Stevie Nicks Finds Comfort in Listening to 'Younger' Artists During Recovery from Shoulder Fracture. Here Are Some of Her Top Picks (Exclusive)

Stevie Nicks returned to the stage in October after delaying several shows earlier this year to recover from a shoulder injury. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the iconic singer-songwriter, 77, opens up about the music she listened to during her recovery and the artists that caught her attention along the way.

During her downtime, Nicks immersed herself in a mix of current bands, saying, I'm all over the internet. I listen to a lot of current bands, naming groups such as The Midnight, The White Kites, and Night Traveler. She explains that music was a vital part of her healing process. All through my recovery, I've listened. That's the one thing I have done physically, is to really enjoy all this younger music I love. When I wasn't feeling well at all, it carried me on a cloud through the whole thing.

Her connection with these new artists came full circle when Night Traveler, one of the bands that inspired her during recovery, opened for Nicks at her Phoenix concert on October 7 one of her first shows back post-injury. The Texas rock duo shared on Instagram that the experience was unforgettable: Turns out the kindness and sincerity of her spirit that she shared with us will be the thing we never forget.

Nicks also shared insights into how she curates her music. All my tapes are really curated by me, she says. Despite not being high-tech, she has started using streaming platforms like Pandora and Spotify, using their thumbs-up and thumbs-down functions to refine her playlists. These personal tapes become a source of inspiration and energy, especially during challenging times. Just to lay in bed and stare at the ceiling is not my idea of a good time, she says. That kept me dancing, just kind of Snoop Dogging around my place, because you can be pretty beat-up, and you can still dance if inspirational music comes on.

Reflecting on the healing power of music, Nicks emphasizes, The power of music to heal you is amazing. If I didn't have those tapes, I don't know what I would have done.

Alongside new favorites, she has also revisited her past work, including the 1973 album Buckingham Nicks, recorded with Lindsey Buckingham before they joined Fleetwood Mac. Re-released in September, it gave Nicks a fresh opportunity to hear it decades later. If you can sit in a big room with great speakers, youll hear things in Buckingham Nicks that none of us have heard since the record came out, she explains. Fans have shared similar experiences, listening at home and feeling as though they were inside the studio with the duo. Nicks adds, There are parts, vocal parts, music parts that I haven't heard in so long that I'm, like, Wow. I would join that band.

Stevie Nicks’ Road to Recovery: The Healing Power of Music

Stevie Nicks' return to the stage after recovering from a shoulder injury has been a powerful reminder of the resilience and healing power of music. During her time off, the iconic artist turned to contemporary bands and carefully curated playlists to aid her recovery. Her engagement with modern music, which she describes as a key part of her healing, is a testament to how music continues to transcend time and genre to inspire and rejuvenate, even for legendary artists like herself.

In an era dominated by digital music platforms, Nicks' newfound use of services like Pandora and Spotify shows how the artist has adapted to the evolving musical landscape. Her approach to music curation—using thumbs-up and thumbs-down functions to personalize her playlists—emphasizes the importance of connection and intentionality in what she listens to. This approach allows her to keep moving, both physically and emotionally, even during moments of downtime.

The moment that truly encapsulates the circular nature of her music journey came when Night Traveler, a band that helped inspire her during her recovery, opened for Nicks at her Phoenix concert. For Nicks, the experience was a full-circle moment, while for the band, it was an unforgettable encounter with an artist who had not only influenced their own work but also supported them during her healing process. This kind of mutual admiration and respect underscores the deeper connection between musicians, regardless of age or stage in their career.

For Nicks, the combination of revisiting her past, particularly her early work with Lindsey Buckingham on "Buckingham Nicks," and embracing the present, highlights the ongoing relationship she has with her music. As she continues to explore new sounds, she reflects on how much the healing power of music has shaped her life—both personally and professionally. It's not just about enjoying new tunes but finding the strength to heal through them. It’s clear that for Nicks, music is more than just an art form—it is an essential part of life and recovery.

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• Stevie Nicks Listened to ‘Younger' Artists During Her Shoulder Fracture Recovery. Here Are Some of Her Favorites (Exclusive)