Stevie Nicks Honors Tom Petty with Emotional 'Free Fallin'' Tribute

The Fleetwood Mac singer's heartfelt cover of Petty's signature song came years after his passing.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:24pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball reflecting glittering shards of light, conceptually representing the emotional connection between two music legends.Stevie Nicks' heartfelt tribute to her friend Tom Petty shone a light on the deep personal connection between the two musical icons.Baltimore Today

In March 2019, Stevie Nicks performed a poignant rendition of Tom Petty's hit 'Free Fallin'' during a concert in Baltimore, just a few years after the legendary singer-songwriter's death. Nicks, who had collaborated with Petty in the past, was deeply affected by his passing and wanted to pay tribute to her friend and fellow artist.

Why it matters

Nicks' cover of 'Free Fallin'' resonated with fans as a powerful homage to Petty's enduring musical legacy. The performance highlighted the close personal and professional relationship between the two artists, and demonstrated Nicks' ability to capture the essence of Petty's iconic songs.

The details

Nicks took the stage at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore on March 24, 2019, less than three years after Petty's death in 2017. Carrying the weight of that loss, Nicks delivered a heartfelt rendition of 'Free Fallin'', Petty's signature hit from his 1989 solo album 'Full Moon Fever'. The entire arena sang along, recognizing the emotional significance of Nicks' tribute.

  • Petty passed away in October 2017 at the age of 66.
  • Nicks performed the 'Free Fallin'' cover in Baltimore on March 24, 2019.

The players

Stevie Nicks

The legendary singer-songwriter and member of Fleetwood Mac, who considered Tom Petty a close friend and collaborator.

Tom Petty

The acclaimed singer-songwriter behind hits like 'American Girl' and 'Free Fallin'', who passed away in 2017 at the age of 66.

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The takeaway

Stevie Nicks' emotional tribute to her friend and collaborator Tom Petty demonstrated the deep personal connection between the two artists, and her ability to capture the essence of his iconic songs. The performance resonated with fans as a powerful homage to Petty's enduring musical legacy.