http://www.goupstate.com/article/20120730/ENT/120739963
Review: Lindsey Buckingham wows enthusiastic crowd in Spartanburg
By Dan Armonaitis
dan.armonaitis@shj.com
Published: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 3:22 p.m.
Lindsey Buckingham can sure pick a mean guitar.
The legendary musician, best known for his role in Fleetwood Mac, made that clear with an electrifying solo performance that wowed a small but enthusiastic crowd Sunday at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
So impressive was the manner in which Buckingham moved his fingers that when an audience member loudly proclaimed, "You're the greatest guitarist in the world," it didn't seem that far-fetched a statement.
Buckingham smiled sheepishly when given the compliment but said not a word, instead going right back to work on his musical instrument.
Of course, Buckingham's talents aren't limited to his instrumental prowess; he's also a gifted singer-songwriter with a knack for producing well-crafted pop songs that are loaded with introspective lyrics and memorable hooks.
For about 75 minutes on Sunday, Buckingham performed an assortment of material from his solo career as well as a few audience-pleasing Fleetwood Mac classics.
The show started on a musically pensive note with Buckingham performing "Cast Away Dreams," from his 2006 solo album, "Under the Skin," followed by Fleetwood Mac's "Bleed to Love Her."
Then, after bowing his head in appreciation for the applause he was receiving, Buckingham spoke directly to the crowd for the first time during the evening.
"I always love coming around to this part of the country," Buckingham said. He then elaborated by noting that when he and his then-girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, were struggling in their pre-Fleetwood Mac days, the South was among the first places to show appreciation for their music.
"You guys got it and we've always loved you for it," said Buckingham, a California native.
Throughout the evening, Buckingham made sporadic references to the "big machine" that is Fleetwood Mac and the "small machine" that is his solo career. He talked about how each reinforces the other and helps him grow as an artist.
Mostly, though, Buckingham played his guitar and sang. When he performed a tender instrumental, "Stephanie," from the seminal 1973 Buckingham Nicks album, it was easy to see how his pop inclinations had evolved from the folk-oriented roots music he absorbed as a youth.
From that point forward, Buckingham alternated between high-octane rockers and quiet ballads.
Buckingham gave a particularly intense performance of the title track from his 1984 solo effort, "Go Insane," transforming his smooth vocals into raging primal screams.
Buckingham appeared emotionally invested in each song he performed, often slapping his hands fiercely against the strings of his guitar.
His fiery guitar work was so impressive that he earned standing ovations following three consecutive Fleetwood Mac songs – "Big Love," "I'm So Afraid" and "Go Your Own Way."
Buckingham left the stage after the latter but quickly returned for a two-song encore.
When he blamed his inability to fulfill an audience member's song request on blistered fingers, a female fan seated on the opposite side of the room shouted, "Your fingers are fine."
The sexually suggestive tone in her voice brought laughter from the crowd and put a smile on Buckingham's face.
Buckingham then closed the concert with the title track from his most recent solo album, 2011's "Seeds We Sow."