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Jondalar

03-31-2011, 05:10 AM

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MUSIC REVIEW

Stewart, Nicks fans get night of crystal visions

Rod Stewart’s daughters may love Stevie Nicks and that is why he headed out on tour with her. But it would seem that the enduringly cheeky Brit and the high priestess of Fleetwood Mac overestimated just how much overlap there actually is in their respective audiences outside of his immediate family.

Last night at the TD Garden, there were definite pockets of diehard Stevie-mania in the crowd of 13,000-plus and an overall appreciation for her well-known hits. But from ovations to singalongs to basic energy level it was clearly Stewart’s audience. (That it was Stewart’s playpen was also implicit in his more lavish, sleek white bandstand and stage production and longer set, 95 minutes versus her 75.)

While their temperaments differ — he is a mobile strutter with an affinity for charmingly cornball tail-feather shaking, natty jackets, and bright colors, while she prefers to twirl and vogue in gossamer lace shawls under a flattering gold shimmer — for those in the crowd who were fans of both artists it was a hits-packed night of crystal visions and reasons to believe.

At 66, Stewart retains all his rakish charm, most of his soulful rasp, and a clear joy in performing.

It didn’t matter the vintage or relative quality of the song he was performing from his repertoire — or those he borrowed from others — he was determined to have a good time. And he did, flitting gaily through a vibrant set that included Sam Cooke’s classic “Having a Party,’’ his own plucky ’80s hit “Some Guys Have All the Luck,’’ the wheedling roots rock of “Reason to Believe,’’ and the acoustic lace and fineness of the night’s big singalong “You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim).’’

Only an ill-fitting duet interlude of “Passion’’ and “Young Turks’’ with Nicks felt like a misfire. (Why they wouldn’t sing the obvious choice here of “Leather and Lace,’’ remains a mystery.)

Nicks’s set started off fine, if a bit sluggish, as she worked her way through both solo and Fleetwood Mac numbers including “Stand Back’’ and “Dreams’’ and debuted a new song “Secret Love.’’

J.Miller

03-31-2011, 08:05 AM

Stevie and Rod played Beantown last night. Anybody got a report?

HejiraNYC

03-31-2011, 08:36 AM

Stevie and Rod played Beantown last night. Anybody got a report?

Apparently not! Must be too busy paw-king they-ah caws and waw-king back to they-ah ah-pawtments.

DashingDan

03-31-2011, 09:21 AM

http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2011/03/31/stewart_nicks_fans_get_night_of_crystal_visions/?p1=Well_AE_links

Tango

03-31-2011, 09:53 AM

http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2011/03/31/stewart_nicks_fans_get_night_of_crystal_visions/?p1=Well_AE_links

She's getting slaughtered in these reviews. Here's another, in US:

http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/review-rod-stewart-and-stevie-nicks-unite-at-magical-nyc-tour-stop-2011283

Stewart announced that Nicks had personally selected two tracks from his moribund '80s years, "Passion" and 1981's "Young Turks." Really, Stevie? You couldn't have dusted off true classics like "First Cut Is The Deepest" or "Maggie May?" (which Rod handled perfectly well on his own in the end). Needless to say, Nicks seemed entirely out of place, had little onstage chemistry with Stewart and was even reduced to trying to awkwardly share a mic with Stewart's backup singers on the latter. Fail.

Maybe Sharon & Lori ought to be kicking out some soccer balls, Stevie. :rolleyes:

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2007/07/02/gal_dianaconcert_13.jpg

It couldn't hurt.

TwistedGypsy

03-31-2011, 10:17 AM

I'm ready for this tour to be over! Stevie needs to focus on the album, get a shed tour working and bask in the glory of her real fans!
Just being a little protective I guess, but come on. Stevie is no opening act!

HejiraNYC

03-31-2011, 10:17 AM

She's getting slaughtered in these reviews. Here's another, in US:

http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/review-rod-stewart-and-stevie-nicks-unite-at-magical-nyc-tour-stop-2011283

Stewart announced that Nicks had personally selected two tracks from his moribund '80s years, "Passion" and 1981's "Young Turks." Really, Stevie? You couldn't have dusted off true classics like "First Cut Is The Deepest" or "Maggie May?" (which Rod handled perfectly well on his own in the end). Needless to say, Nicks seemed entirely out of place, had little onstage chemistry with Stewart and was even reduced to trying to awkwardly share a mic with Stewart's backup singers on the latter. Fail.
Maybe Sharon & Lori ought to be kicking out some soccer balls, Stevie. :rolleyes:

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2007/07/02/gal_dianaconcert_13.jpg

It couldn't hurt.

I can only disregard anyone who resorts to using adolescent internet memes like "Fail." Grow up!

editormarf

03-31-2011, 10:21 AM

After reading all the critical reviews of Stevie, I felt I had to step up and say that I thought she was fabulous last night. Yeah, I know she's playing the same songs but I haven't heard her sing them with as much intensity as she did last night. She held notes much longer than usual and the ending to Rhiannon was about as close as she can get (at her age ;-) ) to the ones of yesteryear. I was excited to see her and definitely thought she was much better than when I saw her at Foxwoods last August.

She looked 25 years younger and 25 pounds lighter when she came out to sing her duets. Her hair was crimped and she had the leggings on. I wish she would dress that way through the entire set but I have the feeling she can't wear those leggings with the Frankenboks...:shrug:

And when she did her waves to the audience through what would be the Edge walk, she looked like a teenager :)

Anyway, I think she was having a great time and really feeling the love from the audience.:blob1:

As for Rod, once he came out, you could really tell that the audience was there for him. And speaking of same old, same old, I've never been to one of his concerts, but I would guess that he's sung the same repertoire all these years as well..

One thing that was different, I believe, is that she took the stage to Stand Back, singing Fall from Grace later in the set.....

I'm curious as to what other Ledgies who were there last night think....:wavey:

HejiraNYC

03-31-2011, 10:31 AM

One thing that was different, I believe, is that she took the stage to Stand Back, singing Fall from Grace later in the set.....

I'm curious as to what other Ledgies who were there last night think....:wavey:

Glad you had a wonderful time, and thanks for that tidbit of info about SB. That is definitely a switcheroo. Who knows what other switch-ups she has hidden up her wizard sleeves? :shrug: Perhaps there is a chance that FFG will be dropped and something else will take its place... an actual hit, perchance?

fringed n fab

03-31-2011, 10:38 AM

editormarf

03-31-2011, 10:42 AM

I wasn't there but a lot of people are mistaking the black scrunchy pants at the bottom for legwarmers, if that's what they mean. Or maybe she had on the leather leggings this show? Idk, I haven't seen anything from it yet online.

Didn't look like the scrunchies and didn't have the beads (sequins, not sure what) up the side. :shrug: Wish I had a photo to share....

vivfox

03-31-2011, 10:48 AM

Did you write this? Where's the link?

vivfox

03-31-2011, 11:02 AM

jrpjr

03-31-2011, 12:15 PM

my wife and i went...8th row center stage...i have seen stevie everytime she comes and even tho..as stated above...the same set list..which pisses me off...HOWEVER..she was having so much fun..u could FEEL it...she could have sang "mary had a little lamb" and would get applause...she sang every song flawlessly...landslide..not a person w/o a tear i bet..especially w/slideshow of her dad on back screen...duets were not the best songs...but again..she was having a blast as was rod stewart...she did a great job last night..after reading reviews and spending 300 bux x 2 for tix..i thought i was going to b dissappointed...NOT AT ALL..worth the $$$..rod stewart..who i have never seen live was unreal..very classy guy...interacted w/audience...kicked about 30 soccer balls waaaaay up into stands and in close rows too..all in all..i give show a 10+ rating..very very pleased..again..stevies setlist was the same damn songs but her stage presence was pure gold..LOVED IT!!

jrpjr

03-31-2011, 12:27 PM

that person who said of stevie "fail?" def. entitled to an opinion but saying she was out if place and sharon lori should kick soccer balls?? doesnt even make sense...they are two entirely different ppl...i was there..very close to stage...didnt see this at all..they were rod's songs so he was owning the stage..she was tech a "backup singer" for those songs..they r not "duets" to begin with...to me..just looked like she walked on stage and sang along...i aint gonna over analyze it...twas fine...they were both having fun..and rods back up singers r young enuf to b stevies children...so ya..liek kids dancing w/their mama...so wat....was alll good..trust me..for those who havent seen show yet....just take it for wat it is...a fun time...thats it

editormarf

03-31-2011, 12:38 PM

stevies setlist was the same damn songs but her stage presence was pure gold..LOVED IT!!

Well said!:blob1:

ragrsrocalot

03-31-2011, 01:18 PM

DashingDan

03-31-2011, 01:27 PM

Good review from a good music blog:

http://popblerd.com/2011/03/31/cougar-alert-rod-stewart-stevie-nicks-bring-the-hits-to-boston/

StevieRox81

03-31-2011, 02:31 PM

Good review from a good music blog:

http://popblerd.com/2011/03/31/cougar-alert-rod-stewart-stevie-nicks-bring-the-hits-to-boston/

LOVE this review! I was there last night (3rd row, A -first left section-) and Stevie and Rod were AMAZING. I was at the Mohegan show too on Sunday, and although that performance was great, Boston was phenomenal. The crowd was totally into the concert and this tour is really coming together! I think each date is just going to get better and better from here on out for the tour as they are coming to a "middle ground" (like the reviewer said in the blog) that works extremely well. It's so good to see Stevie having so much fun and sounding OUTSTANDING. I feel so lucky to have seen this tour twice. If you were on the fence about getting tickets because of the reviews thus far, I really don't think you will be disappointed at all. :thumbsup: I can't wait to hear reviews from the shows to come! :D And REALLY can't wait to see Stevie next at The Borgata on May 6th! :blob1:

kak125

03-31-2011, 02:45 PM

I found this clip of Passion with Rod Stewart from the Boston show on youtube.
Stevie needs to do a shot or something before she comes out to join Rod. She is just too stiff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeiZwdjan0M

michelej1

03-31-2011, 11:50 PM

Did you write this? Where's the link?

Sarah Rodman, Boston Globe

StandbackStevie

04-01-2011, 04:12 AM

i saw posts on you tube of the passion and young turks i think its a great pairing of the two , they need to a bit of time to rehearse Stevie seemed liked a fan of rods singing next to him more than a duet she needs to loosen up and get into it, There was not much rehearsing on there part with this tour. hope her solo tour is better.

Kena

04-01-2011, 11:32 AM

Tango

04-01-2011, 12:05 PM

does Rod always have a snot rag in his pocket? Just pulling it out and using it any ol' time he needs or wants to? (I'm still talking about the hanky yall, not the hanky panky).

Not sure (snot sure), but he's getting over the flu

Edgeof27

04-01-2011, 01:00 PM

Apparently not! Must be too busy paw-king they-ah caws and waw-king back to they-ah ah-pawtments.

Now that is funny

Enroute a la Montreal, dans la Via Train

Je suis tres excitier

Pardon mon Francis

Je suis can't wait

Bonjour

michelej1

04-01-2011, 07:18 PM

The Boston Herald, by Lauren Carter, April 1, 2011

http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view/2011_0401stewart_nicks_give_new_meaning_to_60s_rock/srvc=home&position=also

Can two rockers in their 60s boogie like stars half their age?

Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks’ answer is “yes.”

The raspy sexagenarians brought their joint to the TD Garden on Wednesday, delighting a not-quite-capacity crowd of mostly middle-aged fans. The pairing made sense. Both Nicks and Stewart boast multi-decade careers, a deep catalog of hits and distinctive yet complementary rock aesthetics. Both are dreamy in entirely different ways.

Nicks played the ethereal goddess to Stewart’s strutting showman. At 62, she exudes radiance and spirit onstage, still as much a singer/songwriter as ambassador to her mystical universe of gold dust women.

Her vocal range is more limited now; the signature platform boots have been replaced by wedge-heeled ones; and her otherworldly twirls are closer to bows and twists. But many things remain unchanged, in-cluding her flowing blond hair, the fabulous layers of black lace and chiffon that comprise her rock star costume, the crack band anchored by guitarist and musical director Waddy Wachtel, and, most importantly, the songs.

Nicks’ set list featured solo hits like the effervescent “Edge of Seventeen” as well as Fleetwood Mac classics “Dreams,” “Rhiannon” and “Landslide.” Surprises came in the form of the throbbing, moody “Secret Love” from her forthcoming album, “In Your Dreams,” and a new set-closer, the piano-assisted ballad “Love Is.”

Nicks returned for a pair of songs during Stewart’s set and their two worlds briefly collided. It proved to be the night’s only eyebrow-raising moment. While the energy was there, the vocal chemistry and the song choices — “Passion” and “Young Turks” — were questionable.

In the remainder of his 90-minute set, Stewart proved he’s the “soul” portion of what’s billed as the Heart & Soul Tour. At 66, the man once known as Rod the Mod still flaunts all the must-have rocker trappings: an excellent hairstylist, a variety of brightly colored outfits that toe the line between fun and bizarre (his fuchsia suit was a standout), and a collection of songs that stand the test of time, including “Maggie May,” “Reason to Believe” “Some Guys Have All the Luck” and arena sing-along “You’re in My Heart.”

Stewart’s sandpaper crooning is as much the draw as his cheeky showmanship. He worked his sleek, white stage set with zeal, from his opening cover of the O’Jays’ “Love Train” to his show-closing disco inquiry “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” Gracious, charming, just a little bit naughty, Stewart booted soccer balls into the audience during “Hot Legs” and wiggled his rear end frequently.

“Everyone’s a winner tonight!” he declared midset. It was hard to disagree.

michelej1

04-03-2011, 11:21 PM

By Enrique Mesa, Manchester Examiner, April 2, 2011
http://www.examiner.com/immigration-in-manchester/rod-stewart-rock-boston-review

Even though the concert was double billed between Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart, it was very apparent from the merchandise being worn, who the fans wanted to hear…..Mr. Rod Stewart. Personally, this was my fifth Rod Stewart concert, and the man sounds better now than he did when I first saw him in 1996.

The appeal of Rod is not only his huge catelogue of songs or his majestic voice, but the fact that he is a showman of a performer. If its kicking soccer balls to the crowd or taking time to thank a fan who has seen him in concert 150 times, Rod makes the crowed feel welcomed. Ultimately, Rod feeds off the audiences energy and delivers with every song. One of the best moments was watching Rod’s reaction when the entire audience sang the chorus to “You’re in my Heart.” Rod was just taking the audience participation in stride.

In the end, Rod sang all his hits from “Maggie May” to “Forever Young” during his 95 minute set. The following is the set list from the concert.

(1) Love Train

(2) Having A Party

(3) You Wear It Well

(4) Tonight’s the Night

(5) Duet Medley with Stevie Nicks – Passion & Young Turks

(6) The First Cut is the Deepest

(7) Some Guys Have All the Luck

(8) You’re in my Heart

(9) Reason to Believe

(10) Forever Young

(11) Downtown Train

(12) Rhythm of my Heart

(13) Have I told you Lately

(14) Hot Legs

(15) Maggie May

(16) Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (Encore)

To be frank, Rod did not disappoint. However, the next time I see Rod for sure will be with him flying solo. Stevie did her gypsy best, and delivered her hits, but my main reason for going was Rod. The duets sang by Rod & Stevie felt forced. They could have sang "Leather & Lace" from her catalogue or "This Old Heart of Mine" or "It takes Two" from Rod's. Either choice may have been more appealing for Stevie's voice. To be honest, as Rod's opening act, I was expecting her act to be like 45 minutes, not 75 minutes.

All in all, both these classic rock legends performed to the best of their abilities. Here's hoping Rod does one last big tour up in New England before his rumored Las Vegas stint.

GoldDustOrphan

04-05-2011, 07:22 PM

I've been so busy I forgot to report.

My tickets were in the 8th row. She looked great, sounded great. Switching the placement of Fall From Grace with Stand Back as the new opener was a smart move that served both fanbases in different ways. I loved the Secret Love video backdrop, as well as the backdrop during Gold Dust. Landslide brought down the house. Dreams actually sounded fresh and Edge was tighter without the padding of the edge walk. Fall From Grace suffered from a bad sound mix. Grace and Sorcerer fall flat with a mixed crowd. She needs to cut them to make room for two crowd-pleasing radio hits (Rooms on Fire, Talk to Me, Stop Draggin, Leather & Lace). Love Is was fantastic, but hard to actually enjoy half the crowd was restless, running to the bar and bathroom so they didn't miss Rod's entrance. Rod isn't much of a live singer. His stage is filled with personal to fill in the blanks.

PenguinHead

04-05-2011, 08:15 PM

Glad you had a wonderful time, and thanks for that tidbit of info about SB. That is definitely a switcheroo. Who knows what other switch-ups she has hidden up her wizard sleeves? :shrug: Perhaps there is a chance that FFG will be dropped and something else will take its place... an actual hit, perchance?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a singer singing something other than a hit song! But for this Rod Stewart show, this is one circumstance where she should just have focused on the hits -- since it's a mixed crowd. And I agree with the comments about the Rod Stewart songs Stevie chose to sing -- not the best picks, and not really duet material; actually very poor choices. Again, another example of Stevie sometimes not playing to her strengths. Rooms on Fire, Talk to Me, Stop Draggin, and Leather & Lace all should have been in her set.