Kansas City articles/reviews, etc.

[michelej1]

[Don't damn them with faint praise]

The Pitch, by Chris Parker

http://www.pitch.com/events/fleetwood-mac-985110/

Fleetwood Mac’s mid-’70s success so dwarfed its prior work that most people are unaware the band had undergone several lineup changes and released 10 albums prior to the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The group's subsequent music and lifestyle epitomized the era, from rampant drug use and adultery, to ambling, soft-rock balladry. Though Christine McVie scored her own hits (“Don’t Stop,” “Over My Head”), they paled in comparison to Nicks' (“Gypsy,” Landslide,” “Rhiannon”) and her larger-than-life, rhinestone-clad, witchy-woman presence. Ironically, it was the romantic difficulties between the combo’s couples that fueled its finest album, Rumours. Plying a blues-based backbone and swathing it in ringing guitars, shimmering keyboards and soaring, multi-tracked backing vocals, that album melded pretty melodies and rich production to a chassis muscular enough to carry the weight. Nothing in the group's catalog comes close to the Rumours lineup's first three records, as afterward the Mac generally succumbed to its worst (overproduced, undercooked) impulses.

[Livia]

http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/music/story/1180735.html

Fleetwood Mac: Go your own way, at the Sprint Center or the Czar Bar
By TIMOTHY FINN
The Kansas City Star

If you have neither the time nor the spare wad of cash to see Fleetwood Mac at the Sprint Center Friday, you have an option (as long as you’re 21 or older and ready to stay up past midnight).

“Everywhere,” a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, will perform Friday night at the Czar Bar, 1531 Grand Blvd., about two blocks south of the arena.

The lineup includes several local music stalwarts, including members of Ghosty, the Gaslights and Olympic Size. Unlike the band that will play the Sprint Center, this one has a Christine McVie and will give you songs like “Over My Head.” That one will be part of a setlist that will span the band’s vaunted catalog, from “Sentimental Lady” to “I Know I’m Not Wrong.”

The evening will begin with the WearHouse Electro Dance Party, featuring DJ Dust and Jacob Sharp. “Everywhere” will start roughly about the time the big concert ends. Visit www.czarbar.com (816-221-2244).

[michelej1]

[You might want to go to the site and read the reader comments after the review]

Kansas City Star Music Blog, May 9, 2009 by Timothy Finn

http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2009/05/review-fleetwood-mac.html?cid=6a00d8341c73cc53ef0115707a17e3970b

The version of Fleetwood Mac that visited the Sprint Center on Friday isn't the best-known of the band's many versions. Without Christine McVie playing keyboards and singing some of her everlasting pop songs and love ballads, the Fleetwood Mac that is out on the road today isn't the one everyone remembers most. Nonetheless, it can still indulge an arena filled with rabid fans thirsty for a big dose of nostalgia.


For more than two and a half hours Friday, they played a setlist loaded with hits and favorites -- 23 songs in all. Most were from the trilogy of mega-platinum albums released in 1975-79: "Fleetwood Mac," "Rumours" and "Tusk. "With help from three background singers, an extra guitarist and a keyboardist, they made everything sound a lot like it did more than 30 years ago.

The rhythm section hasn't changed since the band was founded in the 1960s as a British rock-blues band: John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are still keeping time (and still wearing the black vests over white shirts). But this version of the band has become the Lindsey & Stevie show. Both implicitly and explicity, the show emphasized their tempestuous long-term relationship, both professional and personal.

Before she sang "Gypsy," Nicks recalled the first time she met him back in 1965. After "Sara," they posed for a long moment in an odd embrace: he leaning his head on her shoulder, she with her back to him. During "Storm," they looked hard at each other as they sang, "Not all the prayers in the world could save us." And they re-entered the stage for the two encores holding hands, like a teenage couple.

But all that was just window dressing for an event that showcased two things primarily: The band's enormous catalog of hits; and Lindsey Buckingham's dazzling work on the guitar. He makes a noise that is like no one elses, using only his bloodthirsty fingers, at times hammering out his own rhythms with his thumb and playing leads over them. His voice these days is still in remarkably good shape, even when he has to howl through a song like "Go Your Own Way."

Nicks isn't the twirling gypsy-witch she used to be. These days, she dances in parentheses (as a quiet afterthought), and her voice has dropped at least an octave. Still, she can carry all her tunes and add some nice harmonies to Buckingham's lead vocals. They sang the Christine McVie hit "Say You Love Me," and made it sound like some kind of Everly Brothers tune.

The place was nearly full and loud, all night. The crowd was decidedly boomer-heavy, but there were plenty of fans 30-something and younger, too, a sign of how all these songs have taken root in younger generations. It's hard to imagine a band these days putting out records like this one did: Fans know the words to every track; and every song feels like a hit.

There were one or two lulls. "Storms" prompted a flood of traffic up the aisles. So did Fleetwood's long drum solo during "Oh Well," the traditional nod to the band's blues roots. He is looking wizened and wizardly these days, his white beard giving him a strong Dumbeldor resemblance. (He wears a long black cape off stage and has his own cape attendent, like James Brown.)

The highlights: The first four songs, each setting off its own detonation of cheers and singing. Buckingham's guitar play on "Never Going Back Again." "Tusk," in which keyboardist Brett Tuggle sufficiently re-created the sounds of the USC marching band. "I'm So Afraid," which ended like it always does: with Buckingham stirring up some wildfire on guitar. "Landslide," in which Nicks took back the song from everyone who ever covered it poorly (especially Billy Corgan). And "Go Your Own Way," which ignited the most mania of any song all night.

They ended with three encores: "World Turning," a raucous rendition of "Don't Stop" and then an anti-climactic "Silver Springs." Most of the crowd stuck around till the end, however, though some had been in the place for nearly four hours.

And it's worth mentioning that after the show, some of them showed up in the line outside the nearby Czar Bar, which was filled to capacity with lots of young music scenesters. Inside a tribute band was playing Fleetwood Mac songs.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

[michelej1]

^Awww. Stevie talked about how she met Lindsey in 1965. I want to hear that.

Why am I always denied? Watch. By the time I see them again, she will just introduce the song by snapping, "Hey, it's about a gypsy!"

I know Mick sometimes wears a cape, but I didn't know his assistant helped him put it on. Oh brother. Poor, Steve.

Michele

[GypsyVisions]

It was a really great show. I was in the 11th row, FLOOR, center! So, I was very very happy. Stevie and Lindsey both sounded really great, as did Mic and John and all the girls backing up.

The songs:

Monday Morning: Really cool. It's never been one of my favorite songs, but I definitely appreciate it more now. Lindsey's voice sounded really strong, and this was just the beginning of what seemed like endless awesome guitar solos...Stevie's back up was good also.

The Chain: Killer! Stevie did some extra long interjected notes here and there, and Lindsey sounded stronger on it than on the Say You Will tour. Awesome.

Stevie has been playing the tambourine from the beginning of the show and she plays it pretty much every chance she gets...every song for which it's appropriate, so I was happy with that.

and Lindsey digs into the crowd quite a lot and let's people touch his guitar and his hands...He jumps around a couple times and does some funny walks..Stevie reached out and touched a little girl on someone's shoulders, and then someone else on the other side of the stage later in the show, and she was dancing and doing some twirling.

Dreams - I've heard Stevie do this by herself twice, but this time was special. She sang it differently than any version I have heard in the last ten years. There were many excellent moments, and a cool higher note.

I Know I'm Not Wrong - I think Stevie might have disappeared at this point, but I'm not totally sure. Lindsey's solo tour made me love this song, so it was just great to hear with full on Fleetwood Mac.

Gypsy - Yay, quite good. It got huge applause, and Stevie sang it strongly, with Lindsey doing wonderful backup - They both seem to really enjoy this song. I always get excited to hear the blistering guitar solo at the end.

Go Insane - Awesome, Stevie disappears, Lindsey holds out a really long awesome note at the end of the song that got huge applause. Some people sat down for this, but really only some. And it was cool because my row and the row in front of me didn't really sit, but about three rows further did so there was a gap where Lindsey could see us so clearly and I swear he was looking right at me. But of course, the guy next to me probably thought the same thing about himself. Loved it.

Rhiannon - Nice, nice. Nothing special about it really, but it was a good performance.

Second Hand News - Yay. Nice, nice.

Tusk - Badass. The band gets so into this song. The backup vocals are great, the playing..and Lindsey does some awesome things with his vocals here. Killer guitar solo AGAIN.

Sara - Beautiful. I really really wanted to hear this. She sang it so well. She did the sharing-the-mic thing with Lindsey and layed her head on his shoulder. There were gorgeous moments all throughout this song. One of my favorites of the night.

Big Love - Of course, amazing. Some people sat down again for this, but by the end of it, everyone stood in applause. I never sat down for a second though, on any song.

Landslide - Another gorgeous, gorgeous performance. This tour, Stevie is really changing it up a little for Landslide. The audience was so still, of course. Totally great.

Never Going Back Again - Looooooooooooooooved it. Never heard Lindsey hold out the "and see meeeeee again" note as long as he did this time. This is one of those songs that Lindsey performs way better now than on the original studio version. Stevie's backup was great too. One of my faves of the night.

Storms - gorgeous. They sang it to each other for some parts, and Stevie varies the way she sings it each night it seems. I'm so glad this was finally brought out.

Say You Love Me - Fun. The audience was way into it, and the band all around does it such great justice. Great idea to add in.

Gold Dust Woman - another favorite of the night. Huge held out note on "draaaaaaaaaaaaaaagoooooon" ... I like this song because it's different every time you hear it.

Oh Well - lots of fun. Lindsey basically reminds you for the millionth time of how cool he is. And he is cool.... Stevie banged away on the tambourine, fun fun fun.

I'm So Afraid - trippy and awesome.

Stand Back - cool once again, and I'm glad the drum solo is gone.

Go Your Own Way - killer solo at the end, tons of energy from both. Lindsey's voice seemed to weaken on the Say You Will tour by the end of the night for this song, but not this time. Strrroooong performance. Stevie wore the top hat.. They had a lot of fun.

World Turning - Yay! Loved it.

Silver Springs - I loved this also, such a beautiful song.


Great freakin' night. Go see them. It was PACKED. If not sold out, it was at least 97 percent full.

[WelshWitchPMD]

Does anyone have any videos or photos from the KC show?

[gldstwmn]

^Awww. Stevie talked about how she met Lindsey in 1965. I want to hear that.

Why am I always denied? Watch. By the time I see them again, she will just introduce the song by snapping, "Hey, it's about a gypsy!"

I know Mick sometimes wears a cape, but I didn't know his assistant helped him put it on. Oh brother. Poor, Steve.

Michele

I think you can see it in the Skies The Limit video. I'm sure the routine hasn't changed much since then.

[michelej1]

Storms - gorgeous. They sang it to each other for some parts, and Stevie varies the way she sings it each night it seems. I'm so glad this was finally brought out.


I was disappointed to read the review that said a lot of people headed for the exit during this song. What a travesty. I'm glad you liked it. That was a great review of each song. Thank you.

If you can remember, what did Stevie say about meeting Lindsey? I've got loads of interviews where she talks about walking into the room, with him in the middle of it, California Dreaming, etc., but I don't think I've ever seen her do it in person.

Michele

[Nico]

If you can remember, what did Stevie say about meeting Lindsey? I've got loads of interviews where she talks about walking into the room, with him in the middle of it, California Dreaming, etc., but I don't think I've ever seen her do it in person.

Michele

I recall several different versions where she called him "darling" and "beautiful" upon meeting him on that night. One of these was an interview with Courtney Love.

[wheart]

I recall several different versions where she called him "darling" and "beautiful" upon meeting him on that night. One of these was an interview with Courtney Love.

she talks about meeting LB a lot in a great Timespace interview, calling him "an absolutely gorgeous man..."

[michelej1]

I recall several different versions where she called him "darling" and "beautiful" upon meeting him on that night. One of these was an interview with Courtney Love.

Yeah, she calls him beautiful a lot (when she talks about Kind of Woman, as well) and sometimes when she recalls that first meeting she says that she fell in love and she says he must've been impressed with her singing, but he didn't show it. I've seen many interviews where she talks about it, but I've never been at a concert where she mentioned it.

I think he talked about it in his BTM too and said that she recited some poetry to him observing that she considered herself a poet even thing. He recalled hearing her stuff and said he had some critical comments to make about it and he added, "that hasn't changed."

Michele

[Nico]

He was kind of beautiful, though, around the time they met. I guess those Fritz pics some people have posted could have been a few years later, but there's no question he's a gorg young man. He was all baby faced and the curls were so soft. Dressed a little preppy but it suited him.

The only time where I ever saw Stevie discuss LB's looks, as opposed to read about it, was on that Jimmy Kimmel interview. That was an interesting interview, actually. Stevie Nicks almost always does great interviews, though. That's for certain.:nod:

[michelej1]

He was kind of beautiful, though, around the time they met. I guess those Fritz pics some people have posted could have been a few years later, but there's no question he's a gorg young man. He was all baby faced and the curls were so soft. Dressed a little preppy but it suited him.


He's never been particularly ugly.

But, generally I'll skip everything before age 29/30. If I'd been looking at the photos contemporaneously, my view would be different. If I'd been used to only black and white pictures and the clothes and hair fashions did not seem alien to me, then I think I could appreciate his early looks a bit better than I do now. Color would especially help, because his eyes are one of his best features and color pictures would bring them out. But as it is, as much as I value some of the early stuff from a historical viewpoint, I can't really get my salivate on until Tusk.

Michele

[CADreaming]

He's never been particularly ugly.

But, generally I'll skip everything before age 29/30. If I'd been looking at the photos contemporaneously, my view would be different. If I'd been used to only black and white pictures and the clothes and hair fashions did not seem alien to me, then I think I could appreciate his early looks a bit better than I do now. Color would especially help, because his eyes are one of his best features and color pictures would bring them out. But as it is, as much as I value some of the early stuff from a historical viewpoint, I can't really get my salivate on until Tusk.

Michele

:lol: Not me. My salivate works all time periods. I'm with Stevie. He was beautiful and he's "still totally handsome"! :thumbsup:

[michelej1]

:lol: Not me. My salivate works all time periods. I'm with Stevie. He was beautiful and he's "still totally handsome"! :thumbsup:

I got an anti-climatic vibe from the Fallon interview that she thought he looked ok today, but wasn't as beautiful as he used to be, whereas I would still put him in the "beautiful" category. I don't think that about him in 1977, but from the haircut on, I feel it's been a "beautiful" ride.

It was fun in 1997 when she said that Lindsey was still thin and "pretty gorgeous."

Michele

[Amlyn]

Hi everyone,

I've been following the board for awhile, but this is my first post.

I was visiting friends in Kansas City this past weekend and insisted we go to the concert at the Sprint Center! This was my 3rd show this tour (saw them at MSG and Izod), and I absolutely enjoyed this show the most. They were really into it! I'm hoping to see them again at MSG or in A/C in June!!!

Anyway, I wasn't able to capture much on my camera, as I was sitting at the opposite end of the arena from the stage in the first level, but I did manage to get the introduction to Gypsy where Stevie talks a little bit about meeting Lindsey. I was recording from the screens, so it's not the greatest quality, but you can certainly hear what Stevie is saying.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lWFZYvCLKZs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lWFZYvCLKZs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I have a handful of pictures that came out and I'll post those as soon as I can. I literally just got home from the airport and I need to some shut eye. I also have some video of the band walking back on stage before Silver Springs. I'll also post that once it's up on youtube.

I really appreciate all the information I've been able to get from this site in the past few months and am excited I can share something back.

Hope you guys enjoy!

-Amy :cool:

[michelej1]

Anyway, I wasn't able to capture much on my camera, as I was sitting at the opposite end of the arena from the stage in the first level, but I did manage to get the introduction to Gypsy where Stevie talks a little bit about meeting Lindsey. I was recording from the screens, so it's not the greatest quality, but you can certainly hear what Stevie is saying.


Oh, thank you. This is exactly the part I wanted to hear. I love it. She says Fritz was a hard rock and roll band and she thought, "Oh YEAH! I can do that." So funny. I'm so glad you were able to capture this.

Michele

[MacMan]

Hi everyone,

I've been following the board for awhile, but this is my first post.

I was visiting friends in Kansas City this past weekend and insisted we go to the concert at the Sprint Center! This was my 3rd show this tour (saw them at MSG and Izod), and I absolutely enjoyed this show the most. They were really into it! I'm hoping to see them again at MSG or in A/C in June!!!

Anyway, I wasn't able to capture much on my camera, as I was sitting at the opposite end of the arena from the stage in the first level, but I did manage to get the introduction to Gypsy where Stevie talks a little bit about meeting Lindsey. I was recording from the screens, so it's not the greatest quality, but you can certainly hear what Stevie is saying.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lWFZYvCLKZs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lWFZYvCLKZs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I have a handful of pictures that came out and I'll post those as soon as I can. I literally just got home from the airport and I need to some shut eye. I also have some video of the band walking back on stage before Silver Springs. I'll also post that once it's up on youtube.

I really appreciate all the information I've been able to get from this site in the past few months and am excited I can share something back.

Hope you guys enjoy!

-Amy :cool:

Thank you Amy... And welcome!

[Livia]

Some nice pics here: http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/05/concert_review_fleetwood_mac_a.php

Concert Review: Fleetwood Mac at Sprint Center, May 8, 2009
By Jason Harper in Last Night's Show
Monday, May. 11 2009 @ 8:43AM
BY DANNY ALEXANDER

Fleetwood Mac gave precisely the kind of show everyone wanted to see Friday night, which was its strength and weakness. Without a new album to support, the band played most fan favorites back to 1969's "Oh Well," with Lindsay Buckingham admirably playing the Peter Green role and original member Mick Fleetwood's face lighting up in response to that old, familiar call, I can't help about the shape I'm in/I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin.

Of course, as that Zeppelinesque ditty showed, immediately trumped by a high energy "I'm So Afraid," this 2009 Fleetwood Mac frontman is in pretty damned good shape. Despite his often labored theatrics, Buckingham showed no signs of flagging energy after two and a half hours of performance, and he almost never left the stage.

The one time he might have (aside from the encore breaks) would have been during "World Turning," when Mick Fleetwood did an extended drum solo. This was a refreshingly spontaneous moment, including mostly incomprehensible calls from the drummer to the audience, "Are you blah blah blah?" That back and forth gradually worked its way from '70s nostalgia to something close to hip-hop with Fleetwood's beats all but scratching in response to sampled bits of the Buckingham and Nick's vocals. When what now sounded like a turntable battle reached near fever pitch, the band retook the stage to close out the song.


This was during the first of two encore sets, which ended with "Go Your Own Way" b-side, "Silver Springs." That Nicks-led song was one of the night's most emotionally affecting moments, along with her other signature songs "Sara" and "Landslide." Nicks's voice sounds as strong as ever, and though sometimes her witchy scarf and top hat antics feel like hopelessly dated shtick, the power and beauty of these songs makes up for it.

The show is meticulously planned out, so much so that the Star was able to print the set list accurately the day before, but the planning has its merits. The changes Buckingham emphasized as the core of "Big Love" giving way to the acceptance in Nicks's "Landslide." And the couple's repeated gestures of affection -- a leaning embrace after "Sara," holding hands before the encores and Buckingham's peck on Nicks' head before "Silver Springs" -- may have been only so much soap opera, but they were reassuring celebrations of the ties that bind us together.

In fact, one of the most moving Buckingham moments came with the great Rumours opener, "Second Hand News." Buckingham's quirky pop sensibility still makes the mix of anger, lust and acceptance as engaging as ever, and Nicks seems to enjoy tearing into that "bam bam bam bam ba bam bam" with a vigor to match Buckingham and the rhythm section. Somehow, those nonsense syllables express the perennial pop music theme of just how bad people can hurt each other and how music can get them through it. The show as a whole celebrates how creativity and platonic love transcend romantic relationships.

That said, rarely did the show exceed expectations. It started off very strong, the second song, "The Chain," showcasing each band member. The most powerful moment, the stage lights going dark except for John McVie's bass and that ominous progression at the heart of the song, promised an evening of such magical moments. The fact that that magic remained a 32-year-old, letter-perfect riff suggested something about the night's limits.

And though she's been gone for over a decade, the band misses Christine McVie. She was an anchor that, as a third frontperson, somehow bridged the gap between the veteran British blues men at the back of the stage and the two California kids up front. This incarnation had several additional musicians: jack of all trades Brett Tuggle playing McVie's keyboards and guitarist Neil Heywood giving Buckingham a little run for his money on "Stand Back." The band also had three back-up singers, including Nicks's sister-in-law Lori Nicks. But the show felt primarily like a celebration of the history of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham -- a little canned, but mighty impressive all the same.

[shackin'up]

Cool Livia, that is one of the best reviews I've read. I think it really describes what it was. Realistic, not overly raving, not bitterly negative, but pointing out the relevance and quality this band still has. Now if he only could have spelled lindsey's name right.:rolleyes:

[michelej1]

In fact, one of the most moving Buckingham moments came with the great Rumours opener, "Second Hand News." Buckingham's quirky pop sensibility still makes the mix of anger, lust and acceptance as engaging as ever, and Nicks seems to enjoy tearing into that "bam bam bam bam ba bam bam" with a vigor to match Buckingham and the rhythm section. Somehow, those nonsense syllables express the perennial pop music theme of just how bad people can hurt each other and how music can get them through it. The show as a whole celebrates how creativity and platonic love transcend romantic relationships.


Nice description of SHN and of what Stevie's mic ribbon-beating exuberance in singing it with Lindsey evokes.

Michele

[Amlyn]

I took a lot of pictures before a Sprint Center employee shined a light in my face and told me to lose the camera. Of all the ones I had, these were the best I ended up with. I believe these were mostly from Go Insane, Tusk and Sara.

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009597.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009600.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009612.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009622.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009623.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009627.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009628.jpg

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/Amlyn75/KansascityMay2009630.jpg