Stevie’s performance of “Blue Denim” on Late Night with David Letterman (and her entire Street Angel saga) is memorable for a number of reasons. Stevie had recently completed treatment for a debilitating addiction to prescription medication and finally released her fifth solo recording Street Angel after several delays and attempts to “fix” the album.
Despite the tepid critical response to the album, Stevie forged on with the necessary promotion, which included a national tour and requisite TV appearances, such as the Letterman performance. Rather than sulk or go through the motions, Stevie gave it her all — busting out the bold costumes, whimsical set designs, and powerhouse vocals that longtime fans wanted her to unleash once again. Not all of the transformations worked out, but her gallant efforts proved to the world, and most importantly to her fans, that Stevie Nicks was a rock and roll survivor, crimped hair and all! Perhaps she was channeling the look of future drummer Jimmy Paxson…?
