Stevie Nicks Book: "Visions, Dreams, and Rumors" by Zoe Howe

[bombaysaffires]

Originally Posted by michelej1

I did read it. It is comprised of published interviews woven into a convincing narrative, so that it does read like a biography. I would say that if you haven't read all of the published magazine and book comments about Stevie from the seventies all the way up to Ann and Nancy Wilson's book (the quote about Stevie's home being a shrine to herself is used), then this is a great way to catch yourself up on her history. However, although the descriptions and narrative that connect the quotes seems fresh, there is no original information here.

It will quote from a Stevie interview and then say, "At least Stevie could retreat to her loyal coterie of whispering ladies in waiting, who offered comfort and company which, in turn created an atmosphere that excluded everyone else." So, you get the old comments served up with new observations -- observations that do not come from an inside source.

The book speculates on the same things we do here (Why does Stevie say "Emmaline" in Seven Wonders) but has no answers that we don't also have.

In the acknowledgments people like Waddy, Keith Olsen, Rupert Hine and Dave Stewart are thanked, but you aren't getting fresh insights on Stevie from them. The material from other sources is not clumsily sewn together like it was in the first half of Mick's book, but it's derivative, to be sure.

The proof copy did not have photos, but maybe the finished book will.

Michele

Stevie seems to be verrry controlling about what gets out about her, even by her associates. If anyone says anything she doesn't like, they hear about it. Remember Waddy saying when he heard The Police's Bring On The Night and his reaction "omg we totally ripped them off" …well he walked that back right quick and has tried to re-state what he said several times since in interviews and my money is for sure on La Nicks having expressed her displeasure. Not the first time. Stevie maintains a firm grip on her image and no one who wants to stay close will dare spill any beans she doesn't want spilled. Jeezus even Lindsey eventually got co-opted into the whole "3 years" thing. If she says something enough times, it becomes de facto reality (because it's hella easier than contradicting her with the truth)

I would love, love, love a REAL bio/autobio of her but it will NEVER happen while she's alive.

One of the most honest comments came from Paul Fishkin in her VH1 Behind The Music when he said they had to "scrape her off the floor" on tour and there were numerous "near overdoses". I think her drug years are full of some pretty sordid stuff and would dismantle her whole delicate, fairy princess act. Fascinating stuff; alas, we'll probably never know a tenth of it.