Stevie Nicks Sings Fleetwood Mac’s Angel Live After 42 Years

Stevie Nicks pleasantly surprised her audience by reintroducing a forgotten Fleetwood Mac classic at her recent concert in Portland, Oregon. The song, Angel, hails from Fleetwood Mac’s expansive 1979 double album Tusk and had not been performed live in over 40 years, making this rendition a historic moment for fans.

This concert marked Nicks’ return to the stage following a shoulder injury that forced her to postpone her tour. While her setlist typically features hits from Fleetwood Mac and her solo career, the inclusion of Angel was unexpected yet welcomed by the audience. Originally written by Nicks, Angel was inspired by Mick Fleetwood’s unique drum style and was described by Nicks as her initial foray into a “silly rock and roll song.” Despite its light-hearted origins, the song is rich with mythological imagery and mystical themes that have become synonymous with Nicks’ songwriting.

Although Angel was released as a single in the Netherlands in 1980, it faded from Fleetwood Mac’s live performances shortly after. Fans were able to catch glimpses of the song through archival recordings in recent years, but a live rendition by Nicks herself had been long overdue since the Tusk era came to a close.

The song’s genesis dates back to the recording sessions for Tusk in April 1979, where it was shaped by Lindsey Buckingham’s guitars, Christine McVie’s keyboards, John McVie’s bass, and Mick Fleetwood’s drums. Despite Nicks’ description of it as playful, music critics recognized its depth. Rolling Stone’s Stephen Holden called it a “risky flirtation with hard rock,” while biographer Stephen Davis praised Nicks’ powerful and emotive vocal performance in the track.

The lyrics of Angel blend personal reflections with mythological elements, drawing inspiration from sources such as Ovid’s Metamorphosis, Welsh folklore, and references to the underworld. Lines like “So I close my eyes softly / Till I become the part of the wind” solidified Nicks’ reputation as a poetic and mystical force in the world of rock music.

The revival of Angel serves as a tribute to one of Nicks’ most experimental periods, the Tusk era, which followed the immense success of Rumours. While Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits continue to dominate airwaves, Angel remains a cherished deep cut for fans who appreciate the band’s less mainstream offerings.