Fleetwood Mac In NZ!

[EnchantedKiwi]

Just saw this on http://nickslive.blogspot.com/


Details are a little hazy but Ticket Master have begun inviting people to pre-order - see here

Other sources point at 1 show only, December 29, at the Bowl of Brooklyn, New Plymouth.

Stay tuned for full event details


:D :D sooooo excited.

[mylittledemon]

I only hope I can afford to go when they do show up! ;)

[Livia]

That bodes well for Australia. Start saving, kids!

[The dance]

Looks like Australia will get a visit of FM sooner as i thought. 29 december is a strange date. Why not wait until January or perhaps FM is celebrating the new year in Australia....... Anyway i'm happy for the fans over there:wavey:

[The dance]

I only hope I can afford to go when they do show up! ;)

Tickets in Europe are at normal prices demon... The highest price of a ticket in belgium is 76 Euro and in Holland is 65 Euro. That is normal for a band of that status and name...... How much were the tickets the last time FM was in Australia............

[mylittledemon]

Tickets in Europe are at normal prices demon... The highest price of a ticket in belgium is 76 Euro and in Holland is 65 Euro. That is normal for a band of that status and name...... How much were the tickets the last time FM was in Australia............

Oh I have no idea. I've only seen them when I was living in America. $120+ for a ticket.

[DoubtfulMiracle]

Looks like Australia will get a visit of FM sooner as i thought. 29 december is a strange date. Why not wait until January or perhaps FM is celebrating the new year in Australia....... Anyway i'm happy for the fans over there:wavey:

I thought that too. It actually doesn't seem like an ideal time at all to be getting people to spend-up and attend a concert (though I still would, of course). I'm confident they will be playing Aus and NZ, but maybe those dates will be off.

How much were the tickets the last time FM was in Australia............

Not that I had actually discovered the awesomeness of FM in 2004, but reviews indicate up to $200 a ticket. That's what I paid for 4th row at The Who just 6 months ago though, so perhaps we'll see FM prices a bit higher this time around. If not, total bonus. :thumbsup:

[Madness Fades]

I only hope I can afford to go when they do show up! ;)

Jesus, i'd nearly buy you a ticket. if theyre in NZ you have to go.

[mylittledemon]

Jesus, i'd nearly buy you a ticket. if theyre in NZ you have to go.

Well that's nice of ye!

Prolly won't go cause... they won't play in Wellington for sure. So it'll be the cost of the two tickets plus a trip to wherever they will be (If it's not Auckland I'll be shocked).

[michelej1]

Stuff.co.nz, August 8, 2009

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/2731919/Fleetwood-Mac-mystery-show

Fleetwood Mac mystery show

British-American band Fleetwood Mac are to perform in New Zealand.

Ticket agency Ticketmaster is advertising on its website that the band will perform one show in New Zealand, but without listing the city or date.

It has asked people to supply their email addresses so they can be contacted when the city and date are confirmed.

Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks performed at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth in 2006 and there is speculation that the band will perform there.

New Plymouth District Council's manager for business developments and events, Garry Sharpe-Young, declined to comment on whether it would be Bowl of Brooklands.

But he said he understood an announcement would be made soon.

"Some acts are perfectly suited to certain types of venues and I'm a great believer that we've got the iconic New Zealand venue. We'll wait and see."

[Excalibur881]

I am reliably informed that date is wrong. I think it is December the 19th, not the 29th.
It is an incredible venue. I saw Jack Johnson and REM there. Stage in front of the water. I agree with above, perfect atmosphere for Fleetwood Mac!!

[StreetAngel86]

so they're touring NZ before Oz?
that doesn't make sense

if FM are in NZ mid Dec.....then that means they would do Oz in late Oct/Nov no?


dammit.......why am i going to mexico
i want them to be in Oz in the new yearrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Excalibur881]

I would think Australia must be fore New Zealand because other wise they will be hitting Christmas and New Year in between. If it is New Plymouth, I'm stoked! Quite a travel (but so is Auckland) but well worth it.

An amazing Christmas present!!!

[The dance]

Well, i think more tourdates for New Zealand and Austrailia will soon follow........... How many gigs will they do over there? Here in Europe it was a bit of surprise because FM will give concerts in Holland, Belgium, France, Sweden and they have not been there for many many years..........

[tuigirl]

Well that's nice of ye!

Prolly won't go cause... they won't play in Wellington for sure. So it'll be the cost of the two tickets plus a trip to wherever they will be (If it's not Auckland I'll be shocked).

oooh, I can see a nice wee road trip happening...how exciting!! whats more if they go to NZ in summer, they'd do well to stay a few days extra and enjoy a quiet break..... away from it all.

[Excalibur881]

Searching online I can only find Fleetwood Mac shows in New Zealand in 1980. Did they play here after that? Can't believe they have not been back in 29 years!! Mind you, The Who left it 40 years!

Mylittledemon - you have to make the road trip to go see them!

[mylittledemon]

I *believe* Fleetwood Mac came to NZ on the Say You Will tour at some point? Maybe a show in Auckland? Can't be sure about that.

I would like to go but if its gonna' cost a fortune, prolly won't happen. :rolleyes:

[EnchantedKiwi]

I *believe* Fleetwood Mac came to NZ on the Say You Will tour at some point? Maybe a show in Auckland? Can't be sure about that.

I would like to go but if its gonna' cost a fortune, prolly won't happen. :rolleyes:

Nope they didn't. Stevie came in 2006 but other than that its been 29 years :(

I reckon they should play western springs for old times sake, maybe jokingly relive the Guitar throwing incident :lol:

[tuigirl]

I *believe* Fleetwood Mac came to NZ on the Say You Will tour at some point? Maybe a show in Auckland? Can't be sure about that.

I would like to go but if its gonna' cost a fortune, prolly won't happen. :rolleyes:

What??? A bus and a tent, how expensive can it be??? C'mon now, where's ur sense of adventure, no slacking!!:D

[mylittledemon]

What??? A bus and a tent, how expensive can it be??? C'mon now, where's ur sense of adventure, no slacking!!:D

HAHA... I didn't say I didn't want to go... But I can't justify going when money is tight...and I've seen them 3x...Stevie 1x and Lindsey 1x ;)

[vivfox]

Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 10/08/2009


Rumours are rife that iconic rock group Fleetwood Mac could play the Bowl of Brooklands as part of its 2009 tour.

Stuff.co.nz has quoted ticketing agency Ticketmaster as saying the band is coming to New Zealand but is not saying where the show might be.

But stevie-nicks-news.com, an unofficial fan site for the band's vocalist, suggests the TSB Bowl of Brooklands will be the venue for a single New Zealand concert in December.

New Plymouth District Council spokespeople were tight-lipped yesterday, neither confirming nor denying the New Plymouth event.

Stevie Nicks performed at the Bowl in March 2006 in a double billing with John Farnham.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2734362/Council-keeping-mum-on-Fleetwood-Mac

[Excalibur881]

Think it wil probably be Auckland vector arena, could be New Plymouth because they had Elton John, Jack Johnson, and probably Christchurch. fter reading the USA tour reviews I cannot wait!!:nod:

[Excalibur881]

So, according to the leaked Aussie dates its just the one NZ show in Christchurch! Bowl of Brooklands was obviously wishful thinking! Now to save some $ for the ferry!!

[EnchantedKiwi]

So, according to the leaked Aussie dates its just the one NZ show in Christchurch! Bowl of Brooklands was obviously wishful thinking! Now to save some $ for the ferry!!

I find it hard to believe they would only do a concert in christchurch. It doesnt sound right. No other act has just performed there and no where else.

Wellington is fesable because its the most central place in the country and U2 are playing two shows at the caketin, new plymouth maybe, because its an ideal venue, but i really believe it will be in Auckland because its the biggest city, with the best choice of venues, e.g vector arena, western springs, mt smart stadium.

I think Jana just put it there because it was the last city they went to in Aus and nz on Stevie's gold dust tour in 2006

[StreetAngel86]

I find it hard to believe they would only do a concert in christchurch. It doesnt sound right. No other act has just performed there and no where else.

Wellington is fesable because its the most central place in the country and U2 are playing two shows at the caketin, new plymouth maybe, because its an ideal venue, but i really believe it will be in Auckland because its the biggest city, with the best choice of venues, e.g vector arena, western springs, mt smart stadium.

I think Jana just put it there because it was the last city they went to in Aus and nz on Stevie's gold dust tour in 2006

can u get a ferry from Oz to NZ? :lol:
i think the plane there costs more than it does to fly to the US :shocked:

[EnchantedKiwi]

can u get a ferry from Oz to NZ? :lol:
i think the plane there costs more than it does to fly to the US :shocked:

Hahaha i don't think a ferry!

But flights are cheap! On air nz without any deals, the full price is $300 return which is pretty good, since you can usually get them cheaper than that

https://flightbookings.airnewzealand.co.nz/isbook_en_NZ/book/searchForFlights.do?utm_source=Air+NZ+Fare+Finder&utm_medium=Fare+Finder&utm_campaign=airnewzealand.co.nz&

[Excalibur881]

Enchanted Kiwi - Bon Jovi played 1 NZ show in Christchurch...

The best venue, IMHO, is the Bowl of Brooklands. Stunning location in the park. The logical place is Auckland, but Vector arena would seem a bit dull for Fleetwood Mac don't you think?. Wellington? Maybe...

[EnchantedKiwi]

Enchanted Kiwi - Bon Jovi played 1 NZ show in Christchurch...

The best venue, IMHO, is the Bowl of Brooklands. Stunning location in the park. The logical place is Auckland, but Vector arena would seem a bit dull for Fleetwood Mac don't you think?. Wellington? Maybe...

Yes! A friend of mine told me that today also.

I agree the bowl would be a great place to have it! I just think the way the stage is set up this tour, it would be easier to have it at Vector instead of an outdoor venue, with all those moving screens round them. U2 are only playing two shows in Wellington though!

[mylittledemon]

I saw U2 in 2001. Best concert I've ever been to actually. Although, their current ticket prices have me going :shocked:

[Excalibur881]

So where is the show? Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, New Plymouth? All have been mentioned.

Is there really just 1 show for NZ?

[mylittledemon]

Nothing's set yet.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

so they're touring NZ before Oz?
that doesn't make sense

if FM are in NZ mid Dec.....then that means they would do Oz in late Oct/Nov no?


dammit.......why am i going to mexico
i want them to be in Oz in the new yearrrrrrrrrrrrrr

They are in Europe/UK late October/early November.

Maybe they will head to Oz as soon as they're finished?

[Excalibur881]

Yeah, see the Australia tour thread - dates are there. Still no word on NZ :(

[vivfox]

Thursday Aug 20, 2009

Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac are heading this way during the summer - but final dates and venues were not known before going to print.

TimeOut has an interview scheduled this week with the band's guitarist and pop genius, Lindsey Buckingham, to talk about the tour. So watch this space.

The band, currently made up of Buckingham, singer Stevie Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bass player John McVie, have just finished an American tour, are about to start a European jaunt, and it is understood they will then head down under.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10591760

[mylittledemon]

My friend Will is a reporter down in the Queenstown area, and said he heard the possibility of 2 dates here in New Zealand. :]

[iamnotafraid]

Why is Stevie Nicks sitting out this leg of the tour?

[EnchantedKiwi]

Why is Stevie Nicks sitting out this leg of the tour?

Fingers crossed for Bekka.

[Have no heart]

Why is Stevie Nicks sitting out this leg of the tour?

obviously she isnt and all the band are coming to Nz the press down here are saying Bowl of Broolyn 19.12.09 to play one show, but I can't belive that the MAC would only play one show in NZ they have not played here since the 1979/1980 tour.

[EnchantedKiwi]

obviously she isnt and all the band are coming to Nz the press down here are saying Bowl of Broolyn 19.12.09 to play one show, but I can't belive that the MAC would only play one show in NZ they have not played here since the 1979/1980 tour.

Hmmm lets wait to see what Lindsey has to say in the herald interview. I can't see them doing the Bowl, but thats just my opinion.

[Excalibur881]

The Bowl of Brooklands is the PERFECT venue for Fleetwood Mac! Google image search for it, it's an incredible place. I think they could well play the bowl and obviously Auckland too.

[EnchantedKiwi]

According to the picture thing on the ticketmaster site it looks like tickets for wherever the nz show is gonna be, is going on sale on September 9th

http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/Fleetwood-Mac-tickets/artist/735087

[rubytuesday]

They're doing australia in december and I think the tickets go on sale in a couple of days. Brisbane's paper is going to run the dates tomorrow or sunday so I can only guess that the others will be doing the same.

[vivfox]

By FELICITY ROOKES - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 22/08/2009

A Fleetwood Mac concert for New Plymouth was confirmed yesterday and for the first time at the Bowl of Brooklands fans will be close enough to see the perspiration on the performers' faces.

The veteran British band is hitting Taranaki on December 19 and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands is the only venue in New Zealand it will play.

And the controversial 1000-seat lake platform will be ready in time for the concert.

Confirming the gig yesterday, New Plymouth District Council manager of business developments and events Garry Sharpe-Young said Fleetwood Mac was the concert of the year.

"They are one of the top 10 selling bands in the world," he said.

"Fleetwood Mac covers a broad range of people, everyone knows their songs."

Mr Sharpe-Young says securing the band is a major coup for New Plymouth.

"This is an A-list band and we are the only place in New Zealand that has them.

"All the major centres wanted Fleetwood Mac and I think it has a lot to do with the venue."

He says you have to be able to offer something different, something unique and that's what the Bowl is.

As with Cliff Richard and The Shadows, the new platform seating over the lake was a deciding factor for Fleetwood Mac.

"Artists like to get intimate with the audience," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

"We have taken note of what artists have said and are maximising the venue."

People on platform seating must be aware that if they wish to dance they must stand next to their seat and not all go to the front.

The platform has been designed to be removed so cannot bear too much weight all on one side.

Mr Sharpe-Young says extra flights will be put on to New Plymouth to meet the demand of out-of-town concert goers.

Fleetwood Mac has not performed in New Zealand since 1980 when it played in Auckland and Wellington, attracting more than 80,000 people.

Singer Stevie Nicks performed at the Bowl in March 2006 in a double billing with John Farnham.

Fleetwood Mac is in its golden years, performing for more than 40 years. The band is touring the world with New Zealand one of the final stops.

It is made up of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood and the bass player John McVie, for whom, together, the band is named.

There is no new album to promote but at a concert at Madison Square Gardens in March guitarist Buckingham hinted there might be one in the works.

Fleetwood Mac has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and its 1977 album Rumours stayed at number one on the US charts for 31 weeks.

But what Fleetwood Mac fans want is the oldies, Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, Gypsy, Little Lies, Landslide and Rhiannon to name a few.

Word is that during the tour the band is sticking closely to its 1975 self-titled album, the first to feature the Buckingham-Nicks combo, and its follow-up two years later, Rumours, one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

Ad Feedback TSB CUSTOMERS TO GET FIRST TICKETS

FIRST dibs on tickets to Fleetwood Mac's December concert will go to TSB Bank customers.

Online ticket sales will be available to TSB Bank customers from Friday, September 4 until Tuesday, September 8.

Public sales will open on Wednesday, September 9.

TSB Bank customers can only purchase tickets online at tsbbank.co.nz/fleetwoodmac. The password needed to complete the purchase is `expect more'.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2777183/No-rumour-Fleetwood-Mac-heading-to-Bowl

[Excalibur881]

Yes!!! 30 years of waiting is over! Roadtrip to New Plymouth. So happy the band has chosen to play the bowl of Brooklands. GREAT choice!! :)

[michelej1]

New Zealand Herald

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10592485

Fleetwood Mac heading to NZ
12:46PM Saturday Aug 22, 2009

Fleetwood Mac are promising to play all the songs which made them famous when they return to New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years.

The band have confirmed they will play a one-off, two-hour set at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth on December 29 following the success of their 55-city North American tour.

The band said the tour had been enjoyable enough to add a two month stint through Europe and on to Australia and New Zealand.

"We're so happy to be back out on the road, where we'll perform everyone's favourite songs and see all our New Zealand fans," the band said.

Promoter Andrew McManus said the concert would be a "celebration of all the greatest hits" from the band, including Rhiannon, Dreams, The Chain, Tusk and Go Your Own Way.

- NZPA

[michelej1]

From Voxy:

http://www.voxy.co.nz/entertainment/fleetwood-mac-announces-first-nz-show-1980/5/21755

Fleetwood Mac Announces First NZ Show Since 1980

Legendary super group Fleetwood Mac will return to New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years for an exclusive show at New Plymouth's beautiful TSB Bowl of Brooklands in December.

Following on the heels of their hugely successful 55-city sold out North American tour, Fleetwood Mac - Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie - will bring their 'Unleashed' tour to New Zealand on Saturday December 19. The tour is a two-hour plus celebration of all the greatest hits from undoubtedly one of the most enduring, celebrated and influential rock groups of all time.

Promoter Andrew McManus said: "I am thrilled to be bringing this incredible band back to New Zealand for this one-off concert. It's been nearly 30 years which is way too long! Fans will no doubt travel from all over the country to experience this legendary band."

"We love our band and think the title of the tour, 'Unleashed', perfectly describes how we all feel when we get on stage together - especially in 2009. We're so happy to be back out on the road where we'll perform everyone's favorite songs and see all our New Zealand fans," said Fleetwood Mac in a joint statement.

The band has received unanimous rave reviews on their US tour and enjoyed themselves so much that they have added a two month stint through Europe leading in to Australia and New Zealand in December.

And how's this for a set list?! 'Rhiannon', 'Dreams', 'The Chain', 'Tusk', 'Landslide', 'Gold Dust Woman', 'Say That You Love Me', 'Stand Back', 'Go Your Own Way', 'Don't Stop', 'Sara' and 'Never Going Back Again' to name just a few of their incredible classic hits! Their magnum opus 'Rumours'- the 1977 Grammy Award winner for Album of the Year - stands as one of THE greatest albums ever made.

With in excess of 40 million copies sold worldwide, its songs have unquestionably stood the test of time and still sound amazing. And according to the US reviewers, the band's supreme musicianship and superstar aura remain very much intact.

"Fleetwood Mac offers a love affair to last." (Chicago Sun-Times, March 2009)

"It should surprise no onethe band's show at Madison Square Garden proved as musically vital, and as alive with subtext, as ever." (New York Daily News, March 2009)

"the band dug in, rocked out and had no problem reclaiming the original passion of the times to the delight of the audience." (Ottawa Citizen, March 2009)

"An abundance from one of the most successful catalogs in rock history, more than enough to keep the two-hour and 20-minute show airborne from start to finish." (Billboard, March 2009)

"Its official: Fleetwood Mac hasn't lost a stepthe Mac remains a well-oiled machine that need only be kicked into gear when the timing is right." (Boston Herald, March 2009)

"Sending fans home happy...not only is the Mac back, but still in very fine form." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 2009)

Don't miss the chance to see this extraordinary, iconic band in what promises to be one of the musical highlights of the year.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 19th NEW PLYMOUTH, TSB BOWL OF BROOKLANDS TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9 From Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.co.nz or 0800-111-999

[michelej1]

Taranaki Daily News, 8/22/09

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/2778140/Fleetwood-Mac-heading-to-the-Bowl

A Fleetwood Mac concert for New Plymouth has been confirmed - and for the first time at the Bowl of Brooklands fans will be close enough to see the perspiration on the performers' faces.

The veteran British band is hitting Taranaki on December 19 and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands is the only venue in New Zealand it will play.

And the controversial 1000-seat lake platform will be ready in time for the concert.

Confirming the gig yesterday, New Plymouth District Council manager of business developments and events Garry Sharpe- Young said Fleetwood Mac was the concert of the year.

"They are one of the top 10 selling bands in the world," he said.

"Fleetwood Mac covers a broad range of people, everyone knows their songs."

Mr Sharpe-Young says securing the band is a major coup for New Plymouth.

"This is an A-list band and we are the only place in New Zealand that has them.

"All the major centres wanted Fleetwood Mac and I think it has a lot to do with the venue."

He says you have to be able to offer something different, something unique and that's what the Bowl is.

As with Cliff Richard and The Shadows, the new platform seating over the lake was a deciding factor for Fleetwood Mac.

"Artists like to get intimate with the audience," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

"We have taken note of what artists have said and are maximising the venue."

People on platform seating must be aware that if they wish to dance they must stand next to their seat and not all go to the front.

The platform has been designed to be removed so it cannot bear too much weight all on one side.

Mr Sharpe-Young says extra flights will be put on to New Plymouth to meet the demand of out-of-town concert goers.

Fleetwood Mac has not performed in New Zealand since 1980 when it played in Auckland and Wellington, attracting more than 80,000 people.

Singer Stevie Nicks performed at the Bowl in March 2006 in a double billing with John Farnham.

Fleetwood Mac is in its golden years, performing for more than 40 years. The band is touring the world with New Zealand one of the final stops.

It is made up of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, drummer Mick Fleetwood and the bass player John McVie, for whom, together, the band is named.

There is no new album to promote but at a concert at Madison Square Gardens in March guitarist Buckingham hinted there might be one in the works.

Fleetwood Mac has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and its 1977 album Rumours stayed at number one on the US charts for 31 weeks.

Ad Feedback But what Fleetwood Mac fans want is the oldies, Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, Gypsy, Little Lies, Landslide and Rhiannon to name a few.

Word is that during the tour the band is sticking closely to its 1975 self-titled album, the first to feature the Buckingham-Nicks combo, and its follow-up two years later, Rumours, one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

[michelej1]

TVNZ, August 22, 2009
http://tvnz.co.nz/one-news/mac-back-2936721

Legendary super group Fleetwood Mac will return to New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years for an exclusive show at New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands in December.

The band - Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie - will bring their Unleashed tour to New Zealand on Saturday December 19.

Promoter Andrew McManus says he is thrilled to be bringing the band back to New Zealand.

"It's been nearly 30 years which is way too long. Fans will no doubt travel from all over the country to experience this legendary band," he says.

Fleetwood Mac said in a joint statement that the name of the tour, Unleashed, reflects how they feel to be back on stage in 2009.

"We're so happy to be back out on the road where we'll perform everyone's favourite songs and see all our New Zealand fans," the statement said.

The band has received unanimous rave reviews on their US tour.

Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster from September 9.

[EnchantedKiwi]

In the Sunday Star Times today :D


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3847551809_e92f577641_b.jpg

It makes me want to go to this one too also. I think i will go to sydney and this, what the hell :laugh:

[Excalibur881]

Maybe they will add an Auckland or Christchurch show later?

[vivfox]

August 26,2009

Tickets to the Fleetwood Mac concert haven't gone on sale yet but already there's confusion over how much they will cost.

One website, www.showbiznz.co.nz, has begun offering pre-sale tickets at $147.50 for general admission to $369 for the best seats on the platform over the lake at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands.

But these prices look to be more expensive than what will be offered when tickets go on general sale next month - the Taranaki Daily News understands they will range from $120 to $320.

That won't be officially known until September 4 when first dibs on Fleetwood Mac's December 19 concert will go to TSB Bank customers, who will be able to buy them on-line until September 8. Public sales will then open the next day.

Leesa Tilley, general manager of promoter Andrew McManus Presents, said promoters often worked with on-sellers like Showbiznz who were allocated a very limited number of ticket "holds".

"These aren't actual tickets these won't be available until the general public tickets go on sale and they can market or sell them however they like," she said.

"How they market and sell them is up to them."

The prices to be asked for the big concert look similar to pricing for Taranaki's last major concert, the performance by Sir Elton John in December 2007.

Prices for that event ranged from $155 to $375.

* How much would you pay to go? Post your comments below.


Emma #1 9:28am
I'm confused as to when they go one sale - I was under the impression that I'd be amongst pre-sale customers as I provided Ticketmaster with my email address. It seems that all it was was a ploy to fill my inbox with their spam (none of which included anything about Fleetwood Mac). I'd pay $120 and that would be about it. I love them but have to draw the line somewhere...plus its 6 days out from Christmas....what is with that??

Corina #2 9:31am
It's a once in a lifetime opportunity! Anything under $1000 would be worth it.

Rob Douglas #3 10:11am
Does anybody know whether Christine McVie is coming with them on this tour? Or is she still 'retired' from the band.

Brenz #4 10:11am
$375 sounds outrageous to me! I saw Fleetwood Mac in concert in 1994 when they were the opening act for Crosby Stills & Nash ... in the US, but tickets were only $35. C'mon, Fleetwood Mac is worth seeing, but not at these prices.

chris #5 10:26am
Grow up Kiwis. This is an international act. Artist's no longer make money from record sales as everyone downloads for free just about. This is how they make money. The rest of the world are happy to pay the gate rate, so stop whining, stop asking for discount, you're not special. If you want to see Fleetwood Mac, just cough up the dollars and stop complaining.

Nick #6 10:27am
Rob, pretty sure she won't be there.

Nathan #7 10:28am
at #2- I read somewhere that Christine McVie is still "retired" and it will be just the four of Mick, Stevie,John and Lindsey.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/2795969/Fleetwood-fluster-over-ticket-prices

[Excalibur881]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/2778140/Fleetwood-Mac-heading-to-the-Bowl


glenno #1 11:24 am Aug 22 2009
I'll be there only if Christine McVie is on keyboards, and the chances of that are about zilch, sadly.

lynnie #2 11:27 am Aug 22 2009
Oh Heck Yes I will be going

Athene #3 11:41 am Aug 22 2009
What about Christie McVie. Come on people, if your going to name the members why not name all of them?

suz #4 11:47 am Aug 22 2009
I would love to be able to go, but I probably won't be able to :(

Tim #5 12:22 pm Aug 22 2009
ARGH!!! Same day as Green Day. Gutted.

Would be there for sure otherwise.

Mikey #6 12:36 pm Aug 22 2009
Christine has retired, sadly. After many approaches she has always declined all offers to perform with the band again. Sorry guys.

glenno #7 12:54 pm Aug 22 2009
Most Fleetwood Mac fans will go to this concert to hear the songs from the Rumours album era, from the late 70s. The reported line-up for this tour is 80% of the line-up from that era. If you google the song-list for the tour, you'll see they are being true to the 70s era fans. The 5th member, Christine McVie kept the bluesy sound to the Mac, with both her superb keyboard playing and smokey vocals. This helped Mick Fleetwood and John McVie anchor the sound that they are most famous for. Sure Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks probably 'saved' Fleetwood Mac, however without the cornerstone three of the 70s line-up, Rumours would not have happened. Christine McVie has retired from concert appearances, although she has not discounted studio work with the Mac. She also recorded her solo album "In The Meantime", in 2004. Of the still-growing number of people to go through Fleetwood Mac (Daughter of Delany & Bonnie - Bekka Bramlett!) the only others of note are long gone - Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer. Christine, you're a "Songbird".

Chris #8 12:59 pm Aug 22 2009
I'll be there with bells on. Sadly Christine isn't part of the tour but then she retired in 1998. People should respect that, but bear in mind they will still get a stunning concert with the remaining members of the "classic" line up. I saw them in Vegas in May this year and they were in top form but they kept the spirit of Christine in their set list as well as a few surprises which will no doubt be lapped up by fans.

Stuart #9 01:06 pm Aug 22 2009
I was all set to go but have already booked to be away for Xmas. How can a big band like The Mac play one concert at the Bowl anyway?

steve #10 01:43 pm Aug 22 2009
Definitely! And as a TSB customer, I can get an exclusive early bird deal! Who would have thought that I could see Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, Santana, Cliff and The Shadows (can't - sold out)and all within walking distance of home! No Auckland cost-a-fortune, drama getting back and forth to the venue here! Eat yer heart out Tauranga, Hamilton and Palmerston North. Not to mention Boyracerville, Wellie and Auckland. New Plymouth rocks!

Ad Feedback JP #11 01:44 pm Aug 22 2009
Athene, Christine's not mentioned because she retired from the band in 1998. Fleetwood Mac are now a 4-piece.

Brent #12 02:00 pm Aug 22 2009
I don't think Christine is touring anymore, so sadly I will not be going without her (just not the same).

I am surprised that Stevie Nicks is touring as she was known to say that she would not tour as part of Fleetwood Mac again without Christine.

E #13 02:20 pm Aug 22 2009
I will definatly be there.. im mid 20's and the mac rocks.

glenno #14 03:48 pm Aug 22 2009
....and something I omitted to say earlier...the photo's a dodgy, isn't it?

tony #15 05:21 pm Aug 22 2009
YAY...Stevie coming to my hometown, New Plymouth the best Place to be!!!!

Peter McLean #16 09:07 pm Aug 22 2009
Saw Fleetwood Mac in Brisbane 2004. They played for 2 and a half hour the whole concert! The best shoe I have ever been to!!! Linsay Buckingham one of the mst talented musicians I have ever seen. You Should see this.

criddles #17 11:59 pm Aug 22 2009
OOOW Hell Yeah its about time!!!! I have waiting ever since i was 18 now im 26 cannot wait!!

Kiwigirl #18 04:53 am Aug 23 2009
I live in Canada and saw them in Vancouver in May. I've waited 20 years and they did not disappoint! Stevie and Lindsay are awesome, and Mick still wows me on the drums. John as always reliable and fantastic on the guitar. The fact Christine is not there is not the end of the world, not that I wouldn't have wanted the original 5. If you can get to see this show, you will not be disappointed.

Nicci Hunt #19 05:35 am Aug 23 2009
My mate saw them here in Dallas, & loved them, said it was one of the best concerts she had been too, & she's been to a lot!. Will be flying into Auckland from Dallas on the 18th of Dec...& will be at the concert in the great Naki :)

Brett #20 09:31 am Aug 23 2009
Got our Cliff and Shadows tickets, will definitely be in this as well. No need to eat our heart out Steve, only a 3 hour nice relaxing drive from PN, on some of the best roads in the country. You are rightly proud of the Bowl, saw Mark Knopfler there a couple of years ago outstanding venue and ourstanding show. Fleetwood Mac are still are great band even without Christine.

Ad Feedback Duncan #21 10:31 am Aug 24 2009
I'd go if it was the Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac.

Ian #22 03:38 pm Aug 24 2009
New Plymouth sucks. It really really sucks.

TW #23 11:49 am Aug 25 2009
I'm so going! With my parents :) But it's going to be so awesome! Grew up to the Mac playing in the car on the way to summer holidays, and they are just amazing. Christine McVie will be missed, but I relish the chance to see Stevie (nearly got named Stevie, dad's dream!) live, missed her last concert. I'm so excited!!! And totally affordable too. Go New Plymouth for being such an awesome venue!

Kay #24 02:47 pm Aug 25 2009
We'll be coming from Melbourne, so seeing Fleetwood Mac twice!!

Nathalie B #25 05:18 am Aug 26 2009
We will have at least 3 cars full from Hawkes Bay for this! Great pricing too at $120 for such an amazing band. Why can't The Mission get it's act together to get the kind of artists the little Naki seems to be attracting?

[vivfox]

Item 3:So, Fleetwood Mac are coming to New Zealand. That's great, because even though the band's classic albums - Rumours (1977) and Tusk (1979) - were a little before my time, I've always had a crush on Stevie Nicks, with her long mane of blonde hair and lacy hippy frocks.

And it's even better that the band is playing in my hometown of New Plymouth at my favourite venue in the world, the beautiful Bowl of Brooklands.

However, sorry to spoil the party, but the gig might not be all it's cracked up to be. You see, what makes the Bowl unique, apart from the natural grass bowl, is the lake in front of the stage. For Fleetwood Mac (and Cliff Richard and the Shadows in February), the New Plymouth District Council is plonking a 1000-seat platform over the lake. Having been to many concerts at the bowl, including seeing Tim Finn row across the lake during Six Months In a Leaky Boat, I have to say it won't be the same without the lake.

By the sound of it, the introduction of the platform was a deciding factor for New Plymouth scoring Fleetwood Mac's only New Zealand show because the band insisted it would make for a more "intimate" gig.

Then again, why couldn't they say to Stevie and the lads that they'd happily put on a row boat for them to use? I don't mind rowing them across.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10593319

[mylittledemon]

It's an interesting idea, but for me, if you're not going to be near the stage I just not into it :shrug:

[vivfox]

FLEETWOOD MAC are performing one concert only at the stunning Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, New Zealand on December 19th with tickets going on sale on September 9th.

Easymix 98.2fm in Auckland will be giving away tickets closer to the concert, and next week on September 9th they will be interviewing Lindsey.

Lindsey on September 9th will discuss everything from the possibility of new Fleetwood Mac music, his reputation as one of the most distinctive guitarists ever, why New Zealand was the only country they didn’t do an encore in, how his wife copes with the sexual tension between him and Stevie Nicks and much, much more. Be listening September 9th!

http://lindseybuckingham.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/lindsey-buckingham-interview-new-zealand/

[vivfox]

In my opinion: Bad memories of Mac remainBy Grant Harding
5th September 2009

When friends gather, and the conversation turns to rock music it will eventually swing around to the best concert ever seen.

My pick would be Bob Marley and the Wailers at Auckland's Western Springs in 1979: great atmosphere, great performance - an artist at his peak. Yes, it could have been longer, but Bob and the Wailers delivered.

There are other categories.

The one you don't remember - George Thorogood and the Destroyers in Palmerston North. Don't ask.

Then there's the worst concert ever.

You probably wouldn't guess who gets my top billing in that category in a million years.

A clue: they're coming back in December, and their tickets for a one-off concert go on sale Monday.

That's right - supergroup Fleetwood Mac.

It was March 1980 in Wellington, and they were riding high on Rumours (1977) and the recently released Tusk. But in true rock fashion that wasn't all they were riding high on and the state of their personal relationships - four of the band members had once made two happily married couples - was chaotic.

That concert has been on my mind lately because of a couple of texts sent to Hawke's Bay Today bemoaning the Mission's Motown act, and the inability to get an act like the Mac.

It brought a sly grin to the face as I remembered back to the debacle that night at Athletic Park.

I know Mick Fleetwood has written about it, but the best reference I could find on the internet was the following passage: "(Lindsey) Buckingham finally succumbed to the curse of Fleetwood Mac guitarists.

"At one show in New Zealand, as (Stevie) Nicks sang Rhiannon he pulled his jacket over his head and began performing a grotesque imitation of her. Christine McVie slapped him. 'I might have chucked a glass of wine over him, too,' she says. 'I didn't think that was the way to treat a paying audience'."

I suspect that incident came just before the band left the stage to temporarily sort out their differences so the show could go on.

Legendary New Zealand bluesman Hammond Gamble and his band, Street Talk, was the support act that night and they had played superbly.

As Fleetwood Mac deteriorated in front of our eyes, I remember a chant starting up: "Bring back Street Talk." I joined in.

I gave Hammond a call this week to check that my memory hadn't faded. It hadn't - his had. "Are you sure it wasn't earlier than 1980?" he said down the phone from Auckland.

But he remembered the important stuff.

"They were arguing among themselves," he said. "We were told to leave them alone and don't get near them."

Hammond said the gig that followed at Western Springs was a good concert but Wellington was most definitely "meltdown night".

After their team meeting, Fleetwood Mac did return to the stage and Nicks used all of her considerable charm in an attempt to win the crowd over and prove she was the rock goddess we had come to see.

Somehow, though, it was forced. And 29 years later as the band, minus the delightful Christine McVie, prepare for their first New Zealand concert since that fateful March, it remains my worst live rock experience.

On that night, despite my liking for their music and lusting for Nicks, personal problems won out over the band's reputation and ability.

That is well behind them and there is nothing to suggest they will be anything but great in New Plymouth.

But, dear text messagers, there is no need to build up the Mac to put down the Mission.

From what I have observed of The Mission concert crowds, they are at their happiest when they can sing along. And when I hit www.missionconcert.co.nz yesterday there was immediate responsiveness and movement in the office as the Temptations Get Ready blasted out of my computer.

If that was a taster, it will be a good night in the Bay come February 13.

But by all means spend your bucks on a drive to New Plymouth where Stevie, Lindsey, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood could never be as bad again as they were in Wellington 29 years ago.

* Grant Harding is APN's Columnist of the Year.

http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/local/news/in-my-opinion-bad-memories-of-mac-remain/3903755/

[michelej1]

David,

Are you reading? This is pretty much what we were thinking.

Michele

[mylittledemon]

I am still amazed that no one in New Zealand seems to have gotten photos or video of this incident. :confused:

[Dodfather]

I am still amazed that no one in New Zealand seems to have gotten photos or video of this incident. :confused:

Just what I was thinking. There must be some somewhere, unless Lindsey has somehow suppresed it? Sounds like he deserved that glass of wine and a damn good slap from Chris! Now that I'd like to see!

[mylittledemon]

There has just GOT to be photos of it. That would've been a big deal... Fleetwood Mac playing New Zealand. I would imagine some of the press would've gotten at least one shot or two of the incident. :shrug:

[Black_and_White]

There has just GOT to be photos of it. That would've been a big deal... Fleetwood Mac playing New Zealand. I would imagine some of the press would've gotten at least one shot or two of the incident. :shrug:

I vaguely remember when Stevie was touring NZ a few years ago (and what a fabulous show that was at North Harbour Stadium :D), there was an interview (I think it was on Holmes at the time) and there was TV footage of Fleetwood Mac when they arrived in Wellington at the airport on the tarmac.

The interviewer asked Stevie questions about the Wellington incident. I'm pretty sure she said something about remembering Lindsey throwing his guitar down at one point on the stage and it almost hitting her (I remember that bit because I was quite shocked about it). I've tried seeing if the interview was on YouTube, but I can't find it at the moment. I'll keep looking though. Though I do agree it's a bit unusual given so many people went to the show that there is no public evidence...perhaps someone has some photos tucked away in a drawer somewhere...?

[michelej1]

I vaguely remember when Stevie was touring NZ a few years ago (and what a fabulous show that was at North Harbour Stadium :D), there was an interview (I think it was on Holmes at the time) and there was TV footage of Fleetwood Mac when they arrived in Wellington at the airport on the tarmac.



Yes, Flying Tiger, Hidden Dragon Stevie did say that she ducked a guitar 3-4 years ago (which is different than what she said about it in 1997), but it seems strange that there were no contemporaneous reports 30 years ago, rather than just the story that has been somewhat evolving since 1990.

Michele

[David]

Yes, Flying Tiger, Hidden Dragon Stevie did say that she ducked a guitar 3-4 years ago (which is different than what she said about it in 1997), but it seems strange that there were no contemporaneous reports 30 years ago, rather than just the story that has been somewhat evolving since 1990.I'm beginning to think "it" is a bunch of mini-incidents all shoved together in their memories, possibly even straddling different tours -- they played Down Under in 1977 & 1980.

[michelej1]

I'm beginning to think "it" is a bunch of mini-incidents all shoved together in their memories, possibly even straddling different tours -- they played Down Under in 1977 & 1980.

Amalgamated memory. In that Mojo interview they did for the SYW tour, one of them did say to the other, something like "Remember when you threw that Les Paul at me?" Mojo didn't make it clear whether it was Stevie or Lindsey speaking at the time and the question was not answered by either. However, I would assume that a guitar was thrown at some point or another, probably a lot more than once!

I just highly doubt it is the same night that he put the jacket over his head. Might not have been New Zealand. I wonder if he even threw the guitar while they were on stage, since it's not in Mick's book.

Michele

[David]

Amalgamated memory. In that Mojo interview they did for the SYW tour, one of them did say to the other, something like "Remember when you threw that Les Paul at me?" Mojo didn't make it clear whether it was Stevie or Lindsey speaking at the time and the question was not answered by either. However, I would assume that a guitar was thrown at some point or another, probably a lot more than once!And if the "Les Paul" is accurate (which it very well may not be), we're talking about 1978 or earlier.

I just highly doubt it is the same night that he put the jacket over his head. Might not have been New Zealand. I wonder if he even threw the guitar while they were on stage, since it's not in Mick's book.The mimicking (is that how you spell it?) is probably something that occurred numerous times. I mean it wouldn't surprise me. I have a powerful hunch that Christine & Mick also mimicked Stevie's Indian rain dance act from time to time. I mean, during "Rhiannon," her back is turned to all of them most of the time, & Chris used to make some very Christine-like comments about Stevie being stage front "prancing around in chiffon" -- implication being it was rather silly.

Remember that "Chain" they were doing in some rehearsal -- may have been one of our Mirage soundboard rehearsals -- & Stevie does her "uh-huh" at the end of the first chorus as was typical, but then Christine mimics her rather brazenly & right in time? It's the funniest thing I've ever heard.

There's nothing new under the sun -- including teasing an airhead bandmate.

[Excalibur881]

For IMMEDIATE Release
>
> *_FLEETWOOD MAC – FIRST SHOW SELLS OUT IN MINUTES!!!!_*
>
> *_SECOND NZ SHOW ANNOUNCED – _*
>
> *TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth – SUNDAY December 20**^th **
> 2009*
>
> Andrew McManus Presents is pleased to announce a second show on Sunday
> December 20^th due to overwhelming demand.
>
> /‘As promoter of this tour, even I am amazed at how quickly the first
> show//// sold out in New Plymouth and am proud to be able to announce
> a second concert, which will be the bands last show of//// their
> Unleashed World tour - a fitting completion to//// their sold out
> world tour and//// great way to finish for the fantastic New Zealand
> fans at such a beautiful venue as New Plymouth Bowl’//// /
>
> Following on the heels of their hugely successful 55-city sold out
> North American tour, Fleetwood Mac – Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham,
> Mick Fleetwood and John McVie - will bring their ‘Unleashed’ tour to
> New Zealand for a two-hour plus celebration of all the greatest hits
> from undoubtedly one of the most enduring, celebrated and influential
> rock groups of all time.
>
> Don’t miss the chance to see this extraordinary, iconic band in what
> promises to be one of the musical highlights of the year.
>
> *_NEW PLYMOUTH, TSB BOWL OF BROOKLANDS_*
>
> *SATURDAY DECEMBER 19**^th ** –** SOLD OUT*
>
> *SUNDAY DECEMBER 20**^th ** - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!*
>
> From Ticketmaster, _www.ticketmaster.co.nz_
> <http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz> or 0800-111-999

[HejiraNYC]

For IMMEDIATE Release

> /‘As promoter of this tour, even I am amazed at how quickly the first
> show//// sold out in New Plymouth and am proud to be able to announce
> a second concert, which will be the bands last show of//// their
> Unleashed World tour - a fitting completion to//// their sold out
> world tour and//// great way to finish for the fantastic New Zealand
> fans at such a beautiful venue as New Plymouth Bowl’//// /
>

What happened to the rumoured U.S. shed tour next summer? Is this really, really, really it??

[CADreaming]

Amalgamated memory. In that Mojo interview they did for the SYW tour, one of them did say to the other, something like "Remember when you threw that Les Paul at me?" Mojo didn't make it clear whether it was Stevie or Lindsey speaking at the time and the question was not answered by either. However, I would assume that a guitar was thrown at some point or another, probably a lot more than once!

I just highly doubt it is the same night that he put the jacket over his head. Might not have been New Zealand. I wonder if he even threw the guitar while they were on stage, since it's not in Mick's book.

Michele

Oh, Lawd...like who hasn't dodged one of his guitars once, right?!

[vivfox]

For IMMEDIATE Release
>
> *_FLEETWOOD MAC – FIRST SHOW SELLS OUT IN MINUTES!!!!_*
>
> *_SECOND NZ SHOW ANNOUNCED – _*
>
> *TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth – SUNDAY December 20**^th **
> 2009*
>
> Andrew McManus Presents is pleased to announce a second show on Sunday
> December 20^th due to overwhelming demand.
>
> /‘As promoter of this tour, even I am amazed at how quickly the first
> show//// sold out in New Plymouth and am proud to be able to announce
> a second concert, which will be the bands last show of//// their
> Unleashed World tour - a fitting completion to//// their sold out
> world tour and//// great way to finish for the fantastic New Zealand
> fans at such a beautiful venue as New Plymouth Bowl’//// /
>
> Following on the heels of their hugely successful 55-city sold out
> North American tour, Fleetwood Mac – Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham,
> Mick Fleetwood and John McVie - will bring their ‘Unleashed’ tour to
> New Zealand for a two-hour plus celebration of all the greatest hits
> from undoubtedly one of the most enduring, celebrated and influential
> rock groups of all time.
>
> Don’t miss the chance to see this extraordinary, iconic band in what
> promises to be one of the musical highlights of the year.
>
> *_NEW PLYMOUTH, TSB BOWL OF BROOKLANDS_*
>
> *SATURDAY DECEMBER 19**^th ** –** SOLD OUT*
>
> *SUNDAY DECEMBER 20**^th ** - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!*
>
> From Ticketmaster, _www.ticketmaster.co.nz_
> <http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz> or 0800-111-999

How odd that this article would be posted by Andrew McManus when this new article is in tomorrows NZ Newspaper.

Fleetwood Mac tickets on sale today for credit card customers only
By FELICITY ROOKES - Taranaki Daily News

Last updated 05:00 09/09/2009

Tickets for Fleetwood Mac go on sale today but if you do not have a credit card you are out of luck.

Tickets for the one-off New Zealand show, to be held on December 19 at New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands, will only be available online and over the phone.

Payment can only be made by credit card through Ticketmaster's website www.ticketmaster.co.nz or its freephone number 0800 111 999. Fleetwood fans can pay by cash or eftpos at a Ticketmaster outlet, but Taranaki's closest is in Palmerston North.

Pre-sale tickets for the concert went on sale last Friday and have sold out.

New Plymouth District Council's manager of business development and events Garry Sharpe-Young said it was the show's promoter who decided to have ticket sales through Ticketmaster despite it not having an outlet in New Plymouth.

"We need to get the message out that tickets will not be at the TSB Showplace box office," Mr Sharpe-Young said. "They are all being sold online or on the freephone."

People would turn up at the TSB Showplace because that was where they traditionally bought them, he said.

Tickets go on sale at 9am and are $120 for general admission, $250 for silver and $320 for gold.

The New Plymouth show is the group's only New Zealand concert and is expected to sell out in minutes today.

There is speculation a second New Plymouth show might be added.

In recent months other big international acts including Foo Fighters, AC/DC and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all announced second shows after huge demand.

The New Plymouth show is the last of a world tour by Fleetwood Mac. The group has performed in the United States and is touring Europe, with all the United Kingdom shows selling out.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2846132/Fleetwood-Mac-tickets-on-sale-today-for-credit-card-customers-only

[vivfox]

Second NZ concert for Fleetwood Mac
9:48AM Wednesday Sep 09, 2009

Fleetwood Mac have added a second concert to their visit to New Plymouth in December after the first one sold out in minutes.

Having played a 55-date, sold-out tour in North America, the band had committed to a single New Zealand show on December 19 at the Bowl of Brooklands.

Promoter Andrew McManus Presents said demand for tickets at the 18,000 seat venue was overwhelming and the second show had been scheduled for the following night.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10596159

[vivfox]

Fleetwood Mac fans have snapped up all available tickets for the band's December 19 concert in New Plymouth.

Sales opened at 9.00am on Wednesday and sold out within minutes.

District Council events spokesman Garry Sharp Young says it is one of the fastest-ever sellouts in New Plymouth.

Following on the heels of their 55 city sold out North American tour, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, will now play a second concert on December 20 in New Plymouth.

http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/second-fleetwood-mac-concert-announced-2979856

[mylittledemon]

I heard two "young" girls talking about Fleetwood Mac tickets at work today (I wasn't on my own floor)... They were upset they hadn't bought theirs yet. Good news they are adding another show!

[vivfox]

By FELICITY ROOKES - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 11/09/2009

Accommodation for Fleetwood Mac's December 20 concert is almost sold out in New Plymouth, with out-of-towners being referred to Stratford and Hawera for beds.

But those keen on the outdoors will be able to camp a mere two-minute walk from the TSB Bowl of Brooklands where the concert is being held.

The New Plymouth District Council and Taranaki Arts Festival Trust have opened Pukekura Raceway up for camping. The racecourse has room for 3000 people.

Taft chief executive Suzanne Porter says the campsite will be set up the same as it is for Womad.

"If you have come to the Womad campsite, you will know what it's about," she says.

"We have good showers and toilets it's not grungy."

Camping vouchers are available from Ticketmaster today.

For Friday and Saturday nights, the cost is $40 per person and for Sunday night, it's $20 per person.

Many wanting a campsite at the racecourse have already registered at New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for their tickets.

The Saturday, December 19, Fleetwood Mac concert sold out within 10 minutes on Wednesday.

A second concert the next night was announced shortly afterwards, with tickets selling rapidly.

It is likely about 36,000 people will pass through the TSB Bowl of Brooklands gates in a 24-hour period.

Taranaki Motel Association president Deborah Tawa says most New Plymouth motels are fully booked for the Sunday show.

"I have been referring people to Stratford and Hawera the phone has been running red hot," she said.

I-Site is also keen to help those travelling to New Plymouth find accommodation.

Team leader, visitor experience, Karen Moratti-Longstaff from i-SITE says they have been fielding hundreds of calls since the Fleetwood Mac concert was announced last month. "At this stage, what we are dealing with is people that might not have been able to get tickets for the Saturday show who might have actually put their names down to book a room for the Saturday," she says.

"We have been referring people to campsites, and having camping at the racecourse is a good option for people."

Another option is home hosting.

Mrs Moratti-Longstaff says about 300 people are opening their homes to concertgoers. "We are very pleased and grateful to have these people on board," she says.

"It would not hurt for more people to put their hands up."

Meanwhile, tickets for the Cliff Richard concert in February are going well and New Plymouth District Council manager business developments and events Garry Sharpe-Young is amazed at how many they are continuing to sell every day.

"It's going to be another very big crowd."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2853644/Beds-scarce-during-Fleetwood-Mac-weekend

[vivfox]

Sept.10.2009

Fleetwood Mac fever hit overdrive yesterday as tickets for the international group's New Plymouth concert on December 19 sold out within minutes.

Promoters immediately announced a second concert for December 20, which means 36,000 people will likely pass through the TSB Bowl of Brooklands gates in a 24-hour period.

Thousands of tickets for the second Sunday show sold within half an hour.

New Plymouth District Council manager of business developments and events Garry Sharpe-Young said organisers anticipated tickets would sell fast.

"The promoter was trying to get hold of all the band managers to see about a second show and it was all very last minute and just in the nick of time," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

"The tickets for the second show are going very well and fast. It's just fantastic for Taranaki and it's great for the venue."

Taranaki Motel Association president Deborah Tawa says there is no motel accommodation for December 19 left in the region.

"We have been frantic," Mrs Tawa said yesterday.

"Accommodation for the first concert is well and truly gone, we filled up in five days two weeks ago."

There are still rooms available for the Sunday concert on December 20 but they are running out rapidly.

"We are almost full for Sunday now, the phone has been ringing off the hook."

Mrs Tawa said at most hotels people were required to book their stay for two nights when the first concert was announced.

"People booked for the first concert and it was a minimum of two nights, that's one issue completely aside, the fact that there is a second concert doesn't change first bookings."

She said most concert-goers booked Friday and Saturday so those bookings would not affect those wanting to book Sunday night accommodation.

"It was a requirement to book for two nights for the first concert because we only knew about one concert. For Sunday I couldn't tell you what every motelier is doing but most will probably allow for people to just book for one night," Mrs Tawa said.

"The town is going to be rocking and rolling that weekend, bulging at the seams."

But not everyone will be staying at paid accommodation. Mr Sharpe-Young said a lot of people would be staying with friends and family.

"Everyone in Taranaki is banding together on this, I am just getting so many calls where people are having 10 people in their house and it's great because they are all coming for Christmas as well," he said.

The New Plymouth District Council is considering opening up Pukekura Raceway for campers over the weekend to help with accommodation.


Council manager of customer services Cathy Thurston said a report would be going to council on Wednesday for approval.

The racecourse as a camping ground has a capacity of about 3000 people.

The city's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is also keen to help those travelling to New Plymouth find accommodation.

"We have an up-to-date directory of available rooms in the region and while people may not get their first choice of accommodation, the team at the i-SITE are working hard to ensure everyone has a bed," said team leader of visitor experience Karen Moratti-Longstaff.

"We already have a list of private homes from previous large events.

"If we need more private accommodation closer to the date, we'll put a call out to the public," she said.

A New Plymouth couple was so keen to help out in the accommodation shortage they advertised a room on Trade Me breakfast included for $640.

* For Fleetwood Mac tickets go to www.ticketmaster.co.nz or phone 0800 111 999.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2849813/Second-show-as-Fleetwood-Mac-sells-out

[DavidMn]

This is all very nice news to hear. Obviously it has alot to do with the face that Fleetwood Mac hasnt played NZ in almost 30 years, but IM most happy for the people that will be able to attend this gorgeous venue. I saw some pictures and it looks very intimate and in a very natural setting.:nod:

[mylittledemon]

Several of my Kiwi friends have said they aren't going to Fleetwood Mac. I'm assuming because New Plymouth sucks. :confused:

[EnchantedKiwi]

Several of my Kiwi friends have said they aren't going to Fleetwood Mac. I'm assuming because New Plymouth sucks. :confused:

I hate New Plymouth, and i think its not really fair that they chose to play there and not any of the major centres. But i have to go! for the historical significance! :laugh:

[Excalibur881]

New Plymouth is cool. Ever been to WOMAD there? Elton played there too before Auckland. I think the band made the right choice for NZ, easily the best venue for them.

[mylittledemon]

That's ridiculous. They would sound way better, acoustically speaking, at an indoor venue. It seems New Plymouth was the choice because it can hold more people i.e. more ticket sales.

[Excalibur881]

There are many MUCH bigger venues in New Zealand...

[mylittledemon]

I stand corrected. Well I don't why in the hell they picked New Plymouth then. From what I've gathered, me' Kiwi workmates seem to think there's nothing to do there...and no reason to really go other than the concert. Everyone is surprised they aren't playing Auckland or Welly.

[EnchantedKiwi]

There only playing there because Stevie really enjoyed it last time she was there in 2006. I would of thought doing the first fleetwood mac concert in 30 years should of been located in a place with a much better infrastructure. Its unfair for all the fans wanting to go that have to pay for flights or the petrol to get there, plus theres next to no accommodation left, and nothing else to do in New Plymouth. Its all every good that they have a great womad there, but this isnt a festival. Its a two hour concert that people are going to have to spend a fortune on just to get there and have somewhere to stay.

[mylittledemon]

thats the problem. No accomodation. And I've yet to "hear" a good show at an outside venue.

[EnchantedKiwi]

thats the problem. No accomodation. And I've yet to "hear" a good show at an outside venue.

Someone was telling me about how they went to a UB40 concert at the bowl, and because it was so windy that day, the couldn't hear a thing.

I just don't trust New Zealand weather enough for an outdoor concert :laugh:

[vivfox]

Its unfair for all the fans wanting to go that have to pay for flights or the petrol to get there, plus theres next to no accommodation left, and nothing else to do in New Plymouth. Its all every good that they have a great womad there, but this isnt a festival. Its a two hour concert that people are going to have to spend a fortune on just to get there and have somewhere to stay.

How long a drive is it from the northern tip of NZ to the southern? How long a drive is it from Wellington and Aukland to New Plymouth?

I bet Xena(Lucy Lawless) will be in attendance too.

[mylittledemon]

Someone was telling me about how they went to a UB40 concert at the bowl, and because it was so windy that day, the couldn't hear a thing.

I just don't trust New Zealand weather enough for an outdoor concert :laugh:

Well at least its not outside, here in windy Welly ;)

[michelej1]

The Prime Minister John Key plans to rock out.

From a Taranaki Daily News Article

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2876615/Key-opens-his-wallet

"I'll be back in December for the Fleetwood Mac concert," he said at the opening of the renovated National Party rooms.

[vivfox]

Firstly, I have secured my Fleetwood Mac Tickets, they are in my hot little hands. I am so excited, and I only have to wait 3 months! Argh. They are playing in quite small venue, that is a 6 hour drive away, but I am so there. I have two tickets. Does that mean twice the experience?

http://nzjo.blogspot.com/2009/09/neglectful-blogger.html

[mylittledemon]

How long a drive is it from the northern tip of NZ to the southern? How long a drive is it from Wellington and Aukland to New Plymouth?

I bet Xena(Lucy Lawless) will be in attendance too.

Driving from Auckland to Welly is at least 7 hrs... depends on how fast you drive. Took me 9 hrs by bus.

Welly to New Plymouth is about a 4-5 hr trip.

[tuigirl]

Driving from Auckland to Welly is at least 7 hrs... depends on how fast you drive. Took me 9 hrs by bus.

Welly to New Plymouth is about a 4-5 hr trip.


Yep, thats about right, 7 hours to Auckland though is being generous and probably without stops! I can say however, from tip to tip (Cape Rianga-Bluff) it's about a 24 hr stint ( somehow, I'm not sure this is the Q ur asking, but I thought I'd just chuck that in anyway :laugh:)

[vivfox]

Yep, thats about right, 7 hours to Auckland though is being generous and probably without stops! I can say however, from tip to tip (Cape Rianga-Bluff) it's about a 24 hr stint ( somehow, I'm not sure this is the Q ur asking, but I thought I'd just chuck that in anyway :laugh:)

Oh yes, this is the question I was asking. Both you and Brandon were kind enough to notice.
You know just looking at NZ on a map makes it appear very small but when you compare it to Australia you realize the distance from north to south, when the experts tell us that Aus. is larger than the USA.
So one more question. How long a drive from east to west(coast to coast)?

<a href="http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/?action=view&current=14975.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/14975.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[mylittledemon]

How long a drive from east to west(coast to coast)?
</a>

Australia east to west or NZ east to west? Oz I have no idea... NZ... depends on which island you're on ;)

[tuigirl]

Australia east to west or NZ east to west? Oz I have no idea... NZ... depends on which island you're on ;)

Gawd knows the answer to either of those Q's.just another random fact, not worth worrying about..NZ is the same distance from top to bottom as the UK (about 1000 miles long) but has less people of course (4.5 m-66m).Yeah, side to side I don't know...Brandon, get those maps out :laugh: On the whole of course Australia is GINORMOUS ( is that how u spell it?) either way. what you doing Viv, some sort of road trip?

[vivfox]

Gawd knows the answer to either of those Q's.just another random fact, not worth worrying about..NZ is the same distance from top to bottom as the UK (about 1000 miles long) but has less people of course (4.5 m-66m).Yeah, side to side I don't know...Brandon, get those maps out :laugh: On the whole of course Australia is GINORMOUS ( is that how u spell it?) either way. what you doing Viv, some sort of road trip?

That was funny.
Yeah I'm asking about the distance from west to east of NZ? I already know for Aus it would take me about a week to drive from west to east.
I'm curious because I'm trying to imagine if I lived there, would it be worth my time to travel to see FM in concert. This city, New Plymouth sounds like it's a major inconvience to get to from the large cities of Aukland and Wellington, no?

[mylittledemon]

That was funny.
Yeah I'm asking about the distance from west to east of NZ? I already know for Aus it would take me about a week to drive from west to east.
I'm curious because I'm trying to imagine if I lived there, would it be worth my time to travel to see FM in concert. This city, New Plymouth sounds like it's a major inconvience to get to from the large cities of Aukland and Wellington, no?

Well i live in Wellington and I dont even wanna go to New Plymouth. I think they have an airport... so you could fly which would probably less than an hour flight.

Distrance from east to west in NZ depends on the island you're on and what part of the island ;)

[tuigirl]

Well i live in Wellington and I dont even wanna go to New Plymouth. I think they have an airport... so you could fly which would probably less than an hour flight.

Distrance from east to west in NZ depends on the island you're on and what part of the island ;)

I lived in New Plymouth for a year and it's a great place!! It's probably more accessable form Wellington, becoz it's only 4 hours drive away. But , yes, they do have an airport and it's perfectly fine, not some dustcropper kinda place!!haha. you want remote?? Greymouth on the West coast, now thats the pits.....So East to west, ain't a great idea.but the word is, your'e never more than 45 mins away from the coast , no matter where you live.I don't know if thats physically tru, but thats what they say. :D Maybe hiring a boat is the answer...hahaaha

[vivfox]

9-28-09

The accommodation crush is being felt all over Taranaki as momentum grows for the Fleetwood Mac concerts in New Plymouth.

Home-billets are being organised as hotels and motels put up full-house signs for the December 19 and 20 gigs at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

The Taranaki Daily News has heard anecdotal evidence of people vacating their homes to stay with friends while letting their houses for more than $300 a night.

And the prices are being willingly paid by well-heeled baby boomers who aren't keen on roughing it in the campsite at Pukekura Raceway, where room for 3000 campers has been made available through the council's i-Site Visitor Information Centre.

The Bowl gigs are Fleetwood Mac's final of a world tour and the only New Zealand appearances. The Saturday show on December 19 is a sell-out and the few remaining tickets for the Sunday show are selling fast, New Plymouth District Council events manager Garry Sharpe-Young said yesterday.

These attending the Sunday show are sure to be in for a party atmosphere from the band.

"It's their very final show on the world tour, so they are sure to be letting their hair down and partying after the Sunday concert," he said.

For Wellington fans, a train will travel through to New Plymouth and return to the capital after the Saturday concert. The same is on offer for Cliff Richard and the Shadows on February 27.

Meanwhile, the online scalpers are alive and well. Trade Me last night had 26 sets of tickets advertised for sale, offered by people from all over the country, with tickets up for grabs in all three price ranges.

General admission is $120, silver $250 and A-reserve sells at $320 through Ticketmaster.

The most expensive tickets on Trade Me to date appear to be a $1095 deal for two A-reserve gold tickets including return train travel to and from Wellington.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2907845/No-room-at-inn-for-Fleetwood-fans

[mylittledemon]

"It's their very final show on the world tour, so they are sure to be letting their hair down and partying after the Sunday concert," he said.


Or... they'll be back on the plane to Auckland in about 7 nanoseconds.

[michelej1]

HOSTELS OPTION FOR FLEETWOOD FANS by Jared Smith 10-2-09

Taranaki Daily News
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2923800/Hostels-option-for-Fleetwood-fans

New Plymouth student hostels are opening their doors for desperate Fleetwood Mac concert-goers who want a bed for the night instead of camping under the stars.

Tickets for the December 19 show at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands were gone within 10 minutes of going on sale last month, with tickets for the announced second concert selling rapidly. Accommodation bookings in town quickly followed suit, with visitors now being directed to Stratford, Hawera, or the Pukekura Raceway, which has been opened up to campers.

Miranda Williams, manager of New Plymouth Girls' High School's Scotlands Hostel said that with their students on holiday in December, the hostel would let out their cubicle rooms at $250 for a five-person room, or $300 for six.

Guests could then decide to have the room to themselves, or fill all the single beds with their friends at $50 a head. "It's great because we're in walking distance of Brooklands," said Mrs Williams. "We just heard people were being turned away, and here we are with all these beds."

The hostel often rents its rooms in holiday periods for conferences, but had nothing scheduled that weekend.

Mrs Williams said guests would provide their own bedding and towels, and could get a hostel breakfast for $10 extra.

As of yesterday, Scotlands Hostel had let out four rooms for the Saturday and two for the Sunday – they can house up to 140 guests.

As many of the Fleetwood Mac fans were likely to be "older clients," Mrs Williams said they would probably prefer a bed and hot water to a camp site.

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki has followed suit, opening up both its accommodation blocks. On-site manager Clare Penberthy said the student accommodation block was being let in a "backpacker arrangement" of $40 a night per person, with guests providing their own linen and cutlery.

They have taken a couple of bookings already for it.

The A Block accommodation has a self contained studio set up and guests could stay there at $100 a night. "People don't realise we don't do just students now," Mrs Penberthy said.

A Block is a motel-type set-up with bedding and linen, often used by shift workers staying in New Plymouth.

Staff at Francis Douglas Memorial College told the Taranaki Daily News they were also considering opening up the La Salle House, which houses 130 students. New Plymouth District Council general manager of customer services Cathy Thurston, said approximately 150 bookings had been taken so far for the camping ground.

Belt Road Seaside Motor Camp is handling the bookings on council's behalf, with most of the reservations so far being for the Saturday. "A number of people have expressed interest. As it gets closer it will keep building up," Mrs Thurston said.

[vivfox]

If you know your Taranaki 7 Wonders, you could win tickets to Fleetwoood Mac live at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands!

Each day we will post a different picture here of a Taranaki "Wonder". The trick is, it will only be a little piece of the wonder. Your job is to figure out what the picture is of. The picture will be up for 24 hours - the next day at 8.20, caller number 9 with the correct "wonder" will win a double pass to see the legendary Fleetwood Mac.

http://www.gimme.co.nz/competition/win-tickets-fleetwoood-mac-live-tsb-bowl-5203

[EnchantedKiwi]

Vodafone Music Store NZ-

Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks is a fashion icon.
To win 2 Gold tickets to the concerts as TSB Arena, vote for what you rate as Stevie's most defining fashion feature.

Those velvet skirts - A mystical look you can make your own; Her platform boots - Nicks has worn suede platform boots in various colours, usually black, cream, tan or maroon in almost all of her performances since 1975; Her blonde tresses - Surely never bigger than in the 80's and Her amazing hats.

http://vmusic.vodafone.co.nz/

:cool:

[michelej1]

Taranaki Daily News, by Felicity Ross, 10-15-09
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2965042/7-5m-windfall-from-concerts

$7.5 Million Windfall From Concerts

December's two Fleetwood Mac concerts will bring a $7.5 million bonanza to the Taranaki economy.

The figure comes from a recently-published forecast from Venture Taranaki, which says more than 36,000 fans are expected pass through the gates of the TSB Bowl of Brooklands within a 24-hour period – with more than 25,000 of them from out of the region.

Among those fans will be diehards flying in from the United States and Britain, intent on attending what is likely to be Fleetwood Mac's final concerts ever.

The New Plymouth District Council and VT are forecasting that these visitors will contribute the $7.5 million to the local economy.

This means each visitor will spend roughly $300 each during his or her time here.

The same forecast looks at the value of three rugby World Cup games in New Plymouth in 2011 and estimates those games will bring $5.2 million in visitor money to the economy.

The council's manager of business events Garry Sharpe-Young says the sheer magnitude of the concerts and their guests have prompted several local agencies to form a steering committee to manage the large amount of out-of-towners to the region.

Agencies include the council, VT, Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and the police.

"We have discovered many of the people coming in have never been to New Plymouth before and we want to encourage them to see more of it than just go to the concert and leave," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

"We are also encouraging businesses to stay open during that weekend because the economic impact is just huge. It will be $7.5m plus."

At the REM concert at the Bowl in 2005 Easter licensing laws ruined the party for thousands of fans who hit downtown New Plymouth after the band's concert. Strict liquor licensing laws forced bars to close early, with many bar owners feeling they missed out on the fun.

But this time around, with more than twice the crowd likely to hit the town after Fleetwood Mac, local business owners are being encouraged to stay open to cater to the masses.

About 100 people are coming from the US and the United Kingdom, many of them have been following the international group's world tour, which is said to be its last.

"It's a huge opportunity for us to alter people's perception of New Plymouth in a positive way," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

"You could definitively say this is the biggest concert to hit New Plymouth in the last 40 years."

Tickets for Fleetwood Mac's concert on December 19 sold out within minutes when they went on sale last month.

The second concert for December 20 is almost sold out, with only general admission tickets available.

In order to cope with the region's extra guests, volunteer co-ordinator for the steering committee, Moira Irving, says organisers need about 200 volunteers to help with various tasks around the city.

"We want volunteers on the walkway and greeting people at the airport, we want them at the park, we just want people to feel sort of overwhelmed at the amazing weekend," Ms Irving said.

"We will have people handing out information and showing them what restaurants will be open, places they might want to go and visit through and make sure it's a whole Taranaki visit, it's not rushing into the concert and then shooting through."

Anyone wanting to become a volunteer should contact Ms Irving at the New Plymouth District Council.

But the region better get used to being overrun by out-of-towners as Mr Sharpe-Young says he intends to bring in a major international act every year.

"There are a few possibilities for early 2010 and more for 2011 and 2012.

"We want to bring in another contemporary act like we did with Jack Johnson."

WHERE THE FANS ARE FROM

Auckland: 7000

Wellington: 8000

Waikato: 2500

Manawatu: 2000

Bay of Plenty: 2000

South Island: 2000

West Coast: 32

Taranaki: 10,000

American and UK: 100

[HejiraNYC]

Taranaki Daily News, by Felicity Ross, 10-15-09
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2965042/7-5m-windfall-from-concerts

Among those fans will be diehards flying in from the United States and Britain, intent on attending what is likely to be Fleetwood Mac's final concerts ever.



Andrew MacManus will say anything to the press to sell tickets. Greedy fearmongering f***! :mad:

[DavidMn]

Andrew MacManus will say anything to the press to sell tickets. Greedy fearmongering f***! :mad:Were you thinking about going to these 2 shows?

[HejiraNYC]

Were you thinking about going to these 2 shows?

Oh heavens no. I'm not going to fly halfway around the world and then sleep in a muddy infield. :eek: Are you?

[vivfox]

Win tickets to see FM in New Zealand.
http://www.kiwicompers.com/index.php?showtopic=73543

[vivfox]

Police want booze ban on cult pub crawl

By KELLY LONEY - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 12/11/2009SharePrint Text Size 0 commentsRelevant offers
Police are trying again to ban boozing on Hawera's notorious annual pushbike pub crawl.

The event has achieved cult status in South Taranaki, occurring every year for the past 30 on the Saturday before Christmas.

Last year 1700 enthusiasts mounted bicycles and set off on a 7km ride taking in seven pubs.

Police have applied to the South Taranaki District Council to impose a liquor ban over the course of the event. This would prevent participants indulging in the odd stubbie en route.

South Taranaki district councillors are being called to a special council meeting on November 23 to consider the police application to extend the liquor ban across the main routes between Hawera and Normanby. "It's to reduce the potential risk. Last year a guy cut his hand falling on to broken glass. If there's no bottles being carried on bikes there's less chance of injury," Inspector Frank Grant said.

Mr Grant said there would also be heavier traffic on the state highway this year with 15,000 to 16,000 cars expected to commute from the south to New Plymouth for the Fleetwood Mac concert the same day, December 19.

Council staff are meeting with hotel owners, police and traffic controllers next Monday to discuss how to better manage the large numbers of drinkers.

The council last year voted down an application by police to extend the town's liquor ban to cover the event's route.

Council spokeswoman Alison Gibson said the group would discuss special temporary liquor licences to open up areas such as adjoining carparks and organising extra staff and food to cater for cyclists.

"We still want everyone to have fun. It's a fine balance without being party poopers. We'll be looking at how we can all sort out a safe and fun event."

White Hart Hotel owner Owen Leicester said he was interested to hear what police had in mind for this year's pub crawl.

"It's only once a year, police should keep a low profile instead of trying to stamp their authority on it," he said.

Commercial Tavern owner Sonia Bunn said she would open the carpark with portable toilets, barbecue, music and extra staff serving alcohol in cans. "I can't wait for it," she said.

Local pub crawl supporter Celine Filbee said it was only a few people who created problems and for the majority it was a "spectacular event". "A liquor ban wouldn't work. Good luck to the police trying to arrest more than 1000 people. They have no chance of shutting it down if that's what they're planning on."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3054359/Police-want-booze-ban-on-cult-pub-crawl

[vivfox]

Taranaki camp operators are already rubbing their hands with glee ahead of the summer season.

They have netted a Christmas bonus thanks to the two Fleetwood Mac concerts next month and there will be extra punch in the pocket after Cliff Richard and the Shadows and the Americarna festival suffocate accommodation on the same weekend in late February.

Camps are "chock-a-block" for those events as the region copes with the influx of thousands of visitors. So much so that sites in Opunake and Hawera have been snapped up, especially powered units.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3054363/Concerts-boost-cash-for-camps

[mylittledemon]

Still bummed I'm not going to these shows. :distress:

[vivfox]

Still bummed I'm not going to these shows. :distress:

Why the hell not?

[mylittledemon]

Tix are way too pricey... And there's next to nowhere to stay in the area. :(

[HejiraNYC]

Tix are way too pricey... And there's next to nowhere to stay in the area. :(

There is nowhere to stay! I got a referral from the New Plymouth District Council to some residents who would be willing to provide accommodations for concert-goers. I hope this works! You should get yourself on the referral list.

[mylittledemon]

Nah, I don't even have tix to the shows. It's gotten to the point where this thing is so big, I think it'd be too much hassle ;)

[EnchantedKiwi]

Cmon guys Its New Zealand! who cares about accommodation! We're just gonna camp under the the stars in a paddock somewhere :laugh:

[michelej1]

Nah, I don't even have tix to the shows. It's gotten to the point where this thing is so big, I think it'd be too much hassle ;)

It does sound pretty big. The politicians are all going. It seems like everyone is talking about it, at least in the Taranaki news. I read an article that they did a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at a recent fireworks display in anticipation.

Michele

[HejiraNYC]

Cmon guys Its New Zealand! who cares about accommodation! We're just gonna camp under the the stars in a paddock somewhere :laugh:

What in the heck is a paddock? :shrug: Is that sort of like laying down in the tall grass where you can do your stuff? :eek:

Looks like I have a couple of options in town now. Whew! HejiraNYC does not do paddocks or anything that sounds remotely like "no electricity or plumbing." You can take the boy out of the city...

[Edgeof27]

New Plymouth District has a population of 68,901 -

nearly two thirds of the total population of the Taranaki region.

This includes - New Plymouth City (45,228), Waitara (6,288), Inglewood (3,090), Oakura (1,359), Okato (531) and Urenui (429).

New Plymouth appears to be tiny in comparison to the US, Canada, Euro, &, UK host cities,

I hope our intrepid travellers are well prepared,

good luck to all, :wavey:

[EnchantedKiwi]

What in the heck is a paddock? :shrug: Is that sort of like laying down in the tall grass where you can do your stuff? :eek:

Looks like I have a couple of options in town now. Whew! HejiraNYC does not do paddocks or anything that sounds remotely like "no electricity or plumbing." You can take the boy out of the city...

:laugh::laugh: Just pitch up a tent and sleep amongst the sheep!

I wonder where the band is gonna stay?

[HejiraNYC]

:laugh::laugh: Just pitch up a tent and sleep amongst the sheep!

I wonder where the band is gonna stay?

Pitching a tent... amongst sheep? Who do you think I am? Strandinthewind? :wavey:

I hope those bitches in FM are sleeping in the paddocks- serves them right for playing in the middle nowhere. :mad: But for some reason I suspect they're getting choppered in and out... like at that other ill-planned fiasco known as Woodstock. :rolleyes:

[mylittledemon]

:laugh::laugh: Just pitch up a tent and sleep amongst the sheep!

I wonder where the band is gonna stay?

Not after seeing Black Sheep! :laugh:

I'm pretty sure they'll be hopping on the bus and getting out of town. ;)

[vivfox]

Bowl bosses budge on blanket ban
By JARED SMITH - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 16/11/2009
Blankets are fine, but forget the picnics.

Organisers of next month's Fleetwood Mac are assuring concertgoers they don't want them to freeze in the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

Alarm bells began ringing last week after a district council update in the North Taranaki Midweek suggested blankets would be banned from the Bowl.

Bowl manager Adrienne Kensington was quoted as saying that the 17,000 fans who attended on December 19 and 20 should not bring blankets with them.

"People who bring in blankets won't be able to use them for very long because of the crowd size, so we urge people to leave them at home," she said.

Mrs Kensington said her office had received calls from concerned ticket holders worried about keeping warm if it was a cold Taranaki weekend.

In fact, the explanation was that people could not expect to fan out picnic fashion because of the sheer crowd numbers.

Rather than a ban on blankets, it was merely a warning of what to expect. "It was just a suggestion that they do that. It is more or less to inform them they won't be able to spread out," said Mrs Kensington.

"We are going to be packed and people are going to stand up and dance.

"We're not saying, `Don't bring blankets at all'. It's just not a spread."

Beach chairs and large picnic hampers would not be allowed and anyone entering the Bowl with them would be asked to return them to their cars, or leave them in the area provided at the gate.

Signs would be put up around the racecourse area informing arrivals of the rules.

Mrs Kensington said similar restrictions were in place in the Bowl during the Elton John concert in 2007, attended by 14,500 people.

Each Fleetwood Mac concert would have another 2500 in the crowd, plus the 1100 on the special seating over the lake.

"The fences are right back, for room to be freed up."

There would be a ban on bringing alcohol into the Bowl for the concerts.

Mrs Kensington also said no commercial food would be allowed because there was a contract with catering company Eurest.

Simple snack food in a backpack was all right, but carrying 10 pizza boxes was not.

First Security would handle the entry points and crowd control on the concert nights.

There would be no parking on Kaimata, Somerset and Cornwall streets to accommodate those walking in and out.

Mrs Kensington said more information on conditions of entry to the concerts would be released on websites and advertised in the Taranaki Daily News closer to the concert dates.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3064883/Bowl-bosses-budge-on-blanket-ban

[michelej1]

Bowl manager Adrienne Kensington was quoted as saying that the 17,000 fans who attended on December 19 and 20 should not bring blankets with them.


Ok, HejiraNYC. You can't go strolling in there with cashmere throws. Pack flannel shirts.

Michele

[HejiraNYC]

Ok, HejiraNYC. You can't go strolling in there with cashmere throws. Pack flannel shirts.

Michele

Oh, it's the Leopard Slanket for me all the way!

http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00247/fashionaudit2_247349s.jpg

[hippilil86]

bring a snuggie. not quite a blanket, not quite an acceptable outfit.

[mylittledemon]

Viv, that last article you posted makes things at New Plymouth kinda sound like a drag. Esp, with the ridiculous amount of people. Methinks they sold a few thousand too many tickets. I'm almost glad I'm not going now. A sign of old age, perhaps? :laugh:

[HejiraNYC]

Viv, that last article you posted makes things at New Plymouth kinda sound like a drag. Esp, with the ridiculous amount of people. Methinks they sold a few thousand too many tickets. I'm almost glad I'm not going now. A sign of old age, perhaps? :laugh:

It appears to be more and more of a ****show as time goes on. I love it! From what I've been hearing from the local innkeepers and others, an event of this scale has never been witnessed in New Plymouth. I just never thought our band could still cause such a commotion at this day and age. But then again... they are also up in arms about the Cliff Richard and the Shadows concerts there in February. And Sir Cliff has got to be pushing 75 :eek: or so.

Anyway, you have to go- for the spectacle if nothing else! I'm driving down to Wellington on the following day if you need a ride.

[trackaghost]

Cliff Richard is 69, I feel embarrassed that I know that but I do :laugh:

[mylittledemon]

Anyway, you have to go- for the spectacle if nothing else! I'm driving down to Wellington on the following day if you need a ride.

You're coming to NZ for these shows!?!

[vivfox]

It appears to be more and more of a ****show as time goes on.

Anyway, Brandon you have to go- for the spectacle if nothing else! I'm driving down to Wellington on the following day if you need a ride.

BRANDON!!!!!!! You have to go! You have no excuse now. You are unemployed since you got layed off from Vibe Magazine and you don't even need a ticket! It's an outdoor show. Just stand in the parking lot and listen. And bring a tape recorder with you!!! And plenty of smokables for your host who is taking you there!

[mylittledemon]

I don't have tickets. :distress:

[vivfox]

I don't have tickets. :distress:

Read my post before this one and yours.

[mylittledemon]

And what kind of enjoyment would I get from standing in a parking area? :lol:

[HejiraNYC]

You're coming to NZ for these shows!?!
I really had no intention of going whatsoever. But somehow I miraculously pulled a front row seat for the second show and then spent a minute thinking about it. I had some vacation time to burn before the end of the year so I thought, why the heck not? :shrug: So I'm only going to one show, but I've already planned/booked an insane itinerary from Sydney to Auckland to Christchurch. If anything, it was kind of a bummer to plan around the Brooklands show, since New Plymouth really is kind of in the middle of nowhere. There's the volcano... and that's pretty much it. :shrug: So at the end of the day, I will use up my remaining vacation time, visit two countries on my bucket list, see my favorite band and still end up at my parents house for Christmas dinner. Albeit, a late, late dinner.

[vivfox]

And what kind of enjoyment would I get from standing in a parking area? :lol:

You won't be the only one. Improvise. You'll still be able to HEAR the show.

[mylittledemon]

Meh. Not gonna make it. Even with free tickets I'd still have to think about it. I really have no desire to go to New Plymouth... the band (or the management) picked the wrong venue, wrong place to have a show here. Stupid stupid stupid. ;)

[David]

Meh. Not gonna make it. Even with free tickets I'd still have to think about it.But what if another 1980-style fight breaks out onstage again, & you wind up missing it?! You'll be sorry.

[mylittledemon]

Nah, that'd be like meeting your idol and he/she turning to be a total arsebag. ;)

[vivfox]

Visitors to get wonderful welcome
By MATT RILKOFF - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 19/11/2009

Fleetwood Mac fans wondering where to go at New Plymouth airport next month will have the good ladies of the Bell Block-Puketapu Lions to help them out.

And if all goes well, the ladies will be on hand again to welcome rugby fans to the city's three 2011 rugby World Cup games.

The New Plymouth District Council is organising 200 volunteers to help the city cope with the expected 25,000 visitors for the December 19 and 20 Fleetwood Mac concerts at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

The scale of the volunteer mobilisation is a first for the city and has two objectives.

First, to smooth the experience visitors have of the city and secondly, as a dress rehearsal for the expected influx of tourists during the 2011 rugby World Cup.

Three games are to be played at Yarrow Stadium and it is hoped Ireland will base itself in the province for the duration of the tournament.

But before that is the Fleetwood Mac concert.

Bell Block-Puketapu Lions women's branch president Jenny Clark said, as a Lioness, she was used to meeting strangers, even famous ones, and was looking forward to her welcoming job at the airport.

"I saw Graham Mourie in the departure lounge at the Los Angeles airport and ended up talking to him for half an hour," she said.

Impressive as that may be, fellow Lioness Gay Harvey once bailed up much-loved British crooner Sir Cliff Richard outside the very airport she will soon be welcoming Fleetwood Mac fans in.

"They are only people aren't they," she laughed.

Of the 35 members of their pride, 14 have answered the call and volunteered.

Their manpower brings the total number of signed up volunteers to 80, well short of the 200 the council wants.

Council volunteer co-ordinator Moira Irving is hoping more will come on board in the next two weeks and although she cannot offer free tickets to the concerts, all volunteers will be given a thank you dinner on the Monday after the big weekend.

"It's not just welcoming and giving people directions. It's the unglamorous jobs like picking up rubbish after the concert as well, but it's such a great way to meet people and have fun," she said.

To make the volunteers roles more attractive Ms Irving said people could work as much or as little as they were able and jobs would be found for people of all ages.

As well as that each volunteer gets a red-and-black T-shirt and full training in their designated role.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Moira Irving on (06) 759 6060 or [email protected] before December 4

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/3076730/Visitors-to-get-wonderful-welcome

[EnchantedKiwi]

OK! Less than a month away! :] I think these will be the best shows of the tour!

So who is actually going?

I know brandon is letting the team down :laugh:
Hejira NYC got the best tickets ever!

And plus where are you gonna stay! We've had to go with the racecourse camping option since everything else was booked solid.

Oh and whats the bet Stevie will sing Silent Night since christmas will only be 5 days away haha.

[vivfox]

OK! Less than a month away! :] I think these will be the best shows of the tour!

So who is actually going?

I know brandon is letting the team down :laugh:
Hejira NYC got the best tickets ever!

And plus where are you gonna stay! We've had to go with the racecourse camping option since everything else was booked solid.

Oh and whats the bet Stevie will sing Silent Night since christmas will only be 5 days away haha.

Zero to None.

Hey Brandon, tag one for the team, why dontcha.

[mylittledemon]

I'm just not feeling it to be honest. The venue, the seating, the cost to go there ain't rockin the boat. It's also bad timing, it's 6 days before Christmas? :distress:

[EnchantedKiwi]

I'm just not feeling it to be honest. The venue, the seating, the cost to go there ain't rockin the boat. It's also bad timing, it's 6 days before Christmas? :distress:

This is true, I wish they did play in atleast one main centre, even if it was wellington, cause we would be able have actual accommodation and its cheap to fly there!
Its going to be a mad rush in New Plymouth :laugh: oh well, its an experience, Brandon doesn't have to go he's been plenty of times before anyway haha! I haven't!

[EnchantedKiwi]

Here's a new site, for all you New Zealanders (me and sort of Brandon :laugh:) You can buy all the FM albums from this site

http://www.fleetwoodmac.co.nz/


Btw what do you guys think of the Floral hippish look they've been doing for the advertising of the Very best of Album, I think it looks quite kewl :blob2:

[Meowi]

They are supposed to be arriving in Melbourne today!

[EnchantedKiwi]

They are supposed to be arriving in Melbourne today!

Argh! i wish i could see them for their first concert in Aus but i'll have to wait till Sydney!! :laugh:

[Meowi]

They are probably staying at Crown Casin, all though that may be a little less boutiqey for somone

[mylittledemon]

Maybe if they came to wellington and came a' knockin on my door... ;)

[michelej1]

Taranaki Daily News, 12/3/09

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3121484/New-Plymouth-gets-ready-for-Fleetwood-Mac

Taranaki, prepare for D-Day.

Accommodation providers, cafe and bar owners, transport operators and retailers got their first glimpse yesterday of how the New Plymouth District Council is preparing for the expected arrival of 20,000 visiting Fleetwood Mac fans later this month.

Addressing 50 people at the civic centre in New Plymouth, Venture Taranaki head Stuart Trundle worked hard to make sure they were aware of the true scale of event. "On December 18, 19, 20 and 21 Taranaki is going to have it's own D-Day," he said, comparing the coming dates to the massive invasion of Nazi-occupied France by the Allies during World War II.

The difference of this event to the ones previously held at the Bowl of Brooklands was the balance of outsiders to locals, he said.

"Two-thirds are usually from Taranaki and one third are honoured guests. This time most of the people at the concert will be away fans ... Everyone coming up will be putting extra pressure on everything from petrol stations to retail outlets. We say Taranaki is like no other and have to make sure we prove that.

"What we don't want is people leaving here with [bad] memories," he said.

In order for that to happen the council asked local hospitality big gun Craig Macfarlane to speak about what he had been doing to prepare for the unprecedented influx.

"I'm not doing a lot actually," he joked before getting serious.

"We have to be careful not to underestimate this event because the concerts we have had till now at the bowl, the numbers have been inflated. They said there was 15,000 at Elton John but I don't for a minute believe there was that many. Now we have 20,000 coming in from outside the province. There is no doubt we will be busy. We will all be busy, from the Daily News Cafe to the cafes in Oakura," he said.

Christchurch pubs and clubs had not prepared properly for the 30,000 people hitting the streets after the Pearl Jam concert last week and punters had been left hungry, thirsty and frustrated, he said.

To avoid this he said increasing staffing levels for the weekend was essential and getting supplies in early would help things flow smoothly.

Council enforcement manager Lloyd Crow said licensed premises especially should make sure they are ready for the Sunday concert and apply for a special liquor licence if need be.

"Five have done so and if you need to do it you should do it now, or tomorrow, as soon as possible," he said.

Licensed premises will be closed at the usual 3am on Sunday and can remain open, provided they have the special licence, until 2am on Monday.

The council will also be talking with police about the possibility of relaxing the rule to have all outdoor areas brought inside by 1am on both concert nights.

IN MODERATION

* New Plymouth's CBD liquor ban is to be extended over the weekend of the Fleetwood Mac concerts.

* In addition to the normal operating days (Thursday to Sunday), the ban will be in place from 7pm on Sunday, December 20 to 7am the following day.

* During these hours it will be an offence to be in possession of liquor for consumption within the ban area.

* More signs about the liquor ban extension will be posted in the CBD.

[EnchantedKiwi]

Taranaki Daily News, 12/3/09

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3121484/New-Plymouth-gets-ready-for-Fleetwood-Mac

Taranaki, prepare for D-Day.

Accommodation providers, cafe and bar owners, transport operators and retailers got their first glimpse yesterday of how the New Plymouth District Council is preparing for the expected arrival of 20,000 visiting Fleetwood Mac fans later this month.

Addressing 50 people at the civic centre in New Plymouth, Venture Taranaki head Stuart Trundle worked hard to make sure they were aware of the true scale of event. "On December 18, 19, 20 and 21 Taranaki is going to have it's own D-Day," he said, comparing the coming dates to the massive invasion of Nazi-occupied France by the Allies during World War II.

The difference of this event to the ones previously held at the Bowl of Brooklands was the balance of outsiders to locals, he said.

"Two-thirds are usually from Taranaki and one third are honoured guests. This time most of the people at the concert will be away fans ... Everyone coming up will be putting extra pressure on everything from petrol stations to retail outlets. We say Taranaki is like no other and have to make sure we prove that.

"What we don't want is people leaving here with [bad] memories," he said.

In order for that to happen the council asked local hospitality big gun Craig Macfarlane to speak about what he had been doing to prepare for the unprecedented influx.

"I'm not doing a lot actually," he joked before getting serious.

"We have to be careful not to underestimate this event because the concerts we have had till now at the bowl, the numbers have been inflated. They said there was 15,000 at Elton John but I don't for a minute believe there was that many. Now we have 20,000 coming in from outside the province. There is no doubt we will be busy. We will all be busy, from the Daily News Cafe to the cafes in Oakura," he said.

Christchurch pubs and clubs had not prepared properly for the 30,000 people hitting the streets after the Pearl Jam concert last week and punters had been left hungry, thirsty and frustrated, he said.

To avoid this he said increasing staffing levels for the weekend was essential and getting supplies in early would help things flow smoothly.

Council enforcement manager Lloyd Crow said licensed premises especially should make sure they are ready for the Sunday concert and apply for a special liquor licence if need be.

"Five have done so and if you need to do it you should do it now, or tomorrow, as soon as possible," he said.

Licensed premises will be closed at the usual 3am on Sunday and can remain open, provided they have the special licence, until 2am on Monday.

The council will also be talking with police about the possibility of relaxing the rule to have all outdoor areas brought inside by 1am on both concert nights.

IN MODERATION

* New Plymouth's CBD liquor ban is to be extended over the weekend of the Fleetwood Mac concerts.

* In addition to the normal operating days (Thursday to Sunday), the ban will be in place from 7pm on Sunday, December 20 to 7am the following day.

* During these hours it will be an offence to be in possession of liquor for consumption within the ban area.

* More signs about the liquor ban extension will be posted in the CBD.

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

This is gonna be mayhem! I'm sure the Taranaki's never had this many people in it at once

[michelej1]

Here's a poll in the Taranaki news. It reminds me of when the Olympics came to Los Angeles.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/lightbox/taranaki-daily-news/news/3123225?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=500&width=680

What are your plans for when Fleetwood Mac and 20,000 fans arrive in New Plymouth in a fortnight?

Attend one of the shows
19 votes, 29.7%


Avoid the Bowl of Brooklands but join in the after concert fun
6 votes, 9.4%


Stay home
35 votes, 54.7%


Get out of town to avoid the masses
4 votes, 6.2%


Total 64 votes

[michelej1]

December 4, 2009
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3125886/Precision-prep-for-concert-weekend

Before its demise, the USSR was famous for its detailed statistics on everything from toothpick production to household lightbulb use.

Now the New Plymouth District Council has got in on the act and released a bunch of numbers about its preparation for the coming flood of Fleetwood Mac fans.

Though interesting, your life will not be improved by knowing that some 3000 ice-creams, 8000 hot dogs and 50kg of paella are expected to be consumed at the December 19 and 20 concerts.

Nor will the fact 450 people are arriving by train on Saturday night add meaning to your existence. However drinkers may be relieved to know there will be 160 food and beverage staff serving along 45m of bar frontage on both nights.

To cope with the influx of more than 20,000 visitors to the people's glorious province of Taranaki, Air New Zealand is putting on six additional flights.

This means more than 50 flights will be coming into and leaving New Plymouth airport over the weekend making it very close to quite busy.

There are also 10,000 travellers expected to arrive by car from the north, 10,000 from the south and a few from the east but none will be allowed in from the west.

Council customer service manager Cathy Thurston said they had so far organised 170 volunteers to help Fleetwood Mac fans around the city with information and advice.

"However, we need 105,000 ambassadors for the region," Ms Thurston said.

"Apart from anything else, these preparations for the Fleetwood Mac weekend will be a great dress rehearsal for other big events that are coming up, including the All Blacks versus Ireland test match next year, and the Rugby World Cup 2011."

[michelej1]

[Prime Minister Must Go His Own Way and Can't Attend Concert]
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10614301&pnum=0

Missing Mac? Key must be serious

By Fran O'Sullivan, New Zealand Herald, December 9, 2009

Prime Minister John Key has re-affirmed to business that New Zealand's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10-20 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020 is highly conditional.

Key - who will fly out next week for the UN Climate Change conference has made it clear: "If New Zealand doesn't get the rule changes it wants, we (NZ) should be under no illusions about changing our target."

Key reaffirmed his Government's bottom-line at a dinner last week attended by many of New Zealand's biggest players in agriculture and international trade.

Not only did the Prime Minister underline the Government was hedging its bets on this score, but he also indicated that one of the reasons why he had been loath to sign up earlier for the Copenhagen event was because it would clash with the Fleetwood Mac gig (the 70s group that played at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration will appear in New Plymouth for two concerts this month).

The PM does a great line in corn.

"I could just see the headline ... 'John goes his own way'," he said.

Instead, says Key, he will be at Copenhagen with all the other leaders where he "won't stop thinking about tomorrow".

Ouch. Theoretically, the Prime Minister could still make it back to New Plymouth in time for Fleetwood Mac's second concert on December 20. But he would be pushing it to make the first concert unless he left Copenhagen early by skipping the vital second of the leaders' meetings at which superstars such as US President Barack Obama will be present. Fat chance.

At times like these Key must wish that New Zealanders would just get over themselves and approve the purchase of a Government jet. But the reality is if he had decided to stay home, it would simply have given the impression that New Zealand isn't committed to playing its part in the fight against climate change.

But even before Key made his public announcement, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith had advised a Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing that the PM intended to go. That briefing was apparently very different in tone compared to the soundings that took place before the 2007 Bali conference.

From insider accounts, it would appear that Smith is much less inclusive of the usual groupings of NGOs and activists that the Labour Government used to bring on board to build a constituency for change and assuage opposition.

The biggest bugbear will be getting the rule changes endorsed.

Under existing Kyoto Protocol rules, New Zealand's overall emissions are set to rise steeply after 2020, which is when the major 1990s forest plantations will be ready for harvesting.

The current rules say unless forests are replanted on the same land where a forest is felled, the carbon stored by the felled trees is deemed to evaporate into the atmosphere and has to be counted in New Zealand's greenhouse gas tally.

Smith and associate climate change minister Tim Groser are trying to effect a switch to get official recognition at Copenhagen that not all the carbon that is sequestered by trees is released at harvest.

Much of it (70 per cent by some reckonings) is locked up in forest products like timber and fibre board. This will no doubt raise scepticism among the purest of "greenies" (if you can't get your emissions down by any other means, then just change the rules!).

But, arguably if the rules were based on poor science in the first place, then all New Zealand's negotiators are doing is restoring some much needed sanity to the debate.

With other nations including Japan - which imports a huge amount of timber on top of its existing forest reserves - sharing this viewpoint, it is possible that a rule change may be effected.

New Zealand is also seeking rule changes over land use and the international carbon market - which the Ministry for the Environment says are important because it will impact on New Zealand's ability to meet its future responsibility target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key had made it clear the Government's greenhouse gas emissions target is also dependent on the rest of the world reaching a new deal on climate change.

This makes sense given that New Zealand businesses could be strongly disadvantaged if competitor countries do not move.

Smith's new emissions trading scheme - which was passed with the connivance of the Maori Party - will be reviewed for the first time in 2011.

He believes New Zealand would need to "keep nimble-footed" in response to developments in international negotiations, advances in climate change science and as new technologies become available.

But his contention that the Government's ongoing principle will be ensuring New Zealand does its fair share will be difficult to uphold if the big nations choose not to do their fair share.

One of the points that Key makes to business audiences is that all Obama has pledged is a 17 per cent reduction on the United States' 2005 emissions level - which equates to just a 3 per cent cut on its 1990 levels. These are the kind of comparisons that do not register with Greenpeace.

He also believes Copenhagen will be a fizzer unless the "big guys" - China, United States and India - come to the party.

Where the Government negotiators will focus is on getting across New Zealand's position that it has had the fastest population growth of any Annex One country since Kyoto was formed, the fact that 70 per cent of energy is renewable leaves little room for gains on that score, and that agriculture makes up 50 per cent of emissions.

The major switch that really needs to be made is to find a new transitional rule around agriculture emissions that will see them treated more leniently until scientific developments can effect a reduction in the levels emitted by dairy cattle in particular.

On this score, Groser and Smith hope to press home the humanitarian necessity for countries such as New Zealand - which are blessed in water supplies - to grow food for other nations not so blessed.

In all reality while the Government's new emissions scheme is not going to make huge headway in the next 11 years, it does enable Key and his two ministers to front at Copenhagen with some degree of credibility.

Ironically, the Government's own advice is that climate change will be more of a problem - not less of a problem. Key's advice is the implications are likely to hit the world faster and with more severity: "The latest advice: if you go to the Arctic circle in 20 years' time over summer there would be no ice."

He may well wish he had stayed at home to hear Fleetwood Mac sing: "If I could turn the page, In time then I'd rearrange just a day or two, Close my, close my, close my eyes ..."

[EnchantedKiwi]

[Prime Minister Must Go His Own Way and Can't Attend Concert]
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10614301&pnum=0

Missing Mac? Key must be serious

By Fran O'Sullivan, New Zealand Herald, December 9, 2009

Prime Minister John Key has re-affirmed to business that New Zealand's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10-20 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020 is highly conditional.

Key - who will fly out next week for the UN Climate Change conference has made it clear: "If New Zealand doesn't get the rule changes it wants, we (NZ) should be under no illusions about changing our target."

Key reaffirmed his Government's bottom-line at a dinner last week attended by many of New Zealand's biggest players in agriculture and international trade.

Not only did the Prime Minister underline the Government was hedging its bets on this score, but he also indicated that one of the reasons why he had been loath to sign up earlier for the Copenhagen event was because it would clash with the Fleetwood Mac gig (the 70s group that played at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration will appear in New Plymouth for two concerts this month).

The PM does a great line in corn.

"I could just see the headline ... 'John goes his own way'," he said.

Instead, says Key, he will be at Copenhagen with all the other leaders where he "won't stop thinking about tomorrow".

Ouch. Theoretically, the Prime Minister could still make it back to New Plymouth in time for Fleetwood Mac's second concert on December 20. But he would be pushing it to make the first concert unless he left Copenhagen early by skipping the vital second of the leaders' meetings at which superstars such as US President Barack Obama will be present. Fat chance.

At times like these Key must wish that New Zealanders would just get over themselves and approve the purchase of a Government jet. But the reality is if he had decided to stay home, it would simply have given the impression that New Zealand isn't committed to playing its part in the fight against climate change.

But even before Key made his public announcement, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith had advised a Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing that the PM intended to go. That briefing was apparently very different in tone compared to the soundings that took place before the 2007 Bali conference.

From insider accounts, it would appear that Smith is much less inclusive of the usual groupings of NGOs and activists that the Labour Government used to bring on board to build a constituency for change and assuage opposition.

The biggest bugbear will be getting the rule changes endorsed.

Under existing Kyoto Protocol rules, New Zealand's overall emissions are set to rise steeply after 2020, which is when the major 1990s forest plantations will be ready for harvesting.

The current rules say unless forests are replanted on the same land where a forest is felled, the carbon stored by the felled trees is deemed to evaporate into the atmosphere and has to be counted in New Zealand's greenhouse gas tally.

Smith and associate climate change minister Tim Groser are trying to effect a switch to get official recognition at Copenhagen that not all the carbon that is sequestered by trees is released at harvest.

Much of it (70 per cent by some reckonings) is locked up in forest products like timber and fibre board. This will no doubt raise scepticism among the purest of "greenies" (if you can't get your emissions down by any other means, then just change the rules!).

But, arguably if the rules were based on poor science in the first place, then all New Zealand's negotiators are doing is restoring some much needed sanity to the debate.

With other nations including Japan - which imports a huge amount of timber on top of its existing forest reserves - sharing this viewpoint, it is possible that a rule change may be effected.

New Zealand is also seeking rule changes over land use and the international carbon market - which the Ministry for the Environment says are important because it will impact on New Zealand's ability to meet its future responsibility target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key had made it clear the Government's greenhouse gas emissions target is also dependent on the rest of the world reaching a new deal on climate change.

This makes sense given that New Zealand businesses could be strongly disadvantaged if competitor countries do not move.

Smith's new emissions trading scheme - which was passed with the connivance of the Maori Party - will be reviewed for the first time in 2011.

He believes New Zealand would need to "keep nimble-footed" in response to developments in international negotiations, advances in climate change science and as new technologies become available.

But his contention that the Government's ongoing principle will be ensuring New Zealand does its fair share will be difficult to uphold if the big nations choose not to do their fair share.

One of the points that Key makes to business audiences is that all Obama has pledged is a 17 per cent reduction on the United States' 2005 emissions level - which equates to just a 3 per cent cut on its 1990 levels. These are the kind of comparisons that do not register with Greenpeace.

He also believes Copenhagen will be a fizzer unless the "big guys" - China, United States and India - come to the party.

Where the Government negotiators will focus is on getting across New Zealand's position that it has had the fastest population growth of any Annex One country since Kyoto was formed, the fact that 70 per cent of energy is renewable leaves little room for gains on that score, and that agriculture makes up 50 per cent of emissions.

The major switch that really needs to be made is to find a new transitional rule around agriculture emissions that will see them treated more leniently until scientific developments can effect a reduction in the levels emitted by dairy cattle in particular.

On this score, Groser and Smith hope to press home the humanitarian necessity for countries such as New Zealand - which are blessed in water supplies - to grow food for other nations not so blessed.

In all reality while the Government's new emissions scheme is not going to make huge headway in the next 11 years, it does enable Key and his two ministers to front at Copenhagen with some degree of credibility.

Ironically, the Government's own advice is that climate change will be more of a problem - not less of a problem. Key's advice is the implications are likely to hit the world faster and with more severity: "The latest advice: if you go to the Arctic circle in 20 years' time over summer there would be no ice."

He may well wish he had stayed at home to hear Fleetwood Mac sing: "If I could turn the page, In time then I'd rearrange just a day or two, Close my, close my, close my eyes ..."

HAHA The PM needs to sort out his priorities!

[EnchantedKiwi]

Gearing up for grandstand view

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3164726/Gearing-up-for-grandstand-view




The six-year-olds of New Plymouth's Frankley School had mixed opinions of the temporary seating platform installed for the first time over the Bowl of Brooklands lake yesterday.

Work on the much-debated platform began on Monday and should be mostly finished by today.

It adds more than 1000 premium-priced seats to the Bowl's capacity and will be used at the weekend's two Fleetwood Mac concerts.

Tickets on the platform cost $320 and Poppy Johnson, 6, reckoned it looked cool.

She particularly liked the light brown plastic seats, which have been used at various venues around the North Island before finding a home here.

Sophie Dempster, 6, also thought the platform looked "nice" but did not know who Fleetwood Mac was and neither did Harry Clegg, 6, who had other things on his mind anyway.

"My friend Cooper is an alien and his parents are too and they have a spaceship under their trampoline," he said, despite Sophia Longstaff, 6, telling him Cooper's parents had just been joking.

Tina Johnson, mother of Poppy, said she was pleased with the look of the platform though suspected she was one of the few.

"They think it's against the whole spirit of the Bowl. I think it is a good way to stop the silly buggers jumping in the water and getting electrocuted," she said.

Neale Kendall, the man overseeing the installation of the platform, said his company Acrow Ltd had put in temporary seating in all sorts of venues around the North Island.

However, putting them in over a lake was a first.

"The boys brought up waders, had their tetanus shots, got the insect repellent and sunscreen. This is a job we didn't want to take lightly.

"We are the last link in the chain and if it doesn't go right, unfortunately it's my head on the block. Saying that, I'm very confident it will be OK," he said.

Work on removing the platform will begin on Monday.

Brookland's Zoo is closing at noon on Saturday and all of Sunday this weekend.

"Pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be restricted before the concerts start so the zoo will be closed as well," zoo spokeswoman Eve Cozzi said.

Public vehicles must be out of the zoo's carpark by noon on Saturday to enable the Bowl's set-up to be finished by the time entry to the venue's holding areas open at 5pm.

[vivfox]

New Plymouth's two Fleetwood Mac concerts this weekend will give police and the city a pair of Saturday nights.

But the boys in blue are not expecting any trouble from the 36,000 Fleetwood Mac fans in town for the Saturday and Sunday night concerts.

Senior Sergeant Robbie O'Keefe said police would be treating the Sunday night the same as a Saturday in terms of staff numbers to cope with the influx on fans.

As well as that 10 inner-city bars have applied for special licences to stay open until 2am on Monday morning, so Sunday's concertgoers can keep the good times rolling.

Usually the quietest night of the week, this Sunday will almost certainly see some of the 18,000 fans heading to town around 10pm. "Honestly, we aren't expecting any trouble from them," Mr O'Keefe said. "We'll be there to make sure everyone is having a good time and the CBD remains vibrant and safe for them to do that."

That vibrancy will be visible on the streets longer than usual with most bars extending their outdoor areas for the two nights and keeping them open longer.

Usually such outdoor spots have to move inside by 1am but on Sunday morning they will be allowed until 3am and Monday 2am.

Venture Taranaki's regional tourism man, Paul Stancliffe, said while many people would start arriving in the city today and tomorrow, most of the 20,000 non-Taranaki people expected would be travelling here on Saturday. "With both concerts sold out we can expect town to be saturated with people, hopefully not with rain," he said.

At this stage Saturday's weather is looking to be cloudy and with a small chance of rain. Sunday fares a little better with mostly clear skies.

The decades old supergroup finished the Australian leg of their Unleashed tour last night in Brisbane, with New Plymouth their next gigs.

Reviews of their concerts have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

Kathy McCabe, music editor of Sydney's The Daily Telegraph said of the concert "Hit after hit after hit, the setlist would represent the Holy Grail to any band who has only a couple of records under their belt."

The city's two sold-out shows are the group's last in their 10-month global tour but it seems unlikely they will stop playing together.

Rumours are already swirling about a possible US tour with The Eagles next year.

FLEETWOOD MAC - THE CONDENSED STORY

1967: Fleetwood Mac is formed in London. The name comes from combining the names of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.

Ad Feedback 1969: Christine McVie, who would pen some of the bands most popular hits, joins.

1975: Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham (the two remaining members of the current band) join. Eponymous album Fleetwood Mac reaches number 1 in the US, selling more than 5 million copies. Among the hits were Over My Head, Say You Love Me, Rhiannon and Landslide.

1977: Band releases Rumours which sold more than 40 million copies and remains one of the biggest selling albums of all times. Hits singles include Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Don't Stop, You Make Loving Fun, Second Hand News, Gold Dust Woman and The Chain (the only song written by all five bandmates).

1977: Release 20-track double album, Tusk. It spawned three hits: Tusk, Think About Me and Sara.

1987: After a decade of excess, the disappointing Mirage album and various solo albums, the band release Tango in the Night with hit singles Big Love, Everywhere and Little Lies.

1997: After yet another decade of turmoil in which band members came and went, the Rumours line up officially reformed.

1998: Christine McVie left the band and returned to the UK to retire from touring.

2009: Unleashed Greatest Hits tour begins on March 1. Arrives in New Plymouth on December 19 for two sold-out concerts at the Bowl of Brooklands.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3169164/Police-not-expecting-trouble

[DavidMn]

Well, it's only a couple days now till the big shows!:cool: I woud love to be there, but will be in spirit thats for sure! This will be a very special 2 nights I know what an amazing venue from seeing the pictures! What a fantastic year this has been for all of us Mac fans and now it's NZ's turn. ENJOY!!!!!!:blob1::blob2:

[EnchantedKiwi]

Well, it's only a couple days now till the big shows!:cool: I woud love to be there, but will be in spirit thats for sure! This will be a very special 2 nights I know what an amazing venue from seeing the pictures! What a fantastic year this has been for all of us Mac fans and now it's NZ's turn. ENJOY!!!!!!:blob1::blob2:

It's been a loooooonng time coming! Sooo excited :) Have to get ready for my 5 hour drive to New Plymouth tomorrow morning! Crossing my fingers the road arent mayhem!

[vivfox]

Supergroup Fleetwood Mac will attempt a sneaky entrance in to New Plymouth today to avoid mobs that have greeted them during their world tour.

They are playing two sold-out concerts at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands this weekend and are understood to have declined Mayor Peter Tennent's offer of a Maori powhiri, or any type of welcome, when they arrive sometime between 3pm and 5.30pm today.

That is unless band member Stevie Nicks can convince her fellow members to accept the powhiri.

New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent said Ms Nicks enjoyed the traditional Maori welcome to Taranaki when she was here in 2006.

"She just loved it, but if they don't want it this time and just want to get in the zone to prepare for their concert, I can understand that and fully support it."

The promoter was still trying to convince the band to accept the welcome and experience the difference between New Zealand and the rest of the world, he said.

The decision to slip quietly into the city is apparently to avoid problems similar to those encountered in other countries, where the sheer number of fans turned their arrival into chaos.

If they do not change their minds, they will be visible to their devoted followers for just a few seconds before the concert – as they leave their chartered plane to get into the cars waiting for them on the tarmac.

But just when that glimpse can be had is a closely-guarded secret.

"I won't know when they are due to arrive until just before they take off from Wellington," New Plymouth Airport manager Kevin Hill said yesterday.

Though most flights are registered weeks and months before, there is no obligation for chartered flights to do the same.

"Basically, all I know is a plane is coming and that it will fit at one of our gates. They pay us landing fees and that is it," said Mr Hill.

Whatever the former notoriously hard-living band decide, they have already had their dressing room requirements filled by venue caterers Eurest.

Though they were tight-lipped about just what those requests were. Bowl manager Adrienne Kensington was allowed to say they were quite ordinary.

"Nothing really odd at all. We've had some weird ones before, but this time we didn't have to go out of the country to get everything they wanted."

The two New Plymouth concerts are the last in the band's 10-month Unleashed tour.

More than 17,000 fans are expected each night at the outdoor venue and New Plymouth is bracing itself for 20,000 visitors from outside the region.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3178533/Band-plans-to-duck-fans

[vivfox]

Fans kept in dark over park
Park lights to go live on Saturday night
By MATT RILKOFF - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 10:14 18/12/2009

Fleetwood Mac fans arriving in town today will have to make do with the lights of late night shopping because Pukekura Park won't be turning on early.

For months now the TSB Festival of the Lights has been planned to start tomorrow night, which happened to coincide with the first Fleetwood Mac concert announced at a later date.

With New Plymouth expecting thousands of visitors to arrive in town today, a number of callers to the Taranaki Daily News wondered why the Festival of the Lights is not being turned on tonight.

New Plymouth District Council customer services manager Cathy Thurston said there had been a sneak preview of the lights last week and everyone here for the concert would be able to see it tomorrow night.

"As part of the LTCCP [Long Term Council Community Plan] this year the Festival of Lights had its budget cut by $50,000 so we cut it back in a number of ways including length," she said.

Luckily most central New Plymouth retailers will be open late tonight for the seasonal Christmas shopping rush and there are festive light aplenty along both East and West Devon St.

Added to that will be the pleasant sound of the New Plymouth Brass Band which will be play in the Huatoki Plaza this evening.

"The entertainment will make it all a bit more festive," said Judith Gilmer of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce which has organised the music.

With more than 20,000 visitors expected in the city for the two concerts Ms Gilmer said the influx would put retailers under pressure.

"I look at it like this. This weekend is a busy shopping time every year and this year the extra people in town will be a good opportunity for them to pick up extra business."

Many retailers had extended their hours for the weekend and rostered extra staff to cope with the expected demand.

Even though it won't be turning on the lights, the council will be supplementing tonight's Huatoki Plaza entertainment with the famous Grimace the Gorilla and a few Christmas fairies. Fleetwood Mac plays two concerts at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands this weekend.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/3174151/Fans-kept-in-dark-over-park

[vivfox]

Forecast has Mac fans in raincoat mode
By ESTHER TAUNTON - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 19/12/2009

Protection from the elements was among the top shopping priorities for Fleetwood Mac fans yesterday.

With wet weather forecast for both Saturday and Sunday, plastic ponchos were in hot demand and the supply at The $2 Shop on Devon St East ran dry early.

Down the road, Kathmandu on Devon St West still had plenty of the lightweight, rain resistant garments to go around.

Getting off to a slower start were the weekend's sales of Fleetwood Mac albums.

At Marbecks music store in Centre City, a Fleetwood Mac display was expected to be hit hard this weekend.

"We haven't noticed a lot of extra demand for Fleetwood Mac so far, but I'm sure it will pick up," shop assistant Grace Hepburn said.

Ms Hepburn said there had been a rush on the band's albums when the concerts were announced in August.

"We sold out of their Greatest Hits album just about straight away," she said. "At the time it was being remastered and we couldn't really get any more in."

And for those still debating whether or not to get along to one of the shows, tickets for allocated seating were still available for both shows on ticketmaster.co.nz last night.

Ticketmaster no longer had general admission tickets for either show but there were plenty of listings to sift through on Trade Me.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3178531/Forecast-has-Mac-fans-in-raincoat-mode

[vivfox]

Making life easy for Fleetwood Mac concertgoers
Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 19/12/2009

Tips for thousands of out-of-towners descending on New Plymouth for the Fleetwood Mac concerts tonight and tomorrow have been issued by the New Plymouth District Council.

It suggests several ways to get to the concerts at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

Taking a shuttle bus or walking to the venue are the best options, says the council's manager of customer and regulatory services, Simon Pickford.

Buses are being provided to and from the concerts.

Eight shuttle buses will leave the bus station on Ariki St in a continual loop from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, returning to town from Kaimata St from 10.35pm. The buses will run as long as there is a demand. Bus rides will cost a gold coin donation per person per trip.

"The buses are there, but we really want people to walk through the park and take advantage of the lights," Mr Pickford says.

Walkers should head up Liardet St and through Pukekura Park to the Dell entrance to the Bowl.

Parking will be available for those who want to drive, but streets around the venue will be very busy.

The council recommends that people park in town in the Centre City, Downtown and The Warehouse carparks which will be open until 2am on Sunday and Monday. Parking in council off-street car parks and the Centre City parking building will be free after 5pm on Saturday, with free parking all day on Sunday.

Free parking areas closer to the venue include Pukekura Raceway, via the entrance off Coronation Avenue, Vogeltown Park and the Witt car park after 4pm.

Parking is also available at Highlands Intermediate School (entrance off Coronation Avenue) for $5 as a school fundraiser.

Alcohol, glass, opened beverages, commercial food, hard-sided chairs, or recording devices cannot be taken into the venue.

The Kaimata St waiting area has a food village with 22 different food outlets and a bar, and there are two smaller food and beverage areas at the front of the Bowl.

The weather for the concerts does not look good, with northwesterlies and drizzle turning to rain tonight, and rain and showers with strong westerlies tomorrow.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3178534/Making-life-easy-for-Fleetwood-Mac-concertgoers

[vivfox]

Concert goers in New Plymouth are being urged to keep an eye out for drunk cyclists involved in the 'Hawera Pub Crawl' today
19 December 2009

Motorists travelling to the Fleetwood Mac concert in New Plymouth tonight are being asked to watch out for hundreds of potentially drunk cyclists.

Around 2000 people have been taking part in the infamous Hawera pub crawl today. They been on the turps since, 9.30am and this afternoon they take on State Highway Three.

Inspector Dave White says a traffic management plan is in place. He says with around 25,000 people expected in New Plymouth for the concert, people going through Hawera may need some extra time for the trip. He says there will probably be cyclists on the main highway until around half past four.

Mr White says the pub crawlers have been fairly well behaved so far, ahead of police moving mainly into a liquor enforcement role this afternoon.

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=108708&fm=newsmain,nrhl

[HejiraNYC]

Fans kept in dark over park
Park lights to go live on Saturday night
By MATT RILKOFF - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 10:14
Even though it won't be turning on the lights, the council will be supplementing tonight's Huatoki Plaza entertainment with the famous Grimace the Gorilla and a few Christmas fairies. Fleetwood Mac plays two concerts at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands this weekend.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/3174151/Fans-kept-in-dark-over-park

Oh, I didn't know strandinthewind was down here making some extra cash. :wavey:

[vivfox]

Fleetwood Mac hit New Plymouth

Published: 7:16PM Saturday December 19, 2009

Fleetwood Mac took to the stage at New Plymouth's bowl of Brooklands on Saturday night in the first of their two sold-out concerts.

At 62 Mick Fleetwood is savouring the finer things in life such as the adoration of 17,000 fans watching him perform.

"This is a real book marker in Fleetwood Mac's history, coming back here. I hope we make it through the gig," he said before the concert.

The last time Fleetwood and his band were welcomed for a Kiwi concert was back in 1980 but the band is still playing music and still touring the world.

Fleetwood has now spent over 40 years in showbiz as it was 1967 when he first drummed for the original Fleetwood Mac.

As they have wracked up their hits the group has battled through arguments, drug addiction and about six or seven different guitarists.

Through it all Fleetwood Mac still sells. Tickets to the New Plymouth concerts were sold out and the best of album has spent weeks in the New Zealand charts.

With younger generations of fans these days Fleetwood says the band's next Kiwi concert will not be such a long wait.

http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/fleetwood-mac-hit-new-plymouth-3315357

[vivfox]

With younger generations of fans these days Fleetwood says the band's next Kiwi concert will not be such a long wait.


Oh yeah? Does Mick know something we don't know?

[michelej1]

Another video interview with Mick. He says that if he could have predicted, he would think that they would still be playing music, but had no idea that they'd still perform at this level to this number of people after all these years.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Full-interview-with-Mick-Fleetwood/tabid/418/articleID/134826/Default.aspx

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 8:27p.m.
Drummer and band-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, talks with David Farrier about the band's beginnings, trials and struggles, Rhys Darby and the two shows in New Plymouth.

3 News

[michelej1]

^Mick said that Time was a really, really good band with the wrong name. He said that line up never should have been called Fleetwood Mac. He said they'd always kept the name in the past, but he should have realized that they couldn't continue to do what they'd always done, given the band's status.

Mick compares himself to Marlon Brando on the Island of Dr. Moreau where Brando went crazy and started bedding monkeys. Mick said he didn't get as far as sleeping with monkeyes, unless there were some nights that he's forgetting. But he says that things were so out of hand that he understands why Lindsey left, but at the time they were devastated by his departure and angry.

Mick mentions that the fans can't wait another 30 years for FM to come back, since he'll be in his nineties, but he says he's coming back on his own with his blue bands in 2 months. He says Rick Vito came when Lindsey was gone and he can't believe that Lindsey might have been gone for 14 years, because now it feels like Lindsey was never gone. He says it feels like a time warp and they're working harder than they did in their thirties.

He says that he has learned to accept that he's just a drummer and doesn't try to wear too many hats and he wonders if he has studied being a percussionist enough. That's why he's concentrating more on playing with his blues band now.

He and Lindsey are trying really hard to throw the beads (beans?) so that a new album will happen. He hopes it will happen in less than 2 years, but they need a rest. "It's hard to have a full blown conversation with Stevie" about a new album after they've been on the road all of these months. So, they're hoping to do it after everyone has had a rest.

Michele

[chain2destiny]

Another video interview with Mick. He says that if he could have predicted, he would think that they would still be playing music, but had no idea that they'd still perform at this level to this number of people after all these years.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Full-interview-with-Mick-Fleetwood/tabid/418/articleID/134826/Default.aspx

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 8:27p.m.
Drummer and band-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, talks with David Farrier about the band's beginnings, trials and struggles, Rhys Darby and the two shows in New Plymouth.

3 News

Thanks for posting this michelej1. Enjoyed the video clip which was nearly 21 minutes long. Wished they showed the so call 'Gremlins' coming into the room :]. How embarrassing would you be, interrupting Mick Fleetwood in an interview. lol.

Also the end of the video clip stopped a bit short, before I could see Mick's reaction to 'The Flight of the Concords' video clip on the cell phone. ;)

[michelej1]

Thanks for posting this michelej1. Enjoyed the video clip which was nearly 21 minutes long. Wished they showed the so call 'Gremlins' coming into the room :]. How embarrassing would you be, interrupting Mick Fleetwood in an interview. lol.

Also the end of the video clip stopped a bit short, before I could see Mick's reaction to 'The Flight of the Concords' video clip on the cell phone. ;)

Yes, did the interviewers say that those were Mick's daughters? I would love to have seen them.

Mick watched the video and he said that he has now depleted his senior moment and he remembers knowing about Flight of the Concords, but he didn't see that episode. The clip talked about a Rumours foursome and Mick said that's getting back to the monkeys isn't it? He laughed about monkeys and foursomes. He said back then they were naive enough to talk about their personal lives and they didn't mind. The Concords joke brought back all those memories. Their only complaint back then was that people talked about their personal saga more than the music.

From 3 News [this quotes Mick's reaction to the clip, in part]:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Fleetwood-Macs-big-Mick/tabid/418/articleID/134806/Default.aspx?ArticleID=134806
Sat, 19 Dec 2009 6:14p.m.
By David Farrier

Fleetwood Mac are on of music’s iconic bands.

Formed in 1967 in London, they have seen numerous line-up changes – beginning as a straight Blues band, they morphed into a more pop-oriented group.

The man behind the helm is Mick Fleetwood.

It has been 29 years since Fleetwood Mac played in New Zealand; their drummer and namesake now an impressive 63-years-old.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and Mick Fleetwood is glad to be back, aware that after all the drugs and inter-band relationships between Lindsay, Mick and Stevie – they are lucky to be around.

“Yeah, the passion or desperation, or the fear factor,” says Mick about what has kept the group together.

“No, it’s the first.”

Passion, that is, allowing them to make music for 42 years.

“Coming back here is a real line in the sand in terms of, you know, we will wake up sweating. Those dreams, sit up, oh my God, we didn't do that did we?”

They probably did, but regardless, it all resulted in great music.

Their songs and rock and roll lifestyle are now ingrained in pop culture.

The first ever episode of Flight of the Conchords even contained a Fleetwood Mac joke; Rhys Darby keen to interrupt our interview and get Fleetwood's take on it.

“When I did the gag about you guys and the album ‘Rumors’, just going back, Brett said ‘Oh, do they have foursomes?’ and I said, ‘No, it’s just rumours’, did you appreciate the gag?” Darby asked.

Mick did appreciate it.

“We have a humour about the fact that our lives were incredibly public. Really we were stupid enough to do interviews like this and talk openly about who we are and what we are,” he said.

It is that openness, combined with the bands musical talents that have led to 100 million in record sales, and now, 42 years in, two shows in New Plymouth.



Michele

[michelej1]

TV NZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/fleetwood-mac-hit-new-plymouth-3315357
Fleetwood Mac hit New Plymouth
Published: 7:16PM Saturday December 19, 2009


Fleetwood Mac took to the stage at New Plymouth's bowl of Brooklands on Saturday night in the first of their two sold-out concerts.

At 62 Mick Fleetwood is savouring the finer things in life such as the adoration of 17,000 fans watching him perform.

"This is a real book marker in Fleetwood Mac's history, coming back here. I hope we make it through the gig," he said before the concert.

The last time Fleetwood and his band were welcomed for a Kiwi concert was back in 1980 but the band is still playing music and still touring the world.

Fleetwood has now spent over 40 years in showbiz as it was 1967 when he first drummed for the original Fleetwood Mac.

As they have wracked up their hits the group has battled through arguments, drug addiction and about six or seven different guitarists.

Through it all Fleetwood Mac still sells. Tickets to the New Plymouth concerts were sold out and the best of album has spent weeks in the New Zealand charts.

With younger generations of fans these days Fleetwood says the band's next Kiwi concert will not be such a long wait.

[vivfox]

Fleetwood Mac belt out the hits in New Plymouth
By MATT RILKOFF - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 10:28 20/12/2009

Just as the rain kept falling the hits kept coming at Fleetwood Mac's sold out New Plymouth concert last night.

Unashamedly playing their most popular songs the supergroup had taken to the stage 15 minutes earlier than scheduled and managed to avoid the rain for that long.

The heaving crowd of nearly 18,000, one of the biggest ever seen at the Bowl of Brooklands venue, took the weather in their stride and let out a roar of approval to the opening lines of The Chain, the second song of the set.

"Well it's taken us a long time to get back here. I think it's been 25 years,'' said singer Stevie Nicks. "That being said I think we should just get this party started."

But it already was.

The hits Rhiannon, Landslide and Go Your Own Way kept adding to a thrilling momentum that threatened to derail in a tangled mess of middle-aged dance moves by the time Don't Stop was played as the second encore song.

The gig, which was the first of only two New Zealand concerts and the last in a 10 month world tour, pulled in people from all over the country.

More than half of the crowd in New Plymouth for the night had travelled there from outside of Taranaki.

Accommodation in the city had been booked out for months and despite hundreds of locals putting up visitors in their spare rooms and garages, many concert goers spent the night in their cars.

Others like Andy Blair of Taupo had no other choice but to drive home when the show finished at 10.30pm last night.

"It was worth it though,'' she said.

Drummer and founding member Mick Fleetwood gave the fans two pieces of advice to take away.

"Take care of yourself and more importantly take care and be kind to those around you in this crazy world we live in. We love you and remember the Mac will be back'' he said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3179525/Fleetwood-Mac-belt-out-the-hits-in-New-Plymouth

[Edgeof27]

No reports from any Ledgies.............

[chain2destiny]

Fleetwood Mac belt out the hits in New Plymouth
By MATT RILKOFF - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 10:28 20/12/2009

Just as the rain kept falling the hits kept coming at Fleetwood Mac's sold out New Plymouth concert last night.

Unashamedly playing their most popular songs the supergroup had taken to the stage 15 minutes earlier than scheduled and managed to avoid the rain for that long.

The heaving crowd of nearly 18,000, one of the biggest ever seen at the Bowl of Brooklands venue, took the weather in their stride and let out a roar of approval to the opening lines of The Chain, the second song of the set.

"Well it's taken us a long time to get back here. I think it's been 25 years,'' said singer Stevie Nicks. "That being said I think we should just get this party started."


http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3179525/Fleetwood-Mac-belt-out-the-hits-in-New-Plymouth

I wonder how long before the rain came down? Here's the lovely photo of Stevie which came with this article.

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad311/chain2destiny/FleetwoodMacinNewPlymouth19-12-2009.jpg

[goldustsongbird]

^ Pretty pic!

[vivfox]

He and Lindsey are trying really hard to throw the beads (beans?) so that a new album will happen. He hopes it will happen in less than 2 years, but they need a rest. "It's hard to have a full blown conversation with Stevie" about a new album after they've been on the road all of these months. So, they're hoping to do it after everyone has had a rest.
Michele

Oh, here we go again, walking on eggshells around the Gemini.

[Edgeof27]

"Please Sir, can we have some more.....¨

<QUOTE=chain2destiny;860912]I wonder how long before the rain came down? Here's the lovely photo of Stevie which came with this article.

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad311/chain2destiny/FleetwoodMacinNewPlymouth19-12-2009.jpg[/QUOTE]

[EnchantedKiwi]

Just got back from the show! It was INSANE! SO AWESOME. The atmosphere was overwhelming! The venue was beautiful, and the band was playing better than ever!!!


Im so tired so i will do a review later, and post some pictures even though they're crap :p

It was great though! Theres something amazing about 19,000 people singing together in the rain "YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY!!!" Ahh! shivers!

[michelej1]

It was great though! Theres something amazing about 19,000 people singing together in the rain "YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY!!!" Ahh! shivers!

19,000 people. They must have thought it was 1979 again! I bet they were on fire. What a place to close this tour. I get vicarious chills just thinking about it.

Michele

[CADreaming]

Oh, here we go again, walking on eggshells around the Gemini.

:laugh::nod:

[EnchantedKiwi]

Trying to upload my vids now!

Its seems quite far, but it shows you the size of the crowd! and the festival feel of it all :D

Dreams

<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOUh0RbdDgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOUh0RbdDgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>

[CADreaming]

Trying to upload my vids now!

Its seems quite far, but it shows you the size of the crowd! and the festival feel of it all :D

Dreams

<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOUh0RbdDgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOUh0RbdDgY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>


Excuse me, but is that a tree ON FIRE to the right??

[EnchantedKiwi]

Excuse me, but is that a tree ON FIRE to the right??

:laugh::laugh: They illuminated the trees around the stage in cool colours, cause it was the Festival of Lights in the park, which was amazing!

[CADreaming]

:laugh::laugh: They illuminated the trees around the stage in cool colours, cause it was the Festival of Lights in the park, which was amazing!

Whew! Ok... I've heard of "setting the woods on fire", but that was a little disconcerting... :laugh:

[EnchantedKiwi]

Second hand Neeeeewsss

<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZE7ALy6g8Tw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZE7ALy6g8Tw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>

[EnchantedKiwi]

Say You Love Meeeeee

<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bON3BoY8qbo&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bON3BoY8qbo&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>

[EnchantedKiwi]

Don't Stop!! :D

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[EnchantedKiwi]

Some Photo's (terrible ones :p)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33806606@N02/4199363764/" title="IMG_3865 by lcleaver, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4199363764_11f2c13836.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_3865" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33806606@N02/4199365804/" title="IMG_3866 by lcleaver, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4199365804_505a1d09c8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_3866" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33806606@N02/4199370230/" title="IMG_3878 by lcleaver, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4199370230_3bc0c0d22c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_3878" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33806606@N02/4198620893/" title="IMG_3883 by lcleaver, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4198620893_15ee358d21.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_3883" /></a>

[vivfox]

Trying to upload my vids now!

Its seems quite far, but it shows you the size of the crowd! and the festival feel of it all :D

Dreams

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Thank you for your videos. This one was my favorite because you showed us a lot of the audience. The sound on your camera is very good. Did you ask anyone if they could provide you with the 1980 recording?

[EnchantedKiwi]

Thank you for your videos. This one was my favorite because you showed us a lot of the audience. The sound on your camera is very good. Did you ask anyone if they could provide you with the 1980 recording?

Thanks viv :) The audience was awesome here! Soo into it!

I've been looking for a copy of the 1980 concert for ages! As far as i know TVNZ has one, but they can't give it to anyone for copyright reasons. Argh and I dont believe any bootlegs exsist either

Oh well.

[EnchantedKiwi]

Big Love

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[EnchantedKiwi]

GYOW

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[EnchantedKiwi]

Goodbyes and Stevie's rain song

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"Baby can you stop the rain...WHO CARES!"-Stevie :laugh::D

[vivfox]

Published: 12:03PM Sunday December 20, 2009
By Jack Tame

It's hard to keep up with Fleetwood Mac.

For their quick fire Kiwi visit they flew to New Plymouth in their own chartered jet (Evidently Jetstar doesn't feature among the considerations of international rockstars...)

At all times of course, their security remained ever-close and their band management were ever-managing.

It's 29 years since Fleetwood Mac last played a New Zealand gig.

I'm sure many of the Fleetwood fans who trekked to the Taranaki shows didn't even exist in 1980, let alone listen to Stevie Nicks.

It's not that the band hasn't toured, or hasn't played music together& just that New Zealand hasn't featured among their plans.

Still, when you consider Fleetwood Mac's journey in a slightly wider sense, it's incredible they made it here at all.

It's been a drama from day one.

Fleetwood Mac formed in England in 1967, strictly playing blues.

Since then they've survived through drug addiction, toxic inter-band love scandals, and repeated changes to their line up.

It's hard to keep up with the different guitarists they've been through.

One guitarist over did things while taking LSD and simply disappeared for several years, another was kicked out after developing relations with Mick Fleetwood's wife, and another just walked off one day and joined a religious cult.

Over time, the music's changed almost as much as the line-up, but somehow, through it all, Mick Fleetwood has stayed.

He's kept drumming, the band's kept playing, and Fleetwood Mac has kept selling.

As he approaches 63 years of age, Mick Fleetwood accepts he's an ageing rocker.

But with good health, good band relationships - and most importantly good sales - Fleetwood Mac's next New Zealand gig shouldn't be so far away.

http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/fleetwood-mac-rocks-3315598

[wheart]

Goodbyes and Stevie's rain song

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"Baby can you stop the rain...WHO CARES!"-Stevie :laugh::D

Wow, sounds like is was an amazing show. They sounded completely pumped when they said their goodbyes...

[Musicman408]

Just throwing this out there- but I LOOOOVE the fact that FM played outside. I love amphitheaters and that kind of thing. Would love to see them do that on their next tour! :nod:

[fedexme]

Seems just fantastic this outdoor show!! Would had loved to be there

[ragrsrocalot]

Thanks for posting these videos. The Mac definitely seemed to rock out for you. The venue looks beautiful, wow,what a place to see a show. Love the Goodbyes, they seemed so appreciative of the crowd sticking it out through the rain, which was way cool.

[vivfox]

Powhiri for Fleetwood Mac gets great response

Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 21/12/2009

The song Rhiannon proved the perfect response to a welcoming powhiri for Fleetwood Mac.

After Saturday's concert at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, the members of Fleetwood Mac were treated to a powhiri backstage by a local kapahaka group.

New Plymouth District Council manager business development and events Garry Sharpe-Young said the band had never refused a powhiri.

It was simply a timing issue.

"The time schedules were changing and all over the place," Mr Sharpe-Young said.

As Fleetwood Mac members Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie went backstage after the show, the powhiri happened behind the scenes.

"The kapahaka group looked magnificent and sounded wonderful," said Mr Sharpe-Young.

"They performed, then Lindsay McLeod explained this is what we normally do and people usually sing a song back but you don't need to, but they did Rhiannon."

He said having Stevie Nicks singing two feet away was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mick Fleetwood grabbed a rubbish bin from the caterers and started banging away on it, said Mr Sharpe-Young, adding a cheeky Mr McLeod hugged Ms Nicks and asked for her phone number.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3180079/Powhiri-for-Fleetwood-Mac-gets-great-response

[HejiraNYC]

Wow, what an amazing night! And what a setting! The weather on Sunday was beautiful, but it turned much colder and windier as the show started. Stevie was all bundled up in coats and scarves. But the wind would rise at the most opportune moments, and her hair and chiffon took on such dramatic movement- quite haunting! Anyway, some highlights-

-Lindsey started tearing up at the end of Sara and his voice was quivering as he gave a heartfelt speech for the crew before going into the canned speech for BigLove.

-lindsey, after listening to a year's worth of inaccuracies during Stevie's "Gypsy" speech, finally started correcting her, both on and off mic. Finally, after Stevie was stunned and speechlessfor a few seconds, lindsey gave her a kiss on the cheek. That was worth flying halfway around the world for- to see the go at it like bratty kids!

-There was a barricade in front of the stage plus two very large steps going up to the stage, so everyone was at least ten feet away- as it turned out, there was a little sliver of moat in front of the stage. Ducks were swimming by on occasion. Security was terribly strict- no cameras or standing without a seat! I unfortunately did not get any pictures until the very end. :mad:

-Mick's twins joined him at the end during his farewell speech. He signed off by saying "The Mac... will be back!"

-Lindsey was laughing at the drunken dwarf who was dancing around during the acoustic set.

Anyway, there are so many morespecial moments... this really is a magical country- im just in awe of the incredible beauty and the nice people. And I managed to drive on the wrong side if the road pretty well, although I was freaking out for the first hour or so! I'm sunburned, blistered, and I clocked my forehead against a fallen tree before the show, but I am having the best time evah! It's paradise.

[LiamMcConville]

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[CADreaming]

-lindsey, after listening to a year's worth of inaccuracies during Stevie's "Gypsy" speech, finally started correcting her, both on and off mic. Finally, after Stevie was stunned and speechlessfor a few seconds, lindsey gave her a kiss on the cheek. That was worth flying halfway around the world for- to see the go at it like bratty kids!

:lol: I really hope there is a video of this! Do you remember what he was correcting her about? That's hysterical!!

Thanks for the review.

[CADreaming]

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I know Liam - how random, right?! Stevie was busting through the cobwebs to pull this one out!

[LiamMcConville]

I know Liam - how random, right?! Stevie was busting through the cobwebs to pull this one out!

Nothing is random for Stevie. :lol: And her yelling at the end...:shrug: :confused::laugh:

[CADreaming]

Nothing is random for Stevie. :lol: And her yelling at the end...:shrug: :confused::laugh:

Steviemodernism = everything is random. :lol:

What the rockin' great audience? She did that at my shows.. :shrug:

[michelej1]

Wow, what an amazing night! And what a setting! The weather on Sunday was beautiful, but it turned much colder and windier as the show started. Stevie was all bundled up in coats and scarves. But the wind would rise at the most opportune moments, and her hair and chiffon took on such dramatic movement- quite haunting! Anyway, some highlights-

-Lindsey started tearing up at the end of Sara and his voice was quivering as he gave a heartfelt speech for the crew before going into the canned speech for BigLove.



Please, you get me so excited. Did he say something to Cory in particular? I know he's always going to cry when he does that. Tell her something like her father would be proud of her?

As for him correcting Stevie on and off the mic that is the most spectacular thing ever. Details when you get a chance. Provided you aren't disoriented from a concussion after hitting your head on that tree.

Did Stevie interact with Mick's twins?

Michele

[Amlyn]

Wow, what an amazing night! And what a setting! The weather on Sunday was beautiful, but it turned much colder and windier as the show started. Stevie was all bundled up in coats and scarves. But the wind would rise at the most opportune moments, and her hair and chiffon took on such dramatic movement- quite haunting! Anyway, some highlights-

-Lindsey started tearing up at the end of Sara and his voice was quivering as he gave a heartfelt speech for the crew before going into the canned speech for BigLove.

-lindsey, after listening to a year's worth of inaccuracies during Stevie's "Gypsy" speech, finally started correcting her, both on and off mic. Finally, after Stevie was stunned and speechlessfor a few seconds, lindsey gave her a kiss on the cheek. That was worth flying halfway around the world for- to see the go at it like bratty kids!

-There was a barricade in front of the stage plus two very large steps going up to the stage, so everyone was at least ten feet away- as it turned out, there was a little sliver of moat in front of the stage. Ducks were swimming by on occasion. Security was terribly strict- no cameras or standing without a seat! I unfortunately did not get any pictures until the very end. :mad:

-Mick's twins joined him at the end during his farewell speech. He signed off by saying "The Mac... will be back!"

-Lindsey was laughing at the drunken dwarf who was dancing around during the acoustic set.

Anyway, there are so many morespecial moments... this really is a magical country- im just in awe of the incredible beauty and the nice people. And I managed to drive on the wrong side if the road pretty well, although I was freaking out for the first hour or so! I'm sunburned, blistered, and I clocked my forehead against a fallen tree before the show, but I am having the best time evah! It's paradise.

Thanks for sharing all those tidbits with us. I can't wait to hear more.

So glad you got to experience what sounds like one of the best, if not the best show this tour. And like you said, worth the trip half way around the world. Absolutely Priceless!

[michelej1]

Lindsey said that this show was one of the Top 5 concerts of his career. I wonder what the other 4 were!

Michele

[michelej1]

[So Lindsey is texting now, eh?]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3179993/Fleetwood-Mac-show-in-top-five

Veteran Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham declared Saturday's New Plymouth concert as one of the five all-time top shows of his career.

That gig was the first of two the supergroup played at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth at the weekend.

More than 36,000 people attended the concerts and all walked away with the memory of an energetic band still full of melodic power after more then 40 years in the business.

Fleetwood Mac promoter Andrew McManus said the whole band was more than impressed with the venue and the crowd's enthusiasm.

"Stevie [Nicks] knew the venue from playing last time and when I spoke to the band after the show they were just glowing."

He said he received a text message from Buckingham yesterday morning which said it all.

"It said it was one of the top five shows he has played in his career – and he has played a lot of shows."

And the persistent rain during Saturday's show did little to put the band off. In fact, they said it added to act. During the short time Fleetwood Mac was in New Plymouth Mick Fleetwood took his family out and about while Nicks took the day to rest, Mr McManus said.

"Stevie is a professional, she always says `I've got an instrument which 17,000 people are paying to hear and I need to protect it'. So she rests in her suite and doesn't talk."

As for rumours this is Fleetwood Mac's final world tour it won't be if Mr McManus has anything to do with it.

He said Buckingham was writing new material and another album, coupled with another world tour, could be in the works. "And if they do tour and New Plymouth is not on the itinerary then I will be having a serious talk with them," Mr McManus laughed. "Mick and John [McVie] just love touring, they love being on the road and Mick has just been nominated for a Grammy in the jazz section.

"Stevie is the key and I would love to think they could all work together again and be on the road in two or three years.

"This is the third show I have brought to New Plymouth and the venue is just world-class," he said.

"It is the ambience and the acoustics that make it work. We have played a lot of bowl venues where the acoustics just swirl around. It's amazing really."

He says the success of the Fleetwood Mac shows has opened the floodgates for other promoters to bring artists to New Plymouth.

"The band's enjoyment is important and at the bowl all the boxes were ticked."

[AliceLover]

Silver Spring 12/18

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[michelej1]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3180166/Fleetwood-Mac-deliver-the-goods

Fleetwood Mac Delivers the Goods, 12-21-09 by Matt Rilkoff

"We have had a ball."

Mick Fleetwood spoke for 36,000 fans and the city of New Plymouth when he said goodbye for the 83rd time on the final concert of their 10-month Unleashed tour last night.

However, guitarist and singer Lindsey Buckingham hinted there was more to come.

"New Zealand, thank you so much for making our last show so great. We absolutely loved it. You were an absolute pleasure. We will see you next time," he said.

However, when next time will be was left hanging.

Whether they come back or not, the supergroup has left everyone satisfied for now.

Fleetwood Mac could not put a foot wrong during their two concerts at New Plymouth's picturesque Bowl of Brooklands on Saturday and last night.

Hardly a shower touched last night's crowd at the Bowl for the second concert by the much-loved supergroup.

By comparison Saturday's fans got soaked, but neither group would have traded places for the world.

Wet and dry, fans revelled in being so close to the music heard in so many of their memories.

From the first song Monday Morning those who hoped to sit through the concert realised it was hopeless.

As a mass the crowd rose and for the next 2 1/2-hours bounced, swayed and cheered with the energy pouring from the stage.

Between the big hits like Gypsy, Rhiannon and Landslide guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Steve Nicks reflected on their own successes, excesses and the relationships that kept the band gravitating towards each other through all the turmoil.

"Something you will notice is we take breaks, sometimes long breaks," said Buckingham, in reference to the on-again off-again relationship the band members share.

"But each time we come back it's something different."

Although not so different their fans didn't drift into a pleasant fog of nostalgia. For the many baby-boomers it was a chance to relive their 20s and dust-off the dance moves that still embarrass their offspring, who themselves knew the music from their childhood.

For everyone in between, the songs were soundtracks to memories they would never forget.

Sue Greenville of Te Aroha proudly declared the group her favourite of all time.

The fact the voices of Nicks and Buckingham lacked the raw power of old was never going to detract from her experience.

"It was absolutely fantastic. I knew every single one of the songs and loved every minute of it. It was really, really cool," she said.

The concert was her first time at the Bowl of Brooklands and if Fleetwood Mac came back, as Mick Fleetwood hinted they might do, so would she.

And from the rumbling cheers the opening bars of each song were met with, it is unlikely she would be alone.

Although their 10-month world tour finished last night, from the way all the individual group members revelled in the experience it is unlikely the band members will go their separate ways.

Early in the set Buckingham spoke of how much they were enjoying the tour.

"There is none of the pressure of promoting a new album because there is no new album to promote. Yet," he said.

That they were having fun was plain to see, even from the very back of the Bowl where the on-stage antics were best watched on the two large video screens on each side of the stage.

Fleetwood's energetic drumming and vast array of facial expressions were beaten in enthusiasm only by Buckingham's near crazed strutting guitar solos which belied his age and expected hip strength.

For many it was Nicks who stole the show with her many changes of costume, her high heeled prancing and otherworldly dance style.

Despite the Bowl hosting one of the biggest crowds ever, there was little trouble to speak of.

[michelej1]

Fans Deflated by Fleetwood Mac's Arrival, 12-21-09, by Matt Rilkoff
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3179908/Fans-deflated-by-Fleetwood-Macs-arrival

Only a handful of fans turned up to see Fleetwood Mac arrive in New Plymouth on Saturday and most went away slightly deflated.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood managed a popular wave or two but Stevie Nicks, arguably the most loved of them all, left her devotees devastated.

From the door of the plane to the door of her waiting car she was covered from all angles by umbrellas.

"You're not the bloody Queen, Stevie," yelled someone in the crowd.

The diva even shielded her face as she sped past the small group of fans, allegedly heading straight to the Bowl of Brooklands where the band performed that night and the next.

In contrast to the antics of Nicks, skinny legged guitarist Lindsey Buckingham casually sauntered down the steps to his waiting car and most people seem to mistake bassist John McVie for someone's lost grandfather.

New Plymouth woman and prize-winning gardener Denise Wood had been drinking a cup of coffee when she "realised" the band would be arriving at 4pm and made her way to the airport.

Her guess was bang on the money and it had nothing to do with women's intuition.

"I get messages from a higher power, dear," she said.

Fleetwood Mac volunteer Maree Atkinson left a muffin reheating in the microwave to run out and see the band.

Having been at the airport all day helping visitors with directions she had been through a few false alarms before they finally arrived in a white Whisper Jet marked ZK-ECO.

The four stars and a hefty gang of support crew were whisked out of the airport in a motorcade of four silver Mercedes S-class sedans, three Toyota Estimas and one Previa. At the front was New Plymouth mayor Peter Tennent's new Porsche Cayenne, lent to the group for the big arrival.

[michelej1]

Taranaki Daily News, by FELICITY ROSS, 12-21-09
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3179973/New-Plymouth-buzzes-with-concert-goers-taking-the-air

New Plymouth Buzzes with Concert-Goers Taking the Air

The energy and excitement in the air at the weekend was so thick you could almost taste it.

Fleetwood Mac's two New Plymouth concerts spun the city into a fever with 25,000 out of town fans hitting the streets to shop, eat and see the sights.

On Saturday the rain held off for most of the day as the sidewalks of the CBD remained five people deep and left every cafe and bar without an empty seat.

It was middle-aged mania with married duos taking over the streets complete with matching outfits to keep the elements away.

On both Saturday and Sunday the Bach on Breakwater Wine Bar had people queuing half an hour before they opened.

"I told my staff to sit down and have breakfast because they wouldn't get another shot at it," owner Barbara Olsen-Henderson said.

"We had queues out the door all day both days but everyone was really good and patient and it has been a wonderful weekend."

Local art gallery and gift shop Verge was packed with people all weekend.

A spokesperson for the shop said it had been full to the brim all weekend with visitors to Taranaki buying for Christmas and personal treats.

Crowded House Bar and Cafe co-owner Doc van Praagh said his inner-city eatery had been packed almost all weekend.

"We just got slammed from 8am each morning," Mr van Praagh explained.

"It was full before and after the concert, there is no rest for the wicked."

There was only one hitch, a phase on Devon St East blew and knocked out half of Crowded House's power from 8pm on Saturday night until yesterday morning.

"It was a pain but it didn't stop everybody from having a good time," said Mr van Praagh, who also co-owns Stumble Inn in Merrilands and Butlers Reef in Oakura.

Although run off his feet, he did get to the concert himself on Saturday night. "It was awesome, well worth the ticket and the Bowl just looked great. Lindsey Buckingham on the guitar was just a machine. It was just an awesome weekend." He said both the Stumble Inn and Butlers Reef were packed full of people all weekend.

Several other bars and pubs took advantage of the big visitor numbers by taking out special liquor licences for last night.

And after the shows concert-goers filled the CBD but despite the influx police said people were pretty well behaved.

[michelej1]

Taranaki Daily News Editorial: Let There Be Many More 12-21-09
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/opinion/3179906/Editorial-Let-there-be-many-more

OPINION: Among the 36,000 people who attended the two Fleetwood Mac concerts in New Plymouth this weekend, a large number had never been to the Bowl of Brooklands before. In fact, there were many who had never been to New Plymouth before.

It's obvious the visitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves in both respects. On Saturday night and again last night they jammed into the Bowl to enjoy the music provided by the legendary rock group, and during the daytime hours over the weekend they fully appreciated all the attractions that New Plymouth and Taranaki has to offer.

And that's the importance of events such as really big acts at the Bowl of Brooklands – all those people might never have otherwise travelled to Taranaki.

This region is stuck out there on the western side of the North Island, some distance away from State Highway 1 and even further away from the traditional holiday hot spots on the eastern side of the North Island, and that means Taranaki will always be a destination rather than a place travellers might call in to on their way from points A to B.

It also means, therefore, that the only way Taranaki will attract additional visitors is to host events that the public want to go to, such as concerts at the Bowl, Womad, Americarna, the arts festival, the garden festivals and, of course, big sporting occasions.

Most of these events cost the community money to attract, whether by way of up-front payments or by underwriting costs. But the payback can be immense – just ask the fans who thoroughly enjoyed this weekend's world-class concerts at the Bowl, or any of the New Plymouth retail, cafe and bar operators whose weekend trade went up big-time as the hordes of visitors hit town.

And what about the Bowl itself? How did it handle the record crowds it had to accommodate two days in a row? It did it easily. The concert-goers didn't mind the jam-packed – almost standing room-only – situation at all. In fact, it helped make things cosy enough so most probably didn't even notice the rain.

The most important point about the weekend's concerts is that New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands continues to offer the atmosphere and the acoustics that will attract big-name international acts, and that fans are quite prepared to travel to Taranaki from all over New Zealand to attend such concerts.

And, as is highlighted in today's newspaper, when Fleetwood Mac veteran Lindsey Buckingham says he rates the Bowl as one of the five top venues he has ever played, then the future of the facility will remain bright.

[michelej1]

:lol: I really hope there is a video of this! Do you remember what he was correcting her about? That's hysterical!!



We never had a house in Los Gatos, unless you mean that bed and breaksfast we stayed at when the car broke down.

Secondly, we didn't sleep on the floor. We slept in a giant four poster Queen Anne bed that you bought with Christmas money from your parents. The mattress was only on the floor for as long as it took the delivery men to set up the canopy. Those weren't paper flowers. It was styrofoam that fell out of the crate the headboard came in.


Michele

[CADreaming]

We never had a house in Los Gatos, unless you mean that bed and breaksfast we stayed at when the car broke down.

Secondly, we didn't sleep on the floor. We slept in a giant four poster Queen Anne bed that you bought with Christmas money from your parents. The mattress was only on the floor for as long as it took the delivery men to set up the canopy. Those weren't paper flowers. It was styrofoam that fell out of the crate the headboard came in.


Michele

:lol:

It wasn't Bob that called you - I did - I love making phone calls... Um, we totally knew we lived in the same "gated" community... We definitely did NOT play in front of 75,000 people with Fritz ... and I wasn't then, nor did I ever intend to be a 'gypsy'...

[hippilil86]

-lindsey, after listening to a year's worth of inaccuracies during Stevie's "Gypsy" speech, finally started correcting her, both on and off mic. Finally, after Stevie was stunned and speechlessfor a few seconds, lindsey gave her a kiss on the cheek. That was worth flying halfway around the world for- to see the go at it like bratty kids!


Please, please tell me that someone got this on video. this is golden.

[michelej1]

I love making phone calls.

Hilarious, and seriously on ^ that one. I think the guy phone calls his pants off. Michele

[vivfox]

Fleetwood Mac: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
21/12/2009


We drove over to New Plymouth on Friday night, rented a house for two nights - we had tickets for the Saturday night Fleetwood Mac concert. Now I'm a huge fan of the Mac as I pretty much indicated here. And the band was excellent - amazing in fact - and as well as enjoying the show and the performances (particularly Lindsey Buckingham's blistering guitar work) I also thought back to the years of my life spent listening to this music; absorbing the tales of Fleetwood Mac: their songs and the soap-opera that informed so many of the tunes - and went on regardless of, as well as because of, the music.

It's an amazing story, or set of stories.

On the drive back - yesterday afternoon - we chatted about some of the stories connecting the band; about the Peter Green years and then on to the involvement of Bob Welch and then the "classic lineup". I even have time for the album they recorded called Time.

But I do not have a lot of time for idiots in crowds. And I was reminded of why I hate open-air concerts in New Zealand.

The venue, oversold from what I could tell, was stripped of its unique selling-point: the pond in front of the stage was crudely/cruelly boarded over with a platform to house some seats so that people can be packed in (can anyone say Concert Cave Creek?) There was also a couple of eyesore mini-grandstands jutting out like the back-ends of a bogan mullet, flanking the front of the stage, rendering large patches of the banks useless.

You either queue up early - or you fight for your patch of land. If you do get there early you have people push in and end up on your turf anyway.

All of this should be okay - not ideal but okay - but in among the picnic baskets and recyclable bags filled with cushions and blankets, people forget to pack any sense of humility. And to save on space most tend to not bother taking along any dignity.

I will never, as a music fan, understand how people can choose to spend $120 on a ticket and stand there talking, hooting, laughing, being annoying until the three or four radio megahits are played. And I will also never understand why people pay so much money to go to these shows - including petrol or flights and accommodation as well as ridiculous booze prices - to get written off and not really remember anything but the obvious songs.

I didn't want Fleetwood Mac to play Don't Stop. I don't need to hear that song ever again.

But you know they will - and that's fine. You take it because you know you are going to get Silver Springs and Oh Well (a tribute to the old blues band); you know you are going to get Rhiannon and The Chain. I don't mind some of the big-big hits; I'm not being a snob. Go Your Own Way is probably as overplayed as Don't Stop. It's a far better song though.

Stumbling and tumbling around the crowd of apparently 18,000 people (according to this) were, presumably, no fewer than 987 women between the ages of 35 and 17 named Rhiannon - just waiting for the moment to yell "this is MY song"; their mothers there too, hoping for Landslide for the chance to yell "this song is about MY life" and far too many females dressed in leather and lace - with only the lace being removable - unaware that Gypsy is anything other than a Fleetwood Mac song (one of the ones to singalong to) and that Cougar is a type of pre-mixed bourbon-drink.

Before you write in calling me a killjoy, I am all for people having a good time. I think it's great to be part of a crowd that is having a good time - I enjoyed Don't Stop more than I thought I would on Saturday night because all around me people were partying, wrapped up in a song that everyone knew.

It's the aggression and agitation I cannot stand. That - and the absolute idiocy.

This was similar to any of the shows I have reviewed at Hawke's Bay's Mission vineyard. A place where they could put a guy on stage with a lawnmower and you would still have a paying audience pouring in with chilli-bins. "Mow another strip Trev; classic! Absolutely classic!"

We cannot stop these people from buying Dai Henwood's new CD/DVD. We cannot stop them from cackling at Bro Town. We cannot stop these people from playing Fat Freddy's Drop at a BBQ or for calling the first Norah Jones album jazz.

But we should not have to rub elbows with them on the way in and out of a poorly designed park in a mad rush.

Outdoor concerts are gross.

The venue takes a hammering with cans and bottles being biffed; food and rubbish everywhere. People are rewarded for hooligan behaviour because articles are written saying the show was well supported; the city will apparently benefit from the cash injection/s. It reduces good music to the base level of being background drinking sounds for The Brains Trust.

It's insulting - to the real fans and to the band.

It rained the whole way through the concert - that cannot be helped. It made me wonder, though, if the people behaved worse because of it, or should I have been relieved? Maybe if it was a sunny day there would have been more drunken goons with no idea, no taste and no real business being there.

I vowed, as I spent 45 minutes in a near standstill trying to leave what had been an amazing musical performance, that I would never go to an outdoor show at a vineyard or natural amphitheatre ever again. Of course it's not true - it's an occupational hazard that I will have to (continue to) endure. But I'm getting close to picking the venue as being almost as important as the act. I will probably always make exceptions - I really wanted to see Fleetwood Mac and it was worth it to me to travel there, pay to stay, pay for tickets - but if I can help it I will be sticking to seated stadium shows and indoor events.

People are idiots. And it's a shame.

What do you reckon? Over the top? Or do you agree? Have you had gigs ruined for you by drunken jerks? Or do you think that if you pay the money you get to, within reason, do what you want?

And were you at Fleetwood Mac this weekend? What did you think? Did the rain dampen your spirits? Or could nothing stop the Mac attack? Or were you disappointed by the music? Maybe they only played Rhiannon and Don't Stop once each and that bugged you? (I heard someone yell "play Rhiannon again!")

What are your thoughts on this weekend's Mac show? And/or on outdoor shows in general? Do our crowds embarrass themselves? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?




59 comments
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Oldest First Jonno #1 09:26 am Dec 21 2009
Same thing happened at Pearl Jam in Auckland. Goons pushing up through the standing crowd, with no respect for anyone.

CoucH #2 09:27 am Dec 21 2009
If it is such a pain, why go? Stay at home and listen to your cds

Aimz #3 09:32 am Dec 21 2009
I was there - Lindsay Buckingham was superb. Both his musicianship and voice were outstanding. An absolute pleasure to see a band at the end of their world tour - so tight. Yes it rained, but I hardly noticed. Not to be missed.

Spartacus #4 09:57 am Dec 21 2009
I think you're stating the obvious as well as sweating the small stuff.

Spartacus #5 09:58 am Dec 21 2009
I think you're stating the obvious as well as sweating the small stuff.

Personally I HATE going to concerts and being near stuck up people who want the gig to play out like a school assembly. I reckon the worst thing about NZ crowds are that they're often too passive, it's embarrassing watching an international band play and no one even makes any effort to show their enjoyment.

The only thing worse is people in the front rows filming the whole thing on their crappy mobiles instead of watching the show.

T-Rex #6 10:38 am Dec 21 2009
Bad crowds and drunken idiots can so easily kill a show. I can't stand the Big Day Out - it's impossible to see a band you really like without it being ruined by dickheads. We were excited about seeing Serj Tankian last year and we had this bunch of shirtless caveboys screaming 'play System of a Down' every five seconds for the ENTIRE set. Years before when I'd seen System they'd left the stage because of idiots screaming at them to play certain songs and calling them 'faggots' and 'homos' if they didn't. When I saw Placebo at BDO they had a bunch of genetic mistakes up the front yelling 'You're gay!' and 'you look like a girl huh huh huh' and 'play Metallica!' (and yes I know Placebo are crap I don't know why I wanted to see them).

I'm always disgusted at the behaviour of some men at BDO (well every concert really). When Garbage played there was a constant stream of 'show us your tits' etc. Even Bjork got SUYT which is crazy because I'm pretty sure nobody really wants to see her tits. Even at Gin Wigmore (a very small inside concert) a guy behind me yelled 'show us your tits' twice (he didn't a third time because I have him a nut-shrivelling look). At the same concert two girls stood at the front texting, talking and answering phone calls the whole way through the show. They danced for one song - the Godawful Under My Skin - then went back to texting.

I can't understand why people bother going to a concert if they're just going to yell abuse at the artist the whole way through it. Or text and take calls etc.

It's OK to yell out Freebird though. But only once.

Steve #7 11:13 am Dec 21 2009
Man you're grumpy! The venue was fantastic and the seating platform over the lake looked awesome. It gets people closer to the band and helps the artists interact better with the crowd - surely that's got to be a good thing hasn't it?

As for your comments about the people watching the show, my experience was completely different. I too am a long time fan who wanted to hear more than just the hits. Yes, there were plenty of people there who didn't know some of the songs and yes some of them dared to talk and laught among themselves. But we weren't at the library Simon - people were having a great time and soaking up the atmosphere of a great concert at what is undoubtedly the best outdoor venue in the country, and probably in the whole of Australsia.

Hey, make sure you come back for Cliff Richard in February. As far as I know there won't be a seating platform or any grandstands, so that should put a smile on your face.

Happy Christmas to all from Taranaki!

Samuel #8 11:23 am Dec 21 2009
I've had a drunken jerk ruin quite a few shows for me.

Sylvian #9 11:23 am Dec 21 2009
Babyboomers! Nuff said.

tellurian #10 11:34 am Dec 21 2009
I used to love outdoor events, but the bogan element and absolutely faceless drunken dicks you have to deal with, or the slobs who think its great to piss in their empty plastic cups and throw it, or the 30min queue for a toilet only to be greeted by a site gauranted to haunt you when you do get to use the toilet have turned me off completely.

Oh and the morons who insist on singing loudly and out of tune to the songs so you can't actually hear the song the bands playing, or morons who cant clap in time, oh and the idiots that are surgically attached to there phones and have to text or phone the whole time.

Save myself the grief now, i just buy the dvd play it on the 50" screen at home with the volume cranked and the sub pumping, get in a few litres of spirits and party much much better.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/blog-on-the-tracks/3180163/Fleetwood-Mac-The-Good-the-Bad-the-Ugly

[HejiraNYC]

Please, you get me so excited. Did he say something to Cory in particular? I know he's always going to cry when he does that. Tell her something like her father would be proud of her?

As for him correcting Stevie on and off the mic that is the most spectacular thing ever. Details when you get a chance. Provided you aren't disoriented from a concussion after hitting your head on that tree.

Did Stevie interact with Mick's twins?

Michele

no, he didn't thank cory by name- he just expressed his gratitude to the crew. At the veryend Stevie did her own ode to the commoners as well, saying that the moment was bittersweet- as much as she wanted to continue, she also had to rest too! But unlike the big crybaby, she didn't chew any scenery. :LOL:

Oh, I'm not disoriented, although I did see Tweety Bird flying around for a few seconds. I originally thought I was going to get a by lump, but it was just a few scrapes. Of course I was not looking out for low hanging branches today when I tramped up mt taranaki. Oh... Stevie was giving her speach about joining Fritz- that "Bob" called her to ask her to join. Lindsey walked up to her mic and told her that it was actually Lindsey who called her. And for the next minute lindsey kept repeating that he called her. Stevie was speechless but became mortified when Linesey dug deeper and said, "I even kissed you," to which the crowd whooped in approval. It took a while for her to recover, especially after he kissed her right there.

Meanwhile, I could see various kids, mothers and crew having a party offstage. They were dancing their asses off. After the show, when Mick gave his speech, I finally saw that they were his twins. And at one point they were both holding their "Faerie Godmother," and Mick said something like oh well, I've lost them both.

Also now that I'm sittng here at Wellington Airport (at the only free hotspot in New Zealand), I think it would have extraordinarily easy to stalk them. It's a tiny airport! Just a single terminal and you can see everything coming and going from the window.

Oh, one more tidbit- Landslide was dedicated to the Maori performers, namely the girl named "Lindsay.". She said it was something she would never forget, and that her two favorite places were Scotland and New Zealand. I guess I felt a little dissed as an American, but Ivan understand where she is coming from.

[StreetAngel86]

-lindsey, after listening to a year's worth of inaccuracies during Stevie's "Gypsy" speech, finally started correcting her, both on and off mic. Finally, after Stevie was stunned and speechlessfor a few seconds, lindsey gave her a kiss on the cheek. That was worth flying halfway around the world for- to see the go at it like bratty kids!.

SAY WHAT??????????

:eek: :shocked: :eek:

[GypsyBlueEyes]

Stevie was giving her speach about joining Fritz- that "Bob" called her to ask her to join. Lindsey walked up to her mic and told her that it was actually Lindsey who called her. And for the next minute lindsey kept repeating that he called her. Stevie was speechless but became mortified when Linesey dug deeper and said, "I even kissed you," to which the crowd whooped in approval. It took a while for her to recover, especially after he kissed her right there.

Ohhhhhmygod, I wish I'd been there to see that! Of all the vids we have gotten, this is definitely a moment that should have also been captured on film :nod:

[CADreaming]

Oh... Stevie was giving her speach about joining Fritz- that "Bob" called her to ask her to join. Lindsey walked up to her mic and told her that it was actually Lindsey who called her. And for the next minute lindsey kept repeating that he called her. Stevie was speechless but became mortified when Linesey dug deeper and said, "I even kissed you," to which the crowd whooped in approval. It took a while for her to recover, especially after he kissed her right there.

LOL! I knew he'd say he called her! That's just priceless. :thumbsup:

[holidayroad]

Just throwing this out there- but I LOOOOVE the fact that FM played outside. I love amphitheaters and that kind of thing. Would love to see them do that on their next tour! :nod:

My first FMac concert was at Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus, OH. Maybe they'll play there again sometime. You live close enough to go there(?) I wouldn't completely call it 'outside', for most of the seats, you have a metal 'roof' protecting you from the elements. I saw them on Oct 1, 1997 and it was COLD!!!

[vivfox]

Monday, December 21, 2009
The Case for a Mac Attack


Mick brought a big set of drums and slim, attractive backup singers who dressed like Matrix refugees. Lindsey brought a large selection of guitars and an Art Garfunkle look. Stevie brought her portable wind generator, her tambourine and a few hundred outfits. New Plymouth brought the rain – especially for the concert.

Yup, basically as soon as Fleetwood Mac hit the stage, the rains decided to join in the fun (ironically, the Sunday show, which was always meant to be wet, ended up quite dry - apparently). The rains played coy as we claimed our spot on the grassy hillside in New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands, and they stayed away through the country and western warm up act (from Lyttleton!) though they may have been fighting queues to get food and t-shirts, but then they came back with a vengeance for the main act. But that didn’t really seem to bother anyone.

Even me, and I detest getting wet. We were lucky to have claimed a spot that was somewhat shaded by a tree, though still on the gentle slope in front of the stage rather than on one of the more precipitous banks around the venue. Our view of the stage and the screens (once everyone stood up) was incredible, and then of course there was the music itself.

I do not claim to have particularly distinguished music taste, as I know my preferences are fairly middle of the road. But everyone at the audience, from the nearby chain smokers to the nearby potheads, from the sensibly dressed women with wine in their hands to the rough and tumble buzzcutted lads with their ciggies and beer, and from those who remembered the 60s and 70s to those who barely remember the 90s, the entire crowd were thrilled to see this group, and revered the music they performed.


And the devotion was not misplaced. If we were worshippers of the band, Stevie Nicks was the high priestess, and her every word was met with a hush that poor Lindsey Buckingham never got during his pronouncements. But then, his words were not his most impressive contribution: I was almost ready to call CYFS, with the way he abused his wee guitar. The whole crowd sang along to the major hits, but stayed respectfully quiet as Ms Nicks performed her slower songs. I did not think she would perform “Landslide”, which is one of my favourites, so I was pleasantly surprised then it began, and while the Dixie Chicks version is incredible, the performance by just Ms Nicks and Mr Buckingham doing a guitar solo totally blew my mind. Others got more worked up over the other “surprise” inclusion an 80s effort (the name of which escapes me), which gave Ms Nicks yet another chance to change her outfit and twirl around the stage. They never did get around to playing “Seven Wonders”, which is one of my favourites, but with songs like “Gypsy”, “Rhiannon”, “Go Your Own Way”, “Say You Love Me”, “Sarah”, and “Don’t Stop” all performed amazingly, I really didn’t end up caring.

I seem destined to always enjoy major concerts in the rain (like Bowie), but New Plymouth’s rain was nowhere near as windswept and driving as the Wellington version (wimps). The band were very complementary about the audience’s staying power and even started 15 minutes early, though they still expected two encores rather than just having one big finale set. But when one of those songs contained an incredible drum solo by Mr Fleetwood, when he earned his genial giant reputation by getting the audience somewhat involved (though he was hard to understand through all the sweat and energy he was putting into his efforts), then its really hard to feel annoyed.

And who am I to quibble or complain? The show was absolutely incredible. Leaving the event turned out to be a slip slide health hazard, and people were screaming animal calls rather than attempting to murder the songs we had just heard performed so expertly (a la “Roxanne” at the Police concert), but, sodden as I was, I left with a (potentially second hand pot fuelled) buzz that I still feel somewhat with the distance of time and space. It was a totally worthwhile experience, and one of the greatest pre-Christmas presents I could ever have wished for.

Verdict: Legends came to life in the ‘Naki and Fleetwood Mac did not disappoint. Should they come back again (as they promised to do), or Stevie tour solo again (I still kick myself for missing her last tour), I will have to make a pilgrimage to wherever to experience their magic again. 7 Wonders out of 7, no matter the weather.

http://judge-jury.blogspot.com/2009/12/case-for-mac-attack.html

[vivfox]

21 December 2009
Taranaki Weekend - The Concert

Fleetwood Mac at last. We stood there in the rain and drizzle singing our hearts out. By us I mean the whole audience, not just Peter and I, all 18000 of them. One of the songs sung by Stevie Nicks, Landslide, came over very poignantly. As I sang along quietly, I could hear thousands of women of my age, singing along quietly and wistfully too. Usually this kind of emotional claptrap leaves me cold, but just this one time it felt so right. It was a great concert, something I never ever thought I would see. I enjoyed it, Peter enjoyed it, my 19 year old eldest enjoyed it and even my 9 year old youngest loved it too, he sang all the way home, and he had no idea who Fleetwood Mac where before the concert. The setting looked amazing set among trees in the park.

http://nicola-daisies.blogspot.com/2009/12/taranaki-weekend-concert.html

[Nico]

I really wish I had been at one of these shows. :( They sound incredible and now It's not even an option to see FM in Europe if they ever tour again- I'm doing it.

[Maccafan5000]

I really wish I had been at one of these shows. :( They sound incredible and now It's not even an option to see FM in Europe if they ever tour again- I'm doing it.

I actually just texted my boy and told him that we need to start saving up for their next world tour. I'm also remaining optimistic that they're going to do another tour after their new album (fingers crossed).

Stevie was giving her speach about joining Fritz- that "Bob" called her to ask her to join. Lindsey walked up to her mic and told her that it was actually Lindsey who called her. And for the next minute lindsey kept repeating that he called her. Stevie was speechless but became mortified when Linesey dug deeper and said, "I even kissed you," to which the crowd whooped in approval. It took a while for her to recover, especially after he kissed her right there.


I seriously hope SOMEONE has this on video!!!

[michelej1]

Oh... Stevie was giving her speach about joining Fritz- that "Bob" called her to ask her to join. Lindsey walked up to her mic and told her that it was actually Lindsey who called her. And for the next minute lindsey kept repeating that he called her. Stevie was speechless but became mortified when Linesey dug deeper and said, "I even kissed you," to which the crowd whooped in approval. It took a while for her to recover, especially after he kissed her right there.


Now, you're just being cruel. Cardiac arrest.

That's really cute about Mick's little girls too holding onto Stevie, too.

Michele

[michelej1]

LOL! I knew he'd say he called her! That's just priceless. :thumbsup:

Indeed. You pegged it. It sounds like he was having a lot of fun.

And knowing Stevie, just the fact that he started walking over to her mic unplanned (assuming it was unplanned) began to get her flustered. I can envision her watching the approach from the corner of her eyes.

Michele

[BTFLCHLD]

bobbleheads...looks fun.

<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nhohFQHBWLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nhohFQHBWLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>

[Edgeof27]

Funny, but the crowd appears to be quite reserved.....&, well behaved,

no one was really standing until about 1:25, then everyone starts to get up,

also, noticed that the 4 overhead curved screens above the stage were missing, (must have been too heavy for the venue to support),

btw, this version sounds great, good camera work, well done, :cool:

g.

bobbleheads...looks fun.

<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nhohFQHBWLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nhohFQHBWLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>

[CADreaming]

Indeed. You pegged it. It sounds like he was having a lot of fun.

And knowing Stevie, just the fact that he started walking over to her mic unplanned (assuming it was unplanned) began to get her flustered. I can envision her watching the approach from the corner of her eyes.

Michele

Ha! I can see that too - in fact she sorta did that in one of the earlier shows, when he began walking closer to her and she looked at him and sorta laughed while she continued to tell the story... it was the one where she said she was wrote the song "for now" and then she looked at him and said, "Right? That was what I was thinking about? NOW." Too funny...

Anyway, I digress... this version that I pray we will be able to see ... has my mind reeling with the possible scenario that played out. I mean, was she really speechless? Or did she dispute him? Did she try to say it really was Bob who called? Did she continue on with her story while Lindsey kept saying he called? What did she do/say after he kissed her? And, lastly, was she even able to finish her story and talk about their "furnitureless house" (as she has dubbed it recently)?

Hilarious also that Lindsey said he kissed her during the phone call. No wonder she was confused! :laugh:

[vivfox]

Stevie Nicks praises NZ shows
By FELICITY ROSS - Taranaki Daily News
22/12/2009

Stevie Nicks reckons it was the perfect end to a year on the road.

The Fleetwood Mac singer said she was blown away by the crowd at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands during the band's two New Plymouth concerts at the weekend.

The venue, the fans and even the weather added something special to the band's last two performances of their 10-month long Unleashed tour.

Although band members declined to be interviewed in person, Nicks told the Taranaki Daily News via email the audience at the Bowl was "awesome".

"The crowd was mesmerising to me because they were so in to it and having so much fun," she said.

"Of course, that kind of crowd makes such a difference to an artist."

Indeed, her fellow band member Lindsey Buckingham agreed, citing Saturday's concert one of the top five in his entire career.

It was Nicks' second time at the Bowl and the weekend's concerts exceeded the entire band's expectation.

"The fans were great, the venue was great, and the Maori welcoming ceremony after the show was truly magical," she said.

About 36,000 fans filled the Bowl to experience the veteran rockers' still amazing act over the weekend.

While Sunday's concert was a stunner and significantly drier than Saturday Nicks said the persistent rain actually added to the ambience of the atmosphere.

"The rain was very dramatic and of course, we love drama!

"So I would have to say that it certainly lent itself to romanticism."

Although the shows were the last of the tour, the band did not plan anything special to sign off the past year. Instead, they played it by ear.

"You never know what is going to happen on the last show of a tour," Nicks said.

"You can never make any plans because emotions are high and a part of you is sad because it's ending and a part of you is glad because you have been on the road for a year. So you never know what is going to happen."

And people were not disappointed. While the Fleetwood Mac concerts were generally expected to attract a more mature crowd, people of all ages turned up in droves. It was widely speculated that the tour might be their last.

During Saturday night's concert Buckingham hinted at the possibility of another tour and maybe another album.

Nicks says although the band has not discussed the next move, it is not off the cards.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3185936/Stevie-Nicks-praises-NZ-shows

[vivfox]

Concert rubbish dismays cleaners
While the weekend's two Fleetwood Mac concerts blew fans' minds nothing blew away the sea of rubbish they left behind.

It took 15 volunteers from Girl Guiding Taranaki more than four hours on Sunday and five yesterday to clean up the piles of trash concert-goers left at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands.

"It was just a sea of rubbish," said Stefny Logan, the regional co-ordinator for Girl Guiding Taranaki.

"It was bad, it was absolute chaos. It is the worst I have ever seen it and it was covering the entire ground."

Girl Guiding Taranaki also cleans up other community concerts including Womad and Ms Logan said the filth left behind from the weekend was incredibly disappointing.

"We thought members of the public would have been more on to it," she said.

The group do the messy work as part of their fundraising efforts and Ms Logan says while they are pleased to get the opportunity from the New Plymouth District Council, they did not expect such clutter from a more adult audience.

"It was really sad that people hadn't picked up after themselves, and we are not talking about young people. We are talking about a more mature audience that went."

She says the crowd at Womad definitely pays more attention to the environmental impact and follows festival policy with more care.

"Over the weekend we lost count of how many black bags of rubbish we filled because we had to start emptying them. There were hundreds."


http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3184395/Concert-rubbish-dismays-cleaners/

[vivfox]

New lake seats get thumbs up from front row fan

By FELICITY ROSS - Taranaki Daily News Last updated 05:00 22/12/2009


Any doubts over the new seating platform over the lake at the Bowl evaporated during its maiden voyage at the weekend.

Fleetwood Mac fan Brett Stokell was one who took advantage of the controversial new seating at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands and he reckoned he had the best seat in the house for Saturday night's concert.

The New Plymouth man paid $320 for a front-row seat which he said gave him the best view at the venue.

"For that view I would have paid much more," he said.

"As far as I am concerned the closer the better."

In fact, Mr Stokell estimated he was only about a metre away from Lindsey Buckingham, who at one point sat down on the stage and checked out the audience with a big grin on his face.

"We could certainly feel the vibe and the band made good eye contact, it was just exceptional."

While some worried being seated so close to the stage and speakers would be deafening, Mr Stokell said the sound was perfect. "There was plenty of room and I liked the little bar they had there," he said.

Mr Stokell has been to plenty of concerts in his time but he had never been in the front row.

"The closest I had been was when I saw the Rolling Stones at Western Springs in Auckland and I was in the third row.

"That's what made Fleetwood Mac so special.

"Being a metre away from Lindsey Buckingham on the guitar, he was unbelievable."

One of the biggest concerns about the platform, which seats more than 1000 people, was blocking the view of those seated further back in the Bowl.

Mr Stokell said security guards would not let those on the platform stand up and dance until towards the end of the show.

"We didn't want to impede anyone's view but by the end of the concert security couldn't stop people from standing, there was too many of us."

He said the fact they had to sit down for most of the concert didn't ruin it.

"We just had a great time in our seats.

"I will be trying to get those seats again for the next concert at the Bowl."

Architect Terry Boon, who has had a long-time involvement with the Bowl, also gave the platform the thumbs up.

Although he was initially dubious about the design, Mr Boon took a seat on the platform on Friday and said that it was fantastic.

"I think it looks really good and I'm thrilled it worked so well at the concerts," Mr Boon said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3184411/New-lake-seats-get-thumbs-up-from-front-row-fan

[michelej1]

it was the one where she said she was wrote the song "for now" and then she looked at him and said, "Right? That was what I was thinking about? NOW."

Tell me again. What did she say about the song, "for now?"



Hilarious also that Lindsey said he kissed her during the phone call. No wonder she was confused! :laugh:

Well, that remnds me of something you said about thinking that they didn't go 2 years without seeing each other. Anyway, I love them teasing each other, heaven knows.

I wish Lindsey's kids had been there because they will never see their Dad playing before such a large crowd again. At least, I wish Will was there, since he will remember it best. And that crowd was there for Fleetwood Mac.

The crowd that comes out to see The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and KC and the Sunshine Band on the same bill doesn't count!

Michele

[michelej1]

"You can never make any plans because emotions are high and a part of you is sad because it's ending and a part of you is glad because you have been on the road for a year.

Sigh. Just to see them taking that last bow. So, magical it must have been.

Michele

[michelej1]

Stuff.Co.NZ, 12-21-09

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/3180700/Gig-review-Fleetwood-Mac

Fleetwood Mac had fans in raptures at two sold out shows in New Plymouth over the weekend. Reviewer Simon Sweetman was there.

Fleetwood Mac
Where: Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth
When: Saturday, December 19

From late-60s British blues band to mid-70s American soft-rock superstars, Fleetwood Mac have evolved and endured, the sound almost taking a back seat to the soap-opera antics of the band members.

Inter-band relationships and affairs, along with drug and alcohol abuse, have, somewhat ironically, been the glue for this band, providing material for many of the classic songs.

This version of the Mac features original rhythm section John McVie (bass) and Mick Fleetwood (drums). Out front are Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, the singer-songwriters who in the mid-70s took the band to the top of the charts and helped in creating one of the greatest-selling albums of all time, Rumours.

Christine McVie declines the invites to tour the hits these days. Her songs Don't Stop and Say You Love Me were played here, however.

The band began with the lively burst of pop that is Monday Morning, the opening track from the eponymous 1975 album. The audience stood strong as the rain came in, and were treated to The Chain and Dreams, an early one-two punch.

Buckingham owned the stage, stalking with his guitar, low-slung, crouching, peeling off piercing runs of notes, squalling solos that enthralled.

If he was occasionally too intense with his between-song banter detailing the emotional connections – something lost on parts of the audience, there to drink first and listen to the six radio hits they knew – then he certainly saved face with his powerhouse solo acoustic take on Big Love, transformed from the Tango in the Night version.

By the time the set-closing anthem Go Your Own Way was ringing out, Buckingham was receiving healthy ovations for every guitar solo.

Nicks, ever the beguiling performer, manages, still, to very much become the song she is singing – to morph into a character that embodies the white witch of Rhiannon; that is the "poet in my heart" of Sara; that is the Gypsy.

Her tour-de-force moments were Gold Dust Woman and the final encore, Silver Springs. An always tender moment in a Fleetwood Mac show is when Nicks sings Landslide; the emotional journey that she and Buckingham have provided for generations of listeners and for themselves seems to be summed up in the lyric.

John McVie was the quiet rock, as ever, pushing the songs forward with his bass playing, receiving huge applause for the exploratory line that propels The Chain, the concert's first of many truly awesome moments.

And Fleetwood, a towering presence behind the kit, got to show off a touch of his possible madness as he chanted near-gibberish around a drum solo at the end of World Turning.

[CADreaming]

Tell me again. What did she say about the song, "for now?"

Here's the "like now" line I was referring to at 1:54

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Another funny Gypsy story - this is where you can see him approaching her and she laughed. It was a different night - I got them confused. I have to say, she's got the time down pretty good though - the part where she actually writes the song ten years later is again at 1:54!

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Well, that remnds me of something you said about thinking that they didn't go 2 years without seeing each other. Anyway, I love them teasing each other, heaven knows.

Exactly...I just can't imagine living 2 blocks away from the "gorgeous", "darling" (her words) neighbor boy that plays guitar and sings and not seeing him for two years. I'm thinking Stevie, being the extrovert she is, was over there knocking on Mrs. Buckingham's door asking her how to bake cookies just so she could catch a glimpse of Lindsey and persuade him to um, work on some more harmony parts.... ;)

Totally love their impromptu interaction - or their Burns/Allen act. They are so funny! They play verbal tennis very well.

I wish Lindsey's kids had been there because they will never see their Dad playing before such a large crowd again. At least, I wish Will was there, since he will remember it best. And that crowd was there for Fleetwood Mac.

Michele

Whoever posted the review did say there were "various" kids, moms and crew so I still think LB's kids could have been there. They are probably out of school for the winter break. I agree, it would be an awesome thing for them to see.

On a different note - why was this concert so huge in NZ? Is the Mac really still that big there?? Have I missed something? :shrug:

[vivfox]

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
They're on!

Over the weekend, we went to New Plymouth and watched Fleetwood Mac in concert.

I must admit to being just a little worried when I arranged everything a few months ago even down to being anxious about travelling around the country and leaving the girls at home.

Our hero childcare person came in the form of Claudia, she has nannied for us in the past from when the girls were in pre school and I was working until she went to university. Whenever she comes home for the holidays she always contacts us to ask about visiting the girls and so she was the first person I cantacted to ask to babysit whilst we were away.
I get the usual 'wobbles' and always get concerned about what will happen if we are involved in an accident whilst we are away. What will happen to the girls? Anyhow for once, I had to bury such thoughts and carry on.
I discovered on the day of booking the concert tickets that it is a logistical nightmare then arranging, accomodation and transport. The flights were going to cost $1,300 for both of us and that is if they had been available! I landed lucky with accomodation and found a motel which was within 15mins walking distance from the venue with just one studio available hurriedly I booked it.
We travelled on the 6.25am ferry to Wellington and then drove for 5hrs to New Plymouth. We were shattered when we arrived but thankfully we had a couple of hours before we had to go to the event so we had an afternoon nap.
I was chomping at the bit to get to the venue and Chris calmly explained that even though the gates opened at 6pm we didn't need to be there at that time, (did I mention I had never been to a concert before?). I managed to hold myself back for at least an extra 15mins and we arrived in our seats at 6.30pm. From that point onwards we never left our seats, we didn't drink anything because that meant we may have to visit the toilet mid performance! I wish those around us could have followed the same rule. They were up, down walking down the row of people making everyone stand up for them far too frequently just to come back with another 4 cans of beer or for the 5th glass of wine. I felt like asking, "Did you actually come to watch and listen to Fleetwood Mac or did you come to drink wine and beer?"

Anyhow the warm up band from Lyttleton did a great job, but I fail to recall their name which will be frustrating for the band themselves. I am just grateful they won't read this blog!

Then the inevitable happened Fleetwood Mac arrived on stage. I sat mesmerised through the whole performance. Stevie Nicks was amazing, and regardless of the lack of class of the reporter for the local paper who claimed her voice was not quite the same as it used to be demonstrated, she is like a very fine wine which matures and becomes more rounded at time goes by. Lindsay Buckingham was a god with the guitar. His rendition of "Big Love" with only his guitar, no other instruments on stage and to feel the emotion he poured into the song was breathtaking.

I was desperate a number of times to jump out of my seat, but we were surrounded by an obvious middle class 40 somethings who could afford the tickets and who demonstrated a reserved appreciation for the music that is until three songs from the end. It was at this point everyone seemed to be on their feet clapping, singing and dancing their hearts out!

I left the venue hoarse and with a sore throat. It was fantastic to hear a band which were better live than anything I have ever heard on CD.

We had a ball!

http://midwifeblogger.blogspot.com/2009/12/they-on.html

[vivfox]

On a different note - why was this concert so huge in NZ? Is the Mac really still that big there?? Have I missed something? :shrug:

They haven't performed there for 29 years. As Luke might say, they did not oversaturate that market. Therefore the demand was there. Remember the large crowds fM attracted on The Dance Tour? That was because the 5 Rumours era members hadn't toured together at that point in 15 years. I would bet that if Christine toured with the band on the Unleashed Tour, there probably would have been several thousand more fans at each show.

[michelej1]

On a different note - why was this concert so huge in NZ? Is the Mac really still that big there?? Have I missed something? :shrug:

Thanks for the clips. I don't know about New Zealand in general, but they've been talking about how New Plymouth has never had anything this big. This is the first time testing out their ability to cater to a crowd of this size and just to host something this big. So, I'm sure they like FM, but it's not just that it was FM, per se. It's just like getting excited when the Olympics or Superbowl comes to your town, even if you aren't interested in the Olympics or Superbowl.

Michele

[vivfox]

Monday, December 21, 2009
Fleetwood Mac Attack!

This past weekend, my dad and I flew up to New Plymouth to see Fleetwood Mac live, along with 18,000 other people. Fortunately, we had reserved seats near the front, so we didn't have to scramble in the stampede to get as close as possible like many others were doing. It was madness!

Fleetwood were simply brilliant. They played all the hits, and even if I didn't know the words, I was quite happy to 'dance' and sing along! There was a wheelchair platform again that gave me a good view of the stage, and it was raised so I didn't have to worry about not being able to see. It rained the whole way through, and we got soaked, but the rain ended up making the night quite festive. The atmosphere was great, and everyone was going crazy near the end during the encores. Lindsey Buckingham's guitar skills were insane, Stevie Nicks' singing was amazing, and Mick Fleetwood and John McVie were fantastic too. They truly showed that although they're all in their 60s now, they still know how to perform and get an audience going!

I had a great time, and didn't even startle much!

Here is a video my dad took near the end.


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http://brokendreamscrushedhearts.blogspot.com/2009/12/fleetwood-mac-attack.html

[HejiraNYC]

Sigh. Just to see them taking that last bow. So, magical it must have been.

Michele

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4205136219_0bf42ff1ae.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4205131859_21ac3b82f2.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/4205902942_7b02f5f7d7.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4205898888_7eae257c16.jpg

[StreetAngel86]

Anyway, I digress... this version that I pray we will be able to see ... has my mind reeling with the possible scenario that played out. I mean, was she really speechless? Or did she dispute him? Did she try to say it really was Bob who called? Did she continue on with her story while Lindsey kept saying he called? What did she do/say after he kissed her? And, lastly, was she even able to finish her story and talk about their "furnitureless house" (as she has dubbed it recently)?

Hilarious also that Lindsey said he kissed her during the phone call. No wonder she was confused! :laugh:


:lol:

i love u...i ponder these same thoughts
he kissed her when she was on the phone to Bob...coz Lindsey was already there??????? :eek: :laugh:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/4205902942_7b02f5f7d7.jpg

stevie looks soooooooooo pretty here *squee*
in that clip of "her" leaving the SanMo restaurant...one of the girls was blonde. one had dark hair.
I would say it was these 2 yeah for shure.

[HejiraNYC]

Anyway, I digress... this version that I pray we will be able to see ... has my mind reeling with the possible scenario that played out. I mean, was she really speechless? Or did she dispute him? Did she try to say it really was Bob who called? Did she continue on with her story while Lindsey kept saying he called? What did she do/say after he kissed her? And, lastly, was she even able to finish her story and talk about their "furnitureless house" (as she has dubbed it recently)?

Hilarious also that Lindsey said he kissed her during the phone call. No wonder she was confused! :laugh:

In the haze of my spotty memory (remember, I almost knocked myself unconscious before the show!), I seem to recall that Stevie was just speechless while Lindsey went on her mic saying "Bob didn't call you; I called you. I called you." Then as Stevie tried to continue the story and Lindsey was walking back to his spot, he turned around and continued off-mic, "I called you, I really did." Stevie just glared at him. And then after a few seconds he walked up to her mic and said "I even kissed you," followed by a peck on the cheek. Stevie was visibly shocked and could only muster up "I'm speechless," but she did continue with the regular story moments later.

[GypsyBlueEyes]

WOW, she really looks beautiful in those pictures! Thank you so much for posting :)

Now I'm really sad I wasn't there to see it. It must have been amazing!

In the haze of my spotty memory (remember, I almost knocked myself unconscious before the show!), I seem to recall that Stevie was just speechless while Lindsey went on her mic saying "Bob didn't call you; I called you. I called you." Then as Stevie tried to continue the story and Lindsey was walking back to his spot, he turned around and continued off-mic, "I called you, I really did." Stevie just glared at him. And then after a few seconds he walked up to her mic and said "I even kissed you," followed by a peck on the cheek. Stevie was visibly shocked and could only muster up "I'm speechless," but she did continue with the regular story moments later.

ahaha, I wish I had been there to see this. It sounds like such a cute moment between the two. I would have loved to have seen her face as he walked over to her, then to see him kiss her, and to see her face afterwards. PRICELESS!

[StreetAngel86]

ahaha, I wish I had been there to see this. It sounds like such a cute moment between the two. I would have loved to have seen her face as he walked over to her, then to see him kiss her, and to see her face afterwards. PRICELESS!


all i want for christmas is to see this FRIGGIN kiss :o :nod:

[fringed n fab]

They haven't performed there for 29 years. As Luke might say, they did not oversaturate that market. Therefore the demand was there. Remember the large crowds fM attracted on The Dance Tour? That was because the 5 Rumours era members hadn't toured together at that point in 15 years. I would bet that if Christine toured with the band on the Unleashed Tour, there probably would have been several thousand more fans at each show.
And that is exactly why I and anyone else a Mac fan HAD to see them on the Dance tour in 1997. Something told me then we may never have those 5 people under one roof again. I saw them in Cincinnati, Ohio and I will never forget that night.

[vivfox]

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
New Plymouth, Land of the Giants

Listening to FM's Greatest Hits. One of the foundation albums in the evolution of my musical tastes.

If this is to be believed, in New Plymouth there might be giant alluring maidens stepping from the sea.
In a clumsy segue, I was in New Plymouth over the weekend to see giants of another kind, Fleetwood Mac. I may or may not have seen their chartered jet. Its quite likely that it is. The airport wasn't exactly littered with rock legend transportation.

I went up with Dad, who organised the whole thing once he heard they were coming to town (ish its a five hour drive from home), and Fi, Charlotte and Kirsten (referred to throughout as 'The Girls') who weren't attending the concert, but just came along for the roadie. Rich came along independently with his own harem of fetching maidens.

Its hard to write about Fleetwood Mac without resorting to cliche. On the face of it they write carefully crafted and musically brilliant inoffensive MOR music for a more conservative audience than your average rock listener. Thats a misleading visage though, since behind the radio friendly hits there is a dark and intense undercurrent of history and conflict, and almost apocalyptic excess. It's impressive that the band members are even still alive in 2009, let alone touring.

They are hated by some for that definitive MOR-ness for sure, and there is always that section of 'real' Fleetwood Mac fans who prefer the earlier 1960's incarnation of the band, and regard the most well known and successful line up with practiced disdain. After being uncool for a while, they have gone back to being cool now, or have become so uncool that they are cool. Whatever.

The greatest hits compilation I referred to at the top of the post was released way back in 1988. Dad bought it back then (on cassette), and would play it on our long car trips to airshows around the country. It took me a while to come around to it, but eventually I came to like it, to the point now where I seldom go on a roadie without it. Every track on it has an association with some piece of state highway somewhere in the country, at various times and occasions going back more than twenty years now. Its a very evocative and nostalgic album for me to listen to.

Not only that, I owe it (and Dad by proxy) a huge debt, since it taught me how to really listen to music and hear how all of a bands components meld to form a whole. Many times Dad would say "listen to what they are doing there", and point out a particularly effective melody or harmony, and how it worked. It taught me how to listen to each musician, and pick out a particularly good or subtle undercurrent behind or hidden in the melody. To this day I still often sing along to bass lines or backing vocals rather than leads.

So when the first Fleetwood Mac concerts in New Zealand for nearly thirty years (they were last here in 1980, or to put it another way, when I was 3), I had to go, not only because I would kick myself for missing to opportunity to see legends, but also to acknowledge the lessons from twenty years ago. And also to see what they were like after all this time, and all the legends (I would have loved to have seen them in their relative heyday in the late seventies and eighties). And its nice when Dad and my musical tastes align, which isn't that often when it comes to concerts.

And it was great. It rained, which made it much more atmospheric (I had an oilskin so stayed dry). The merchandising stand was a complete debacle of poor planning, and there were too many smokers standing next to me, but meh, that goes with the territory.

With no album to promote, the tour was free to play all the classics and then some. The voices certainly aren't as clean as they were recorded thirty years ago, and they definitely miss Christine McVie (who retired about a decade ago) in the harmonies. But again thats a small gripe. It was just cool to see all these classic songs played live by the original artist. As I've gotten older I've started to prefer some of the darker more introspective singles like 'The Chain' and 'Gold Dust Woman' to the more accessible stuff (I tend to skip 'Don't Stop' these days), and it was a treat to see them played, and played with what looked to be still genuine intensity and passion.
Also interesting was seeing the band interact with each other, and how they relate now to some of the very personal natures and themes of songs (the bands hits were often about each other, most prominently for example 'Go your own way', which was written by the lead guitarist for the lead singer about their disintegrating relationship)that they have been performing now for decades. I think 'Dreams' is probably my favourite song of theirs, and when they played it I wondered just how many times Stevie Nicks has sung it in the three decades since it was written. It must be hundreds if not thousands.

The set lasted over two hours, with two encores adding another half hour or so to the experience. It was nice to see proof of just why they are legends, and well worth the trip. Seeing bands I like live is important to me, and its cool I can now add Fleetwood Mac to that list after all this time.

http://offblack.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-plymouth-land-of-giants.html