Prince Sought Stevie Nicks‘ Collaboration on “Stand Back,” But She Declined a Romantic Angle
LOS ANGELES, CA – Before it became a signature hit for Prince and a defining moment in both artists’ careers, “Stand Back” began as a request for collaboration, wiht teh iconic musician initially seeking Stevie Nicks’ songwriting assistance. However, Nicks revealed she turned down a potential romantic involvement that she believed would have jeopardized their creative dynamic.
the story resurfaced following recent interviews with Nicks, highlighting a pivotal moment in music history and offering insight into the complex relationships between artists.While flattered by Prince’s interest, Nicks prioritized maintaining a purely musical connection, recognizing that a romance could have stifled the song’s creation and prevented a unique artistic partnership. The revelation underscores the delicate balance between personal and professional lives,notably within the creative realm,and explains why the pair never performed the song together live-a regret Nicks expressed in a recent rolling Stone interview.
According to Nicks, Prince approached her with the initial concept for “Stand Back,” and the process “felt like a movie.” She contributed to the song’s advancement, but ultimately steered clear of a romantic entanglement. “I think Prince would have liked a romance, but I didn’t want that,” Nicks explained. “If that had happened,we wouldn’t have had a musical relationship.”
The resulting track,released in 1985,became a Top 10 hit and remains a staple of Prince’s catalog. Nicks continues to feel a personal connection to the song, stating, “I always feel like there’s a little bit of me in it.” Despite never sharing the stage for a live rendition of “Stand Back,” Nicks maintains a strong connection to Prince’s memory, often speaking to him for guidance when she feels nervous and invoking his spirit during performances of her song “Moonlight.”
