Stevie Nicks, the legendary singer-songwriter, has always been known for her unique sound and style. But did you know that her iconic hit, 'Edge of Seventeen', was inspired by another band? In this article, we explore the surprising connection between Nicks and The Police, and how a simple demo played a pivotal role in shaping her music. But here's where it gets controversial...
When Nicks released her breakthrough album, Bella Donna, in 1981, she was finally able to step out of Fleetwood Mac's shadow and create her own music. The lead single, 'Edge of Seventeen', showcased her raw and energetic style, combining hard rock riffs with melodic mysticism. However, the song's guitar riff was inspired by The Police's 'Bring On the Night'.
Waddy Wachtel, the guitarist who played the riff, explained that he was inspired by Andy Summers' echo-driven guitar track. But after playing the demo for Nicks, he realized that the final mix of 'Edge of Seventeen' was too close to plagiarism. And this is the part most people miss...
Years later, Wachtel claimed that he heard 'Edge of Seventeen' on the radio and was shocked to hear Sting's voice. He called Nicks and warned her against ever doing something like that again. While the two songs have different feels, with 'Edge of Seventeen' being heavier and more energetic, the individual elements of the guitar sound too similar for comfort.
So, what do you think? Is it plagiarism or inspiration? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss the fine line between creativity and copying. And now, for a thought-provoking question... Is it ever okay to draw inspiration from another artist's work, or is it always a form of plagiarism?
