| Irvine CA, Oct. 17th, 18th, and 19th - Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre |
Derik A. Larson-- Well, I went to the Friday, October 17th show in Irvine Meadows, and it was all that I had hoped for all these months! My friend and I arrived at the venue at 5 pm, just as the parking lot was opening. We quickly munched on sandwiches because we could not bring our food (or blankets or beverages) into the theater. Then we joined the line at the gate, and were pretty close to the front. We chatted and relaxed until they opened the gates at 6:30. While waiting, I noticed that in extreme stupidity I had purchased tickets for the Saturday show and was there for the Friday show! I felt so stupid, but my friend was convinced she could get it to work out. Well, she was right. We ended up exchanging our tickets for the right show and were on our way.We had to wait again inside -- a huge mob of people anxious to get the best unreserved lawn seats they could. When they finally let us go up to the lawn (at 7) there was a huge rush as we all pushed our ways to the top of the amphitheater. My friend and I ended up getting relatively good seats, we were in about the fourth "row" of the lawn and straight out from the stage. The next hour and a half passed slowly, but finally they turned out the lights and the first chords of "The Chain" started to pound! Although the band members looked incredibly small, I could see their movements and the sound was great!
"The Chain" was great as always! It was followed by "Dreams" which is one of my favorites. I thought it sounded excellent, even better than on "The Dance." Next was "Everywhere" from "Tango in the Night," it sounded good at first but on the "Oh, I"s it seemed that things were not quite in key. It was still great, though. Next, Stevie excited the audience with "Gold Dust Woman," which rocked hard! People were standing despite the constant "sit down"s yelled by rude, lazy people sitting behind them (editorial comment, I think standing is totally appropriate at a concert). Lindsey followed this by rocking HARD on "I'm So Afraid," which is such a cool song and it just sounded excellent. Then the band performed the new songs "Temporary One" and "Bleed to Love Her," which didn't get too much of a rise from the crowd although they rocked strongly!
Next, Stevie resumed her witchy ways in performing "Gypsy" which got the crowd excited again. It sounded good, but Lindsey's voice seemed to be a little overwhelming at the end. He followed this song with his two acoustic numbers, "Big Love" and "Go Insane." "Big Love" was my favorite number from "The Dance" and it sure sounded great. Then he read a poem which I couldn't hear too well, and followed this with "Go Insane." I had never heard this song before the concert, but I would have to say it is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in my life! I really enjoyed it! Next was "Landslide" which was great and had the audience swaying. Christine then brought "Say You Love Me" back from "Noah's Ark" as she put it. It was performed with banjos just as in "The Dance" and had us dancing and cheered us up after the previous bleak songs. Stevie then sang her new song, "Sweet Girl," which I have a new appreciation for. The song didn't particularly strike me on "The Dance," but it was strong in this show.
Next the band rocked on "You Make Loving Fun" which really seemed to get everyone excited. Christine's voice sounded so smooth and beautiful! Next was "My Little Demon," which rocked hard although Lindsey seemed to be losing his voice. Next was Stevie's solo hit "Stand Back," which had the crowd back on its feet. After that was the rather obscure "Oh Daddy" from "Rumours" which I thought sounded great. I was happy to hear this song done in concert. Next was "Not That Funny," which was just hilarious. It was evident that Lindsey had not lost his voice because he was belting out all the high parts and really enjoying himself. Lindsey, John, and Mick all had well-deserved solos, and it was great. The highlight was the "drum suit" that Mick wore in which each part of his outfit made a different percussion noise. At the end of the jamming session, Mick's drum suit "did battle" with Lindsey's guitar, it was certainly funny!
"Rhiannon" began next with the slow piano solo as in "The Dance," which was quite a contrast to "Not That Funny." All I can say is that this song ruled! Then they played "Second Hand News" which seemed like an odd choice for this point in the concert but it was a nice segue to the rest, and it sounded good too (of course). Next was "Silver Springs," which is an absolutely beautiful song and it sounded SO GOOD! I had tears in my eyes throughout the whole thing because there is so much power in those words and I could really feel the pain Stevie must have been feeling when she wrote the song. Next was "Tusk" which was good but just not the same without the marching band. Then the band played "Go Your Own Way," which had the crowd up and jamming. They wished us a good night and left the stage. Some of the less experienced concert-goers left, while we who knew how these things worked waited around for our encores!
And we got them, all right! The band returned to the stage and played "Don't Stop," which sounds so much better live than it ever did on "Rumours." I have a new found respect for the song now. Then everyone left the stage except Christine and she played "Songbird" at the piano. I cannot believe how beautiful her voice sounded! The emotion from "Songbird" was very strong again and I just ate it up. Christine wished us a good night and then left the stage. Well, the crowd continued to cheer so the band returned for one final song, "Farmer's Daughter," which was an appropriate end to a great concert! The almost three-hour concert passed SO quickly, and I certainly did not want it to end. But I was just happy to have been able to see my favorite band ever, it was great!
Anthony J. Duke-- Full Moon.The show was perfect, flawless and beautiful.
Everyone in the band was amazing, but it was Lindsey Buckingham who stole the show. He is a guitar playing genius and plays his best with Fleetwood Mac.
| Phoenix, AZ, Oct. 22nd - Blockbuster Desert Sky Amphitheater |
Brian Nevitt-- I have been attending Fleetwood Mac concerts since 1976 and last night's concert in Phoenix may have been the best one yet. The group really enjoys playing together and it was awesome to see the smiles on everyone's face during the show. The set list was the same as all the other shows, but the desert surroundings seem to bring out the best in Stevie and Lindsey. Stevie was obviously pumped up to do well in front of her parents and hometown fans and she did not disappoint. A stiff, cool breeze constantly blew Stevie's hair and outfits making for an eerie setting on stage. She seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd and sounded great on all her numbers. Landslide and Silver Springs probably the best received songs. Stevie puts her heart and soul into Silver Springs now as she used to with Rhiannon back in the 70's.Lindsey was incredible. This man can get more out of a guitar than anyone I've ever heard and yet he never seems to get the national respect we all know he deserves. I'm So Afraid and his acoustical set drew the biggest applause of the evening. His work on Go Your Own Way resulted in a broken string, similar to the show in Irvine last Saturday night, which I was also fortunate enough to attend. The crowd in Phoenix was much more into the concert than the crowd in Southern California last weekend. Second Hand News was my personal favorite of the evening. This little used nugget smoked and was a much better song selection than Eyes of the World.
After reading about all the ticket disasters on the East Coast, I was very lucky to get fourth row seats through normal channels. Ticketmaster did not hold back any tickets here and was actually pretty efficient when they were sold months ago. Of course, any concert is going to be better from the fourth row, but I honestly believe the Mac played as well as they ever have! The only complaint I had involved the gestapo security force and their practice of keeping the crowd away from the stage. No one was allowed within ten feet of the stage or they were whisked off the premises if they strayed too close to the band. They also managed to confiscate my camera film after I had taken nearly 25 pictures of the group and was rewinding the film to pack it away for the night!
All in all, a fantastic concert and one not to miss!
Ron Browne -- Just returned to my home in New Orleans, after flying to Phoenix, (for the concert).. Decided to combine an Arizona vacation with FM. Since they were not playing in New Orleans, found a city I wanted to see them in,(Stevies home town, is one of my favorite places) I got tickets via ticketmaster, the day Phoenix went on sale. Not bad 2nd section, dead center of the pavillion.The anticipation of flying to Phoenix, to see them, was overwhelmed by the INTENSE electricity once we got into the venue. It was a great mix of people mostly people in my age group (39).
I had more fun buying 3 t-shirts, 2 caps, key ring, and just talking with all these great people in the pavillion. Everyone was so into just being there, (of course a couple of margaritas put the night on the right track
The show started about 15 minutes late, but who really noticed. As has been posted prior, the setlist was the same. It was the energy of the group, combined with the audience that really rocked Phoenix that night. Each number was better than the last, and of course when Stevie did Rhiannon, I was near tears!!! Our seatmates around us were great, and I would really like to thank the lady from Mesa for letting me borrow her binoculars, (especially when I needed a close up of Stevie), and the Southwest fight attendent,sitting behind me, who really helped me get our section on our feet and rockin. I think our corner of section 204/row yy...really got everyone going,(I mean who is going to really sit down and just watch Fleetwood Mac)??? I last saw them in Tampa July 4, 1976, (bicentenial concert), and could not believe I was lucky enough to see them 21 years later....Sorry this is a week or so late, but I don't have a laptop, so had to wait till I returned to New Orleans to send in. (I've already watched the video about 8 times, and have nothing on the cd except FM albums.
Thank you...Lindsey, Stevie, Christine, John, and Mick, for a night and date in time I will always remember!!
| Hollywood, CA, October 24th - Hollywood Bowl |
Victoria Herrick-- It's midnight. The concert ended 1 hour ago. I have waited and wanted to see Fleetwood Mac in concert since 1977. The Hollywood Bowl is an awesome venue to see and hear anybody. I went with my best friend of 25 years and her husband. We had decent seats. Dead center of the Bowl. I wish I could say the show was great. It wasn't. They looked good. They sounded good. The vocals were amazing (as usual) BUT -- there were five different performances going on up there. I felt like they were walking through their performances and just simply were not connecting. Maybe it was because we were surrounded by some very drunk and very stoned people who basically wanted to socialize and talk through the entire show. People were walking up and down the aisles shouting and screaming, especially during Lindsey's numbers. The guy was playing his heart out and very few people around us were even listening. Finally, security came and asked the folks who really didn't want to be there to leave. Good, I thought, maybe finally we'll get to hear and see the show. It's now at the halfway mark and the Mac still is not connecting. They started to warm up after "Not That Funny." Mick was remarkable. The drum solo soared and he danced all over the stage in black velvet knickers and bright red slippers. Playing away on the drum-vest. I loved it. For me this was the highlight of the show. This song is a grand way for J. McVie, Mick and Lindsey to jam their little hearts out. Lindsey recited a poem just before he sang "Go Insane," but the crowd was so disrespectful that none of us got to hear the poem. Stevie's costumes (all of them) were beautiful. There was very little interaction between she and Lindsey until "Silver Springs." At the end of the song, Lindsey walked over to Stevie and they finished the song with their lips almost touching each other's. At the end of the song, Lindsey rested his forehead on the back of Stevie's hand. That was lovely, just lovely. Very touching and a beautiful gesture on his part. At "Second Hand News" the crowd finally started paying attention and went wild with each and every chorus of that song. The rest of the set and the show were, well, just a show. Not the show I wanted to see, and probably not as good as the Mac wanted to play. Based on the weirdness that occurred at the curtain call, I think maybe there was some strangeness happening in the band tonight, or at least with Lindsey. After "Songbird" and "Farmer's Daughter" (which by the way the vocals and harmony were AHHHHH -- terrific), John, Christine, Mick and Stevie, came downstage to take their bow. Lindsey was standing downstage left talking on the phone!! Yep. He was actually talking on somebody's cellular the phone while his bandmates were waiting to take a group bow. Mick said something like "Only in Hollywood," Stevie walked over to Lindsey and kinda smacked him on the back of his head, then without looking at her or John or Mick or Christine (or the audience), Lindsey thrust his guitar into the guitar keeper's hand and stormed off stage -- without talking a bow. Come on?? What's this about? I find this to be pretty small and childish behaviour for a man who is as talented as Lindsey Buckingham. Don't get me wrong -- I love Lindsey -- I mean I think he's the greatest guitar player since Stevie Ray Vaughn, Rye Cooter and Muddy Waters, but to stand on stage at the Hollywood Bowl during a performance and talk on a cell phone while the rest of your band members are trying to honor their fans with a curtain call. Jez. This behaviour on Lindsey's part was a real, real turn off. I think I'll wait another 20 years before I go see these guys live again. It just wasn't worth it. I wish I had been at the other shows I've read about here. I wish it was the show I had waited to see.
Phil Hof-- Through the kindness of another fan, I finally did get a hold of a ticket for last night’s show! We were way back, so I can’t report up close on the interactions of the band members. But here goes…I waited at the Bowl Bus stop, sign in hand, waiting to see if my ticket-provider would show up and find me as planned by email. People standing by me waiting for the bus thought I was nuts for trusting a stranger for tickets. Lots of suggestions to get on the bus anyway and try my luck with the scalpers. Well, ten minutes later, they were proved wrong! Just as planned, and the kind soul, only hours from the concert, asked face value, no more. I bought his bus ticket in gratitude. Attaway Mac fans!
Walking in past the old Hollywood Bowl marquee (the Bowl was built in the early ‘20s) with the old-fashioned block letters FLEETWOOD MAC gave me a serious 70’s flashback and made me feel both at home and in a place in history!
They started at 8:30 (the obligatory half-hour late, "L.A. Standard Time"). By then, fans were so eager that when a new song came up on the PA, they started cheering, even though the house lights were still on. It was obvious they were hungry! Mac attack time!
Like earlier shows, it got started with Mick’s heartbeat intro to The Chain, and it was deafening when Lindsey began playing. The chorus, "chain, keep us together" was sung by all. In fact, more than any concert I have gone to, the crowd wanted to sing along almost every ballad, and did so. It was hard to complain, even though they drowned out the vocals often. We just couldn’t help ourselves!
Dreams came next, and people settled down a bit with the slower tempo. But they charged right back up with Christine’s Everywhere. I really like the newer, ska-like beat. It gives a whole new feel to an old favorite.
The crowd dancers came out in force for Gold Dust Woman, with many Stevie clones wandering through the aisles. I expected people to make fun of them (LA crowds can be sarcastic), but I heard not a peep. Everyone had that 70’s "do your own thing" attitude, and in fact there were no crowd incidents anywhere near us all night. Lindsey then charged us right back up again with I’m So Afraid. Takes your breath away. It was hard to see from the back, but Lindsey played directly to (even kneeling down in front of) a group of friends right in front of him in the orchestra pit.
Next, Christine introduced Temporary One with "We’d like to do a number of new songs now…really new. This one’s from … uh from uh… the Dance!" I think she started the intro on autopilot, and then stopped midway, realizing that the songs weren’t from an album really, but from the current tour! Kind of a fun moment when she caught herself. Don’t we just love it when the oh-so-controlled Christine eases up just a bit? The little girl in an adult body comes out!
Lindsey was perfect on Bleed to Love Her. They next went through Gypsy and Big Love, both crowd pleasers done perfectly, before Lindsey’s now-standard poem leading into Go Insane. For those who asked for it, here’s my best transcription:
The world is calling you away And your leaving was just a way of staying with what you'd come to say
This pain is a poem Slowly written Torn from the book and cast into a corner of the attic where no one could look
This rage for all to see caught fire and burned all around me til there was nothing left to burn
Now I stand alone in these attic bones And re~read that poem all yellowed with age
Tears heal such as healing is So I cast that page into the ashes And there is no blame Only shades of regret And those too will forget
He didn’t read it with a lot of feeling; but first, he’s read it so many times on previous shows, and second, this was a much more casual show, from their relaxed on-stage presence to the crowd sing-alongs. No tension, just a great time with familiar songs. Go Insane was hard to hear, with all the screaming from the Lindsey fans.
Next, of course, was Landslide, which Stevie dedicated "to everyone, for giving us a reason to be together and do this song for you." Naturally, we all took this personally and screamed our lungs out! Stevie came sooooo close to Lindsey during his guitar segment, but I couldn’t see them touch from my seat in the back (even with binocs). Afterwards, Lindsey took his guitar off right after playing so they shared a very tight, though brief two-armed hug. Awwwww!
Christine then introduced "an old song dressed up in new clothes," the banjo style Say You Love Me. This was followed by Sweet Girl, courteously received, and then You Make Loving Fun, which fired us all up again. Next was My Little Demon (after Lindsey’s much-abbreviated "positive choice" intro), and he wowed all with his ax work, as expected but still exciting and new-sounding.
My notes are as bad as my memory on the next few songs (some great herb going around), so if anyone has corrections here, welcome! The set included, I believe: Oh Daddy, Not That Funny (with Mick’s drum-synth vest, and Lindsey’s prowling around teasing him probably more enjoyable up front where you could see their faces), and Stand Back. All well done, and finished to raucous cheers.
Band intros were next, hardly heard over the crowd. Deafening whoops followed the piano intro to Rhiannon, one of my all-time favorite live versions. The crowd started to really sing along about now. The next song put us over the top, as Lindsey pounded out Second Hand News. We were all on stage singing and stomping in our minds, as the "ooohs" from the "news" chorus echoed around the Bowl. The crowd was so into this, we sang along to Silver Springs, which usually quiets the audience down. There was little Stevie/Lindsey action going on that I could see, and I think the band realized we were there to celebrate the music, not the skeletons of the heart. They both faced the audience and we all sang along.
Lindsey said that the band is "thrilled with the way this project is unfolding we couldn’t have scripted it better," although that comment seemed scripted itself (wow, cycles!). No matter, we are thrilled, too!
The audience chorus was firmly planted (and even on key) as the final numbers of the encore came. Go Your Own Way, Don’t Stop, and even Songbird were "our" songs, and we sang our hearts out. 18,000 voices together bringing back 1978! We quieted down for the finale, Farmer’s Daughter, because Mac’s harmonies were SO sweet, almost a lullaby to end the night, sung from stage front.
The feeling of camaraderie in the crowd, singing along, permeated the Bowl throughout the night. None of the performances will make it onto a disc or video, and their harmonies were at times wanting. No matter. This was a Mac love-fest, a joint celebration of their music, not a showcase of perfect performances. I had no regrets, and left feeling that the band was welcomed like a familiar friend, not a guest. I think the band felt it, and just went along for the ride. No pressure, just a campfire sing-along with old friends.
I thank again the stranger (now friend) who made my night with Fleetwood Mac possible, by offering his extra ticket. If you can make a show, or even have a slim hope like I did of finding a ticket, try your best and do it!
| Las Vegas NV Oct. 25 - MGM Grand Garden |
Anna Tu-- Well I arrived about 45 minutes late but when I arrived the first song "The Chain" had just started. I made my way all the way back to my seat which was near the back wall of this half a football field sized arena. My seat was near the ceiling speakers so most of the words and lyrics were muffled. The music however was incredible. Some of my fave for the night was Gold Dust Woman, My Little Demon, Silver Springs, and Don't Stop. I really enjoyed my concert and hope there will be more in the future.
| Salt Lake City UT, October 28th-- Delta Center |
D. Maddox-- I went to the Fleetwood Mac concert in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 28, 1997, which was also my 17th B-day. It was the BEST b-day present anyone could have given me. It was definitely the best concert I have ever been to. The five members of this wonderful band make you feel as though you're their friends, and at the same time they really reach out to you. They should be tremendously proud of what they've accomplished! I love you all!
| Denver CO, Oct. 29th - McNichols Arena |
Lauren Leichter-- Wow!! I don't know where to start!! Well, let me start from the beginning! Let me also say I am a HUGE Lindsey fan, so will mention all the Lindsey points I noticed of course.I went with my friend Sallie to the show here in Denver, Colorado at McNichols Arena (nicknamed Big Mac, quite appropriately!). We got there early and had to wait outside for a bit for them to open the doors and it was cold, but it didn't bug me, I was sooo excited!! We got in at 7:30 (the show was to start at 8:30) and I went and got a tshirt. I wanted the one with Lindsey and Stevie hugging, but the one that really stood out for me was the white Dance one and I loved it with the songs on the back and I was glad to see a white tshirt finally! I couldn't decide between that one and one of the tour ones , but wanted a recent pix of Lindsey, so got the Dance one. Ok, so got that and we went to go to our seats and Sallie gasped as we were looking down to our seats near the stage and how close they were. I have NEVER in my life been that close. I couldn't believe it even as we sat.
We were in the 3rd row, the 2 aisle seats near center on Christine's side, but McNichols is sooo small that we were close to all of them. I could see Stevie almost right in front of me and Lindsey not too much farther, he was over the center section, not the right. Great seats! Anyway, before it started these 2 security guards were flirting with Sallie and I, haha, and we were talking to them about security (it's tight, no going NEAR the stage) etc. and glad we befriended them cause whenever I got in the aisle they didn't make me go back to my seat but they made all these other people go back, haha!
We waited and waited and several false alarms and screams were had and about 9PM the lights went out and we heard the infamous crickets!! We all stood up and I was looking to the right for them to come out. First came Chris, Mick and John to the left. Then to the right came Stevie and Lindsey holding hands. The lights were not on them yet, but I could see them and knew the moment had arrived. The audience went nuts to the Chain. Perfect! They all looked so incredible!! Stevie is gorgeous, her jewelry was gorgeous too and her hair had gold dust or something in it. She wore black and had on those yellow-cream platform shoes she had on the cover of RS. Christine is beautiful, had a red velvet jacket and black velvet pants. John, same outfit as Dance and Mick had a velvet little outfit on with those dingle balls and tights, what a character! Lindsey had the black pants and black top unbuttoned (hee hee) on and, well.....he's even more handsome in person!! And so charismatic!! The Chain was followed by Dreams and again, the crowd went nuts. Then Everywhere. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the show, even Fleetwood Mac! Lot's of smiles and nods of affection between them. Lindsey seemed to be having the time of his life. He smiled at Stevie and the audience so much I couldn't believe it! I can't remember the entire song order after this, but here goes!
Let me interrupt here....at this point the guy in front of us decided to smoke a big old joint. So by no choice of our own, Sallie and I were probably stoned through the whole show too, haha, but I was having too much fun and didn't really care.
Gold Dust Woman! Gorgeous shawl that Stevie had on of gold and stones. Just beautiful. She really does shine. Lindsey's guitar playing was awesome. The song seemed so short though, but everyone went wild at the end when she twirled and she seemed to stand with her back to us to Mick's drums for what seemed like an eternity at the end. Lindsey really enjoys watching her in this song.
I'm So Afraid. What can I say. Incredible. BETTER than the Dance. 10 times better if that's possible. You have to see this song live. He got a standing ovation halfway through and was playing at the edge of the stage at the end....it was amazing. When he was done we were all clapping and shouting. I put two hands up and smiled and he nodded a thank you my way (first thing he did that made my night!). Let me interrupt here and say I was right in his view whenever he turned to the right, like when Stevie was singing, etc. And we all stood thru the whole thing so I was easy to see and on the aisle!
Ok...next songs.....Temporary One and Bleed to Love Her. Both great. Lindsey did his little speech, but no organic or weird stuff. He got a large amount of applause for it. He sang Bleed to Love her to both Chris and Stevie. His voice was perfect! That is my fave song on the Dance of his.
Gypsy was incredible, everyone got up and danced to that one. Lindsey kept wiping sweat off him during that song at the beginning and before starting the guitar and he was playfully looking at Stevie and smiling. Very cute!! Her turns were great. Beautiful song, one of the best guitar songs too, especially at the end.
Big Love and Go Insane were incredible, as I knew they would be. Lindsey got standing ovations for both and after Big Love the applause would not stop and he was trying to recite his poem for Go Insane and he started to giggle since everytime he'd try to talk, the applause got louder. He finally got through it.
Landslide was great! Stevie dedicated it to her friend Debbie in Denver and told us that she wrote the song here in Colorado! Also, during the song, when she holds her part at the end "snow covered......" Lindsey was making faces at the audience to keep applauding louder and louder and we kept doing it so she couldn't finish and we were all laughing and she turned to look at him and he made this sweet face and then she finished "hills". Then of course they hugged. I didn't see them as being really intimate through the show at all, but very close friends. Very sweet hug and you can tell they really care about each other.
Say You Love Me, was great! I kept expecting the slow motion camera during the one part! Very nice and everyone in the crowd went nuts to this and to You Make Loving Fun. Those were real big dancing songs. John's bass in You Make Loving Fun combined with Lindsey's guitar is just incredible live. I was in disbelief.
My Little Demon was great, but here is where Lindsey's voice didn't seem to be able to get to the range he did on the Dance. Stevie kept looking at him in the beginning to see if something was wrong and I was worried! But he got through it fine, just sounded a bit strained, but only on that song. I think it must be the notes are hard for him with his throat still. Sweet Girl was great too but Stevie slowed part of it down some so it's a bit different now. But everyone seemed to like it.
Not sure when these next few songs came on, but will mention them here. Stand Back!! Everyone went nuts!! Lindsey and John switched sides of the stage and I was thrilled as Lindsey was right in front of me and smiled and nodded when I waved! He was talking to Christine the whole time and making cute faces at her. They had strobe lights zooming back and forth too. It really rocked. Not that Funny was great! I had forgotten about this song so was surprised when it came on as I was not sure what it was. I do like the live version better that Lindsey used to do, but this was wonderful! His voice was PERFECT in it too! After Lindsey sang his part he tried to look real tired, like a rag doll and kept swaying back and forth....then he went and laid down on the right. A security guard went over and asked him if he was ok, haha!!! Then Mick got nuts with his drums and drum pads and came out and got the audience wild with his antics!! He's a riot to watch! He had us all going nuts! Then I saw Lindsey get up towards the end and grab his guitar and he and Mick finished the song. It was great. Second Hand News...one of my faves and I was waiting for this one! Everyone went nuts! Lindsey basically sang it to Stevie and they made sweet faces to each other. Very nice.
Rhiannon! Wow!! Stevie came out in red during this one!! It was incredible. Her voice is just beautiful. This is my good luck song as I won my tickets by being the first caller to this song but it gets better!! During the part when Stevie was singing the verse "say would you even try" and Lindsey was playing he looked my way again and I smiled and he nodded and smiled to me a huge smile then he was late getting to the mike to sing the Rhiannon verse haha!!!!! I nearly died!! Everyone went nuts at the end of this one too.
Silver Springs....great song!! Crowd went crazy when it started and Stevie really just looked at the audience the whole time while she was singing and not Lindsey - only during the end did she look at him. Ok, here's the funny part that happened to me that I will never forget!! (Lindsey you are a doll!). During the part "you'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you" Lindsey was looking my way and I was singing along to those words and our eyes locked for a moment and he gave me that "oh really" nod and smile and I shook my head while smiling as if to say "no" (kinda serious kinda sarcastically) and he started to laugh and then so did I!!! I was dying. Then at this point Stevie was looking at him since she was singing her ending to the song so he started to look back at her. But he seemed amused by the song, not threatened by it. Then he went over to her right before the song ended and went up to her and she stopped short of the last line and he put his forehead to hers and kissed her and she finished the song. Then they hugged! Very cute ending!! But I will NEVER forget my Lindsey moment there!!!
Go Your Own Way rocked!!! My fave of all their songs!! It was incredible. What can I say!! Lindsey was real cute and looked at Stevie during "baby if I could, I'd give you my world" and then after that he said to her something away from the mike, like "yes, I would" or something like that! It was sooo very cute! I thought, how sweet and his guitar on this again, just amazing. After this they left the stage. When they came back, Stevie and Lindsey were holding hands. He's such a gentleman.
Don't Stop!! Awesome! Everyone went nuts!! Again, I got another Lindsey moment here when he sang "yesterday's gone" I got another smile and nod!! That was my last one of the night (sniff). But it was enough for me, believe me!
Songbird was beautiful and Chris was at her baby grand on that. I loved when she said "Goodnight Denver, we love ya"! So nice. And then they all came out for Farmer's Daughter which I always liked but never loved and this was just perfect. I love it now. Their voices were in great harmony and they looked like they were having so much fun there. Then they all said goodbye. We all waved. I got tears in my eyes when Mick thanked us and told us to be nice to each other and to be happy. Thanks Fleetwood Mac, you are more than I ever hoped for! And thank you Lindsey for the smiles, you'll never know how much that meant to me!
Tom Hartung -- To get an idea as to what it sounded like, listen to their new disk, "The Dance," and imagine longer jams, and add an extended drum solo and a few solo songs (eg. Gold Dust Woman by Stevie and one by Christine I've never heard).To be more specific, the show must've sold out, McNichols was packed. They played for over two hours and did three encores. They had a extra guitar player and a keyboard and guitar player (from Denver) in the shadows to the left of Mick, and a congo player and two female backup singers in the shadows to the right of Mick.
: Did'ja get Sandy Mary???
Sorry, no songs from the pre-Buckingham-Nicks-era F. Mac. Oh Well, if you want to hear some of that, invite yourself over to my place sometime, and you'll probably hear some whether you like it or not.
: how were the $70 seats?
They were nice (thanks again, Vann!). Fortunately we were not bombarded with beer, trash, ciggies, etc. from the obviously jealous fans seated above us (as were some of those sitting near us). Apparently Road Rage is spreading to the concert venues. For a show with a well-behaved crowd, I recommend the Mercury Cafe on Thursday nights.
Stevie was dressed like the fans who imitate her style of dressing. She changed her shawl during Lindsey's solo bit, from a light-colored one to a darker-colored one. She really is a beautiful woman, and like other beautiful women she obviously knows it, and that of course makes her a bit of a showoff, and that in turn somehow tends to spoil it all, at least for me. All this time I thought that MTV slowed down her pirouettes. Either she's always done them in slo-mo, or she's getting old.
Me, I admire humility, and recently my admiration of Christine has increased dramatically. This is no doubt due to listening to "The Dance" along with a couple newly-acquired oldies ("Bare Trees" and "Mystery to Me"). Christine must be one of the most consistent songwriters in the history of Rock'n'Roll -- *all* of her songs are very, very nice. Now why couldn't they dust off one of her tunes from the Bob Welch-era F. Mac? None of the fans of their newer music would know the difference, and fans of their older music would be delighted to hear something from the early '70's. Why they can't do that is definitely a Mystery to Me!
Mick was the one making the fashion statement, in a poufy white shirt (ala. that Seinfeld episode), black vest and knickers, with red shoes completing the ensemble. This guy must be old, back in 1967 he was kicked out of John Mayall's group for "excessive drunkeness," and he's admitted to "abusing myself with cocaine." Keef [sic] Richards ain't got nothin' on Mick F. (Yeah, right, Keef conjuring up enough guts to wear knickers, and prance around on stage beating on the synth drums in his vest, yeah, sure, that'll be the day.)
In case you missed it, John Mayall played recently up at Little Bear. That's what he gets for kicking drunks out of his band. Hey, let's all go out and get drunk!
| San Antonio TX, Oct. 31 - Alamodome |
Stacey Vernick-- My friend Karen and I had 3rd row center seats. We knew we were going to be close, but did not realize how close until we got there. Usually at concerts, there is a pit in front of the stage with a wall in front of it. Well, that was not the case here. There were a few very large security men leaning against the stage and that was it.While were milling around before the show, I got to meet John Kinney, who does the Nicks Fix site. We chatted for a few minutes at one of the T-shirt booths.
Karen was dressed like Stevie. She was wearing a shiny dress with a black velvet cape and black velvet platform boots that look like they were stolen straight from Stevie's closet! She's already 5'11", I'm sure those boots made her 6'4"! I was dressed up as a flapper chick, with a black sequined, purple-feathered headband, long purple false eyelashes, black dress and red feather boa. I'm 5'4" and my shoes made me 5'8". I didn't see too many people dressed up for Halloween, just a few. I know this helped us get noticed by the band, since hardly anyone up front was dressed up.
After getting drinks and having one last cigarette, we went back to our seats and then the crickets started. Most of the 2nd row was still empty, which was fine with us. When those people did show up, they stayed in their seats until Go Your Own Way!
The lights went out and the crowd roared. Lindsey and Stevie came out holding hands.
The set list and costumes were all the same - here are some highlights - If I've skipped a few songs, it's only because there wasn't anything particularly noteworthy about them:
The Chain - The sound mix wasn't quite right - everyone's vocals seemed low. Stevie said, "Welcome to our party" at the end.
Dreams - The sound was much better. Stevie sounded great.
Everywhere - This was our first glimpse of the roadie who was wearing a Bill Clinton mask and suit jacket all night. When Christine came up to the front microphone, she looked right at us and smiled! Gold Dust Woman - Stevie rocked this one! She wailed the "and go hoooome" better than the video. I actually counted 9 twirls at the end of the song. Like I mentioned in my post, that rhinestone dot on her forehead looks more like a big, snowflake shaped glob of glitter. Her bangs were covering it all night, but it was definitely a large area of her forehead that was shining.
Bleed to Love Her - During Lindsey's speech, Stevie came over to John and put her forehead on his shoulder for a few seconds. I said to Karen, "What's with Stevie?" Then, she turned around and fanned herself with her hand and said to John, "It's hot."
Gypsy - A girl in the front row was waving at Stevie and she winked at her, it was cute. She sang, "Hey baby", instead of just "Hey" like the video. I think this was when Karen noticed Stevie wearing an ace bandage on her left hand, across the palm. I told her I'm sure it was only there for the tambourine. (I have a glow in the dark one just like Stevie's and I have severely bruised myself after only playing for 5 minutes.)
Landslide - Stevie dedicated it to the audience and said something like, "I can honestly
say that Texas is my favorite place to play, because you're all so much fun!"
During Lindsey's solo, Stevie had her back to us and was doing that thing with her hands like the video. She was a little late coming back for the last chorus. Karen and I were motioning her to hurry - she saw us and smiled and made a face like "Oops." Yes, they hugged at the end and there was a quick kiss on the cheek. Lindsey practically ran to go grab his banjo.
Say You Love Me - More eye contact with Christine!
Sweet Girl - Stevie sang, "I still hear their words", instead of "your words."
You Make Loving Fun - This song rocks in concert. Lindsey totally shredded his guitar on this one. The audience went wild when it ended, Christine looked genuinely surprised at the crowd's response. It was nice to see that, since Stevie usually gets the most attention.
My Little Demon - Lindsey went a little crazy with the demon noises at the beginning of the song. He twisted up his face and was snarling right along with the sampled sounds.
Stand Back - More eye contact with Stevie and a lot with Lindsey! When Lindsey came over to Chris, I had eye contact with him on the "la la las" I was singing along to with Stevie. A couple seconds later, Lindsey and Karen had a little nodding, bopping thing going on that lasted a good 5-10 seconds. It was so noticeable, that the girl on my other side reached over to Karen to give her a high-five for her Lindsey moment. Every time Stevie sang, "Stand Back", several of us were punching our fists in the air and she noticed that and did it back to us and smiled!
Oh Daddy - I forgot they did this and was wondering what song it was until I remembered. It was very eerie and interesting to hear live.
Not That Funny - This was when I noticed my cousin Michelle was sitting in the 5th row, about 12 seats to my left. After Mick's drum solo (which was great!), Lindsey came out and hid behind Chris' monitor and then started sneaking around behind Mick. Then, he jumped out in front of Mick and scared him. Mick and Lindsey were "dueling" drum pads and guitar at the end of the song.
Rhiannon - Better than the video.
Second Hand News - More eye contact with Stevie on the "bow bow bow" parts. She was nodding her head at me while we sang along.
Silver Springs - The "never get aways" were intense! At the end, Lindsey came over to Stevie and they didn't touch foreheads, but he got like 2 inches away from her face and was staring intently into her eyes (sigh).
Tusk - Chris, John and Lindsey formed a little circle on Chris' side of the stage - they all looked like they were having so much fun.
Go Your Own Way - At the end, Mick did a little skip toward Stevie and they held hands while walking off the stage. Stevie and Lindsey came back holding hands for Don't Stop.
Songbird - Chris said something like, "Since it is All Hallow's Eve, I'd like to dedicate this song to all of you here for spending it with us." We were so close, that all I could see of her was below the waist. We were practically sitting underneath that piano!
Farmer's Daughter was flawless!
Security was very tight. I saw lots of film and cameras being confiscated. The security guard in front of us told someone if they took another picture, he would thrown them out. I had my camera, but was too chicken to use it. However, during Don't Stop, there was some commotion in front of Lindsey - maybe people trying to rush the stage. I whipped out my camera, pointed it at Stevie and clicked. I just hope her hand wasn't in front of her face or anything.
As for the flowers - a few bouquets made it to the stage. I didn't see anything being collected by security before the concert. After the concert, we were near the backstage area waiting to get a cab. Three limousines and 2 vans, along with 2 police escorts raced out the gate. Still waiting for a cab, we kept noticing several ushers and security people going home with bouquets and stuffed animals.
I also ran into George Kane, he lives here in Austin and sells a lot of FM/Stevie memorabilia. He is the one who told us that Christopher Nicks was not handling the merchandising and was very pissed-off about it. We suspect this is why no programs are being sold - Chris always did such a good job with them.
Oh well, a few days rest and then we were off to Dallas...
| Houston TX, Nov. 2 - The Summit |
Betty Credeur -- It was finally time for The Mac to hit Houston. Starting with the Chain, they rocked the summit to the ground. Stevie dressed in black chiffon with tan boots, kicked and danced away. Christine looked terrific and everyone sounded great. The Houston crowd never even got up out of their chairs. The ones that did were usually told to sit down. Stevie's blistering Mac version of Stand Back almost sent the crowd into a frenzy. She reappeared half way through the show wearing a beautiful velvet jacket and red boots. Gypsy was when Stevie hit with some unexpected singing like almost off the top of her head. I've never seen the Mac, so this almost felt like I was watching the Mirage video or something. During Mick's solo. Lindsey stayed on stage, where the spotlights didn't get him. He laid on his back and kicked his feet up in the air. At one point he started walking behind Mick acting like he was going to scare him. The band was having more fun than the crowd it seemed. On the second encore, Lindsey mentioned that they were going to Dallas the next night and thanked us for coming. That's when the majority of the crowd who sat down and were quite rude to anyone who stood up and gave a standing ovation actually started dancing. The band played a performance I will never forget. I waited a long time to see FM with Stevie and Christine and it was worth the wait. Especially to see Stevie and Lindsey hug each other after Landslide and hand in hand on the stage walking away to go to Dallas.
| Dallas TX, Nov. 4 - Starplex |
Stacey Vernick-- Our seats were 31 rows back - way on Lindsey's side. The sound was "crisper" than San Antonio and much better. It probably helped that this was at an outdoor venue. We decided San Antonio was the "visual" show, while this was the "audio" show.Karen and I were both wearing black tails. I was also wearing a top hat with a shiny gold and black scarf tied around it.
Lindsey dedicated Bleed to Love Her to "Don, Sharon and the kids." (Whoever they are).
Stevie dedicated Landslide to Gordon Perry and said something like, "Gordon, even though you've heard this song a thousand times and to all of you for being here tonight." After "snoooooow covered hills", Stevie put her arm out to Lindsey as if to say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Lindsey Buckingham" and then he did the same thing back to her. Then she sang the end. I was looking through binoculars and they hugged, but it didn't look like there was a kiss.
Rhiannon - When Stevie came back out, she had brushed her hair off her face and added more rhinestone dots. She had one at the corner of each eye.
Not That Funny - Lindsey was on his back and when Mick was saying, "Are you still with me?" - Lindsey would raise his leg up.
Silver Springs - It looked like Lindsey was beating his chest while Stevie was singing, "was I just fool...". It was hard to tell with his back toward me, but it looked like he would hit a chord, beat his chest once, hit another chord, beat his chest again...I don't know. Maybe someone who was closer can add to that?
Security in our section seemed nonexistent. I took a picture at the beginning and another one of Mick and Lindsey "dueling" at the end of Not That Funny.
To those of you who haven't gone yet, I'm jealous! If you don't have seats up close, try to upgrade if you can - it makes such a difference!
