’s were a long time ago. She has long addressed her substance abuse issues, like most 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, rockers who are still alive. I’ve seen televised stuff from the 90’s. She was great and didn’t embarrass herself. Those problems were 30 years ago. I wonder what Ozzy, Mick, and all the hair bands were doing then? I’ve never heard anyone’s praise of them be, “They didn’t embarrass themselves like they did in 1984.” ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/16 "2024-10-14T03:20:25Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > Seems like she was supposed to join in on Ariana Grande’s opening song That line was a joke, son. I had never been a Fleetwood Mac fan. Lighthouse blew me away. @Thudlow_Boink it was the usual spacing? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/17 "2024-10-14T03:30:22Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I was a little worried when there was a long delay before her second song. I wondered if she was okay. Word is that it was a sound board issue. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/18 "2024-10-14T03:32:57Z")
I stand corrected; I missed the " worth a shot" line. Thanks for catching me. Would have been fun, though. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/19 "2024-10-14T04:26:56Z")
I went to one at the Capital Center in Maryland. The show started late, the band started playing, but she didn’t come out. The band vamped for what seemed like a long time, she eventually came out, but was reluctant to sing. I think her father came out to support and encourage her, other odd stuff. I don’t remember much else of the show, except being disappointed and feeling sorry that she seemed in such bad shape. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2024, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733/20 "2024-10-14T05:08:29Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > That’s Waddy Wachtel on lead guitar, who’s a year older than Nicks and still crushing it. He’s also the music director who puts together the arrangements. > [@DSeid](#): > > My wife and I both applauded after her set. The singers have also been with her a long time. It was amazing. I believe one of the singers is her sister-in-law. > [@Sylvanz](#): > > > [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > > > Oh, and its great that she can still get up there and perform like she did. She did not embrassess herself, and I still have a crush on her. > > I wonder why you seem to be surprised that “She did not embrassess(sp) herself…” As far as I can tell, she’s been performing pretty much non-stop since 1966. Yes she’s had less hectic years, but she’s never stopped writing or performing. I saw her a couple of weeks ago. It was the last show in a tour and that went on for over a year. The show I saw was a makeup show. She had to postpone a few shows over the summer due to voice issues. It’s obvious she has modified some of the songs to be less difficult on her voice. Surprisingly she got stronger as the night went on. All in all her voice was very strong. > [@commasense](#): > > I went to one at the Capital Center in Maryland. The show started late, the band started playing, but she didn’t come out. The band vamped for what seemed like a long time, she eventually came out, but was reluctant to sing. I think her father came out to support and encourage her, other odd stuff. I don’t remember much else of the show, except being disappointed and feeling sorry that she seemed in such bad shape. You think she should continue to pay for something that happened 40 years ago? As far as I know she’s been clean for decades. The worst issue at her concerts now is that she tends to be a bit longwinded during her introductions to her songs. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevie-nicks-on-snl/1008733.md?page=2)