Stevie Nicks Honored with Statue in Her Hometown of Phoenix, Arizona
Arts & Culture Correspondent
The winds of musical history swept through the warm desert air in Phoenix, Arizona, as the city paid tribute to one of its most iconic daughters—Stevie Nicks. In a grand public ceremony attended by thousands of fans, civic leaders, musicians, and members of the Nicks family, a bronze statue of the legendary singer-songwriter was unveiled at Margaret T. Hance Park, not far from where Nicks spent her formative years.
The statue, created by renowned sculptor Linda Serrato, immortalizes Nicks in her quintessential stage presence: shawl flowing, one arm outstretched, microphone in hand, and eyes cast upward as if in mid-performance. A tribute not just to her artistry, but to her enduring spirit and impact on generations of music lovers.
The base of the statue is inscribed with a lyric from her solo hit “Edge of Seventeen”:
“Just like the white-winged dove sings a song, sounds like she’s singing—ooh, baby, ooh.”
A Hometown Celebration
Born Stephanie Lynn Nicks in Phoenix on May 26, 1948, Stevie Nicks spent much of her early childhood in Arizona before moving with her family due to her father’s business career. Though she eventually landed in California and rose to global fame, her Arizona roots remained deeply embedded in her identity.
Mayor Kate Gallego, who led the dedication ceremony, called Nicks “a symbol of artistic excellence, independence, and fierce feminine power,” noting that Phoenix was proud to call her one of its own.
“She gave the world her voice, her poetry, and her soul,” Gallego said. “And today, Phoenix gives something back—a place where generations can come to remember, to be inspired, and to celebrate a true legend.”
The event was accompanied by live performances from local musicians and a high school choir rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which drew tears from many in the crowd. Fans traveled from across the country, some dressed in flowing lace and platform boots, channeling Nicks’s timeless bohemian style.
A Rock & Roll Trailblazer
Stevie Nicks rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of Fleetwood Mac, joining the band with then-partner Lindsey Buckingham in 1975. Their debut album with the group, Fleetwood Mac, and the follow-up, Rumours, catapulted Nicks into rock superstardom. Her unique voice, ethereal stage presence, and mystical lyricism made her stand out in an era dominated by male frontmen.
Hits like “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” and “Gypsy” became anthems for a generation, while her solo career, launched in 1981 with Bella Donna, added new layers to her legacy with hits like “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “Rooms on Fire.”
Nicks has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998, and again as a solo artist in 2019, making her the first woman to receive that honor twice.
“She opened the door for women in rock and refused to let it close behind her,” said Sheryl Crow, one of several musicians who sent video messages to be played during the ceremony. “She’s fearless, poetic, and a legend in every sense of the word.”
A Symbol of Resilience and Empowerment
Beyond the music, Nicks is also celebrated for her resilience, vulnerability, and commitment to authenticity. She has openly discussed her battles with addiction, the challenges of fame, and the costs of maintaining independence in a male-dominated industry. Her willingness to be raw and real has inspired countless fans—and artists—to embrace their complexity.
“She taught me that it’s okay to be strong and soft at the same time,” said one fan, 24-year-old musician Aria Lopez. “She made it okay to feel deeply, to love wildly, and to still stand tall.”
Local organizers shared that the statue was not just about honoring Nicks’s past, but about inspiring future artists. Adjacent to the statue, the city also launched the Stevie Nicks Youth Music Initiative, a new grant program to support aspiring young musicians in the Phoenix area.
Stevie’s Emotional Response
While Nicks was unable to attend the unveiling in person due to tour obligations, she sent a heartfelt video message that was played on a large screen beside the statue.
“I am overwhelmed and deeply touched,” she said. “This place gave me the spark that would light the fire of my dreams. To be honored in my hometown—by the people who saw me before the world did—is the greatest gift.”
Nicks ended her message by quoting one of her most famous lyrics:
“I’ve been afraid of changing because I built my life around you… but now I’m older, and the statue stands as a reminder that time makes you bolder.”
A Lasting Legacy in Bronze and Spirit
As the sun set behind the Arizona horizon, casting a golden glow on the statue’s bronze silhouette, fans gathered for photos, tributes, and moments of quiet reflection. For many, this was more than a monument—it was a touchstone, a tangible reminder of the power of music, dreams, and staying true to oneself.
The statue of Stevie Nicks now stands not just as a celebration of what she’s accomplished, but of what she represents: a woman who followed her voice and made the world listen. In Phoenix, that voice will now echo forever.
