At first glance, the notion of Harry Styles covering Fleetwood Mac’s iconic “The Chain” might have seemed bold, if not a bit audacious, to die-hard fans of the band. However, their skepticism likely softened when they learned that Stevie Nicks, the legendary Fleetwood Mac vocalist, regards Styles as the son she never had.
Harry Styles’ venture into Fleetwood Mac territory took place during a memorable session at BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in September 2017. This wasn’t the first time Styles and Nicks had collaborated, either. In May of the same year, during a concert at LA’s Troubadour, Styles was joined by Nicks, and the duo enchanted the audience with performances that spanned their respective repertoires, including Styles’ “Two Ghosts,” Mac’s “Landslide,” and Nicks’ “Leather and Lace.”
For many of Styles’ younger fans, a viral TikTok featuring “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac served as an introduction to the band. Yet, Styles’ connection with Fleetwood Mac predates this, highlighted by a series of personal interactions with the band members. This includes a backstage meeting with Mick Fleetwood and a gesture of friendship towards Stevie Nicks as he presented her with a carrot cake for her birthday.
The depth of Styles’ relationship with Fleetwood Mac was further showcased when he inducted Stevie Nicks into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, performing alongside her on stage. This collaboration, among others, reflects Styles’ eclectic musical influences, including his admiration for Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks,” underscoring his broad musical palette and deep respect for the legends that have inspired his evolving sound.
Harry Styles’ ascent to stardom began with his audition for the X Factor in 2010, leading to his role in the phenomenally successful boy band One Direction. He had since been a pivotal part of the band from 2011 to 2016, their golden era.
After leaving the group in 2016, Styles quickly made his mark as a solo artist with a debut album that topped the charts worldwide and marked a significant shift towards a folk-rock sound, including his 2022 hit “At It Was.” His talents have earned him a plethora of awards and a distinguished place in both music and fashion, even making history with a solo Vogue cover.
