Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel embarked on their Two Icons, One Night co-headlining tour on Friday outside Los Angeles where the former Fleetwood Mac singer paid tribute to her late bandmate Christine McVie. The show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood marked Nicks’ first performance since McVie died last November at the age of 79.
The tribute arrived as the last of Nicks’ 16-song performance. As she performed the tearful acoustic ballad from Fleetwood Mac’s seminal 1975 self-titled album, a montage of photos from throughout McVie’s life flashed onscreen. From Stevie and Christine’s tenure together on the rocketing—and combustible—vessel that was Fleetwood Mac, through the various breakups and solo ventures, McVie remained affirmed in her role as the peacemaker among the group. Fighting back tears, Nicks told the crowd at the end of the song, “There’s really not much to say. We just will pretend that she’s just still here. That’s how I’m trying to deal with it. Thank you for listening.”
Related: Watch Christine McVie Perform “Stop Messin’ Round” From Her Last Concert [Video]
Earlier in her set, Nicks also paid tribute to Tom Petty with a performance of “Free Fallin'” and their collaboration, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”. For the latter, Billy Joel emerged from the wings to sing Petty’s second lead. During The Piano Man’s 21-song set, Nicks returned the favor by joining in on “And So It Goes”.
Check out videos from Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel’s tour opener, including the Christine McVie “Landslide Tribute”, last night in California. The tour picks back up in Arlington, TX on April 8th. Prior to that, Nicks will launch her solo headlining tour on March 15th in Seattle. Tickets and a full list of dates are available on her website.
Stevie Nicks – “Landslide” – 3/10/23
The amazing Stevie nicks tribute to the amazing tom petty. ❤️ ♥️ 💜 pic.twitter.com/QgW6OhuXQp
— Jeff Nahmias MD MHPE FACS FCCM (@jnahmias1) March 11, 2023
Stevie Nicks – “Free Fallin'” (Tom Petty) – 3/10/23
[Video: Jakey Braunagel]
Stevie Nicks w/ Billy Joel – “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” – 3/10/23
[Video: Jakey Braunagel]
Billy Joel w/ Stevie Nicks – “And So It Goes” – 3/10/23
[Video: Concert Fanatic]