The Dance '97 Concert Reviews

East Rutherford NJ, Sept. 30th, Continental Airlines Arena

Lisa and Marty Adelson-- Well, here's my review of the Meadowlands show on 9/30/97. After arriving and parking the car about 2 hours before the show, we walked through the lot to go pick up the tickets, and of course every car had a song by FM cranked up. That in itself was surreal! About an hour before the show we were able to pick up our 6th row tickets and VIP backstage passes (and actually sold our former tickets to 2 cool girls, one of whom was an avid reader of our page! Gina and Heather can testify that I was a basket case waiting for these tickets to be sent up by the band. :-) Upon finally getting backstage, we realized that the type of passes we had didn't really let us anywhere but outside the hallway where the dressing rooms were; however, this was still pretty cool since we got glimpses of all the members but Chris walking around getting ready before the show.

Finally I began to start feeling like I had to DO something or I'd miss my chance forever. Marty did speak to John Courage for a minute, but I found him way too intimidating to ask for a favor! Eventually I noticed a nice looking, tall, youngish guy smoking near us who had on a pass. He'd gone in w/ the band several times. I almost approached him once, then finally went over to him and asked him if he could do us a huge favor and bring a note back to John McVie. Marty told him that we run the FM page 'the Penguin' and the guy (who turned out to be Mick's personal assistant) says, "Oh, you run the Penguin? So you're Marty and Liz (Lis but close enough) Adelson? We check that out all the time. We like to read the reviews-- see if the fans opinions are in line w/ what the band is thinking." He knew who we were-- pretty cool! I think this impressed Marty the most that night. :-) ) So he brought the note back to John, and in a heartbeat he came right out to meet us. We were just thrilled to bits. We had written to each other via e-mail several times in the past few years, so it was great to finally meet him and make sure it had truly been him and not some bogus imposter. At some point I actually touched the penguin tattoo on his arm-- he must have thought I was insane! :-P We had a really nice talk w/ him for about 10 minutes, and then John Courage came out and told him he had only 15 more minutes before the show. (He still had to go get dressed in his stage clothes). So, I just had him sign a picture for me and of course gave him a little kiss. He told us to come backstage after the show and we'd work on trying to get the rest of the band to sign the picture. An extremely nice guy, and so sweet of him to come out to talk w/ us. That was absolutely the highlight of MY night!
The seats we had were incredible-- 6th row, towards the right in front of Lindsey. All around us were folks who seemed to have some connection w/ the band. On our right were 2 guys who knew Mick's wife. On our left were 2 women who knew Lindsey's guitar guy, Ray Lindsey. We took tons of pictures and the security there didn't give a hoot. (We did scan the better shots, but many didn't quite turn out the way we hoped!) The music was intense. Chris looked absolutely beautiful and I don't think she has ever sounded better. She let LB and Stevie do most of the talking that night. Stevie also sounded just wonderful and her songs especially got tons of applause. I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience watching her sing Landslide and Silver Springs. Mick, as always, looked as if he was having the time of his life, and made me worry he'd have a heart attack up there. John's playing is brilliant, such a major part of the band's sound. I don't think many people realize how much of the great sound coming off that stage is coming from him, or how much he carries some of the songs, because he stands in the back and doesn't draw any attention to himself. And Lindsey-- well, what can I say. The man never left the stage. True, he did lie down and take a breather during Mick's solo, but not for long. His energy and passion and intensity are truly stunning; as I watched him do Big Love and Go Insane I was moved to tears. I saw him on his solo tour a few years ago and I just remember being totally floored by the way this one man onstage with a guitar could create this overwhelmingly strong, beautiful, emotional music. There just aren't words to describe him. Seeing him on the solo tour was wonderful, but seeing him back playing with Fleetwood Mac-- and happy to be there-- was fantastic. They all looked healthy and happy and sober. :-) I truly just wanted to stop time and freeze those moments.
Well, the show did come to an end eventually :-( -- but after the show there was some sort of problem w/ the passes and no one was allowed back. The security guys were a bunch of tough cookies. Stevie did come out for a minute and we got to shake her hand. Very soft skin! :-P She looked terrific-- a very petite lady, very sweet smile. The band didn't stay too long afterwards anyway-- as luck would have it they left the stadium at the same time we did-- we're about 99.9% sure were riding behind their limos on the NJ Turnpike and saw them pull off into Newark Airport. (Strange, since last time we saw them in 95 (I think?) we ended up next to their tour bus, purely by accident. Saw Bekka in the window!) Anyway-- that's our experience. Having adored this band since I was a child-- appreciating the music and the members of *every* incarnation-- I can't tell you how great it was to see them all back together and happy. (You all may be surprised to know that Marty hadn't a clue about the band before he met me 8 years ago- and now look what a fan he has become, creating this incredible webpage for them!) With a band like Fleetwood Mac, there's so much to love. What a great night!!
--Lis (and Marty) Adelson

Heather Machesko-- On September 30, 1997, my dream came true. After all the years of absolutely adoring Fleetwood Mac, I finally got to see them in concert for the first time. This dream almost didn't come true for me and my best friend Gina who drove 3 hours from Pa, thanks to some MAJOR screw-ups by ticketmaster. In the end everything worked out and it became a perfect evening.
When we arrived about two and a half hours before show time, we could actually here them practicing Dreams from the lobby of the Continental Arena. We were practically hopeless after trying desperately to get my tickets with no luck.Then, as fate would have it, I turned around and there was this cute couple standing behind me, Lisa and Marty Adelson. They noticed I was having problems and told me about the two extra they may have for sale if everything worked out as planned. Gina and I were desperate and broke so we asked Lisa and Marty if they would trust us with and IOU....reluctantly and very generously they said yes!! While we all were standing around waiting for the other set of tickets, we began to make small talk, mostly about Fleetwood Mac. I was telling them how I love to go on the Fleetwood Mac sites on the internet. When Marty said that he and Lisa run the Penguin site out of their house, I was astonished. This is absolutely my favorite site!! At this point things were looking good and going great, but I still had my fingers crossed... and so did everyone else. Finally an attendant gestured Marty to come over to the window. Before we knew it, we were all thanking each other and going out separate ways to watch the concert of a life time!!!!
Our seats were great and I was so excited my stomach was doing flips. I couldn't wait! Finally at about 8:20 it happened...the stadium went dark...we could here the sound of crickets. Then Mick started that unmistakable drum beat...as they began "Listen to the wind blow...", chills ran up and down my spine. It couldn't have been more perfect. To me, every song was just as exciting as the first. Stevie looked like a dream and I was overwhelmed by joy that I was finally seeing my life-long idol in the flesh...she was wonderful. They all looked very happy and excited to be playing together again and they didn't miss a beat. Chris looked more beautiful then ever and sounded wonderful. Looking back, I really think Lindsey was the show stopper. Hi is so talented and fascinating to watch. Some of my absolute favorites of the night were Big Love and Go Insane...He is amazing!! My eyes filled with tears as I listened closely to Landslide, Silver Spings, and of coarse the always perfect Songbird. Second Hand News, Go Your Own Way, You Make Loving Fun, Rhiannon, Stevie's Standback, and their three new ones, Temporary One, Bleed to Love Her, and Sweet Girl were wonderful. Every song made me want to jump out of my seat. It was the best concert I have ever seen. I believe the five of them, Stevie, Chris, John, Lindsey, and Mick are made for each other. They make such unforgettable music together and that is what makes Fleetwood Mac legendary!
Gina and I are eternally grateful to Lisa and Marty for trusting us. If it weren't for them, we never would have experienced this once in a life time band play our favorite songs. Looking back on how everything worked out it is clear to me that it was meant to be...FATE! I am an even bigger fan of Fleetwood Mac now, which in itself is something that I didn't think was possible.
.........Dreams unwind....Your loves a state of mind...
[It was our pleasure-- meeting you worked out well for both of us. :-) -- Marty and Lis]

Columbus OH, Oct 1st - Polaris Amphitheatre

Concert Reviews and Photos:

Lisa Wellman-- Well, it is almost noon and I just woke up.Lol I have no voice! Knowing that they have left or are preparing to leave my city is killing me. It always does..... it just breaks my heart:(
I saw no one from the list, but it was very crowded. Our men took my seats in Section E row S and me and my friend were in row G. There was really no bad seats in the amphitheater. I saw no one dressed up either.
The band was late coming on...some man told everyone it was cool to go get something to eat, because the band had gotten "tied up" in New York city traffic. Then the crickets started and my hair stood on end, in the dark the band took there places on stage and the opening thumps of "The Chain" started and the whole place went wild. We were loud! I am so proud of my city for being so receptive of the band and every bit as fanatical as I am!
The song set is no different than the others and it was almost a "mirror" of "The Dance" but none the less, the crowd got it's money's worth! Stevie looked beautiful. Her hair looked like honey dripping down her back! Lindsey has won me over for life! Forever will I be a fan of his now, no matter what! My husband who is not a big fan was SO impressed by this man! I don't know how he does it without really taking a break. I thought on the first song his voice was a lot deeper, but he must have just needed to warm up, because he rocked my entire world for 2 1/2 hours. I am really sorry to go on about him, but his passion for life comes straight through those guitar strings and rip's through my soul and then there is this piece of me that understands his reasoning, as to why he ever left FM, in the first place. Like Stevie having so much material where she writes so much, he definitely needed an outlet too, to accommodate his craft. Christine is very thin and beautiful and elegant! This was my second time for seeing the other members of the band, because I went to a "Behind The Mask" show. Her voice was in perfect form, her outfits appropriate and classy! Her songs made the audience stand and dance and sing and sway! She felt this too, because she thanked everyone for being generous! John McVie wore a blue bandana, jeans and a vest and looked great while he played! Mick is wild! A very underrated, talented, percussionist! The Polaris has made major news recently because of the "noise." I thought last night, while Mick was center stage playing his body, that all the neighbors must be thinking that some type of 'war-dance' was going on...and you know....it was! Well, here are some highlights from each song as best as I can remember, so now I will enchant you!
The Chain - The crowd was as loud as the band, till at least half way through this song! Lindsey was intense with his "run" line!
Dreams - The crowd sung along. Stevie pointed at Lindsey when she sang "players only love you when their playing."
Everywhere - The crowd danced and swayed to this upbeat tune! Chris didn't miss a note and the band didn't miss a beat!
Gold Dust Woman - Stevie sung the chorus to Lindsey and smiled at him when it came time to do her primal yell, which was not like "The Dance" yell, but more like her "Red Rocks" yell during "Edge of Seventeen." At least least that is how it came across to me.
I'm So Afraid - I knew where the pause was during the intro, so I took it upon myself:) to scream like a maniac 'ROCK ME LINDSEY" and he did! He unleashed his demon and held the audience in awe at his expertise guitar method. The crowd's ovation didn't seem to want to peek. And the man looked forever grateful and so embarrassed!
Temporary One - Chris was very charming on this song and delivered it great! Sometimes it's hard to play a song the fans aren't really familiar with, but all these people must have had a copy of "The Dance" because many were singing right along with the band.
Bleed To Love Her - Again the crowd was receptive and danced away as Lindsey delivered his new tune! Seemingly singing the brunt of the song to Stevie.
Gypsy - Stevie really sung great here! She smiled to us when she sang "You see your Gypsy.." Something about when Lindsey chimes in with his "lightning strikes...maybe once...maybe twice" line. I think he tries to hard or something. In my opinion he needs to soften his vocals at this point. Maybe if Stevie was to sing it harder, then it would sound ok. But she treats it very delicate. I love at the end when she says almost in a whisper "maybe twice" almost referring to Lindsey's return in to the band.
Big Love - Fabulous! Here is where new people become hooked. Like my very own hubby:) "That guy is good!" I told you so honey:)
Go Insane - Here is where I hurt my own voice. I tried to match LB note for note! Proves I'd better stay on the porch and not try and hang with the "big dogs!"Lol
Landslide - Lindsey did not do his hand under the chin thing. Instead he held out his hand as if to say "this is your song play it the way that you feel it." Stevie didn't miss a note. She smiled a lot towards the end of the song. During the instrumental, she put her hand on LB's arm and touched his chest hair with one finger from the other hand. At the end they hugged, he kissed her cheek and she just held onto him for as long as she possibly could. It was like she wanted everyone to know, she didn't want this moment to end. Before the song she even told us "this song is for you, because without you, there would be no reason to play it." My best friend said "they are going home to make love" I just laughed and said "do you think so?"
Say You Love Me - brought us all back to reality:) and the dancing once again started. I like the banjo and Mick's playing on this one! J. McVie did sing on this one but I couldn't pick his voice out. He didn't look up much, instead opting for concentrating on his bass part.
You Make Loving Fun - We all sung! I think this impressed Chris...
I'm not sure about the sequence of songs after this....
Sweet Girl - Stevie performed it very well and really got into the "Come on down here for a minute" part. She is holding back people! She could unleash if she wanted, but I think most of us know what is playing on her mind at the moment. I think she is being very lady-like and doesn't want to willing steal the show from anyone. Just my own opinion here folks.
My Little Demon - The whole band jams to this one...Stevie played her tambourine with passion here! This song is just a rocker for me! Stevie did her famous signature kick!
Stand Back - Stevie Nicks owned the house! The crowd went absolutely wild when they realized what they were about to hear. I watched LB on this one and he jammed! The song is fast paced but Stevie didn't miss a beat! She looked stunning! And every hair on my body stood up just thinking about her solo career! Her "I need a little sympathy" draws on the verge of a new meaning while performing this with her fellow fireflies! POWERFUL!
Oh Daddy - Beautiful and rich with harmonies. At the end Chris said something to the audience like "oh daddy!" And kind of laughed. Maybe in reference to Mick.
Not That Funny - The boys jam! They could take this duet on the road (Mick and Lindsey)! Mick was vibrant while Lindsey laid down. God only knows if he was resting or letting his body tell us "Hey! Here comes that drum solo!" Mick might be crazy but no one could ever say he don't have rhythm.Lol
Rhiannon - My personal favorite from "The Dance." I thought the piano at the beginning had a muffled sound, but when almost 20,000 people stand up and rock out, no performance could be bad. Yes, Stevie does add to her ending here! The whole band seems to love to do this song! Their bodily actions says it all!
Silver Spring - PERFECT! It makes you think what really was the reason this song was dumped from the album. It was too beautiful to be omitted. Stevie turns at the end and sings/tells Lindsey " You COULD be my silver spring... my blue-green colors flashing! " I somehow managed to to miss this tidbit, but my friend says when Stevie sang "Was I just a fool?" Lindsey answered to her "NO!"
Tusk - I don't know why the reporters don't like this version? It is crisp and fine tuned and rocked the house! People behind me were so amped up, saying "Here We Go!" Stevie sung great on this!
Go Your Own Way - I know Stevie doesn't care for this song and I couldn't help but almost "feel sympathy" for her at this point, because 20,000 people screamed the entire song along with the band! Talk about a hair raising event. Words can't really describe it. Did this happen like this at other shows? Whoa!
The band thanked us, said good night and left! Stevie and Lindsey walked off together very close and holding hands. Many fans started to leave at this point (it was down in the 30's by this point) but the band was encored back out for a riveting version of "Don't Stop." By the way, LB and SN came out together and Stevie gave him a kissy-poo and Mick one too:) They left again, and fans started scrambling and once again we encored Chris back out and she performed her trademark Songbird. Then they all returned for Farmers Daughter which brought the evening to closure. It was a great dose of good ole rock and rock, folks! Lisa

Cincinnati OH, Oct. 3rd - The Crown

Concert Reviews:

Troy Hash-- I have been reading everyone's accounts of the shows as they come in. I don't think I can add much that hasn't already been expressed but the concert was GREAT!! Definitely worth waiting for.
The concert was about 40 minutes late, but once it started they rocked The Crown for about 2 1/2 hours. Everyone was truly spectacular!! The song lists were exactly as those previously listed! It was also Lindseys' birthday on the 3rd and Mick especially called that to our attention for those few who might not have already known it. Lindsey especially looked as though he were having a ball. He received several long ovations for his guitar work and deservedly so, I never gave him the credit he deserves for his talent. Chris and Stevie were there usual stunning selves! Gypsy and Stand Back particularly were my favorites. Chris really shows her stuff in You Make Loving Fun, all the songs were great. Only negative comment is that the drums and overall loudness of the instruments many times drowned out the voices. For me the incredible harmony that they have is what The Mac is all about, but very worth the $ I had to pay for 23 row floor seats!!
Can't wait to see them again in Nashville on November 6. Maybe they will have tour books and change a song or two. I enjoy reading everyones' views of the shows, please everyone keep up the good work and like Mick says, JUST HAVE FUN!!!!!

Bob Schwab-- I won't go in to a song by song breakdown, but the show here was no less than fantastic.
As passionate and alive as "The Dance" video. One thing that did stand out was the fact that it was Lindsey's birthday and Mick made a big to do about it. Of course everyone was yelling happy birthday, and at one point between songs, the crowd broke into singing Happy Birthday to him.
By far the best concert I have ever seen, and I've been to a lot in my 35 years.

Auburn Hills MI, Oct. 4th - The Palace of Auburn Hills

Concert Reviews:

t.coffee@popd.ix.netcom.com-- I consider myself a lucky man. After being screwed out of tickets by "friends", I decided to chuck it all and went to the local Ticketmaster day of the show to get myself a ticket....I have waited TOO long for this; I was not about to miss it even if i had to go to the show by myself. I was rewarded with a 15th row main floor seat!
The setlist was as posted in the site, so I won't go into too much detail on that. The audience was enthusiastic & responsive (although not as much with the new material), but well behaved (at least where I was). I would say that this was because it was an older crowd...hell, I'm 30 & felt pretty young where I was sitting!
It took them a little bit to get the sound right; Stevie was buried a bit in the mix during "Gold Dust Woman" and they never did get her quite right. But the rest of the mix was great. One of the few times I've walked out of a show after sitting that close that my ears weren't ringing. The light show was quite nice....nice highlighting of the stage & performers, but not distracting.
The performances were excellent throughout the entire show. Stevie (looking more beautiful in person then I ever imagined) shone vocally especially on "Landslide", & "Rhiannon" (a performance that blew away the version on the new cd, by the way). And she was wonderful during "Gypsy" (GOD, I'm glad they played that one!)
Christine (one of the most elegant women in rock) was superb throughout. I love her vocal on "Everywhere" and "Songbird" (looked like she was getting choked up while playing this one). And she did "Oh Daddy"!!! NOT expecting that one!
Mick was a study in controlled insanity (only slightly controlled, mind you!). I knew he was good, but I never realized he was THAT good! Solid drumming throughout the whole show, and his solo was phenomenal! He was yelling things to the crowd through his solo, but you couldn't make a damned thing out, with the exception of the occasional "ARE YOU WITH ME??????" He was just fun to watch.
Also fun was Lindsey's performance. He was just INTENSE through the whole show, pulling off some truly stunning guitar work. especially "Big Love", "Go Your Own Way", and "I'm So Afraid". And he too (again) got a bit choked during "Landslide" with Stevie.
The thing that impressed me with this show was how much the band was enjoying playing, and the newly re-found camaraderie. They were having fun playing together and their affection for each other showed. Stevie & Lindsey during "Landslide"; John, Mick & Lindsey playing off of each other ("I'm So Afraid", "Not That Funny"), Lindsey escorting Stevie back onstage for the encore like a gentleman, her hand on top of his....all the little moments added to what would have already been a great show.
Now for a couple of minor complaints; I was a bit disappointed that the set list for the most part followed the track list of the new album. Kinda made things a bit predictable. And I was jonesing for a few other songs ("Think About Me", "Sisters of the Moon", "Tango in the Night"), but I'll live. Overall, a very pleasant show.....if you've already got tickets, you're in for a treat. If you don't, get them; you will regret it if you miss this show! Now, if I can just get this lucky again for the Nov 21st show....!
Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same.
Anonymous

Rich Syring-- As the rain pelted my windshield, I steered my car through dense traffic on I-75 trying to get to the Palace before too many people had crowded in. This, unfortunately, was not to be. But I had been waiting for this night for years. I had grown up listening to Fleetwood Mac and had always wanted to see them live but never had the chance. As soon as word of the reunion hit the news I was perusing various sources of information to find out when and where they'd be coming to Michigan. I found out two days after the tickets went on sale so I had to settle for seats that were farther away than I had hoped for but, hey, I finally was going to get the chance to see one of the biggest bands of all time. WHo can complain? Which reminds me, why do people bother buying seats that are BEHIND the stage? And why would they even sell them in the first place? But I digress.
After finding a parking spot, I put away my CD box set and proceeded to suck down a few cold ones before the show. My friend and I were getting giddy. This was gonna be sweet!
Eventually, we headed inside the main area where the t-shirts, hats, and key rings were being sold. Talk about COOl shirts!! Like any concert, they were over-priced but this was going to probably be a once in a lifetime thing so I took the plunge and got two of them. It was hard to decide on just one. THe two with the Rumours cover and the self-titled cover were my personal favorites. The latter because it was the only one with the penguin logo on it and the former because it had a picture of Stevie Nicks on the front and the whole band on the back, again from the Rumours era.
As we plunged our way to our seats, I noticed many followers of Stevie's, complete with black attire and hats. Not like they're hard to pick out. But what really struck me was the varying ages that were present. I saw kids there no more than 12 years old and people who looked like they were in their mid-50s. That was really nice to see generations come together like that. Only through music.
Well, I have to admit, I got rather impatient. My ticket said the starting time was 8:00 but they didn't dim the lights until 8:35. Then the sound of the bass drum kicked in and the crowd went crazy as the band opened with "The Chain". I got chills down my spine as the moment I had waited for so long had finally arrived. The rest of the show was very similar to the video for "The Dance". Actually, it was practically all in the same order as far as the set list goes.
To point a few high points, I think I need to mention Stevie's singing of "Stand Back". ALthough it's not really a FM song, it really kicked and she was into it probably more than any of the others that she sang. Also, the light show was the best for this song where it was kind of bland for the rest of the show. Lindsey Buckingham has GOT to be the most under-rated guitar player ever. The man is INCREDIBLE!!! I've never been a fan of "I'm So Afraid" or "Not That Funny " before but I am now. The talent and diversity that he showed last night was nothing short of phenomenal. I REALLY enjoyed hearing the acoustic versions of "Big Love" and "Go Insane". I know these were included in the dance, but the talent he displays here just gives me goosebumps, especially when I experienced it live. What a rush!!! Also very memorable was Christine McVie's encore of "Songbird". It was just plain beautiful. I was surprised to hear "Oh Daddy" and "Second Hand News".
There were some downsides, however. I felt as though the monologue between songs was completely rehearsed and didn't feel anything personal that way. It was almost word for word off of the Dance. I like it better when there's more impromptu types of things in that realm because it makes the audience feel more personal with the band. Furthermore, they left some key songs off of the set list. These include, "Hold Me", "Sara", and "Sisters of the Moon". "Monday Morning" would have been cool, too, but I guess you can never play them all. But they did go strong for about 2 1/2 hours so I can't complain. I do feel that I got my money's worth as it was the most expensive concert ticket I ever purchased.
As a whole, the show was worth the money and the wait. My only hope is that Fleetwood Mac does NOT try to continue on without this line-up. That's just a crime to even try and they've already tried it a few times. As far as I'm concerned, "Tango in the Night" was the last Fleetwood Mac album other than "The Dance". Also, let's hope that they don't do reunions as often as the Stones. I like them and respect them too much for that.

Noblesville IN, Oct. 5th - Deer Creek Music Center

Concert Reviews:

Jill-- MID-WEST Concert Fest..part 1 and 2!!!! Hello fellow MAC-aine-ACS!!! I am right now kicked back in the car on my way to Indianapolis..:o) (Deer Creek-4th row!). Now here we go again...we see the crystal vision!!..Dreams is cranked in the tape player..:o) Anyway, last nights show at the Palace in Auburn Hills Mi was KILLER!!! From our awesome 6th row seats--(we were so close--I couldn't believe it!!) *SIGH* I too saw people with VIP passes...there was a couple with 2 kids right next to us with passes...the 13 yr old girl sat next to me and her 5 yr old sister was next to her...they got to go back stage and the little 5 yr old got to give Stevie a rose and then Stevie gave her a big hug and kiss!!! AAAWWWWWWWWWWWW!! She was too cute!!! (the little girl-Stevie is beyond cute..she is gorgeous!!) The set list was the same as posted on the other reviews....excellent!!!!! They sounded fantastic..perfect harmonization!!! Gotta take a break here for "Landslide"..ok back...GO STEVIE!!!!! All you guys waiting....get ready to have your "socks" blasted all the way to the Fleetwood Mac Moon!!!!! WARNING all you fellow road trippers...there sure are a lot of cops out so be careful!!!!
Anyway one thing that really disappointed me was the fact that I was the only one standing up--dancing--waving and carrying on like the wild and crazy fun loving--die hard FM fan like I am!!
("Where would you go if you had the time..crossing some crazy-state line somewhere"..we just crossed the Indiana state line...can you hear me belting it out? hahaah). I was upset that more of the people weren't up on their feet showing our Idols their united eternal and unbridled devotion (like I was) that they so richly deserved!!! And I send out a BIG apology to those who did rock and dance...too bad you didn't have the killer seats that I did...80% of the people in the front sections sat down almost the whole show!!! I simply could not believe that!!!! But it did make for some "Fall flat out on your face EYE contact between Christine, Stevie and I!!! DIE-and-EEEKKKKK!!!!! That was way too coooool!!! Break...time for Jill's drum solo on the dash..."Tusk" just started...LOL!!! I could tell that Christine and Stevie really appreciated my genuine infectious enthusiastic (sp?) dancing and screaming.
Unlike the people sitting behind me!! They were really Pissed off because I was standing up and dancing my A** off...I gave them a few dirty looks but after they tried to get a security guard to make me sit down..(of course they didn't make me sit..after all you are entitled to stand on the floor...haha) I could not "resist" turning around and politely sticking my finger in the guys chest and getting right in his face and saying this---"I just can not believe that you can even SIT at all--after all this is FLEETWOOD MAC for cripes sake....Let the SPIRIT take you!!!) Jeez...I am a seasoned professional "Concert Attendee" this being my 96th show...I just saw the Stones on Sept 23 in Chicago and believe me--not ONE person sat down from start to finish!!! So here is a little tip for all you people going to the Nov 21st show..(I will be there again..8th row this time!)----Get up off your butts and let the magic of band take you away...show the band some appreciation!!!! Believe me...it makes a world of difference to the band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you don't know how to rock you a** off..just look for me..8th row Isle seats..I'll be the one dancing my a** off!! Again my sincere apologies (?) to the real fans who were there
dancing and rocking that I couldn't see. Well gotta stop for now just got to the hotel...time to get ready for TONIGHT!!!! "Now here we go again...we see the Crystal Vision!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Part 2; OOOHHHHHH....my freaking gosh!!! The Indy show was MORE better!! (if they could be any better!!)....WHEW.....WOW.... YEEEE-HAAAA and K-ZAM!!!!! At least the crowd was totally way more into the show than in MI...These Indiana people KNOW how to rock and roll!!!--------GO-INDY!!!!!!!!!! Although right at first there was another guy that kept hollering...sit down...we paid good money for "OUR" seats..well sorry I do respect that but I too paid GOOD money for "OUR" seats...4th row and I just can't sit down...what is wrong with these people who expect to sit during a concert anyway?? Watch the video if you want to sit!! I was in total ecstasy!!! The band seemed way more into Sunday nights show..Atten Michigan fans...maybe it had something to do with the response from the front sections????
Our seats were again way to awesome again...thank you Fleetwood mac Gods!!! Again in front of Christine and Stevie....MORE KILLER EYE CONTACT!!!!!!!! I'm sure Christine recognized me!!!
I had on the same outfit..(washed of course hahahaahah) Same long crimped hair..same glow stick...much cooler than a lighter..I've learned that...burned way too many thumbnails on lighters at previous concerts in the past!!! Lindsey totally "KICKS ASS"...he was ssooooooo charged up you could almost see the sparks fly off of his golden finger tips!!! HE WAS ON FIRE!! Christine was beautifully flawless and statley. John and Mick were perfect...the BEST---bong--bong...boom--boom!!!!
Simply body-slamming KILLER! *SIGH* Stevie---ooooohhhhh-----GO STEVIE! You are my shining over ocean crashing.....my "Sweet Girl" *SIGH*--her voice is truly profound...smooth as silk..rich as butter!!! "ROCK ON GOLD DUST WOMAN"!!!*SIGH* They were in superb form Sunday night simply PHENOMENAL!! They seemed to rock harder,sound better and get into it so much more than the night before!!! Hummmm...all you Mac fans waiting for Nov 21st!
at shows end...while they were rolling Christine's piano up front for "Songbird"..(Awesome)....I delicately stepped over the remaining 3 rows of seats and ended up 3 feet in front of Stevie-practically right under her nose...DIE---FREAK---EEEKKKK!!...had to get my shit together...adjust the spandex pants...whip my 2ft long hair back--and prepare for the immortal---melodic "Farmers Daughter".
OOHHHH---WHOOAAA--there really is a Fleetwood Mac god and I thank them again and again....:o)...THANK YOU---I AM MUCH OBLIGED....IT'S BEEN MIGHTY GRAND...I DO(I WILL) HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN...FARMERS DAUGHTER!!(sorry if I'm a little off key..my voice is fricked!) Then the HIGHLIGHT of the 2 shows happened...the unimaginable happened to ME......Stevie and I locked eyes and I screamed THANK YOU...WE LOVE YOU STEVIE!!! And SHE LOOKED RIGHT INTO "MY" EYES AND SAID (QUOTE)
I LOVE YOU TOO! That's it-- I fricking lost it! dropped half way to my knees in the Fleetwood Mac worship position...trying hard to hold back the tears......I almost DIED right there on the spot! SQUEAL...FREAK...DIE...CRY....SQUEAL!!! Then they took their final 3 bows and smilingly left the stage. NO..NO...Don't go...STAY!! SOBBBBB...SOBBBB!!! Well ok...I guess I'll have to wait until Nov for the Chicago show...(I'm going to that one too..although I have nose bleeds..who cares?? I will be there!!!). Then when we were waiting to leave Deer Creek...we heard sirens and GUESS WHAT??????? They were coming from the police car that was leading the bands limos out....and they were right in front of our car! Of course I stepped out in front(well not quite in front of the cars..I am still alive!) and started my KILLER whistle again and bowing and so on and STEVIE stuck her hand out of her window and gave me the thumbs up sign!!! OH MY GOD------the HIGH from these 2 back-to-back shows will last me a life time...I can't wait till Nov! Well all my beloved friends..we are almost home..I hate to see this end..(for now!!) anyway my scrawny butt bones are now embedded in the car seat..hahaahahahahahahahahahaha!! So long for now and I have a favor to ask of all you people going to the next shows...will you do just ONE ------------- GO STEVIE for me?? A REAL LOUD ONE???? as my voice is toasted!!! And I want to say a special thanks to Marty and Lisa for all their time and devotion to this site...It is THE best site I have found since I flew into cyber space!..OOOOOHHH you make computers fun!!! Well until Nov....take care all and ROCK ON!
--Jill

Minneapolis, MN; October 8th-Target Center

Concert Reviews:

Ryan Brown-- What a night last night in Minneapolis! Words can't describe how great this concert was. Since I am just 20 years old, this was the first time that I had the chance to see the REAL Fleetwood Mac live, and it was worth the wait. I was in heaven for two and a half hours. The crowd was nuts from the first bass drum kick on "The Chain" to the last harmony on "The Farmer's Daughter". They really gave the Mac the love they deserve, and you could tell that the band was really touched, almost surprised even, at the audience's reaction. The band was really into it for every song last night. Here are some specifics:
The setlist was the same, but it never seemed mailed in. The crowd really seemed to like the new stuff, especially "My Little Demon" and "Bleed to Love Her". The onstage dialogue was a little different this time, which was a surprise because I had read reviews where people said it was exactly the same as "The Dance". Lindsey was the most talkative, then Stevie, Christine, and even Mick was pretty vocal. He introduced the backup players and thanked the crowd at the end of the show. John was silent, of course, except he said a few words before "Say You Love Me".
Stevie was great. My mom, who I went to the show with (thanks for the ticket!), and I were afraid that she might begin to wear out her voice after all these shows the past few weeks, but she sounded great the whole night. Every time she'd do one of her patented spins the crowd would go nuts. The crowd stood for every one of her songs except for "Sweet Girl", which I really liked. She looked great, too. At the end of "Landslide" (which my mom liked the best), where the guitar stops before the last verse, she turned to Lindsey and smiled. He put both his hands over is heart, and smiled back, and then she turned to the crowd and smiled. Everyone went crazy! Then she finished the song and got a huge standing ovation, and she and Lindsey hugged and said something to each other, but not into the microphone, and Lindsey walked away from her laughing. It was a great moment. "Stand Back" and "Rhiannon" were awesome, although I wish Lindsey rocked out more on "Rhiannon" like he used to.
Christine was her usually beautiful self and she sounded great, too. "You Make Loving Fun" was awesome, with Mick really pounding away, and Lindsey doing a lot harder guitar parts than on "The Dance". "Say You Love Me" was great. Everybody was dancing and singing along, and you could tell she really appreciated people getting into her song like that. "Oh Daddy" was cool, and "Songbird" was beautiful as ever. Before the song she thanked everybody for making it a specail show, and wished us all a great rest of the year, and rest of our lives, which struck me as odd, but oh well. At the end of "Songbird" Mick came up behind her and gave her a big hug.
John was his usual silent, back in the shadows self, hanging out by Mick's drums. His bass work was awesome, though. You have to see him live to really appreciate what a great musician he is.
Mick was unbelievable! I used to think that the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin was the greatest drummer ever, but now I sing a different tune. Mick hits the drums so hard, and with such precision, that he just drives the whole band. And he was really having fun out there. During his solo part in "Not That Funny" he had a huge grin on his face, with those insane looking eyes egging the audience on. He looked so funny with those red shoes dancing around, banging on his vest. He went to each side of the stage and got everybody to stand up, while Lindsey lied on the floor at one side of the stage yelling into a microphone, "Go Mick!...Yeah, Mick!" It absolutely rocked. Mick is so crazy and so cool!
However, I reserve my most glowing praise for the greatest guitarist on the planet, Mr. Lindsey Buckingham. Every one of his solos just kicked ass (especially "I'm So Afraid" and "Go Your Own Way"), and after every one the crowd cheered wildly. He's such a presence on stage that my eyes were on him almost the whole concert (besides the fact that I think he's the coolest guy on the face of the earth). His voice also was great, which was a surprise because I was a little disappointed with it on "The Dance". However, last night he was back in great form. He was his old shrieking self. He hit all the high notes on "Go Your Own Way", which he most certainly did not on "The Dance", and on "Big Love" and "Go Insane". Here's a little story: There was a group of four or five women sitting right behind me at the show who were obviously there to see Stevie. Before the show all they talked about was what songs Stevie was going to do. However, after "Big Love" and "Go Insane", one of them said to another, "I want him so bad! He is just the coolest guy!" And the rest of the concert they talked about how great Lindsey was. And he deserved it. I have never been so enthralled in my life as I was at that concert. Lindsey, you're the best!
To anyone who hasn't gotten tickets, but wants to, I say get them! They are worth the sixty bucks. Last night Fleetwood Mac restated emphatically what many of us knew already: There is not a better rock 'n roll band on the planet! Thanks Fleetwood Mac for one of the greatest nights of my life.

Pat-- It's Thursday morning, and I'm sitting here trying to sort out the many highlights of the wonderful show my wife and I experienced last night in Section 236 of the Target Center, Minneapolis.
It was great to see this band playing together again. Lindsey really was the star of the show, with Mick a close second. Even from where I was sitting far away, it was obvious he was having a good time, especially during the guitar solos on "I'm So Afraid", "Big Love", and "Go Your Own Way". Lindsey sounded a little hoarse when singing, though, especially during "My Little Demon". I think he recognized that fact, though, as he didn't push his voice too hard during the demanding portions of songs. Mick was having a ball, too; I liked his drum vest solo during "Not That Funny", which was used primarily as an excuse for Mick, John, and Lindsey to JAM. Christine didn't miss a note - her vocals are so smooth and pleasant, and she really seemed to open up to the audience when speaking between songs. Stevie was subdued at the beginning but became more animated as the night went on; she rocked the house with "Gold Dust Woman", "Stand Back", and "Rhiannon". She looked beautiful in black chiffon and sparkly bracelets. Her singing was flat in a few spots, however, most noticeably during the beginning of "Rhiannon". Once the main portion of "Rhiannon" began, though, she was back in tune.
Highlights of the evening were Lindsey's guitar solos on "I'm So Afraid" and "Big Love"; "Landslide"; "Stand Back", complete with swirling white lights; Mick's solo during "Not That Funny"; and of course Christine's "Songbird", beautiful as always.
Some things I observed: Great crowd response for Stevie's "Sweet Girl", after which Stevie put her hands over her heart and mouthed to the crowd, "That's my song!" Nice lighting on the ooohs and aaahs of "Big Love" (spotlight on for ooohs, off for aaahs). During "Stand Back", only Stevie and the background singers sang - the rest of FM just backed them up instrumentally. Nice guitar work by Lindsey on "Oh Daddy" that wasn't identical to the record. Stevie contributes many of the "ba, ba,..." background vocals on "Second Hand News". Beautiful blue-green lighting when Stevie sings "blue-green colors flashing" during "Silver Springs". There wasn't as much interaction between Stevie and Lindsey as I expected, except during the obvious spots in "Landslide" and "Silver Springs".
The crowd was interesting. The age ranged from teens to age 50, but most of the people were in my group, age 35-45. Very few people stood up and danced, except in about the first 10 rows. And the sound was not good, probably a combination of arena acoustics and TOO MUCH BASS. I could not understand most of what the band said in between songs. The quieter songs such as "Silver Springs" and "Songbird" were much clearer sounding than the rockers.
If FM tours again, I think I will try to avoid reading concert reviews until after I see them. The element of surprise was non-existent as I knew just about everything the band was going to say or do before they did it. I don't want to be too negative, though. I really did enjoy the show. These five people are fine musicians and it's a joy to see them performing and enjoying themselves. Hopefully it won't be another 17 years before I get to see them again.