After years of speculation, subtle teases, and fan anticipation, Buckingham Nicks, the lone studio album by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham before they joined the legendary band, is finally getting an official reissue. The 1973 cult classic will be re-released on September 19, marking the first time it has been widely available in decades.

The reissue, which has been sourced from the original analog master tapes, comes nearly 51 years after the album’s initial release. It will be pressed in several vinyl variants, including a Rhino High Fidelity limited edition of 5,000 copies. A deluxe version of 2,000 units will also include replicas of two vintage 7-inch singles: “Crying in the Night” backed with “Stephanie,” and “Don’t Let Me Down Again” backed with “Races Are Run.” The album will also be made available digitally and on CD, finally offering longtime fans and new listeners alike access to one of rock’s most elusive records.

Originally recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and released on September 5, 1973, Buckingham Nicks failed to make a commercial impact upon its debut. After being dropped by their label, Polydor Records, the duo found themselves at a crossroads. Nicks took a job waiting tables at Clementine’s in Beverly Hills, while Buckingham continued working on music. Their fortunes changed dramatically when producer Keith Olsen played a track from the album (“Frozen Love”) for Mick Fleetwood. Impressed by the sound and synergy between the two vocalists, Fleetwood invited them to join Fleetwood Mac, a decision that would ultimately reshape the course of rock history.

Photo Source: Rhino Records via AP News The forthcoming reissue includes newly written liner notes by journalist David Fricke, who interviewed both Nicks and Buckingham about the album’s origins and legacy. Nicks described the duo’s early chemistry as instinctive: “We knew what we had as a duo, two songwriters that sang really well together,” she said. “And it was a very natural thing, from the beginning.”

Though Buckingham Nicks became a cult favorite and an essential piece of the Fleetwood Mac origin story, it has remained stubbornly unavailable for decades, with no official reissues until now. Fans have long campaigned for its return, and rumors of a re-release have circulated for years.

Back in 2012, both Nicks and Buckingham spoke to Rolling Stone about their desire to revisit the project. Nicks even mentioned that they had recently recorded an unreleased outtake from the original sessions. “Next year is the 40th anniversary of Buckingham Nicks, and we’re hoping to get the record out,” she said at the time. “People have been waiting forever.”

Nicks also floated the idea of a tour to accompany the reissue, potentially featuring some of the original session musicians like guitarist Waddy Wachtel and drummer Jim Keltner. “We would actually go onstage and do the complete Buckingham Nicks album,” she suggested. “It would be trippy for Lindsey and me to revisit those songs.”

Buckingham was open to the concept, though cautious about logistics, especially given Fleetwood Mac’s touring commitments. “To me, if you’re going to do it, do it properly,” he said. “I’ve been saying to Stevie for years that we should revisit Buckingham Nicks … I think something elevated happens with the two of us, and there’s an interest in that.”

Buckingham Nicks LP Track List

Side One

1. “Crying in the Night”

2. “Stephanie”

3. “Without a Leg to Stand On”

4. “Crystal”

5. “Long Distance Winner”

Side Two

1. “Don’t Let Me Down Again”

2. “Django”

3. “Races Are Run”

4. “Lola (My Love)”

5. “Frozen Love”