LA show - Lindsey was fantastic, Stevie was not

[dontlookdown]

Here's my quick thoughts on the first LA show....

Lindsey Buckingham is at the top of his game - he was fantastic - the best I've seen him play - and I've been watching him play for a long long time.

Stevie, on the other hand, turned in the worst performance I've ever seen her do. I thought she looked tired and her vocals were really weak. In general, something was a little off - as if she wasn't feeling very well. Most of her songs seemed rushed - a little "phoned in". It was almost as if she just wanted to get the show over with and go home and get in bed.

Other comments - the band sounded great - Mick was in top form as was John. I could have done without the extra drummers and guitar players. The piano player was so heavy-handed. It really made me miss Chris.

The whole experience made me long for another Lindsey solo album - or a tour without Stevie. What's so odd about Fleetwood Mac is these days is that Lindsey has grown so much as an artist, and Stevie seems to be treading water. In 1997 that was OK, because she had obviously worked so hard to regain so much vocal power. I don't know what happened on Friday night, but she was not singing well.

Highpoints for me: Say Goodbye - gorgeous, I'm So Afraid - one of the few times that it felt like the good old band, Big Love, all of Lindsey's solos - absolutely phenomenal.

My hopes for future tours: A Lindsey solo tour with Mick and John in small theaters. As for Stevie... I hope she takes a long needed vacation and gets back in shape. Whatever the problem was - it wasn't good.

[wondergirl9847]

Well that sucks that you didn't like Stevie's performance. It's funny because I was really excited to see FM as a whole band, and none of you may believe me, but I was looking forward to seeing Stevie too, never seeing her or FM live before, but Lindsey....he was just ON, he was LEADING the pack and they were all following him. He is REALLY overshadowing her on this tour (I would say something here, but won't. ;) LOL) and at my Dallas show, I was kinda bored through some of her stuff, like Landslide (until the solo that is, hehe) and Silver Springs. The same old, same old...I LOVED hearing BC and GB tho...GORGEOUS..and GDW, which I love live anyways too was a fave along with Stand Back (THAT was JAM PACKED full of energy on the band's part!! WOW!!) I was bored through SYW because that's one of my least fave songs on SYW.

I guess I'm just majorly in dire need of a Lindsey solo album and tour. I love Miss Stevie, and I DID indeed enjoy seeing her live, she did some hand gestures during the songs and stuff, but Lindsey....he was ON FIRE!!!!

[dissention]

You know, I am kinda worried about Stevie.

In the beginning of the tour, she sounded AMAZING. But now, one night she'll sound great, then she'll be awful, then okay. I feel bad for her because she's going to be on tour for quite a long time while going through menopause, but in a way, I don't think she should be going on tour because of her health. Menopause puts a lot of stress on your body and mental well-being and she isn't going through it under normal circumstances.

People are paying to see a good performance and when someone goes on tour and charges lots of money to go to a show, you better make damn sure you're in top form. If you know you aren't feeling good and aren't going to perform that great, don't do it; people will be wasting their money on a sub-par show.

And, unfortunately, as the tour progresses, Lindsey's voice gets worse. Almost to the point where he sounds unlistenable on some songs. I love seeing them live as much as the next person, but WTWCT live is pretty bad with Lindsey's current voice.

I just don't understand how they're going to do this for supposedly another year and a half. They're still on the first leg, then they start another US leg. Then (supposedly), they are going overseas. I can only imagine what will happen to their voices from here until the end of the tour. Stevie won't be able to speak and Lindsey will sound like Stevie! :laugh:

[GardenStateGirlie]

It's not easy being a woman!!! Not that it's an excuse when people pay a lot of money to see you but just the same as with a sport, you have your on days and you have your off days. You win some, you loose some. Not EVERYONE is going to be happy with the way Stevie is singing and as a performer, I'm sure Stevie knows this. I personally love her voice and I think It has definately matured in the past few years. I wasn't a big fan of some of her solo work but TISL....now THAT was AMAZING. And now...the songs on this new album?!?! I'm blown away everytime I listen. I saw them at the beginning of the tour so that may make some difference. However, as with every show on the tour, people give mixed reviews. Some people watch a show and think, that sucked, while others watch a show and see something entirely different.

Stevie isn't in her 20s anymore and I don't expect her to act like she is. Fans complain because she isn't wearing her trademark platforms. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I don't know about you guys but i'll take Stevie whatever way we can get her. To me, I could care less if she's dressed in jeans and a cute shirt with or without the shawls, with or without the boots just as long as she's comfortable and singing her ass off. I think a lot of the stress she puts on herself is "if I don't wear the boots they'll be dissapointed...but i'll be hurting...but they'll be happy....but It might take away from my singing...and they'll be dissapointed..." In the All Access show you can even see someone handing her a handful of pills before she walks on stage. She's been having back problems as well as hip problems and it's evident at some points she's in pain but she sucks it up and deals because this is her job.

While I agree that this tour is Lindsey's time to shine (because we all know Marissa loves her some LINDSEY ;) ), Stevie certainly does have her moments and she has reaffirmed for me with the shows I have seen just why it is that I love her music and her as a performer and a person so much.

As for how they're going to make it through to next year? I don't think they'll have any problems. They're going to get some time off with the end of this leg and i'm assuming they'll be getting some time off in February with the Grammy awards (because you KNOW they'll be nominated and will be making the rounds on late night once again) so I think they're going to be just fine. As far as Stevie's reaction and demeanor? I think she's happy to be home in the place it all began 30 years back. She's older now...and with that comes a lot of nostalgia. Stevie is going to be just fine :nod:

[Jo and Jensen]

Originally posted by dontlookdown
What's so odd about Fleetwood Mac is these days is that Lindsey has grown so much as an artist, and Stevie seems to be treading water.

I have to start by saying that I have been mainly a Lindsey-FM fan for quite some time, but after this tour I really think my feelings have changed to where I like Stevie more at the moment.

To reply to the above quote...since the Dance Stevie has had a boxset AND a new fabulous solo album while Lindsey has done...0. He's been waiting in his studio for Stevie and FM.

Also, I attended the FM show in Philly and East Rutherford, and I have to say that during the show I was really excited to see Lindsey. His energy was amazing! Stevie's voice was beautiful and Beautiful Child was THE song of the night, IMHO. She looks like she is enjoying herself very much on stage, too.

Something strange I noticed while watching a DVD copy of that Philly show...and listening to songs from other shows that I was able to download, though, is that Stevie's performances were still strikingly beautiful while Lindsey's seemed strained and TOO out of control. I couldn't believe that I actually cringed while he was singing Come because all it was really was him screaming. If Stevie were to sing like that, people would be knocking her. :-(

Plus, if you watch Come...Lindsey doesn't play the cool guitar. He only plays the solo. :( I would like him to do more of his own playing.

Stevie's songs and the way she performed them still had a lot of class while Lindsey's mostly showed a lot of showboating. I miss the classy Dance Lindsey that would SING a song and then act humble to the applause.

JMHO.

Love,
Jo

[Tusk57]

I saw both LA shows and will be seeing the other two at the Pond in Anaheim this week. I've been following the Mac for a long time and without a doubt, this is the best by far that Lindsey has played! He can showboat all night long playing like he is. Wow, what a show! He's the MAN! Come and I'm So Afraid were my favorites with GYOW and Tusk a close second. I'm a lousy critic, heck, I liked all of the songs. Stevie wasn't half as spectacular as Lindsey, but she gave a good effort and I enjoyed her songs too. In my opinion they do their best work when they are onstage together, not as solo artists in concert. It's fun watching them play off one another. Mick was Mick. He was nothing short of outstanding the whole night. John did his thing in the background, and did it very well. I also think having all those extra musicians is a good idea and works to flesh out the sound. What I think Stevie should do is drop some of the old songs that she and put in RTTG and EFO as well as some older stuff she never does. Beautiful Child was her best performance along with Stand Back and maybe GDW. I don't think she is going through menopause now. She is 55 for crying out loud! I think she should hit the gym in a big way and whip herself into to fighting shape like Lindsey is. I still love her anyway! :) I don't miss Christine at all. It gives it a more aggresive tone now, and lets Lindsey stretch out and do his thing. You gotta love it!!!

[FiercestCalmSea]

First off,I will agree that this is tour is almost all Lindsey.Everyone i know who has seen a show has been BLOWN away by him.I hate to say it but when i saw them in Worcester,i almost forgot what a huge Stevie fan i was,lol...My attention was on Linds for alot of the time.Now,i also have to say that i don't see this as a problem.I've seen Stevie 10 times solo..i've shaken her hand like 5 times..i KNOW what a great performer she is...how there is absolutely no way to describe leaning on the stage and watching her sing from less than 10 ft. away..so..she has nothing to prove to me..she's got me..I am a fan for life...no matter what she does.I think what is happening is that people are realizing how amazing Linds really is for the first time..he may have to be a bit more outgoing to get people to notice him,but dammit,he is finally getting his due..and i think that is awesome :)

[pwyll]

I was at both shows and thought Stevie was in top form. I love Lindsey...I even got to strum his guitar and meet them after the show, but I was blown away by Stevie too. Are you sure we were at the same show??

[skcin]

...that Stevie is letting Lindsey have the limelight this tour. She is hanging back a bit & letting him do his thing & playing the lead on stage.
I've heard there has always been some animosity from LB about Stevie getting a lot more attention in FM. Now look at the fact that LB is shaking hands & interacting w/ the crowd & signing pics - like she usually has done in the past.
No big deal to me, but I don't believe Stevie has lost "it", I think she knows EXACTLY what she's doing by letting LB take the lead this time. Who knows why? Paula

[dissention]

Stevie is going through menopause, she told People magazine a couple months back.

I think ever since AHI 2000 that Stevie's voice has changed a LOT. It is still the most unique and beautiful voice, yet it has become quite frail and weak. During the Enchanted tour, she was TEARING UP songs. I remember opening night, I was in awe. The show in Atlanta was absolutely amazing; she wailed and sang her hear out on all the songs, especially Edge of 17. But then the TISL tour came and she had health issues and I don't think she ever recovered vocally. All the damage that was done years ago is really starting to catch up and it isn't good. Just look at GDW or even Rhiannon from a couple of years ago at then look at it today; there is hardly any power in them at all.

Lindsey, as much as I love him, needs a vocal coach. He doesn't know how to sing properly live, so he tries to overcompensate for it by going buck-wild on his guitar.

[WednesdaysChild]

Someone was handing Stevie pills? I know they were probably pain killers for her back/hip problems...but I just worry she'll get addicted to those! I'm not trying to be funny or play on her past addictions but if you are a recovering addict from something, it's easy to get hooked on something else...plus pain killers are easy to get hooked on.

I saw Stevie for the first time on Enchanted..she was good. TISL was much better...but seeing her with FM for the first time, I don't know. I can't really compare them, because when she was doing TISL, she was solo and didn't have to share the stage (except the few songs where SHERYL came out--ew). All I know is that she doesn't seem as chatty as she did during both Enchanted and TISL...I just pray that she doesn't get really sick from being so tired and going through menopause.

Can you have relapses of Epstein-Barr--not sure if it leaves your body, or do you always have it? Also, her parents have heart conditions...I hope it's not hereditary! :distress:

Take good care of yourself, Stevie! I want to see you again...

PS. She should bring out the boots on stage, and plunk them down next to her and say, "You wanted the boots!?!?! YOU GOT 'EM!!!!!" LOL

[gldstwmn]

Originally posted by WednesdaysChild
Can you have relapses of Epstein-Barr--not sure if it leaves your body, or do you always have it?

Epstein Barr is viral and can recur at any time without reason.

[rianbay1]

I think Stevie sounds MUCH better now than she did on the Enchanted tour or even TISL. It seems to me that Stevie is being very careful with her voice and is very much in control of it. The 7 shows I've seen have been the BEST fleetwood mac shows EVER. The performances have been getting stronger and stronger IMO, especially where Stevie is concerned. Unlike Lindsey, she seemed sort of reserved the first couple of shows. I think she has grown more confident as the tour has progressed.

BRIAN

[CarneVaca]

Originally posted by skcin
...that Stevie is letting Lindsey have the limelight this tour. She is hanging back a bit & letting him do his thing & playing the lead on stage.

How silly. Anyone who saw Lindsey in the Cradle tour knows he is an amazing performer with or without Stevie. Also, if you look at the Mirage video, Lindsey tears it up in his spastic way. On the Dance tour he was more subdued, but he was just as outstanding with his playing. He doesn't need to have Stevie "let" him take the limelight.

As for how long the tour will last, there's no way they're going to keep this up another 18 months. This thing will get wrapped up by February, regardless of what they are saying now. Keep an eye on the economy.

[gypsysara]

I was at night 1 of the LA show, didnt go Saturday night. But am going this week to OC and then to SD on Saturday night, then onto Phoenix. It will be interesting to compare the shows.

IMO Lindsey was really ON. Stevie is going thru menopause, so I didnt expect her to be out there, as Lindsey is. She's not so young anymore, you know. I noticed her hands looked older to me. While I love seeing her as a grown woman, she is that, and not a young kid anymore. I love her regardless though, and treasure the memory of Friday night. IMO though, I felt her vocals were stronger on TISL. I saw her at the peak of her sickness, and when she was better at the AH-I benefit, the AH-I was by far and away a wonderful evening for her vocally.

[strandinthewind]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
How silly. Anyone who saw Lindsey in the Cradle tour knows he is an amazing performer with or without Stevie. Also, if you look at the Mirage video, Lindsey tears it up in his spastic way. On the Dance tour he was more subdued, but he was just as outstanding with his playing. He doesn't need to have Stevie "let" him take the limelight.

As for how long the tour will last, there's no way they're going to keep this up another 18 months. This thing will get wrapped up by February, regardless of what they are saying now. Keep an eye on the economy.

I, too, think LB is fantastic whether SN is in the room or not.

When I have referred to SN taking the limelight in the past, I was talking about audience reaction in general. For example, I think the point is that SN, and LB for that matter, knows that if she danced and twirled during his solos, the light would be taken from him and put on her. Right or wrong, the vast makority of the audience loves to watch her. For example, at the three concerts I went to, whenever Stevie twirled and danced, the crowd went nuts and I meand nuts. They also went nuts for LB during the solos, but not quite like they did for SN. In fact some people sat down and/or left during them; that did not happen when La Nicks was "a twirlin" :laugh: Rather, the crowd usually lept to their feet if they were not already standing and cheered loudly. So, I think in that context, she does not want to upstage LB with her "antics" so to speak. Her seductive movements would not take away at all from his superb playing, they would just take the focus of the majority of the crowd from him and put it on her.

[WednesdaysChild]

I wonder if Lindsey having two small kids is helping with his energy levels. I know a lot of parents with small kids say they are tired a lot, but I've heard older parents say that having kids kept them from "getting old." I'm sure LeeLee and Will keep Lindsey on his toes, which can't hurt his stage performances. Of course, you know if Stevie had young kids, she'd be exhausted because it always seems like the mom does most of the work anyway, LOL :p

[Jen77]

:wavey:

I just wanted to say that I agree with Marissa 100%....so her voice isn't what it was in the 70's...it's still just as beautiful but in a different way:nod: I think that Stevie is doing the best that she can every night on this tour:D...she would never want to disappoint any of her fans. I saw Fleetwood Mac twice on this tour so far and I was totally blown away by both Stevie and Lindsey. Stevie seems so much happier now than she did on the TISL tour...and I'm happy for her. I just believe that for years it's been all about Stevie, now she's letting Lindsey take the limelight for this tour...:)

Jennifer

[dissention]

It IS silly to say that Stevie is letting LB take the limelight. Absolute hogwash. She loves the audience attention, she's an attention hog. She always has been. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I LOVE it when she's out there. She's been doing since the early seventies. Let's face it, The Dance reunion was all about Stevie, not Lindsey or Chris. As a matter of fact, all the FM tours are about Stevie. She probably commands 75% of people in attendance. The only reason Stevie isn't so "out there" on this tour is because her health isn't too great because of the menopause.

I hate to say it, but Lindsey's solo are a test to peoples patience. Whoever said the crowd goes wild is right, the crowd does. But not half as much as when Stevie does her dancing. Every solo Lindsey does is essentially the same thing: Come, ISA, GYOW, he just goes nuts on the guitar for no aparrent reason. I know he wants to make it rock, but god, don't go so over-the-top, it makes ya look like a fool, Linds.

Instead of putting so much energy into these solos of his, I think Lindsey should put more effort into making each night more special by being spontaneous instead of repeating the same speeches and movements and gestures EVERY DAMN NIGHT!!! The same goes for the rest of the band: ditch the script.

[Les]

Let's face it, The Dance reunion was all about Stevie, not Lindsey or Chris.

Let's face what? Different people are drawn to and like different things. If you are primarily a Stevie fan, then yeah, I guess the Dance was all about Stevie. If you're not, it wasn't. Same with this tour.

[WednesdaysChild]

I agree with the comment about Lindsey ditching the script, the movements, etc. I had read fan reviews about other SYW shows and I knew what he was going to say by the time he got to my show (Worcester, 2nd night). It was not a surprise at all to see them speaking to the audience (even Stevie doesn't change it up)...but maybe next time I won't read concert reviews, haha.

I love them, but they are human and need to be spontaneous!

[dissention]

Originally posted by Les
Let's face what? Different people are drawn to and like different things. If you are primarily a Stevie fan, then yeah, I guess the Dance was all about Stevie. If you're not, it wasn't. Same with this tour.

Let's face what???

Let's face the fact that the press could've cared less about Lindsey and Chris. By that time, Chris and Lindsey had faded into obscurity; no one but die-hard fans cared about them. Stevie, however, was still doing a few things, but after the flop that was SA (even though it performed ten times better than OOTC) and her weight gain, The Dance was all about seeing if she still had it. The general public viewed the reunion as a chance to see Stevie, not Lindsey or Chris. By 1997, most people probably wouldn't have known Lindsey Buckingham from Adam.

Let's face the fact that most FM fans are fans because of Stevie. It's reflected in album sales and the amount of press she gets compared to everyone else. When someone gets wind that Stevie was spotted at a restaurant, alarms go off. Someone sees "that guitar player from that band," they're surprised but not much else. Lindsey's albums were always flops and Chris' didn't go platinum. It isn't necessarcily how I feel, but there is no denying that the majority feels that way.

When I speak of the majority, I mean casual listeners. Not people on this board (which represent a fraction of a fraction of the Mac fans) or the die-hard fans that are all dressed in Stevie regalia at the concerts who love EVERYTHING about the band.

Do you honestly think that the general public viewed the reunion as a chance to finally see Lindsey or Chris? I think not.

[WednesdaysChild]

Do you honestly think that the general public viewed the reunion as a chance to finally see Lindsey or Chris? I think not.


Maybe we need to ask the older fans about this...

As for me, I became a fan during the Dance, so I didn't have a "favorite" but did discover that the Stevie who sang Landslide, Dreams, etc also sang that "one" wing dove song and the lalalalalalala song (Stand Back). I was like, COOL! and then became a Stevie Nicks fan after becoming an FM fan. I also bought Chris's solo album and got a copy of OOTC from my uncle. When SYW came out and the tour started, I was excited to see them ALL together as a band, interacting...at that point I had only seen Stevie, never her with FM...although I missed seeing Christine a lot. That was a real bummer, even though I am a huge FM fan. I really liked seeing Lindsey (not just because he's hot!) and if FM toured without Stevie, I would go.

I am...a diehard fan.

[chiliD]

Originally posted by dissention
Let's face what???

Let's face the fact that the press could've cared less about Lindsey and Chris. By that time, Chris and Lindsey had faded into obscurity; no one but die-hard fans cared about them. Stevie, however, was still doing a few things, but after the flop that was SA (even though it performed ten times better than OOTC) and her weight gain, The Dance was all about seeing if she still had it. The general public viewed the reunion as a chance to see Stevie, not Lindsey or Chris. By 1997, most people probably wouldn't have known Lindsey Buckingham from Adam.

Let's face the fact that most FM fans are fans because of Stevie. It's reflected in album sales and the amount of press she gets compared to everyone else. When someone gets wind that Stevie was spotted at a restaurant, alarms go off. Someone sees "that guitar player from that band," they're surprised but not much else. Lindsey's albums were always flops and Chris' didn't go platinum. It isn't necessarcily how I feel, but there is no denying that the majority feels that way.

When I speak of the majority, I mean casual listeners. Not people on this board (which represent a fraction of a fraction of the Mac fans) or the die-hard fans that are all dressed in Stevie regalia at the concerts who love EVERYTHING about the band.

Do you honestly think that the general public viewed the reunion as a chance to finally see Lindsey or Chris? I think not.


Let's face it that this is thick, slimy, bubbly, BS. You've got it backwards. MOST Fleetwood Mac fans are "FLEETWOOD MAC" fans first & foremost. The general public, I would think, viewed the reunion as a chance to see FLEETWOOD MAC with the 5 people who made up the Fleetwood Mac they knew....only "chiffon-heads" would go see Fleetwood Mac ONLY because Stevie was there. And, if there ever was a "fraction of a fraction" of a fan base, it is "chiffon-head" within Fleetwood Mac's fan base.

[CarneVaca]

Hmmm, I don't know about the comment that 75 percent of the fans went to see the band during the Dance tour for Stevie. There's much evidence that wasn't so. At the risk of being corrected, I am going to guess that the Dance sold some 4 or 5 million copies. If I remember correctly, Street Angel and Mirror were barely gold records. Sure, they sold more than Cradle, but they were by no means blockbusters.

Conclusion: It isn't that 75 percent of the fans go to Fleetwood Mac concerts for Stevie. We all know Stevie fans don't need to wait until FM goes on the road for them to see her. She's out there often enough, regardless of whether she can sing or not that particular year, regardless of how well she can move about the stage. The reason people went in droves to see the Mac in 1997 was because they wanted to see this band they had loved for song long. Some of them had seen that fiasco of a tour for Time and they felt cheated. So they wanted to see what they considered the real FM. It was by no means just about Stevie.

As I recall, Lindsey got amazing press back then. Yes, he had suffered from self-imposed obscurity, but he at least had not gone through the roller coaster of now the press loves me, now the press thinks I'm a clown that Stevie experienced. Rightly or wrongly, she got a lot of mean press and a lot of fans weren't buying her music. She should have taken some time off and regrouped.

Lindsey's obscurity had nothing to do with the press. The press loves Lindsey. He probably gets more magazine covers than Stevie. Hey, there's all those guitar magazines that are chomping at the bit to interview and photograph him. No, the press ain't Lindsey's problem. His problem is the public's tastes.

[wondergirl9847]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
His problem is the public's tastes.

Yeah, they have none. :rolleyes:

[WednesdaysChild]

I'll second that, Wondergirl :D

[dissention]

Originally posted by chiliD
What a bunch of BS. Thick, slimy, bubbly, BS.

Care to elaborate on your opinion? I'm all for hearing other peoples views, but I also try to have respect for them when I hear them. More importantly, I try not to call them, as you so eloquently put it, bull****. I may not have the extensive knowledge that you like to parade around, but I express my opinions as I see them. :rolleyes:

[chiliD]

Then STATE them as opinion and not as "fact". 'k?

Plus, I call 'em as I see 'em, too.

[Johnny Stew]

Uh-oh... are we arguing about Stevie vs. Lindsey again? :laugh:

Les is right... whomever you went to the show to see, is probably who shined the most for you.
From die-hard fans, thru casual fans, thru critics and reporters.

If you went to see the band, you'll probably find yourself impressed with one or the other singer, or perhaps both.

Stevie has historically gotten the most press, etc., but then she's also been the one who's been most active.
This time around, Lindsey is getting a lot of press.

Either way, as long as the name "Fleetwood Mac" is mentioned, it's a positive thing for ALL of them. :)

[4Buck]

Originally posted by CarneVaca

As I recall, Lindsey got amazing press back then. Yes, he had suffered from self-imposed obscurity, but he at least had not gone through the roller coaster of now the press loves me, now the press thinks I'm a clown that Stevie experienced. Rightly or wrongly, she got a lot of mean press and a lot of fans weren't buying her music. She should have taken some time off and regrouped.

Lindsey's obscurity had nothing to do with the press. The press loves Lindsey. He probably gets more magazine covers than Stevie. Hey, there's all those guitar magazines that are chomping at the bit to interview and photograph him. No, the press ain't Lindsey's problem. His problem is the public's tastes. [/B]

Well said!!! I have a plethora of mags with L. Buckingham on the cover since 1997. (Not that it matters here but I'm a female) The Dance garnered a whole new fandom for the Mac's mastermind.
I thought L. Buckingham was the star of that DVD.:nod: He hit his stride in the '90s, and is a better guitarist and frontman than he ever was!!

[Les]

Originally posted by dissention
[quote]Let's face what??? Let's face the fact that the press could've cared less about Lindsey and Chris.

Really? Have you read the old concert reviews dating from the white album tour all the way up through the Dance tour? ;)

Stevie, however, was still doing a few things, but after the flop that was SA (even though it performed ten times better than OOTC) and her weight gain, The Dance was all about seeing if she still had it. The general public viewed the reunion as a chance to see Stevie, not Lindsey or Chris.

If that's how the Dance appealed to you, then great. Seeing if Stevie still had it had little to do with why it appealed to me, not only because I wasn't that concerned about Stevie's "it" factor, but because I was really excited about seeing Lindsey and Christine in particular. Most of all, I was really excited about all five of my classic lineup together again.

Do you honestly think that the general public viewed the reunion as a chance to finally see Lindsey or Chris? I think not.

For some, you bet.

There is no disputing Stevie is the most popular member. Always has been. Probably always will be. My point was that what, by your estimation, might test the patience of some fans at a show can also be the main reason that others might go to that same show.

[strandinthewind]

Originally posted by chiliD
".....only "chiffon-heads" would go see Fleetwood Mac ONLY because Stevie was there. And, if there ever was a "fraction of a fraction" of a fan base, it is "chiffon-head" within Fleetwood Mac's fan base.

That's Mr. Chiffon-Head to you! :mad: :laugh:

Just Joking - I totally agree with you on this point.

Having said that and post 1989, it is interesting to me to wonder how the concerts would sell if Stevie and CM were not there. This current tour has demonsrated that FM will sell if CM (the biggest "hit maker") is not there but LB and SN are. We know the concerts sold very well without LB on the TITN and BTM tours. We also know the concerts will not sell at all well if CM, SN, and LB are not there despite a what I felt was a good record with alternate players a la Time. Based on all of that and on Stevie's significant popularity and larger body of sustained popular work, I have a feeling that if SN was not there in any fashion, the concert would not sell as well by a significant margin. But that is totally just my opinion which by no means is law :cool:

NOTE: As much as I like Stevie, I would also love to see Mick, John, and LB tear it up with no backup at all - just those three. Now, THAT would be rock and roll to see even if it was just Carne, Chilli, Christy, Livia, me, and a few other Ledgies!!!!!!!

Also, isn't it interesting that people are so quick to discredit CM's popularity, yet, every single critic has said her absence is noticeable.

In sum, to me, FM is and always will be greater than the sum of its parts no matter how much one part shines.

My $0.02

[Sugar]

Originally posted by strandinthewind

In sum, to me, FM is and always will be greater than the sum of its parts no matter how much one part shines.



STRAIGHT UP!

:laugh:

To me when The Dance came around it was about getting these 5 people back on stage together and seeing the chemistry! In fact, to me, the only thing interesting about seeing Stevie again was to see her with Lindsey. She was pretty much a known quantity to me because I had seen so much of her in the past. Stevie plateaued years ago IMHO. I mean, I still think she's cool, but Lindsey is easily the more dynamic of the two these days. But that happens in life...people switch roles..it's not a value judgement...

[shackin'up]

Originally posted by strandinthewind


In sum, to me, FM is and always will be greater than the sum of its parts no matter how much one part shines.



Yes Strand, well said.

In 1980 I was a little too young to see them, In '88 I saw the Tangotour, in '89 Stevie-solo, in '91 (was it '91?) the Behind the Mask-tour and around '95 the Time-tour. I enjoyed all those shows. But never had the feeling that I saw what I saw in OKC and Dallas: the Buckingham-Nicksvocalblend with that all england rythmsection behind it. For me, the real FM-feel.

And who shows off more? I don't care. I was just lucky that it was LB this time, because he was the only one I never saw live.

Oh, and I don't understand the three times the same thing-comment I read earlier in this thread, The three extended solo's on Come, ISA, and GYOW, to me had three COMPLETE different feels, edges, tensions and paces. The first reminded me of the noise from Sonic Youth, The second was so Swamprock That I Almost Drowned In Painful Dirt and the third was so much Rawedged Fun That I Almost Hit My Head to The Fordcenter Ceiling.

:laugh:

[nae]

I wonder if people would go to see just Stevie and Christine? LOL.

Nae

[Johnny Stew]

Originally posted by nae
I wonder if people would go to see just Stevie and Christine? LOL.Well, people pretty much did on the Shakin' The Cage ('Tango In The Night') tour, since the majority of fans in the audience were relatively unfamiliar with Rick & Billy at that point.

And I'm not too sure many people were actually that familiar with them by the 'Behind The Mask' tour either.

[FiercestCalmSea]

Just my opinion again since apparently a Lindsey vs. Stevie battle has erupted. As someone who became a fan through The Dance, i can't say that i was any more drawn to Stevie than i was to Chris or Linds..the only difference was,between 97' and now,who has been more accessible? Stevie.I've seen her 10 times solo since 97',so of course i adore her.However,if Linds has been touring,etc,i would have gone to his shows just as fast..unfortunatley i've only seen him twice,at AHI 2001,which wasn't exactly all Linds..and then i saw him in Worcester in May..and..hell..I'm just in love with the guy...he is amazing..i've always liked him,but seeing him live has reinforced the whole thing for me :)

[frostie]

I just wanted to add that I am 31 years old and there is no f---ing way that I could get up on a stage in front of 10,000 plus fans every night (or every other night) for 5-6 months straight and sing my heart out perfectly...... I give everyone in FM props for rocking at 55 years old!!! I'm lucky to even get through my day without taking a nap!!

I would expect there to be nights when either LB or SN were a little off. The fact that they are on stage together and doing what they love best is a gift for all FM fans. I for one am an awe of their longevity and hope they continue to play together for years to come.

:)

[gldstwmn]

So true.

[wondergirl9847]

If they hit every single note perfectly and if Lindsey struck every guitar chord perfectly, and they were all just friggin perfect, I'd be left cold....I don't want perfect, I want entertainment and humanity. I get CHILLS when Lindsey or Stevie's voice cracks, because that says to ME....they are into it....they are straining so much to get the emotion out of their mouth that it's hurting to do so....THAT is GREATNESS!!

[Cammie]

:wavey: Christy! THANKS for your very interesting F Mac thoughts!
The whole band and even the backup ppl seem to be really
giving IT all they got!Hearing that Lindsey's wife and kids
are there as are John's and Mick's tickles me!!!They are ALL
Old Geeksters...as Mick called them!!!Pray they stay well!:)
:) Cammie :)

[WednesdaysChild]

Wait a sec, where is Christy's review with the stuff about Mick, John and Lindsey's kids? I LOVE hearing about the little Macsters!!! I can't get enough info about them!

[wondergirl9847]

What do you mean? I saw LeeLee at the Dallas concert off to the side of the stage, but she's the only Mac-kid I saw. She was ADORABLE...the way she looked at her daddy....SO CUTE!! She's gonna be on the stage soon, I'll bet. Hehe.

[CarneVaca]

Originally posted by frostie
I just wanted to add that I am 31 years old and there is no f---ing way that I could get up on a stage in front of 10,000 plus fans every night (or every other night) for 5-6 months straight and sing my heart out perfectly.

Give me the chance and I'll do it. I'm sure it would be far pleasanter, though not necessarily easier, than editing copy all day in a crummy cubicle.

I would take the adoration of thousands of fans any day.

[WednesdaysChild]

Christy,

This is what I mean:

Christy! THANKS for your very interesting F Mac thoughts!
The whole band and even the backup ppl seem to be really
giving IT all they got!Hearing that Lindsey's wife and kids
are there as are John's and Mick's tickles me!!!They are ALL
Old Geeksters...as Mick called them!!!Pray they stay well!
Cammie

Where did you post about this? Or is this a mistake? LOL I'm so confused...

LeeLee IS adorable...those pics in People were too cute!

[strandinthewind]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
. . . I would take the adoration of thousands of fans any day.

Strand replies humorously, tongue in cheek, and in his best deadpan tone -

" . . . and I thought the absolute adoration of most, if not all, of us Ledgies would be enough - some people - SHEESH :rolleyes: "


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[cliffdweller]

Originally posted by WednesdaysChild
All I know is that she doesn't seem as chatty as she did during both Enchanted and TISL...I just pray that she doesn't get really sick from being so tired and going through menopause.

I noticed this too, Stevie was WAY more talkative during TISL. I think when she hooks up with F.M. she let's Lindsey take over the commentary and she fades into the background a little bit. It's pretty much always been this way from day one and i don't know why it should change now. It's just her personality. However, she does manage to shine (still) with certain songs and steal the show, for example her performance of Stand Back, needless to say, I was in total awe. Stevie's not so much into the banter between songs like Lindsey is, and usually she delivers in her own way with dramatic performances of songs; creating/sustaining that aura of mystery and intensity. Yeah, she's older now and less energetic on stage, but she still manages to enraputre her audience, I had my eyes glued on her the whole time. The mysterious aura is still there, it's a little wisened now, but it's still intact.

[cliffdweller]

Originally posted by Sugar
Stevie plateaued years ago IMHO. I mean, I still think she's cool, but Lindsey is easily the more dynamic of the two these days. But that happens in life...people switch roles..it's not a value judgement...

I wonder if that has more to do with Lindsey's constant need to grow and experiment as an artist and Stevie's reluctance to change too drastically and hold on to the same musical formula.

[CarneVaca]

Originally posted by strandinthewind
Strand replies humorously, tongue in cheek, and in his best deadpan tone -

" . . . and I thought the absolute adoration of most, if not all, of us Ledgies would be enough - some people - SHEESH :rolleyes: "


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Well, one must continue to set new goals. ;)

[Johnny Stew]

I just finished watching Good Day Live (actually, "suffered thru" is more like it), and they featured some footage from one of the band's recent shows... I'm assuming one of the LA shows.

Anyway, Stevie looked like she was having a good ol' time in the clips they showed (from "Go Your Own Way" and "Say You Will").

She didn't seem to be lacking in energy or enthusiasm, and as they showed Lindsey kneeling at the edge of the stage (which I'm sure is a total rush for the live audience witnessing it), my eyes were still on Stevie in the background bashing away at her tambourine, bopping her head, and just basically doing that voodoo that she do so well.

They both seemed to be "on," and it looked like a terrific performance. :)

[wondergirl9847]

I think Cam just meant in general, to hear about the kiddos. I'm assuming. :shrug: Has anyone seen Mick or John's kids or heard about them at the concerts?

[WednesdaysChild]

Oh I gotcha now. It can be difficult to follow these threads sometimes.

I've heard that Molly has been showing up with Julie to see John (probably more so now that schools out)...and I assume Lynn and Ruby and Tess are with Mick at all times, just like the mini-Bucks! Will Buckingham is the little prince of the mini-Macs, LOL, being the only boy!

[wondergirl9847]

Originally posted by WednesdaysChild
Will Buckingham is the little prince of the mini-Macs, LOL, being the only boy!

*Dr. Evil voice* I shall name him....Mini Mac.

:lol:

[beach~gypsy]

Originally posted by Johnny Stew
doing that voodoo that she do so well.:)

heh heh :laugh: well said Johnnny Stew!! love it!

[MACFAN]

I dont know, Stevie seemed pretty hot on both nights in Los Angeles. :nod:

[miriamswell]

In the name of women and their reproductive systems everywhere who continue to walk, talk, drive, dress themselves, have sex and otherwise function, and yes, even *enjoy* life, let it be said that menopause is not the debilitating, wracking, disfiguring, madness inducing malady that has been described in the various posts dealing with Stevie's concert performances. I have tried so very hard to take the menopause effect in the spirit in which it is used -- heartfelt concern for Stevie's well being -- but I have reached my snapping point (and not only am I NOT menopausal, I'm not even suffering from PMS!:D) Are we concerned with Lindsey's male pattern baldness, hearing impairment, enlarged prostate and increased nocturnal urination? I pray not. Yet these are all things common in men his age -- you might even call them symptoms of male menopause. I have said too much and before I say more, I beg of you no more about Stevie's uterus. Deconstruct her hair, her boots -- or lack thereof, her voice, her grammar, her temper, her dress and let her hot flashes be a secret she shares only with her dry cleaner.
~mim, creeping back to the lurking tree

[Johnny Stew]

Well... as I've said before, I have three aunts and my mother ALL currently going thru menopause, so I'm seeing first hand all of the mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue, etc., that they're suffering thru because of it.
That's not to say they're not enjoying life... it's just that they have these particular challenges at the moment.

Someone asked earlier in the thread how Stevie could possibly be going thru menopause at her age.... I have no idea about her particular situation, but one of my aunts is a year younger than Stevie, and the other is a year older, and they had both been on that hormone replacement therapy, until it was announced that it was dangerous to a woman's health. Once they discontinued that, all of the above symptoms came rushing on.

Perhaps this is what happened to Stevie?

[4Buck]

Stevie's going through all THAT? Now we know why Lindsey married a babe 20-some years his junior!!!

[strandinthewind]

I agree menopause should not be an issue. But, Stevie put it out there in a recent interview in which she said the tour and surrounding events were and were going to be difficult because she was going through menopause. So, while some women apparently are harder hit than others, Stevie says she is being hit pretty hard. I mean the bad hip thing could be directly related to her menopause and the effect it can have on bones, joints, etc. I am just saying I respect what she said and feel for her during this self admitted hard time. :cool:

[sparky]

Originally posted by miriamswell
Lindsey's male pattern baldness, hearing impairment, enlarged prostate and increased nocturnal urination?

Oh man. Excellent. If my fifties are full of all of that, I am gonna be one crabby SOB. Talk about a bunch of bad business. Note to self - enjoy the next twenty years.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Originally posted by WednesdaysChild


All I know is that she doesn't seem as chatty as she did during both Enchanted and TISL...
Stevie has always said that she isn't that comfortable talking to people when on stage. LOL! It's ok to sing to a few thousand folks but talking is harder apparently! Enchanted and TISL were solo shows... she had to talk to the audience cause she was the only one up there!

I find it funny how you can get two different reviews of the same show and one person will say Stevie sucked and the other will say she was magnificent! It is all down to personal taste I guess. I can't comment on this tour as I haven't seen any shows and doubt I will unless Mick remembers this little island where he was born;) I would love the oppertunity to see them and make a judgement but I know I will just be extatic to actually see them

Pip

[strandinthewind]

I reread Brett Tuggle's Q&A on this site. He opines on the issue of a more reserved Stevie with FM as opposed to a more vibrant Stevie when she is solo. Here is a quote from that (note - it is in the third section of his Q&A and thanks to Marty for getting this for us to enjoy!). He certainly would know more than our speculation :laugh:

Hi-- Thanks for taking the time! Seeing as how you toured with Stevie back to back on "The Dance" and "Enchanted" tours, did you notice a "change" in her between the two tours? Here's what I mean, "Fleetwood Mac" puts on a great show, but during these Stevie seems very reserved. When "Stevie Nicks" does a show she seems far more relaxed and seems to be having more fun. I realize that in Fleetwood Mac she is one of five and her solo shows are all about her. Maybe it's just me but she seems to have more fun solo than with the Mac, not to imply that Fleetwood Mac isn't fun for her, just that a solo show is where she really gets to spread her wings. Stevie's fans are a loyal bunch and we're happy to see her anytime we can!! Thanks again! (Allen Chapman, Stafford Springs, Connecticut, USA)


Hi Allen,
You are absolutely correct in your observation of the difference's in Stevie as a member of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie the "solo artist." Being fortunate enough to have worked with her in both environments, I was able to observe and work with her in those two worlds. First and foremost, she is ALWAYS Stevie when she steps on that stage and pours her heart out to the audience. Whether it is one of her songs or in the case of Fleetwood Mac singing harmony with Lindsey or Christine she always gives it her all. But there is a noticeable difference in Stevie in each setting. With the Mac she is a member of a group of other "band members" and therefore they share the spotlight as musical endeavors as a band. All members of Fleetwood Mac blend together to become one powerful entity. I know for a fact that Fleetwood Mac is near and dear to Stevie's heart and she loves being a part of that group, also she doesn't have to carry all the weight on her shoulders, the band shares that responsibility. The solo Stevie gives her the opportunity to do what she wants and for that reason she is able to have more freedom to call all the shots but it also puts a lot of pressure on her as well. I respect the fact the she really loves both worlds. Yes, it has caused friction in the past but to me she will always be adored by her fans because she is so great at what she does. I'm amazed at how much she still cares about there still being a Fleetwood Mac and not just saying "I'm going to just be a solo artist and the heck with the band." To me it shows her loyalty and true character that she still wants to work with her friends that have she has been through so much with and still cares about. I admire her very much for that. Take care and thanks for writing in.

. . .

Stevie seemed to be kind of reserved (reflective?) in some of the concert videos I saw from the Dance tour. Did you notice Stevie having a different attitude toward the Enchanted tour than she did during the Dance? My second question is: other than the televised MTV version, which was the most memorable Dance concert for you and why? Thanks. (Regina, Bronx, New York, USA)


Hello Regina,
I've described in detail a similar question about the differences in Stevie, one-fifth of Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie the solo artist. Rather than repeat mysel with my poor typing skills could you go back a day or so and take a look at the Q & A section. I think you'll understand my thoughts on that subject.

I'd have to say for me the most "memorable concert" on the Dance tour for me was The Hollywood Bowl show but there were many memorable shows. Just something awesome about finally getting to play The Hollywood Bowl that was cool. But the very first concert of the Dance was also amazing just to see the audience react to them being back together after so long. Priceless. (Just like the commercial.)

Bye bye,

Brett

[WednesdaysChild]

LOL about the Dr. Evil/Mini Mac comment... :D

As for Stevie and her menopause, it's not like any of the fans made up these stories. Stevie told People that she was going through it and that it was taking it's toll on her, but she was going to work through it. Some women go through menopause without so much a night sweat or hot flash, while other women really suffer. I'm not a doctor (and I don't play one on TV either, for any of you who remember that commercial), but Stevie has had Epstein Barr and I'm sure her immune system isn't the strongest. Something like menopause might cause her to not feel 100% or cause her to have a relapse.

And as soon as Lindsey starts talking about HIS problems, then we can start a whole new thread about THEM. (I think he is balding a bit, btw...) :laugh:

[Johnny Stew]

Thank you for posting Brett's comments, Brett (I think I just confused myself)! ;)
I had actually forgotten he had discussed this.

Some of us find ourselves talking until we're blue in the face, trying to make certain points, so it's nice to have someone "in the know" backing up those statements with a first-hand account. :)

[gypsysara]

Well we all know Stevie is having "MEN-O-PAUSE" she hasnt had a steady guy in a while now.

She really fed off of Carlos & Brett last night doing "Stand Back". It was awesome. She was on fire. As were Carlos & Brett - they know the score. So "nak" to those who say otherwise! LOL! IMHO, of course...

[WednesdaysChild]

Hmm, I must have MEN-O-PAUSE too, LOL...

I've heard people mention Stevie's mystery man of 1997...who is this?? I've also heard she's dated a few men over the past few years, but never heard WHO they were ;)

[gypsysara]

I thought LB resurgence was in 97, the mystery man was 98?? Just my UNeducated guess. I also have no spoken word on who the gentleman is.