Buckingham Nicks Reissued After 52 Years
In 1973, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks entered Sound City Studios, unknowingly setting the stage for their debut album together, which would eventually become a cult classic in rock music. The album, titled “Buckingham Nicks,” was released quietly that same year to poor sales and quickly faded into obscurity. However, this humble beginning served as the catalyst for Fleetwood Mac’s remarkable resurgence in the mid-1970s.
After more than five decades of speculation, bootlegs, and unfulfilled expectations, the long-lost album is finally getting the reissue treatment it deserves. “Buckingham Nicks” has been remastered from the original tapes and is set to be released on September 19, 2025, by Rhino Records across various formats, including vinyl, CD, and streaming services. Additionally, a new music video for the album’s epic closing track, “Frozen Love,” has also been unveiled, offering dedicated fans a chance to revisit the historic moment when it all started.
The story of Buckingham Nicks traces back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Buckingham and Nicks honed their craft performing with the Fritz Rabyne Memorial Band. Despite sharing the stage with the likes of Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin, it was evident that their chemistry as a duo was unmatched. By 1972, they had made their way to Los Angeles, where they worked odd jobs during the day and recorded demos late into the night, showcasing their musical prowess.
Under the guidance of producer Keith Olsen, who later played a pivotal role in Fleetwood Mac’s success, Buckingham and Nicks secured a record deal with Polydor Records. Teaming up with talented session musicians such as Jim Keltner and Waddy Wachtel, the duo poured their hearts into crafting their debut album at Sound City. The record highlighted Buckingham’s intricate guitar work and Nicks’ enchanting vocals, setting the stage for their future endeavors.
Despite the album’s quality, it received minimal promotion from Polydor, quickly fading from the shelves and leaving Nicks unable to even locate a copy in local record stores. The controversial nude cover photo of the duo added another layer of tension, with Nicks reluctantly agreeing to the shoot under protest. Surprisingly, while the album failed to make waves in major music markets like Los Angeles and New York, it found unexpected success in Birmingham, Alabama, thanks to late-night FM DJs championing tracks like “Crying in the Night” and “Frozen Love.” Despite the regional recognition, Polydor ultimately dropped the duo.
However, the release of Buckingham Nicks marked not just the end of one chapter but also the beginning of another. Mick Fleetwood, while scouting Sound City for a studio, stumbled upon the mesmerizing sounds of “Frozen Love” and was immediately impressed. This chance encounter led to Buckingham and Nicks joining Fleetwood Mac on New Year’s Eve in 1974. Within two years, Fleetwood Mac had reinvented themselves with their critically acclaimed self-titled 1975 album, and their subsequent hit record, Rumours, solidified their status as one of the world’s biggest bands.
The album’s enduring legacy persisted through bootleg copies and occasional song resurfacing, keeping fan demand for a reissue alive amid financial struggles and internal conflicts. Buckingham and Nicks’ journey with Fleetwood Mac had its share of ups and downs, with both artists departing and reuniting over the years. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship, the magnetic pull between Buckingham, Nicks, and Fleetwood Mac remains one of the most captivating sagas in rock history.
The 2025 reissue of Buckingham Nicks is a significant milestone, bringing the story full circle from two struggling musicians striving to make it in Los Angeles to the recognition and appreciation they rightfully deserve half a century later. Through this reissue, the spotlight finally shines on the timeless songs that laid the foundation for one of rock music’s greatest success stories.