Fleetwood Mac Visits Spectrum

By David Hiltbrand, Special to The Inquirer

Posted: October 29, 1987

The latest permutation of Fleetwood Mac entertained at the Spectrum last night. It was an unexceptional reprisal of the band's many hits, from its roots as a blues band in the late '60s through this year's Tango in the Night album.

Although the new additions, guitarist Billy Burnette and Rick Vito, were adequate, Mac clearly missed the departed Lindsey Buckingham. His coiled voice and frenetic guitar playing had given the band much of its character during its popular period.

In drummer Mick Fleetwood and bass player John McVie, the group still has one of the sturdiest bases in pop music. The mellifluous voice of Christine McVie sounded fine, as always, on songs such as "Say That You Love Me" and ''Over My Head."

Those qualities were supplemented by an additional percussionist and three female backup singers. Fleetwood performed a highly unusual drum solo, using an amplified device that turned his torso into a drum kit.

However, Stevie Nicks, with her teased hair, her baggy silk muumuu and elevator boots, looked like a junior Joan Rivers. Her voice was no treat, either. On the songs that Nicks assumed lead vocals, such as "Rhiannon," her egregious tremolo made it seem as if she was gargling rather than singing. Only on "Seven Wonders" and "Gold Dust Woman" did she distinguish herself.

Most of the material from Tango in the Night held up better than expected in concert. But the band relied largely on selections from its three biggest albums, Fleetwood Mac, Rumors and Tusk.

Last night, Fleetwood Mac served as little more than a loud jukebox. It was pleasant, and at times nostalgic, but short of exciting.

The Cruzados opened with a set of taut rock. With Marshall Rohner's snarling guitar solos setting the tone, the Los Angeles quartet was quite

businesslike. It struck hard and quick, and on songs such as "Bed of Lies" bludgeoned everything that moved inside the Spectrum.