Stevie Nicks’ solo breakthrough could have spelled the end for Fleetwood Mac—and it all started with a bold declaration: ‘I want it like that.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: the iconic sound of her hit ‘Edge of Seventeen’ wasn’t entirely her own. By 1981, Nicks was ready to break free from the creative constraints of her band, and Bella Donna became her triumphant declaration of independence. Yet, as she stepped into the spotlight, she carried with her an unexpected muse: The Police.
For years, Nicks had been the artistic heart of Fleetwood Mac, channeling her personal trauma into timeless songs. But as the 1970s faded, so did her willingness to remain a prisoner of that dynamic. Her ex-partner, Lindsey Buckingham, was steering the band in a direction that felt increasingly misaligned with her vision. When the opportunity to record Bella Donna arose, Nicks seized it—collaborating with legends like Tom Petty and Don Henley but ultimately revealing her truest self in ‘Edge of Seventeen.’ The track blended her love for hard rock’s raw energy with the melodic mysticism she’d become known for, cementing it as her signature sound.
But this is the part most people miss: The song’s genesis wasn’t purely original. Guitarist Waddy Wachtel revealed that Nicks was inspired by The Police’s ‘Bring on the Night,’ particularly Andy Summers’ echo-driven guitar work. ‘Stevie heard that rolling, repeating sound and said, ‘I want it like that,’ Wachtel recalled. Yet, his interpretation of her vision took an unexpected turn. Initially, Wachtel aimed to replicate the intensity without relying on echo, but the final mix, according to him, strayed too close to imitation. Years later, he admitted, ‘I thought, ‘We ripped them off completely!’ and warned Nicks never to let it happen again.’
While ‘Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘Bring on the Night’ share sonic similarities, their moods differ drastically. The Police’s track is mid-tempo and subdued, while Nicks’ is a powerhouse of energy. Still, for a perfectionist like Wachtel, the guitar’s resemblance was impossible to ignore. Is it inspiration or imitation? That’s the question that lingers—and one that sparks debate among fans and critics alike.
So, here’s where we turn it over to you: Do you hear the influence of The Police in ‘Edge of Seventeen,’ or is it a case of artistic evolution? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation that’s bound to get heated.
