Lincoln cut short. Mick very sick

[WelshWitchPMD]

A friend was at tonight's show. Stevie came out after NGBA and said Mick was very sick and couldn't continue with the show. Mick's drum tech came out for GYOW and Christine did Songbird and that's it.
Hope Mick is feeling better soon.

[mottabam]

Hope he feels better soon.

[WelshWitchPMD]

I hope he's better too. The meet and greet was cancelled last night so he wasn't well last night either. They don't have a show until the 20th so hopefully he can rest and get better.

[mottabam]

^ I heard some reports he wasn't feeling well last night. At least they tried to keep the show going. It must have gotten worse for them to cut it short for sure. Most comments are positive on twitter wishing him the best. Of course there are a few rude remarks because the show was only 1 1/2 hours.

I'd be interested in seeing video of the stand in drummer for GYOW.

Best wishes Mick on a speedy recovery from the flu.

[secondhandchain]

How does that work? Do people get refunded? Will they make up the show?

[Macfanforever]

Oh my god. Get well Mick.

He's a trouper and try to work at the show.
There is something going around .

[BlueDenimLamp]

^ I heard some reports he wasn't feeling well last night. At least they tried to keep the show going. It must have gotten worse for them to cut it short for sure. Most comments are positive on twitter wishing him the best. Of course there are a few rude remarks because the show was only 1 1/2 hours.

I'd be interested in seeing video of the stand in drummer for GYOW.

Best wishes Mick on a speedy recovery from the flu.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Photo: fleetwood-mac-live: Mick has the stomach flu and the show in Lincoln Nebraska was abruptly ended... <a href="http://t.co/2uhn47qDql">http://t.co/2uhn47qDql</a></p>&mdash; Slick (@93Slick) <a href="https://twitter.com/93Slick/status/556670308820975617">January 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[elle]

http://m.omaha.com/go/music/fleetwood-mac-forced-to-end-lincoln-show-early/article_c9bfe9de-9ec4-11e4-b33e-17116cce3e0b.html?mode=jqm

Fleetwood Mac forced to end Lincoln show early

By Kevin Coffey / World-Herald staff writer | Posted 52 minutes ago

LINCOLN — Fleetwood Mac had to call its set early.


Drummer and founding member Mick Fleetwood came down with an unexplained illness, and the band played as much as it could before members called it a night.

"Mick is really sick. We don't know exactly what to do," Stevie Nicks said, adding that he suddenly became ill and was throwing up.

The band, set to play more than two hours, called off eight of its songs and finished the show with "Go Your Own Way" and "Songbird" almost an hour early.

"We will come back," Nicks said. You'll get one and a half full-on shows. We will come back. We're so sorry."

"It's really unfortunate," added Lindsey Buckingham. "We're really sorry, guys."

[elle]

^ I heard some reports he wasn't feeling well last night. At least they tried to keep the show going. It must have gotten worse for them to cut it short for sure. Most comments are positive on twitter wishing him the best. Of course there are a few rude remarks because the show was only 1 1/2 hours.

I'd be interested in seeing video of the stand in drummer for GYOW.

Best wishes Mick on a speedy recovery from the flu.

yes. people on twitter say Mick canceled m&g yesterday in St Paul and was throwing up in a bucket occasionally during the show.

https://twitter.com/golddust27/status/556665543487684609/photo/1

hopefully it's stomach flu and not something worse.

[Moz]

I was just poking around on Twitter to see what concert goers were saying. Someone who was at the concert tweeted a picture of an ambulance outside of the venue and said it was Mick's, and that it went racing away. :distress:

[bombaysaffires]

I was just poking around on Twitter to see what concert goers were saying. Someone who was at the concert tweeted a picture of an ambulance outside of the venue and said it was Mick's, and that it went racing away. :distress:

well, at almost 68, and what with throwing up, I'm sure they were just concerned that he might be dehydrated… you lose a lot of fluids vomiting and I'm sure he sweats out a ton of fluid during a show.. .I'm betting that he was just taken to hospital and maybe put on an IV to get fluids back into him. Fingers crossed it's nothing worse, but I'm thinking (hoping) that's it.

[bombaysaffires]

so it sounds like he cancelled his M&G in St Paul Friday night but did the show.. was this the show he was barfing in a bucket throughout??

And then he attempted to do the Lincoln show Saturday and got a little more than halfway through before bowing out. No one mentioned at Lincoln M&G.. did he do that and start the show in Lincoln?? What a trouper indeed.

[vivfox]

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mick. Get well soon.:angel:

[dontlookdown]

Very scary.
I hope he's on the mend soon.
Probably just a virus.

This reminds me of when U2 had to cancel a show at Red Rocks.
They honored the tickets for the next night.

I'm sure the band will come back another time on the tour.

[Robyjoe]

Plane departed Lincoln at 1045pm. I assume Mick is onboard. Not sure though. He looked really sick at hotel after St. Paul show. Get well soon Mick.

[teedeerocks]

well, at almost 68, and what with throwing up, I'm sure they were just concerned that he might be dehydrated… you lose a lot of fluids vomiting and I'm sure he sweats out a ton of fluid during a show.. .I'm betting that he was just taken to hospital and maybe put on an IV to get fluids back into him. Fingers crossed it's nothing worse, but I'm thinking (hoping) that's it.

Isn't he also diabetic? Dear God I hope it's just the flu.I don't know the history of his illness but if the vomiting had a quick onset,that is a tell-tale sign of a heart attack.They're in my prayers:(

[lovethemac1]

Speedy and full recovery Mick. For all the tour dates and travelling they have done over the past couple of years, at their ages it's surprising none of them have gotten sick like this before.

[Dr.Brown]

I'd be interested in seeing video of the stand in drummer for GYOW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL8t1fPLSIU

[elle]

http://www.fleetwoodmacnews.com/2015/01/fleetwood-mac-ends-lincoln-concert.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FleetwoodMacNews+%28Fleetwood+Mac+News%29&m=1

JAN 17
Fleetwood Mac ends Lincoln concert early due to band member illness

Fleetwood Mac had to call its set early.

Drummer and founding member Mick Fleetwood came down with an unexplained illness, and the band played as much as it could before members called it a night.

"Mick is really sick. We don't know exactly what to do," Stevie Nicks said, adding that he suddenly became ill and was throwing up.

The band, set to play more than two hours, called off eight of its songs and finished the show with "Go Your Own Way" and "Songbird" almost an hour early.

"We will come back," Nicks said. You'll get one and a half full-on shows. We will come back. We're so sorry."

"It's really unfortunate," added Lindsey Buckingham. "We're really sorry, guys."

Souce: Omaha.com

The band played up to Never Going Back Again, and Steve, Mick's drum technician filled in on Go Your Own Way. Then the show was over. See setlist below and what was left out.

Mick was ill the night before in Saint Paul as well and I understand the Meet and Greet was also cancelled. Didn't think it was this severe.

Get well Mick!!

Here's how the setlist played out

The Chain
You Make Loving Fun
Dreams
Second Hand News
Rhiannon
Everywhere
I Know I'm Not Wrong
Tusk
Sisters of the Moon
Say You Love Me
Seven Wonders
Big Love
Landslide
Never Going Back Again
Over My Head
Gypsy
Little Lies
Gold Dust Woman
I'm So Afraid

Go Your Own Way (with Steve, Micks Drum Tech)

Encore:
World Turning
Don't Stop
Silver Springs

Encore 2:

Songbird


Mick Fleetwood illness cuts Fleetwood Mac concert short
By L. Kent Wolgamott
Lincoln Journal Star

Midway through Fleetwood Mac’s Pinnacle Bank Arena concert Saturday night, drummer Mick Fleetwood suddenly became ill.

“Mick is really sick,” Stevie Nicks told the crowd, adding that Fleetwood was backstage throwing up. “We feel terrible, but we can’t really make him play. Give us a minute, and we’ll figure out what to do.”

That turned out to be playing two more songs.

A drum tech named Steve took over Fleetwood’s kit for “Go Your Own Way,” which is usually the song the band plays before two encores.

Then, after a short break, Christine McVie returned to the stage at a grand piano, playing and singing “Songbird” accompanied by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

“Poor old Mick is really sick,” McVie said. “I sing this for him and for all of you.”

“Songbird” has been the final song on the band’s “On With the Show” tour, usually capping a 2½ hour show. Saturday’s truncated set ran just over 90 minutes.

“In all of our 40 years, this has never happened,” Nicks said.

Prior to the abrupt ending, Fleetwood Mac had pumped out 14 songs, all familiar to the 14,000-plus that packed the arena Saturday -- and sounded and looked good doing it.

Saturday's show was the second of 2015 for Fleetwood Mac and the 41st of 80 total dates on the "On With the Show" tour. That meant a fresh Mac, but one already tightened by 41 previous shows. And it is a complete band, thanks to the return of McVie, who came back to the group last year after a 16-year absence.

Her songs, "You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere” and “Say You Love Me" were highlights simply because they hadn't been heard live for years.

And she can still sing -- as can Nicks and Buckingham. Some of the songs have been dropped in key. But that didn't change the fact that the Mac -- now in their mid-60s to early 70s -- remains a fine band.

Perhaps evidence of how quickly Fleetwood’s illness hit him, I twice noted his solid drumming in my notes and the tightness of his work with bassist John McVie.

The show began with “The Chain,” “You Make Loving Fun” and “Dreams,” the song of the night that features Nicks, the biggest star in the Mac constellation. She, of course, connected with “Rhiannon,” doing one of her shawl dances while effectively delivering the witchy lyrics with her rough, seductive vocals.

The University of Nebraska marching band didn't turn up for "Tusk.” But Fleetwood Mac still rumbled and roared with Christine McVie strapping on an accordion to add to the crowd-pleasing stomp.

"Tusk" and its follow-up, "Sisters of the Moon," were among the loudest songs of a show that, while far from ear-splitting, was louder than I anticipated -- a good thing.

A good percentage of Saturday's crowd would have been little kids or, in Buckingham's words "not even born yet" during Fleetwood Mac's mid-'70s heyday.

"We're pulling in all ages. I love it. We must have done something right," Buckingham said before doing "Big Love" solo, demonstrating he's a wicked guitarist on a hollow-body electric.

He then switched to acoustic and was joined by Nicks for a touching version of "Landslide" that she dedicated to one of her best friends, Lisa, who she said is from "this amazing city" and must be hurting. "Lisa, all the people in this room are sending you love, every one of them," she said at the song”s end.

Buckingham then did a solo version of “Never Going Back” using the acoustic. Then came Nicks’ announcement of Fleetwood’s illness.

During her announcement, she said that Fleetwood Mac would return and do a show and a half, but that is unlikely, as are refunds for the shortened concert.

[nicole21290]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Great seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fleetwoodmac?src=hash">#fleetwoodmac</a> tonight not so great seeing the ambulance when the show ended early <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/getwellmick?src=hash">#getwellmick</a> <a href="http://t.co/0dQuVrK83c">pic.twitter.com/0dQuVrK83c</a></p>&mdash; Scott Bennett (@endlessweather) <a href="https://twitter.com/endlessweather/status/556705658465038336">January 18, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Keith]

After the band plays, Mick always asks the audience to "take care of yourselves.." and I say to him, Mr. Fleetwood.. please take care of yourself. Listen to your own voice." Wishing Mr. Fleetwood a speedy recovery.

[MikeVielhaber]

During her announcement, she said that Fleetwood Mac would return and do a show and a half, but that is unlikely, as are refunds for the shortened concert.

Judging by the exact quote from Stevie she meant they just got half a show and they would come back and perform a whole show. A show and a half in total.

[Doctor]

For what it's worth, you could in no way tell he was sick -- that's how well he was still playing. It was really good. I think Lincoln is just bad luck. I was outside of Lindsey's solo tour in Lincoln back in 2009, I believe, and he cancelled the show right before it started!

Anyway, get well, Mick, and I hope you guys do decide to come back to us. It was my first time seeing Christine, and she made it even that more special.

[Macfan4life]

Very scary and sad. I hope he recovers soon. Good timing they have several days between shows. Mick is a trooper and plays through intense pain. Many performers would have just cancelled the gig completely. It was obvious he was sick when the meet and greet was cancelled. It really shows what a trooper he is to try and to this show.

[Macfan4life]

Judging by the exact quote from Stevie she meant they just got half a show and they would come back and perform a whole show. A show and a half in total.
Yes that's probably true but she is trying to calm the audience down. If I was there I would be grateful I got to hear half a show instead of cancelling altogether. I cant believe he went on to play being so sick.

[Ulpian]

Yes that's probably true but she is trying to calm the audience down. If I was there I would be grateful I got to hear half a show instead of cancelling altogether. I cant believe he went on to play being so sick.

That's the sign of a true professional. That said, at their age it's best not to push one's luck and to try to get well - they've a lot more dates to come!

Get well soon, Mick.

[BlueDenimLamp]

^ I heard some reports he wasn't feeling well last night. At least they tried to keep the show going. It must have gotten worse for them to cut it short for sure. Most comments are positive on twitter wishing him the best. Of course there are a few rude remarks because the show was only 1 1/2 hours.

I'd be interested in seeing video of the stand in drummer for GYOW.

Best wishes Mick on a speedy recovery from the flu.

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[welcomechris]

Omg I hope he gets better! I'm seeing them 1/25 hope he's better by then

[gldstwmn]

Is Steve Rinkov still Mick's drum tech?
Godspeed Mick.

[mottabam]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL8t1fPLSIU

Thanks for posting that! He did a great job filling in on that short notice.

Hope Mick is improving.

[aleuzzi]

I think Lincoln is just bad luck.

Isn't this where Danny Kirwan had his meltdown?

[dontlookdown]

Some of the comments on the bands Facebook page were horrible.
I guess there are heartless soulless assholes everywhere - even in Nebraska.

[mottabam]

Some of the comments on the bands Facebook page were horrible.
I guess there are heartless soulless assholes everywhere - even in Nebraska.

Your right. The mentality that it is "all about me" never ceases to amaze me. They should be thankful they even played. Honestly, even with cutting it short, they still played as long if not longer than some of the other headlining acts on the concert circuit I've seen the past few years.

Good grief, I can understand being disappointed, but some compassion please. The man is obviously very sick and I'm glad there is much support and well wishes for his recovery from this illness.

[Dr.Brown]

Thanks for posting that! He did a great job filling in on that short notice.

Hope Mick is improving.

Yes, his drum tech did a great job and Mick would have been proud that the rest of the band did such a great job to carry on with these two songs. While I'm sure many were disappointed, this was quite a gift to the fans given how awful everyone must have felt to see Mick so ill. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Perhaps this unfortunate episode will be the much-needed catalyst that will finally unite everyone in the band to record that album sooner than later.

Here's another video from the concert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbQ5dHysPe0

[bombaysaffires]

Yes that's probably true but she is trying to calm the audience down. If I was there I would be grateful I got to hear half a show instead of cancelling altogether. I cant believe he went on to play being so sick.

me either… especially if he was throwing up during the previous night's show!

Gives me a chill though, about how mercenary this band can be… reminds me of the stories of when Lindsey first had his epileptic seizures and was convulsing on the floor in his hotel room and the rest of the band was only concerned with not missing that night's show and thus not wanting to send for an ambulance or dr who might potentially say he was unfit to play the gig. Cold, man. I know we'd all like to think times have changed, but…..clearly they shouldn't have done this gig with him in the shape he was in in St Paul. I'm sure the thought was, get some rest, tough it out thru Lincoln, and then we have a few days off to rest. Well sometimes your body needs the rest when it needs it for health reasons, not when it's convenient for business reasons. Not that I don't think Mick was part of the mindset to "just play on" at Lincoln… but really, someone in the band or their management should have had some more sense.

[elle]

band pow-wow on what to do caught on video, embedded below. many fans on social media are saying how this shows their insistence on the setlist set-in-stone has come back to haunt them.

if they improvised a bit, replaced a few songs by some they could do without drums or with light drums, people would leave happy that they got something different instead of demanding a refund (although, saying "i only got 2 out of 3 hr show so want a refund" is kinda ridiculous. many bands play that short to begin with). but they could have easily done acoustic Gypsy (didn't SN just do it for something or other?), Bleed To Love Her LB has been doing alone on his last tour with some ad-hoc harmonizing from CM and SN (plus just on Monday LB performed at that Judd Apatow charity show completely alone, without even guitar tech and sound guy so you know he is perfectly capable of whipping out a few songs or accompanying others), Say Goodbye they've been doing whole last year, Don't Stop is easy and i'm sure Christine has a few songs she can do on the spot just accompanying herself, without much drums. if Mick was sick for the last 24 hours, it seems a bit weird that they didn't think through any back-up plan.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sbQ5dHysPe0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Seasonsofmylife]

Official Statement from Fleetwood Mac regarding last night's show:

"Last night's Fleetwood Mac show in Lincoln, Nebraska ended a few songs early when the band's founder and drummer Mick Fleetwood became ill with the stomach flu. At this time, the band is still scheduled to perform in Grand Rapids, MI on Tuesday."

[vivfox]

Posted by Richard Dashut on twitter 15 min ago:

I can now report that Mick apparently had a bad stomach virus and was taken to the hospital last night for observation. He will be fine and the illness has apparently run it’s course. This is great news for all of us, as we look forward to seeing Mick back on the drum riser as soon as possible. Please feel better Mick, from all of us Punters on this blog, we love you!

[Macfanforever]

Posted by Richard Dashut on twitter 15 min ago:

I can now report that Mick apparently had a bad stomach virus and was taken to the hospital last night for observation. He will be fine and the illness has apparently run it’s course. This is great news for all of us, as we look forward to seeing Mick back on the drum riser as soon as possible. Please feel better Mick, from all of us Punters on this blog, we love you!

Stomach virus.I've been through those.He's got a couple days to relax before the next show.

[elle]

Posted by Richard Dashut on twitter 15 min ago:

I can now report that Mick apparently had a bad stomach virus and was taken to the hospital last night for observation. He will be fine and the illness has apparently run it’s course. This is great news for all of us, as we look forward to seeing Mick back on the drum riser as soon as possible. Please feel better Mick, from all of us Punters on this blog, we love you!

glad it's just a stomach virus. but can't believe he drummed 2 shows with it!! people are usually completely incapacitated for at least 24 hrs with these things, not even able to talk let alone perform something as physical.

[michelej1]

I would have liked to have been at that show. Very interesting. I like to watch them during the unexpected and the way they interact with each other.



Michele

[michelej1]

http://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/mick-fleetwood-illness-cuts-fleetwood-mac-concert-short/article_695a2096-e9da-5ad1-9f53-c3468648fc3d.html

By L. Kent Wolgamott | Lincoln Journal Star, January 18, 2015

Midway through Fleetwood Mac’s Pinnacle Bank Arena concert Saturday night, drummer Mick Fleetwood suddenly became ill.

“Mick is really sick,” Stevie Nicks told the crowd, adding that Fleetwood was backstage throwing up. “We feel terrible, but we can’t really make him play. Give us a minute, and we’ll figure out what to do.”

That turned out to be playing two more songs.

A drum tech named Steve took over Fleetwood’s kit for “Go Your Own Way,” which is usually the song the band plays before two encores.

Then, after a short break, Christine McVie returned to the stage at a grand piano, playing and singing “Songbird” accompanied by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

“Poor old Mick is really sick,” McVie said. “I sing this for him and for all of you.”

“Songbird” has been the final song on the band’s “On With the Show” tour, usually capping a 2½ hour show. Saturday’s truncated set ran just over 90 minutes.

“In all of our 40 years, this has never happened,” Nicks said.

Prior to the abrupt ending, Fleetwood Mac had pumped out 14 songs, all familiar to the 14,000-plus that packed the arena Saturday -- and sounded and looked good doing it.

Saturday's show was the second of 2015 for Fleetwood Mac and the 41st of 80 total dates on the "On With the Show" tour. That meant a fresh Mac, but one already tightened by 41 previous shows. And it is a complete band, thanks to the return of McVie, who came back to the group last year after a 16-year absence.

Her songs, "You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere” and “Say You Love Me" were highlights simply because they hadn't been heard live for years.

And she can still sing -- as can Nicks and Buckingham. Some of the songs have been dropped in key. But that didn't change the fact that the Mac -- now in their mid-60s to early 70s -- remains a fine band.

Perhaps evidence of how quickly Fleetwood’s illness hit him, I twice noted his solid drumming in my notes and the tightness of his work with bassist John McVie.

The show began with “The Chain,” “You Make Loving Fun” and “Dreams,” the song of the night that features Nicks, the biggest star in the Mac constellation. She, of course, connected with “Rhiannon,” doing one of her shawl dances while effectively delivering the witchy lyrics with her rough, seductive vocals.

The University of Nebraska marching band didn't turn up for "Tusk.” But Fleetwood Mac still rumbled and roared with Christine McVie strapping on an accordion to add to the crowd-pleasing stomp.

"Tusk" and its follow-up, "Sisters of the Moon," were among the loudest songs of a show that, while far from ear-splitting, was louder than I anticipated -- a good thing.

A good percentage of Saturday's crowd would have been little kids or, in Buckingham's words "not even born yet" during Fleetwood Mac's mid-'70s heyday.

"We're pulling in all ages. I love it. We must have done something right," Buckingham said before doing "Big Love" solo, demonstrating he's a wicked guitarist on a hollow-body electric.

He then switched to acoustic and was joined by Nicks for a touching version of "Landslide" that she dedicated to one of her best friends, Lisa, who she said is from "this amazing city" and must be hurting. "Lisa, all the people in this room are sending you love, every one of them," she said at the song”s end.

Buckingham then did a solo version of “Never Going Back Again” using the acoustic. Then came Nicks’ announcement of Fleetwood’s illness.

During her announcement, she said that Fleetwood Mac would return and do a show and a half, but that is unlikely, as are refunds for the shortened concert.

[Macfan4life]

band pow-wow on what to do caught on video, embedded below. many fans on social media are saying how this shows their insistence on the setlist set-in-stone has come back to haunt them.

if they improvised a bit, replaced a few songs by some they could do without drums or with light drums, people would leave happy that they got something different instead of demanding a refund (although, saying "i only got 2 out of 3 hr show so want a refund" is kinda ridiculous. many bands play that short to begin with). but they could have easily done acoustic Gypsy (didn't SN just do it for something or other?), Bleed To Love Her LB has been doing alone on his last tour with some ad-hoc harmonizing from CM and SN (plus just on Monday LB performed at that Judd Apatow charity show completely alone, without even guitar tech and sound guy so you know he is perfectly capable of whipping out a few songs or accompanying others), Say Goodbye they've been doing whole last year, Don't Stop is easy and i'm sure Christine has a few songs she can do on the spot just accompanying herself, without much drums. if Mick was sick for the last 24 hours, it seems a bit weird that they didn't think through any back-up plan.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sbQ5dHysPe0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Are you kidding me? Backup plan? Its obvious that even though he was sick, he tried to make it through the show. It would have been easy to just cancel and move on. The tour is sold out everywhere and they would not even blink to miss one show. You don't replace key members of a band as some "back up plan." If Stevie is sick, should they bring a look alike who sings her songs? Of course not!
Extremely rare for a sub to come on stage to extend the concert by another song. Fleetwood Mac should be commended. I cant think of any band that went to such great lengths to put on a show.
Kudos to the audience for no booos.

[michelej1]

You know, it's amazing the strain that even a common cold (and a hacking cough) can put on your body, if you're in a weakened state. Flu dehydration can be a very serious thing too. I can't even imagine drumming for 2.5 hours or engaging in other strenuous activity when I was suffering these symptoms.

I laughed at Stevie saying that they can't make him play. Why not? Just bully that dude.

Interesting that Stevie opted not to give her closing speech to the audience, without Mick being there to come after.

Michele

[michelej1]

Fleetwood Mac forced to end Lincoln show early


By Ken Coffey, World Herald Staff, January 18, 2015

http://www.omaha.com/go/fleetwood-mac-forced-to-end-lincoln-show-early/article_c9bfe9de-9ec4-11e4-b33e-17116cce3e0b.html

LINCOLN — Fleetwood Mac may sound unstoppable, but the band can be halted.

On Saturday, the classic rock band had to call it a night early when drummer and founding member Mick Fleetwood came down with an unexplained illness.


In front of thousands packed into a sold-out Pinnacle Bank Arena, the band played as long as it could before throwing in the towel.


“Mick is really sick. We don’t know exactly what to do,” Stevie Nicks said, adding that Fleetwood suddenly became ill and was throwing up backstage.


Set to play more than two hours, Fleetwood Mac cut its set short by eight of its planned 24 songs and finished almost an hour early with “Go Your Own Way” and “Songbird,” and they had to call on a drum tech to get behind the kit to finish.


“We’re so sorry,” Nicks said. “In all of our 40 years, this has never happened.”


“It’s really unfortunate,” Lindsey Buckingham added. “We’re really sorry, guys.”


Despite calling Saturday's show in Lincoln early, Fleetwood Mac is planning to perform its next concert as scheduled.


A statement from the band said Fleetwood caught the stomach flu.


Despite having to skip songs such as “Little Lies” and “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Mac managed to play nearly 90 minutes, which is as much or more than most headliners.


Some of these songs are simply burned into our brains. Fleetwood Mac’s music is so pervasive that the notes of “Rhiannon,” the voices in “Chain” or the chorus of “Go Your Own Way” may be more familiar than the fact that they’re by the superstar band.


Those songs and the five classic members of the classic rock band are what thousands turned out to hear.


Full of raw excitement, the thousands of all-ages rock fans had a buzz about them not unlike teenagers waiting to hear One Direction.


No one seemed more excited than the members of Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham let out a gratifying yelp upon taking the stage hand-in-hand with Nicks. Fleetwood initially beat his drums like they were calling him names. Nicks danced with Christine McVie and John McVie during “Tusk,” all of them laughing.


Though I’m sure the shows are a nice payday, it’s a band that clearly has a passion for performing these songs possibly more than the audience had a passion for hearing them.


Christine McVie, back with the Mac for the first time since 1998, led the band through the beautiful harmonies of “The Chain.” It’s good to have her back considering her songs, such as “You Make Loving Fun” and “Everywhere,” are some of the biggest and best the band has in its catalog.


“Thanks to the members of Fleetwood Mac, who I adore and love, for letting me come back and do this again,” she said.


The combination of Buckingham and Nicks was, as always, the highlight of the night. As Buckingham finger-picked the guitar jam “I Know I’m Not Wrong,” Nicks twirled around with her scarves. They smiled and winked while playing “Seven Wonders,” and they were swarmed with a low hum of voices from the audience during “Landslide.”


The famous tune about changing and getting older came during an acoustic interlude that included “Big Love” and “Never Going Back.” The trio of songs came as the band scrambled to figure out what to do without Fleetwood before deciding to call it a night.


“We will come back. You’ll get one and a half full-on shows,” Nicks told the audience. “We will come back. We’re so sorry.”


The band finished the concert by calling on a drum tech to fill in for "Go Your Own Way" before finishing with "Songbird."


****

[teedeerocks]

Are you kidding me? Backup plan? Its obvious that even though he was sick, he tried to make it through the show. It would have been easy to just cancel and move on. The tour is sold out everywhere and they would not even blink to miss one show. You don't replace key members of a band as some "back up plan." If Stevie is sick, should they bring a look alike who sings her songs? Of course not!
Extremely rare for a sub to come on stage to extend the concert by another song. Fleetwood Mac should be commended. I cant think of any band that went to such great lengths to put on a show.
Kudos to the audience for no booos.

I had the stomach flu last week and it is NOT fun.I sat in the chair all night with my head on the table and body doubled over from stomach/intestinal cramps,not to mention terrible chills alternating with hot flashes all night.Mick,if nothing else,is a real trooper.IMO Stevie sounded a little sarcastic like "don't worry.When we come back you'll get one and a half shows,not just the remainder of this one.So don't start bi***ing about it":sorry:.I can't imagine the chaos that went on backstage:eek:Reminds me of the story in CarolAnn's book about when Lindsey had a seisure in Philly and she wanted to call an ambulance but Mick said NO.Lind's was expected to go onstage that evening and perform and he did just that.But I know that you can't drum and puke at the same time,just sayin'.....get well soon Mick:angel:

[teedeerocks]

I guess this situation won't be helping Christine's panic attack issues....

[Ulpian]

I guess this situation won't be helping Christine's panic attack issues....

How? I think she seems pretty in control and sensible.

[elle]

Extremely rare for a sub to come on stage to extend the concert by another song. Fleetwood Mac should be commended. I cant think of any band that went to such great lengths to put on a show.

http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/scot-halpin-just-a-substitute-for-another-guy/
"One of the weirdest tales in the Moon legend concerns the night Keith passed out onstage, and was replaced by a 19-year old drummer, pulled from the audience."

[nicepace]

Feel better soon, Mick. We love you.

[teedeerocks]

band pow-wow on what to do caught on video, embedded below. many fans on social media are saying how this shows their insistence on the setlist set-in-stone has come back to haunt them.

if they improvised a bit, replaced a few songs by some they could do without drums or with light drums, people would leave happy that they got something different instead of demanding a refund (although, saying "i only got 2 out of 3 hr show so want a refund" is kinda ridiculous. many bands play that short to begin with). but they could have easily done acoustic Gypsy (didn't SN just do it for something or other?), Bleed To Love Her LB has been doing alone on his last tour with some ad-hoc harmonizing from CM and SN (plus just on Monday LB performed at that Judd Apatow charity show completely alone, without even guitar tech and sound guy so you know he is perfectly capable of whipping out a few songs or accompanying others), Say Goodbye they've been doing whole last year, Don't Stop is easy and i'm sure Christine has a few songs she can do on the spot just accompanying herself, without much drums. if Mick was sick for the last 24 hours, it seems a bit weird that they didn't think through any back-up plan.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sbQ5dHysPe0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Great footage Elle.At 1:20 Lindsey seems pissed at Stevie when they're talking and he throws his hands up and walks away.I bet they had a real nice conversation later.Always drama with them,not planned this time but still...There's no escaping it

[michelej1]

Great footage Elle.At 1:20 Lindsey seems pissed at Stevie when they're talking and he throws his hands up and walks away.I bet they had a real nice conversation later.Always drama with them,not planned this time but still...There's no escaping it

It seemed to me that Lindsey was just giving one of those, "What else can we do?" gestures, but it is funny watching the hand movements between them. At one point it looks like Stevie was playing an air guitar or something as she was talking. Gesticulation.

Michele

[Lee]

:eek: Oh, I just cringed when I read this thread. Poor Mick & what a trooper. Jeez I hope it is just a little stomach virus & not this bad flu going around. It's been bad in my state. Hope no one else in the band gets it. And did they disinfect the drums before Steve started drumming?

Hope it's really on with the show & Mick gets well soon.

Lee :sorry:

[elle]

Yes, his drum tech did a great job and Mick would have been proud that the rest of the band did such a great job to carry on with these two songs. While I'm sure many were disappointed, this was quite a gift to the fans given how awful everyone must have felt to see Mick so ill. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Perhaps this unfortunate episode will be the much-needed catalyst that will finally unite everyone in the band to record that album sooner than later.

Here's another video from the concert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbQ5dHysPe0
sorry i just noticed you already posted the link to that vid i later embedded. grateful to whoever recorded that video - great capture of everything happening.
Great footage Elle. At 1:20 Lindsey seems pissed at Stevie when they're talking and he throws his hands up and walks away.
don't think so. i think his gesture is just kind of like "ah it is what it is" not anything directed at SN.

those viruses are really nasty. and highly infectious usually. hope the rest of the band stayed away from Mick's bucket and nobody else catches it. but glad it's not something more serious.

[WildHearted]

Sorry to hear that Mick fell ill, but I'm glad it was just a stomach virus and nothing more serious.

I thought the way they played out rest of the show was probably the smartest, most sensible thing to do.

[teedeerocks]

sorry i just noticed you already posted the link to that vid i later embedded. grateful to whoever recorded that video - great capture of everything happening.

don't think so. i think his gesture is just kind of like "ah it is what it is" not anything directed at SN.

those viruses are really nasty. and highly infectious usually. hope the rest of the band stayed away from Mick's bucket and nobody else catches it. but glad it's not something more serious.

I don't think we'll have to worry about any of them going near that bucket......

[jbrownsjr]

Sorry to hear that Mick fell ill, but I'm glad it was just a stomach virus and nothing more serious.

I thought the way they played out rest of the show was probably the smartest, most sensible thing to do.

I agree..

1. They informed the crowd.
2. They played a 2 more numbers.
3. They promised to come back.

Class....

[elle]

You don't replace key members of a band as some "back up plan."
U2 replaced Bono with Bruce and Chris Martin and Carrie Underwood. :shrug:

not sure what you think the "backup plan" means in the context we were talking about - you seemed to have reacted really strongly to it.

[Macfan4life]

U2 replaced Bono with Bruce and Chris Martin and Carrie Underwood. :shrug:

not sure what you think the "backup plan" means in the context we were talking about - you seemed to have reacted really strongly to it.
Superstar singers replacing superstar singers. The crowd would have loved Bono or Bruce to step in for Stevie. But this is the drummer Mick Fleetwood. Mick Fleetwood plays behind the beat and I don't think there are many drummers that can just step in and replace him. His drumming style is unique.
Long story short...... YES Mick Fleetwood is irreplaceable :)

[elle]

But this is the drummer Mick Fleetwood. Mick Fleetwood plays behind the beat and I don't think there are many drummers that can just step in and replace him. His drumming style is unique.
Long story short...... YES Mick Fleetwood is irreplaceable :)

i'm not sure why you think anybody's arguing Mick should have been replaced? :confused:

but since they knew he was sick (they can't be that oblivious that they had no clue?! the man was throwing up in a bucket the whole St Paul show, apparently), they could have thought of at least one more song from each of the songwriters that could have been done without drums, as a backup if something goes wrong. or with light drums that drum tech could do, or with click track or something. it could have been really special, they could have come off looking really really great if they were able to actually improvise some.

[elle]

from dickdash blog:


News:

I have just heard from Mick personally and I am happy to report he is feeling much better as they rehydrate him and he should be fine to go for the next show. He really appreciates everyone’s well wishes and “with a stiff upper lip, shall carry on”.

…..r

2 hours ago

[SteveMacD]

They could have done acoustic versions of OMH, Gypsy, and World Turning, and have Steve fill in on Don't Stop and GYOW. Of course, Songbird would be its usual.

Little Lies, GDW, ISA, and Silver Springs would be the only songs cut.

[bombaysaffires]

Great footage Elle.At 1:20 Lindsey seems pissed at Stevie when they're talking and he throws his hands up and walks away.I bet they had a real nice conversation later.Always drama with them,not planned this time but still...There's no escaping it

this is awesome! I mean Lindsey does whole shows without a drummer so he shouldn't be too thrown by this.

THe one it actually impacts the most is John, as he has to play bass to the kick drum and Mick has a very unique style, playing a little behind the beat, and this guy totally does not play that way… so in order for the song not to sound totally cattywampus he'd have to adjust his playing the most. Which of COURSE he did beautifully!!!!!

Is there any footage of the time BEFORE this point? Did anyone capture Mick leaving the stage-- wondering if he just left of his own energy or if someone had to help him off?? Poor guy. I'm still shocked he did that show after puking all during the previous night's show.

[Jondalar]

They should of finished up with songs that didn't require drums or just did some acoustic versions of songs. This shouldnt be about egos, it should be about the audience. I'm sure a lot of those people won't be able to show up for the replacement concert.

[vivfox]

Did anyone capture Mick leaving the stage-- wondering if he just left of his own energy or if someone had to help him off?? Poor guy.

He had already left the stage with Christine and John and got real ill backstage during Lindsey and Stevie's duo act.

[michelej1]

U2 replaced Bono with Bruce and Chris Martin and Carrie Underwood. :shrug:

not sure what you think the "backup plan" means in the context we were talking about - you seemed to have reacted really strongly to it.

Ha, but even trying to remember how to do Say Goodbye again is a pretty huge step for these guys, Elle. They would have had to be up all Friday night practicing it.

Stop being so ambitious.

Michele

[michelej1]

Stevie could have said, "Uh guys? Do you want to hear Landslide again?"

Michele

[teedeerocks]

They better hold up their end of the deal about coming back and doing 1.5 shows or Stevie is in deep s**t with the band.An article posted somewhere that although she promised that,it was highly unlikely that it would occur given their current schedule is packed like sardines.If they back out of this it will leave a real bitter taste in alot of people's mouthes regarding the integrity of the band.Not a good way to end their final chapter.I can almost hear them backstage going to Stevie"WHAT THE F**K DID YOU TELL THEM THAT FOR!!?YOU KNOW WE CAN'T DO THAT YOU DOPE!!!"The whole scene will be in Mick's next book:D

[elle]

Ha, but even trying to remember how to do Say Goodbye again is a pretty huge step for these guys, Elle. They would have had to be up all Friday night practicing it.

Stop being so ambitious.

i know, right?

[SteveMacD]

Anybody have video of Mick puking?

[michelej1]

Anybody have video of Mick puking?

Remember when George Bush, Sr. got sick and threw up and it was caught on camera. They were at some sort of honorarial dinner and you could just see him keel over to the side. Barbara looked concerned.

Michele

[bombaysaffires]

He had already left the stage with Christine and John and got real ill backstage during Lindsey and Stevie's duo act.


thanks, Viv.

[SteveMacD]

Remember when George Bush, Sr. got sick and threw up and it was caught on camera. They were at some sort of honorarial dinner and you could just see him keel over to the side. Barbara looked concerned.

Michele
TOTALLY! He puked on some higher up Japanese guy.

[jmn3]

Wow...glad Mick is going to be okay. I love seeing this band have a curveball thrown at it. Like Elle mentioned, the completely choreographed set puts the Mac at a disadvantage in this situation - they have very little ability to quickly make any changes to the set. Thankfully this is an incredibly rare exception, but it would be interesting to have seen them try a few other acoustic songs as well as Don't Stop in addition to GYOW and Songbird.

Steve did a good job on GYOW...I can't imagine the nerves that I'd have if I were put into that situation in front of a crowd! It seemed like there was a little stumble coming out of the first solo but it quickly was rectified.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Gotta wonder what was going on with poor Mick when they started "Go Your Own Way" and he could hear the drums. . . .

"mmmmMMMUUGGGHHH what are they DOING out there!? Who the hell is THAT?" ;)


Anyhoo - - - Another page in the legend - now,

"ON with the SHOW!" :thumbsup:

[FM77]

They better hold up their end of the deal about coming back and doing 1.5 shows or Stevie is in deep s**t with the band.An article posted somewhere that although she promised that,it was highly unlikely that it would occur given their current schedule is packed like sardines.If they back out of this it will leave a real bitter taste in alot of people's mouthes regarding the integrity of the band.Not a good way to end their final chapter.I can almost hear them backstage going to Stevie"WHAT THE F**K DID YOU TELL THEM THAT FOR!!?YOU KNOW WE CAN'T DO THAT YOU DOPE!!!"The whole scene will be in Mick's next book:D

I agree, this was something Stevie probably said sincerely in the confusion of the situation but there is no way they could come back. You would have to still have to charge money and it's doubtful a small market like Lincoln could support that. The ticket prices make that somewhat prohibitive.

They did play 2/3 of the show so it was enough. I am sure fans were disappointed but understood the unusual circumstances.

[welcomechris]

They could have done Say Goodbye. Or an Acoustic Version of Go Insane

[teedeerocks]

I agree, this was something Stevie probably said sincerely in the confusion of the situation but there is no way they could come back. You would have to still have to charge money and it's doubtful a small market like Lincoln could support that. The ticket prices make that somewhat prohibitive.

They did play 2/3 of the show so it was enough. I am sure fans were disappointed but understood the unusual circumstances.

Thanks for agreeing with me FM77 but the majority of the people are royally pissed.I have really mixed feelings about this,it's just such a bad situation for all involved.There was just so much hype,anticipation,and excitement involved not to mention the aggravating time and money spent just trying to get a freaking ticket to this show.I know I could hardly focus on anything else when their magic finally came to Philly and if that had happened that night I would have broken down.On the other hand,this was just a effed up situation,as Stevie says,"You Can't Fix This".Also I know that alot of people were waiting to see GDW b/c it seems to be the highlight of the show and is always mentioned in the reviews,and it was completely cut.IMO they should have done GDW instead of GYOW with the tech for this very reason(not to make light of GYOW,so don't hate me Elle!)I don't think they'll come back,especially since this was their second show there.I also think Stevie did make that statement in the heat of the moment but she is a smart cookie too.Fear of mass rage/hysteria is quite a motivator......Whew!too much coffee this morning:lol:Thanks for listening guys.

[Jondalar]

Thanks for agreeing with me FM77 but the majority of the people are royally pissed.I have really mixed feelings about this,it's just such a bad situation for all involved.There was just so much hype,anticipation,and excitement involved not to mention the aggravating time and money spent just trying to get a freaking ticket to this show.I know I could hardly focus on anything else when their magic finally came to Philly and if that had happened that night I would have broken down.On the other hand,this was just a effed up situation,as Stevie says,"You Can't Fix This".Also I know that alot of people were waiting to see GDW b/c it seems to be the highlight of the show and is always mentioned in the reviews,and it was completely cut.IMO they should have done GDW instead of GYOW with the tech for this very reason(not to make light of GYOW,so don't hate me Elle!)I don't think they'll come back,especially since this was their second show there.I also think Stevie did make that statement in the heat of the moment but she is a smart cookie too.Fear of mass rage/hysteria is quite a motivator......Whew!too much coffee this morning:lol:Thanks for listening guys.

If they can't come back then refund the money. It's not like they need it. Sure their fans need it more.

[aleuzzi]

If they can't come back then refund the money. It's not like they need it. Sure their fans need it more.

That would be the sensible thing to do. Just refund it, minus the surcharge, of course. I know they played 90 minutes of a show, but as a gesture of goodwill to the people of Lincoln and thereabouts, and as a symbol of the band's goodwill to all of their audiences, they should just say Lincoln was a wash and return the money.

They'd get A LOT of cred that way.

With regards to "they should have gone on and played this" or "they should have played that" I think the band reacted pretty well in that crisis. It doesn't surprise me that they only did two more songs. They were all probably freaked out.

Interesting tidbit: during the Tusk Tour in Rochester, NY, John McVie was suffering from food poisoning and had to make frequent detours from the stage. Throughout the night, a bass tech filled in for him. I mention this not as a way to say this is what the Mac should have done in Lincoln but as a reminder of how important Mick's presence is to the rest of the band. Without him at the helm, the ship sinks, or never sets sail. (Bad metaphors, I know.)

I'm relieved to hear he is on the mend.

[g. fish]

With the inflated ticket prices, people have inflated expectations.

It should be noted that Steve is much more than a stage hand. He's toured with the band for quite some time. In 2009, he was even introduced alongside other band members...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkwTtiorhEg

Steve is clearly visible in Say You Love me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xubf1zQopNw

As mentioned above, why couldn't Lindsey have performed an acoustical version of Go Insane? Seems like they gave up too easily.

[wheart]

With the inflated ticket prices, people have inflated expectations.

It should be noted that Steve is much more than a stage hand. He's toured with the band for quite some time. In 2009, he was even introduced alongside other band members...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkwTtiorhEg

Steve is clearly visible in Say You Love me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xubf1zQopNw

As mentioned above, why couldn't Lindsey have performed an acoustical version of Go Insane? Seems like they gave up too easily.

I have to agree. I'm sure Mick getting sick threw a monkey wrench into the show but these are seasoned musicians. Just a few more songs would have appeased the crowd and actually gave them something special that the other audiences didn't get. I know the foursome could have played a few more tunes without Mick.

[RockawayBlind]

if they improvised a bit, replaced a few songs by some they could do without drums or with light drums, people would leave happy that they got something different instead of demanding a refund (although, saying "i only got 2 out of 3 hr show so want a refund" is kinda ridiculous. many bands play that short to begin with). but they could have easily done acoustic Gypsy (didn't SN just do it for something or other?), Bleed To Love Her LB has been doing alone on his last tour with some ad-hoc harmonizing from CM and SN (plus just on Monday LB performed at that Judd Apatow charity show completely alone, without even guitar tech and sound guy so you know he is perfectly capable of whipping out a few songs or accompanying others), Say Goodbye they've been doing whole last year, Don't Stop is easy and i'm sure Christine has a few songs she can do on the spot just accompanying herself, without much drums. if Mick was sick for the last 24 hours, it seems a bit weird that they didn't think through any back-up plan.

My thoughts exactly. Lindsey, the master of playing by himself, couldn't thave whipped up a few more tunes? Doesn't the band have a drummer hidden in the back? Couldn't the drum tech finish the show? Don't they have a percussionist as well, which would allow them to keep going with someone keeping time?

This band is so inept, it amazes me it still has the following it does. They can't agree on recording an album, can't stray from the setlist, can't deal with an emergency. It's seriously pathetic.

I wish Mick a full recovery.

[RockawayBlind]

Superstar singers replacing superstar singers. The crowd would have loved Bono or Bruce to step in for Stevie. But this is the drummer Mick Fleetwood. Mick Fleetwood plays behind the beat and I don't think there are many drummers that can just step in and replace him. His drumming style is unique.
Long story short...... YES Mick Fleetwood is irreplaceable :)

LOL! Do you play an instrument? Just wondering.

[nicepace]

Finally made the time to watch the video. Kudos to whoever captured that; they had a good vantage point from which to film, too.

A couple of thoughts. The off-the-cuff comments made by the audience members sitting around the person with the camera are really funny. "Can't they just play without him?" (Uh ... no.) After Steve-the-Drum-Tech's highlight of his career: "Can't they just go on with this guy? He was good."

Another thought: Seeing Chris and Lindsey do that lovely "Songbird" to end the night makes me long for an acoustic Buckingham/McVie show, just the two of them, unplugged. It sounds like an impossible fantasy ... but then, I never thought I'd see Christine (the beautiful Christine) in this band again.

[RockawayBlind]

i'm not sure why you think anybody's arguing Mick should have been replaced? :confused:

but since they knew he was sick (they can't be that oblivious that they had no clue?! the man was throwing up in a bucket the whole St Paul show, apparently), they could have thought of at least one more song from each of the songwriters that could have been done without drums, as a backup if something goes wrong. or with light drums that drum tech could do, or with click track or something. it could have been really special, they could have come off looking really really great if they were able to actually improvise some.

The responsible thing was to cancel the show. It's wreckless to put an old man in that position, to threaten the health of everyone else in close proximity, and ultimately to embark on a show when you have to know there is a strong chance you can't finish it. Like it or not, it's a business transaction. I don't blame people for complaining because they didn't get the full value they paid for. The band should make it up to them somehow.

[RockawayBlind]

TAlso I know that alot of people were waiting to see GDW b/c it seems to be the highlight of the show and is always mentioned in the reviews,and it was completely cut.IMO they should have done GDW instead of GYOW with the tech for this very reason(not to make light of GYOW,so don't hate me Elle!).

Here is the relevant point: If the tech can play Go Your Own Way, I assure you he can play just about any other FM song. With the exception of Tusk, I don't see any other drummer having a problem playing out this set. I would be willing to bet they could have pulled a drummer from the audience who would have done a competent job.

Drumming is a special skill, yes, but if you can do it, you can do it. Every single night, musicians across America get together at bars, garages and who knows where else and play together for the first time. And the drummer falls right int. It's not rocket science.

[Macfanforever]

It could of been worse.He could had the G.I. Sheets. "The runs".:eek:

Sorry to mention that.LOL................

[bombaysaffires]

The responsible thing was to cancel the show. It's wreckless to put an old man in that position, to threaten the health of everyone else in close proximity, and ultimately to embark on a show when you have to know there is a strong chance you can't finish it.

agree with this part.

I'm sure the thinking was, oh get through this one more show and then we have 3 days off to recover.

Problem is, you can't say to the flu-- hey, don't hit me hard until after the show and then you can slam me on my three days off.

You're sick when you're sick, and sometimes that's at a time that's inconvenient for business reasons, but tough sh*t.

At 68 you have to respect the limits of your body and give it a chance to put its energy into fighting the virus, not playing the drums (or whatever you do).

[bombaysaffires]

My thoughts exactly. Lindsey, the master of playing by himself, couldn't thave whipped up a few more tunes? Doesn't the band have a drummer hidden in the back? Couldn't the drum tech finish the show? Don't they have a percussionist as well, which would allow them to keep going with someone keeping time?

This band is so inept, it amazes me it still has the following it does. They can't agree on recording an album, can't stray from the setlist, can't deal with an emergency. It's seriously pathetic.

I wish Mick a full recovery.


I have to wonder if the setlist is just another one of those highly-negotiated points of contention with this band… you know, "well if we do THAT song of yours, then IIIIII've only got 6 songs and now you have 7" or whatever. I can see managers arguing over this sh&t behind the scenes. Maybe this is part of why the set never changes…. too many lawyers and managers get involved. If Lindsey did any of the songs he does totally alone solo, that could ruffle feathers because "you know, this isn't a Lindsey solo show!!" blah blah blah … Plus the fact that he's kind of neurotic about doing songs off the cuff-- he's infected with the same 'omg we have to rehearse this 6 million times' bug that the rest of the band have. Let's face it-- these are not "wing it" kinds of people, S & N. Chris and John I think are far more comfortable with just jamming on the fly.

[Macfan4life]

Ok get ready to flame me :eek: I don't hold back :eek:

But some of the comments I heard on youtube and this thread are uneducated. I chose that word wisely without calling anyone stupid. But here are some facts:

The band is prepared to do set songs on a tour. They have rehearsed like crazy and don't venture from the setlist. Why cant they do Say Goodbye? They have not practiced that song in years. If they mess it up then they look foolish and stupid. Their reputation would also suffer. If you notice this tour they have the lyrics on monitors below on the stage. The prevents any mistakes. No band is going to venture into the unknown in front of 15000 fans and youtube.
Fleetwood Mac went well beyond what any band would normally do in such a situation. Some bands have just played and left the stage without any explanation. They explained exactly what was happening. They did an amazing thing with bringing the drum assistant to play on Go Your Own Way. He probably has played this many times testing the drums and sound checks, etc. Way to go! And then Chris has her final song that does not include drums.
I don't understand how anyone expects them to do shadow puppets, charades, solo acoustic songs to take up time as if pretending Mick is not sick. They would look so clumsy and unprofessional. If it was Stevie that was sick I expect the Mac to have done the same thing in respect to Stevie. They probably would have done Go Your Own Way to close the set and then songbird. To sum things up..... its like the old saying.... you get an inch and expect a mile. They gave 2 more songs that was quite amazing considering what was happening.

[teedeerocks]

It could of been worse.He could had the G.I. Sheets. "The runs".:eek:

Sorry to mention that.LOL................

LOL.He probably had that too but Stevie couldn't say "Mick is REALLY sick back there.He's throwing up and sh**ing his brains out".

[nicepace]

It's likely that Mick didn't feel too bad before the show, that he felt as if he could make it through the show, but the bug got worse during the show. I don't criticize the band for trying to perform the concert; they were just attempting to do their job.

This thread has discussed what they could have done to extend the show to the expected length. They could have continued with the entirely competent Steve on drums, or thrown in a couple of acoustic numbers that didn't need drums (or both).

But that would have required them to act spontaneously, and to diverge from their rigidly scripted show. Somehow this band is stuck on the idea that what they present to the audience has to be perfection (thus all the backing singers and the pre-recorded tracks that they use). Spontaneity and perfection, in the minds of the members of Fleetwood Mac, cannot co-exist. Thus, it was really impossible for them to act with the spontaneity that continuing the show would have required.

[SteveMacD]

Ok get ready to flame me :eek: I don't hold back :eek:

But some of the comments I heard on youtube and this thread are uneducated. I chose that word wisely without calling anyone stupid. But here are some facts:

The band is prepared to do set songs on a tour. They have rehearsed like crazy and don't venture from the setlist. Why cant they do Say Goodbye? They have not practiced that song in years. If they mess it up then they look foolish and stupid. Their reputation would also suffer. If you notice this tour they have the lyrics on monitors below on the stage. The prevents any mistakes. No band is going to venture into the unknown in front of 15000 fans and youtube.
Fleetwood Mac went well beyond what any band would normally do in such a situation. Some bands have just played and left the stage without any explanation. They explained exactly what was happening. They did an amazing thing with bringing the drum assistant to play on Go Your Own Way. He probably has played this many times testing the drums and sound checks, etc. Way to go! And then Chris has her final song that does not include drums.
I don't understand how anyone expects them to do shadow puppets, charades, solo acoustic songs to take up time as if pretending Mick is not sick. They would look so clumsy and unprofessional. If it was Stevie that was sick I expect the Mac to have done the same thing in respect to Stevie. They probably would have done Go Your Own Way to close the set and then songbird. To sum things up..... its like the old saying.... you get an inch and expect a mile. They gave 2 more songs that was quite amazing considering what was happening.
Yep. People are uneducated. It's not like bands had to wing it before.
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[michelej1]

If they mess it up then they look foolish and stupid. Their reputation would also suffer.

No it wouldn't. Many people are NOT stupid. They'd realize it was an unexpected turn of events and that the band was winging it and they'd judge accordingly. Everyone in the audience would know that they were not getting the "regular" show and their reputations would in no way suffer, because they improvised and the result was less than polished.

In fact, the audience would likely rally around them and feel that they were part of the impromptu jamming and feel special to have witnesses such a unique event. The blunders would make it all more endearing.

Of course, I'm not surprised that the band didn't go that route. I don't fault them for not doing so, but they would have had nothing to lose if they'd tried.

Michele

[michelej1]

Gotta wonder what was going on with poor Mick when they started "Go Your Own Way" and he could hear the drums. . . .

"mmmmMMMUUGGGHHH what are they DOING out there!? Who the hell is THAT?" ;)



Well, you could see that Marty was heavily involved. He probably talked to sick Mick before he talked to the others. Steve too. Steve not only plays but he gives Mick water and towels and he probably was the first to know when Mick couldn't go on. We saw the 4 on stage, but Mick, Marty and Steve may have consulted backstage too, allowing Mick to be as involved in the decision as anyone.

Michele

[elle]

Ok get ready to flame me :eek: I don't hold back :eek:

But some of the comments I heard on youtube and this thread are uneducated. I chose that word wisely without calling anyone stupid. But here are some facts:

The band is prepared to do set songs on a tour. They have rehearsed like crazy and don't venture from the setlist. Why cant they do Say Goodbye? They have not practiced that song in years. If they mess it up then they look foolish and stupid. Their reputation would also suffer. If you notice this tour they have the lyrics on monitors below on the stage. The prevents any mistakes. No band is going to venture into the unknown in front of 15000 fans and youtube.
Fleetwood Mac went well beyond what any band would normally do in such a situation. Some bands have just played and left the stage without any explanation. They explained exactly what was happening. They did an amazing thing with bringing the drum assistant to play on Go Your Own Way. He probably has played this many times testing the drums and sound checks, etc. Way to go! And then Chris has her final song that does not include drums.
I don't understand how anyone expects them to do shadow puppets, charades, solo acoustic songs to take up time as if pretending Mick is not sick. They would look so clumsy and unprofessional. If it was Stevie that was sick I expect the Mac to have done the same thing in respect to Stevie. They probably would have done Go Your Own Way to close the set and then songbird. To sum things up..... its like the old saying.... you get an inch and expect a mile. They gave 2 more songs that was quite amazing considering what was happening.

didn't some guy Jimmy who works for Stevie solo just have a rant on fb against fans/audience coming out of Lincoln show (someone reported it here http://dickdash.tumblr.com/)? hi Jimmy! :wavey:

yes, the band can do no wrong and fans have no right to say anything or suggest things can be done better. we should all just bow down in front of their greatness. :rolleyes:

[elle]

But that would have required them to act spontaneously, and to diverge from their rigidly scripted show. Somehow this band is stuck on the idea that what they present to the audience has to be perfection(thus all the backing singers and the pre-recorded tracks that they use). Spontaneity and perfection, in the minds of the members of Fleetwood Mac, cannot co-exist. Thus, it was really impossible for them to act with the spontaneity that continuing the show would have required.

:nod::nod:

i've asked Richard on his blog about that once, in the context of their rigidly scripted show and always sticking to the same setlists (it's been getting worse as they are getting older, too). he said something about mixture of wanting perfection and laziness to rehearse extra songs, if i recall correctly.

[elle]

If it was Stevie that was sick I expect the Mac to have done the same thing in respect to Stevie. They probably would have done Go Your Own Way to close the set and then songbird.
why? that makes no sense.

the only 3 Stevie's songs left at that point were Gypsy, GDW and Silver Springs. why not just skip those and do all other songs they had left? while Stevie provides visuals, musically she's not nearly as essential on non-SN songs as the drummer is. she provides harmonies on other members' songs, but so does Christine and they managed fine without her for 3 tours; plus Brett's been doing harmonies on Lindsey's songs during his solo shows, he could easily jump in if needed. :shrug:

[AncientQueen]

Had they just played on without Mick, that would have been a big no-go for me. The five Fireflies are in it together for once and it would be respectless to just go on with a substitute musician. They did the right thing, imho. Sh!t happens and a sudden illness is none of their fault.

[BigBigLove]

They could have done Say Goodbye. Or an Acoustic Version of Go Insane

For what it's worth, "Say Goodbye" is in an open Gb (and in 2013 down to open F) tuning that LB doesn't carry on any of his current tour guitars. The guitars are setup and optimized for the specific tuning that they're holding (given that many of LB's tunings are custom and have varying degrees of string tension that need to be accounted for).

I wouldn't want someone to retune one of my touring guitars on the fly, only for it to come out of tune mid performance. FM is simply not the kind of band that is ok with "winging it," and that perfectionistic vision is what allows the band to sound so incredible even into their late 60s and early 70s.

[AncientQueen]

while Stevie provides visuals, musically she's not nearly as essential on non-SN songs as the drummer is. I really had to laugh about this. I find that a pretty ignorant statement. I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it. Even if she only plays around with a tambourine and sings background voice, she is still a main attraction on stage. And it would be respectless toward her and the fans to just play on as if nothing important is missing.

[HelloMonster]

I really had to laugh about this. I find that a pretty ignorant statement. I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it. Even if she only plays around with a tambourine and sings background voice, she is still a main attraction on stage. And it would be respectless toward her and the fans to just play on as if nothing important is missing.

That is not true. Speak for yourself.

[Danielle]

That is not true. Speak for yourself.
Based on social media only, it's true to most casual listeners/concert goers. :shrug:

[redtulip]

Based on social media only, it's true to most casual listeners/concert goers. :shrug:

But still not everyone. I'd love to see it myself, might finally get some of the songs I'd really love to hear live.

[SteveMacD]

Had they just played on without Mick, that would have been a big no-go for me. The five Fireflies are in it together for once and it would be respectless to just go on with a substitute musician. They did the right thing, imho. Sh!t happens and a sudden illness is none of their fault.
Yes, how dare they play nine whole songs on an emergency basis with a guy who already plays drums behind the guitar amps?

[Danielle]

But still not everyone. I'd love to see it myself, might finally get some of the songs I'd really love to hear live.

I don't share the feeling but I understand it. One great thing I've also noticed through social media, is that most casual fans who maybe didn't pay that much attention to LB before are certainly aware of his brilliance after On With The Show. :]

[RockawayBlind]

The band is prepared to do set songs on a tour. They have rehearsed like crazy and don't venture from the setlist. Why cant they do Say Goodbye? They have not practiced that song in years. If they mess it up then they look foolish and stupid. Their reputation would also suffer. If you notice this tour they have the lyrics on monitors below on the stage. The prevents any mistakes. No band is going to venture into the unknown in front of 15000 fans and youtube.
Fleetwood Mac went well beyond what any band would normally do in such a situation. Some bands have just played and left the stage without any explanation. They explained exactly what was happening. They did an amazing thing with bringing the drum assistant to play on Go Your Own Way. He probably has played this many times testing the drums and sound checks, etc. Way to go! And then Chris has her final song that does not include drums.
I don't understand how anyone expects them to do shadow puppets, charades, solo acoustic songs to take up time as if pretending Mick is not sick. They would look so clumsy and unprofessional. If it was Stevie that was sick I expect the Mac to have done the same thing in respect to Stevie. They probably would have done Go Your Own Way to close the set and then songbird. To sum things up..... its like the old saying.... you get an inch and expect a mile. They gave 2 more songs that was quite amazing considering what was happening.

Honestly, I am baffled at these comments. Professional musicians can jump in on a song they've never heard and play along. Amateurs too. Are you telling me that FM would come apart if attempting to play a song they are not used to playing? It would be the band's own songs, after all.

But never mind that. Do you really believe that Mick is so irreplaceable? I bet there's probably at least a half-dozen people in their crew who can drum on their songs. And, by the way, don't they have a drummer hidden in the back of the stage playing along with Mick? As I said before, it's not rocket science.

[RockawayBlind]

Yep. People are uneducated. It's not like bands had to wing it before.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-vONNaD4KtA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Uh… you're kidding, right?

[RockawayBlind]

yes, the band can do no wrong and fans have no right to say anything or suggest things can be done better. we should all just bow down in front of their greatness. :rolleyes:

Yes, this band is seriously entitled. They do very little for the fans, but hey, it seems to be enough for a lot of people. I don't get it.

[RockawayBlind]

For what it's worth, "Say Goodbye" is in an open Gb (and in 2013 down to open F) tuning that LB doesn't carry on any of his current tour guitars. The guitars are setup and optimized for the specific tuning that they're holding (given that many of LB's tunings are custom and have varying degrees of string tension that need to be accounted for).

I wouldn't want someone to retune one of my touring guitars on the fly, only for it to come out of tune mid performance. FM is simply not the kind of band that is ok with "winging it," and that perfectionistic vision is what allows the band to sound so incredible even into their late 60s and early 70s.

Wow, seriously? Why would a guitar tuned right before it's played fall out tune any more quickly than one that was tune two or three songs ago? In fact, you would want the guitar to be tuned and checked right before it's handed back to the player. I don't even get your comment. Lindsey switches guitars at the end of almost every song, and they are handed to the tech who retunes them every time. What am I missing here?

[RockawayBlind]

I really had to laugh about this. I find that a pretty ignorant statement. I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it. Even if she only plays around with a tambourine and sings background voice, she is still a main attraction on stage. And it would be respectless toward her and the fans to just play on as if nothing important is missing.

"Anyone?" Hmmm… were you just saying something about ignorant statements?

[RockawayBlind]

Yes, how dare they play nine whole songs on an emergency basis with a guy who already plays drums behind the guitar amps?

Yes! I've been making that point. Isn't he duplicating Mick's work beat for beat?

[SteveMacD]

Uh… you're kidding, right?

Just showing that when Danny broke a string, Peter decided to play a song he hadn't played in a long time instead of having the show go completely silent for a few minutes. He winged it. Fleetwood Mac could have winged it without Mick. It was an emergency situation, so I'm sure crowds would have understood.

[michelej1]

But never mind that. Do you really believe that Mick is so irreplaceable? I bet there's probably at least a half-dozen people in their crew who can drum on their songs. And, by the way, don't they have a drummer hidden in the back of the stage playing along with Mick? As I said before, it's not rocket science.

You're right, Steve could play the songs. They were probably just mindful that if Steve on Mick's parts, there would be no one to do Steve's parts, the little licks he does behind Mick that add depth and layer. They probably thought the sound would be shallow without the double drumming.

Michele

[SteveMacD]

Yes! I've been making that point. Isn't he duplicating Mick's work beat for beat?
I don't know if he's duplicating Mick's parts on each song, but he does a lot of cymbal work that Mick never did (i.e. on Rhiannon).

[SteveMacD]

You're right, Steve could play the songs. They were probably just mindful that if Steve on Mick's parts, there would be no one to do Steve's parts, the little licks he does behind Mick that add depth and layer. They probably thought the sound would be shallow without the double drumming.
I'm sure most people would rather have shallow drums than have the band NOT play the rest of the show.

[michelej1]

I really had to laugh about this. I find that a pretty ignorant statement. I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it. Even if she only plays around with a tambourine and sings background voice, she is still a main attraction on stage. And it would be respectless toward her and the fans to just play on as if nothing important is missing.

If she got sick with the flu and had to leave, it would be respectful TO the fans to try to give them a show without her, to show you value the time it took them to come out and see you and the money you paid. If she dropped dead, that would be another thing. Like when John got sick with cancer, waiting for him to return was a question of respect. But if someone just starts throwing up, you don't have to pay tribute to them by stopping the show altogether. This has nothing to do with respect towards the band members.

I don't care that they decided to wrap it up, but the idea that if they had decided otherwise it would have been disrespectful to anyone in the band strikes me as absurd. If your band mate is suffering a life or death situation that's one thing, but if they have diarheaa that's another.

Michele

[michelej1]

Based on social media only, it's true to most casual listeners/concert goers. :shrug:

We aren't talking about making a decision to buy FM tickets if Stevie is not in the band. If that's the choice, I agree with you that many casual fans want to see her. But that's not the choice. We're talking about going there, seeing Stevie for half of the show and then having her get sick and have to leave.

You're already THERE.

If that happened, given the option of going home an hour early or having the other band members play songs in her absence, I don't think most casual listeners/ concert goers would say, "Stop right now. Don't you dare try to finish the show without her."

Michele

[michelej1]

the only 3 Stevie's songs left at that point were Gypsy, GDW and Silver Springs. why not just skip those and do all other songs they had left? while Stevie provides visuals, musically she's not nearly as essential on non-SN songs as the drummer is. she provides harmonies on other members' songs, but so does Christine and they managed fine without her for 3 tours; plus Brett's been doing harmonies on Lindsey's songs during his solo shows, he could easily jump in if needed. :shrug:

Flip it. Let's say Lindsey cut his hand banging on the drum kit and had to leave to go get stitches. I think the rest of the band wouldn't even do ONE song without him. They'd just wrap it up right there. But if they wanted to prove me wrong and try to improvise with Brett and Neale to do songs in Lindsey's absence, I'd say, "Go for it!" I wouldn't be thinking, "That's disrespectful." As long as the guy's not critically ill, it's no insult.

Heck, if Mick wanted to pull his ex-brother-in-law Eric out of the audience and have him play in Lindsey's absence, I'd get a kick out of that too, mostly because I would be imagining all of the things that Lindsey would be thinking if that happened and I'd have to giggle at the thought.

Michele

[elle]

Flip it. Let's say Lindsey cut his hand banging on the drum kit and had to leave to go get stitches. I think the rest of the band wouldn't even do ONE song without him. They'd just wrap it up right there. But if they wanted to prove me wrong and try to improvise with Brett and Neale to do songs in Lindsey's absence, I'd say, "Go for it!" I wouldn't be thinking, "That's disrespectful." As long as the guy's not critically ill, it's no insult.

Heck, if Mick wanted to pull his ex-brother-in-law Eric out of the audience and have him play in Lindsey's absence, I'd get a kick out of that too, mostly because I would be imagining all of the things that Lindsey would be thinking if that happened and I'd have to giggle at the thought.

Michele
exactly.

yes, "I" may be there just for Lindsey, but if he started having diarrhea / vomiting spells and we haven't still heard third of the show, like Little Lies for example, i'd want Brett or Neale or Stan or all 3 to jump in and finish as much of the show as they can, if i'm already there, and not getting any refunds.

Stevie did Don't Stop for Clinton's party when Lindsey was unavailable and Christine was retired. was that disrespectful towards either of them and FM as a band and she should have just said no? (maybe. :lol:)

[WatchChain]

Yep. People are uneducated. It's not like bands had to wing it before.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-vONNaD4KtA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'll be 45 years old in May. At my age, I wouldn't attempt half of the crazy s**t that I did in my 20's. Time and wisdom have taught me different. I can only IMAGINE what kind of reservations that I'll carry when I'm 70! Factor in the courage that whiskey and cocaine provide, and it's easy to see why the people in the video above are more than happy to "WING IT". I think we're forgetting that these folks are senior citizens age---even the cloud of ROCK N ROLL doesn't change that. I don't know that they do very much "winging it" these days.

A simple solution would be to refund the money, and do exactly as they did---finish with "GYOW" and "Songbird". With the number of dates they have scheduled, it would not hurt their pocketbook. BUT, AS FAR AS CARRYING ONE THE SHOW WITH IMPROVISATION AND "WINGING IT", I think NOT......especially in the age of social media. Videos of "WINGING IT" during "Say Goodbye" and unrehearsed acoustic renditions-----that **** would have been stamped on YOUTUBE forever!!! No thanks!!! I'm taking my platform boots back to the hotel for a nightcap.

[elle]

You're already THERE.

If that happened, given the option of going home an hour early or having the other band members play songs in her absence, I don't think most casual listeners/ concert goers would say, "Stop right now. Don't you dare try to finish the show without her."

that's what people seem to be saying. strange.

if Lindsey was out for a third of the show and i had the option of hearing some of Christine's songs that we normally wouldn't hear i would feel privileged that i witnessed that.

of course if they would unexpectedly add any Stevie's songs i'd be here complaining that i want my money back. :p but there's no worry about that happening cause she doesn't seems to know her words without teleprompter anyway. ;)

[SteveMacD]

I really had to laugh about this. I find that a pretty ignorant statement. I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it. Even if she only plays around with a tambourine and sings background voice, she is still a main attraction on stage. And it would be respectless toward her and the fans to just play on as if nothing important is missing.

That is not true. Speak for yourself.

Based on social media only, it's true to most casual listeners/concert goers. :shrug:

Basing ANYTHING on social media is almost a good idea.

Ticket sales have been stronger on this tour than the 2013 tour, so much so that they keep adding dates. Stevie was on the 2013 tour. What's different now?

[elle]

[B]I'll be 45 years old in May. At my age, I wouldn't attempt half of the crazy s**t that I did in my 20's. Time and wisdom have taught me different.

i don't really get this argument. it's their job. if you are good at it, years of experience in your job make it usually much easier to wing it if something goes awry, since you know all the ins and outs much better than when you are first starting and inexperienced.

[Iktomi]

I don't have an opinion on what the band should or shouldn't have done, but I'm from the midwest/northern plains, and I will say that that flu wasn't anything to be messing with. I'm completely shocked that at his age, Mick was still trying to play. It wasn't just vomiting and diarrhea, we had a couple of elderly and a couple of toddlers die from it, and the local schools around here had both students and teachers alike home sick by the masses. Fever, severe abdominal cramps, chills, aches...but the dehydration and cramping were the worst. People just left moaning in pain from severe cramping...sad stuff.

The band came through the area up here at the worst time!

[TsnFan4Ever]

I've been reading people's comments on the band's Facebook page and am appalled at the lack of sensitivity and understanding about the band's need to cut the concert short. Many of you have made really good points and I agree with you. I think the band could have handled this a little differently--especially having their discussion offstage and taking a couple minutes to come up with a real plan of action (Stevie and Lindsey could have played acoustic numbers from BN that would have thrilled people). But, they're human and it's obvious that they panicked. If it was our good friend who was violently ill, most of us wouldn't be thinking that clearly in that situation either and it's much easier to second guess them now than what they went through in front of thousands of people.

Many of us will only see them once this tour, others can't afford to go at all because of the high prices in most of our cities and the prices have been 4-5 times higher in most markets than what people in Lincoln are complaining about. FM for $150? Do they even know what a great deal that is? Every band has an off night; this was FM's very off night. I think people need to just be thankful that the band is touring because this may be their last chance to ever see them again. Try to have some forgiveness and understanding. They are human, not robots.

[Nickingham]

I'm glad Mick is ok.


Most of the audience members probably take off of work for a mild cough and cost their company more money than they paid for
their tickets. So they need to shut the **** up and deal with the fact that not everything goes as planned!
Mick was a total trooper in my book!

If I was at that concert, I would be okay with the drum tech finishing the set. At least I'd get to see the other 4 members play.

[elle]

Yes, this band is seriously entitled. They do very little for the fans, but hey, it seems to be enough for a lot of people. I don't get it.
i can't say anything about how the band or its individual members feel and whether they are entitled or not, but agree that many of their fans certainly seem to support the idea that the band should feel entitled.

[RockawayBlind]

[B]I'll be 45 years old in May. At my age, I wouldn't attempt half of the crazy
A simple solution would be to refund the money, and do exactly as they did---finish with "GYOW" and "Songbird". With the number of dates they have scheduled, it would not hurt their pocketbook. BUT, AS FAR AS CARRYING ONE THE SHOW WITH IMPROVISATION AND "WINGING IT", I think NOT......especially in the age of social media. Videos of "WINGING IT" during "Say Goodbye" and unrehearsed acoustic renditions-----that **** would have been stamped on YOUTUBE forever!!! No thanks!!! I'm taking my platform boots back to the hotel for a nightcap.

Clearly, some FM fans think very little of the band's talents. Do you seriously think it would be that bad? I find this baffling.

[RockawayBlind]

I'm glad Mick is ok.


Most of the audience members probably take off of work for a mild cough and cost their company more money than they paid for
their tickets. So they need to shut the **** up and deal with the fact that not everything goes as planned!


Hey, that car you just drove off the lot stalled a couple of blocks away? Shut the **** and accept that not everything goes as planned. So what if you've already paid for it?

[RockawayBlind]

i can't say anything about how the band or its individual members feel and whether they are entitled or not, but agree that many of their fans certainly seem to support the idea that the band should feel entitled.

Good point. I don't know what the individual members think about anything. But they sure act like they are entitled.

[RockawayBlind]

When you think about it, the only member who would be hard to replace on the spot is Lindey. The backup guitarists could step in fro most songs but there are just some that would lose that essential Lindsey-ness. Now, if the show could go on without him, regardless, why not?

John's had someone replace him on stage, Lindsey has sung Stevie's vocals once or twice, and now we've seen that Mick can be easily replaced. it's not a big deal.

[michelej1]

I don't have an opinion on what the band should or shouldn't have done, but I'm from the midwest/northern plains, and I will say that that flu wasn't anything to be messing with. I'm completely shocked that at his age, Mick was still trying to play. It wasn't just vomiting and diarrhea, we had a couple of elderly and a couple of toddlers die from it, and the local schools around here had both students and teachers alike home sick by the masses. Fever, severe abdominal cramps, chills, aches...but the dehydration and cramping were the worst. People just left moaning in pain from severe cramping...sad stuff.

The band came through the area up here at the worst time!

I agree that the flu is serious. Even a cold can be bad under the worst circumstance, because of the fluid back up and the strain of coughing, if you are unhealthy, a COLD can do you in, if you push your body too far. Michele

[vivfox]

Whenever I have been unfortunate enough to witness someone throwing up, some odd feeling churns in my throat and the scent of their puke makes me feel like I'm gonna hurl. So just try to imagine if Mick hurled onstage and it splattered all over Lindsey's back and sputtered off the stage into the first few rows.After all, Mick is a tall man.That could have started a chain reaction of pukers throughout the arena. All those people who normally would have run to the bathrooms to purge their beer.Now that would surely be a youtube moment no one would ever forget. Chain keep us together. Indeed.:lol:

[nicepace]

If it was our good friend who was violently ill, most of us wouldn't be thinking that clearly in that situation either and it's much easier to second guess them now than what they went through in front of thousands of people.

I think that's a very good point. They must have been very worried about Mick. They had to decide very quickly what to do, and they just weren't in the frame of mind to be able to step out of their comfort zone. I don't think it's right to be critical of them for how they handled the situation.

All I really care about is, I hope Mick is recovering from his illness (and I hope none of the rest of them catch it).

[elle]

i re-listened to that video and finally heard what Lindsey said before GYOW: "we didn't wanna end on such a mellow note" (meaning with NGBA i guess).

i love that statement and find it interesting, especially because FM and LB solo always like to end with a really quiet, mellow song, something that was always puzzling to me (and different from most bands) even though i've heard their explanations of gently letting audience go.

[teedeerocks]

No it wouldn't. Many people are NOT stupid. They'd realize it was an unexpected turn of events and that the band was winging it and they'd judge accordingly. Everyone in the audience would know that they were not getting the "regular" show and their reputations would in no way suffer, because they improvised and the result was less than polished.

In fact, the audience would likely rally around them and feel that they were part of the impromptu jamming and feel special to have witnesses such a unique event. The blunders would make it all more endearing.

Of course, I'm not surprised that the band didn't go that route. I don't fault them for not doing so, but they would have had nothing to lose if they'd tried.

Michele

Yes,Yes,Yes!I always have loved it when a singer/band messes up a little ,not if they're falling over from booze or whatever,but just human error.It makes the audience realize that they are human like everyone else and not just a star or "above" us.Maybe this band really does think they are above us,which would make a natural blunder TOTALLY unacceptable.

[elle]

I think the band could have handled this a little differently--especially having their discussion offstage and taking a couple minutes to come up with a real plan of action (Stevie and Lindsey could have played acoustic numbers from BN that would have thrilled people). But, they're human and it's obvious that they panicked. If it was our good friend who was violently ill, most of us wouldn't be thinking that clearly in that situation either and it's much easier to second guess them now than what they went through in front of thousands of people.
you have good points but this shouldn't have taken them by surprise. and they don't seem particularly panicked in that video. if they knew what he had there was no real reason for them to be either (although sensible thing would probably have been to cancel the show upfront but at the time that ship has sailed). if you took care of your kids or household members who fell ill from this kind of virus, you know how bad it can get, and also that it gets better as long as it's properly handled. :shrug:

i love that they had their discussion onstage - at least the audience got something different and special! plus many bands that vary their setlist discuss onstage which set of songs to do next - it's cool to watch.:thumbsup:

i think what many of us are saying is that they had a chance to step up and really show how great they can be in unexpected situation, and how much people would love that. but they just re-affirmed what many have been complaining about - being set-in-stone, non-spontaneous, rigid... which most fans are used to from them so they are grateful for any crumbs and fool themselves into thinking that most other bands would do even less... even when faced with the evidence that many bands reacted differently.

[teedeerocks]

that's what people seem to be saying. strange.

if Lindsey was out for a third of the show and i had the option of hearing some of Christine's songs that we normally wouldn't hear i would feel privileged that i witnessed that.

of course if they would unexpectedly add any Stevie's songs i'd be here complaining that i want my money back. :p but there's no worry about that happening cause she doesn't seems to know her words without teleprompter anyway. ;)

You go for the jugalar Elle!I'm a huge fan of hers(despite some of my posts),but that was some funny s**t right there:nod:

[teedeerocks]

Clearly, some FM fans think very little of the band's talents. Do you seriously think it would be that bad? I find this baffling.

So right.It might not be the best but it would definitely sound good (or it should anyway).Could it be that they truly cannot perform their own damn songs without a gruelling rehearsal first,but can only play them in a "controlled" environment(studio)?I think that would have given them an even better review by critics,to show their true inherent musical talents,not to mention their outstanding troubleshooting and coping abilities in the face of subpar conditions.

[teedeerocks]

Whenever I have been unfortunate enough to witness someone throwing up, some odd feeling churns in my throat and the scent of their puke makes me feel like I'm gonna hurl. So just try to imagine if Mick hurled onstage and it splattered all over Lindsey's back and sputtered off the stage into the first few rows.After all, Mick is a tall man.That could have started a chain reaction of pukers throughout the arena. All those people who normally would have run to the bathrooms to purge their beer.Now that would surely be a youtube moment no one would ever forget. Chain keep us together. Indeed.:lol:

LOL.That reminds me of the movie "Stand By Me" when the kid tells the story about the pie - eating contest and the "barforama".Of course,no one would want to "stand by" Mick........

[michelej1]

you have good points but this shouldn't have taken them by surprise. and they don't seem particularly panicked in that video.

They aren't panicked at all. I mean, this is what I thought when we saw the video of their show after we knew about John's cancer. The way they were acting, I thought that they must expect him to be just fine, because I've seen these band members be emotional and they weren't emotional. I feel the same way about Mick. I thought they felt it was an interesting turn of events, but overall they looked pretty darn happy.

I've seen Stevie cry at countless shows. I've seen Lindsey peeved at a venue (Chumash) and I've seen him almost cry dedicating a song to his family members. I saw Christine do the whole last half of the Dance looking somber and not interacting with them, the way she had the first half of the tour.

Compared to the way they have acted in the past when they are ruffled on that Lincoln video, they look pretty cheery to me. At the very least, they are matter-of-fact.

Michele

[michelej1]

Yes,Yes,Yes!I always have loved it when a singer/band messes up a little ,not if they're falling over from booze or whatever,but just human error.It makes the audience realize that they are human like everyone else and not just a star or "above" us.

Well, just judging by the conversation the person that shot the video was having with their friend, the audience seemed game for them to continue the show without Mick.

Michele

[elle]

Another thought: Seeing Chris and Lindsey do that lovely "Songbird" to end the night makes me long for an acoustic Buckingham/McVie show, just the two of them, unplugged. It sounds like an impossible fantasy ... but then, I never thought I'd see Christine (the beautiful Christine) in this band again.
such a nice thought: 2 of them touring intimate theaters and re-working songs together, acoustically. :nod: :thumbsup:

[jbrownsjr]

such a nice thought: 2 of them touring intimate theaters and re-working songs together, acoustically. :nod: :thumbsup:

That would be the ultimate. I was always surprised the B/N didn't do something after Christine retired. But Christine and Lindsey really inspire each other in a way I never thought would ever resurface. I feel blessed to see them perform again in Los Angeles.

[AncientQueen]

That is not true. Speak for yourself.

What is this comment? I speak for myself, that is what people do on a message board.

[SteveMacD]

What is this comment? I speak for myself, that is what people do on a message board.

Well, you DID say "I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it" which sounds like you're speaking on behalf of everybody else, even though there are fans who would prefer to see the band without her in it.

[Macfanforever]

Bickering aside. Mick will be sitting front center tonight in Grand Rapids to bang his way through the night with happiness of fans along with him and the rest of the Mac.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Let me get this straight - - after 47 years of shows and concerts, this band had to cut one of them short? :shocked:

(Just something to consider. :) )


ps - Catching them @ Nassau Coliseum on Sunday! :wavey:

[AncientQueen]

Well, you DID say "I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it" which sounds like you're speaking on behalf of everybody else, even though there are fans who would prefer to see the band without her in it.

That is nothing more than my opinion, and clearly stated as such. Well, I honestly believe that at least 90% of the fans would much rather prefer FM with Stevie. The only FM without Stevie I would LOVE to see is the incarnation with Bob Welch.

[SteveMacD]

That is nothing more than my opinion, and clearly stated as such.
If it were clearly stated as such, there wouldn't be a debate.

Well, I honestly believe that at least 90% of the fans would much rather prefer FM with Stevie.
You initially said anybody, and now it's 90%, which clearly means that SOMEBODY would be okay with Fleetwood Mac without Stevie, which negates the comment "I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it" because clearly there are some who would be okay with it.

The only FM without Stevie I would LOVE to see is the incarnation with Bob Welch.
Me too. I'd totally buy into that whole Stevie-witch thing if the Bob Welch version of Fleetwood Mac got back together.

[Doctor]

Little late for the Bob Welch reunion.

Here is an article the local newspaper did on Steve, the drummer who did Go Your Own Way

http://journalstar.com/blogs/ground-zero/a-little-more-about-steve-the-substitute-fleetwood-mac-drummer/article_a7b4cc3c-1bbf-5563-b0fa-5b09b3887b6a.html (http://journalstar.com/blogs/ground-zero/a-little-more-about-steve-the-substitute-fleetwood-mac-drummer/article_a7b4cc3c-1bbf-5563-b0fa-5b09b3887b6a.html)

[elle]

Here is an article the local newspaper did on Steve, the drummer who did Go Your Own Way

http://journalstar.com/blogs/ground-zero/a-little-more-about-steve-the-substitute-fleetwood-mac-drummer/article_a7b4cc3c-1bbf-5563-b0fa-5b09b3887b6a.html (http://journalstar.com/blogs/ground-zero/a-little-more-about-steve-the-substitute-fleetwood-mac-drummer/article_a7b4cc3c-1bbf-5563-b0fa-5b09b3887b6a.html)

nice article, thanks for finding it! here's the whole text:


A little more about Steve the substitute Fleetwood Mac drummer

5 hours ago • By CORY MATTESON | LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR0

On Tuesday, Fleetwood Mac is scheduled to perform the band’s planned tour date in Grand Rapids or wherever. The next stop matters little to Lincoln concertgoers, who saw the show here cut somewhat short on Saturday night. But that wasn’t before the band brought out “Steve” to fill in for an unfortunately ill Mick Fleetwood on “Go Your Own Way.”

Steve performed admirably in Fleetwood’s absence, drawing a “Yay, Steve” from Stevie Nicks at the end of his “big audition,” as she called it. He also got some stray “Steve” chants at the end of the show from fans who perhaps hoped he could lead the band through the rest of the scheduled set. (You can hear concertgoers asking if he could keep playing during a fan recording of “Go Your Own Way” that has over 7,000 views on YouTube already.)

So who’s Steve? Steve is Steve Rinkov, and he’s been a drum tech with Fleetwood Mac for over a decade. He's also worked with Lenny Kravitz and Pearl Jam, to name a few. In 2004, Rinkov did an interview with Cheryl Ferguson on a public radio program about careers, “The Recruiter’s Studio” where he talked about inadvertently landing a drum tech job, and then a performing role with Fleetwood Mac. During Rinkov’s conversation with Ferguson, he also gave some insight into why he might not have been able to cruise through the band’s catalog on command this Saturday.

“You’re not there to play the instruments,” he told her, referring to band rehearsals. “Nobody wants to hear it.”

So the technicians aren’t forming Fleetwood cover bands when Mick, Christine, Lindsey, Stevie and John take tea breaks. But that doesn't mean Steve can't play some Mac. He backed Fleetwood on some songs during the show at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, as he has for years. And Rinkov told Ferguson that he was not nervous, but excited, those first times he joined the band on stage. Here's what Rinkov had to tell her about going from a drum tech to playing with the band years before he sat in for Mick at the head kit during the Lincoln show. (Here's the entire interview.)

“I was minding my business, I swear," Rinkov said. "I was just minding my business. Because you learn early on, you learn early-early on -- and if you don’t already know, someone will not be shy about telling you -- you’re not there to play. You’re not there to play the instruments. Nobody wants to hear it. Nobody wants to hear it.

"Our rehearsal days, the band would show up at, you know, noon to two o’clock in the afternoon and in some cases I’d be working with Mick, and the sound crew would have to be there until one o’clock in the morning. And the last thing anyone wants to hear is someone else banging away on a drum set or wailing away on a guitar when they’re just really not supposed to.

"In rehearsals one day, I swear I was minding my own business and we had done one small show for a group of Best Buy retail executives. And it was just 10 days into rehearsal that we’d done that show. And I think that’s when Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood heard me play drums. Because they walked in when we were soundchecking.

"About a week-and-a-half, two weeks later, they were rehearsing a song from the new album, from the 'Say You Will' album. And on that song, there are two drum parts that were recorded separately. And out of the corner of my ear, I swear I heard, what I had to question -- did I really hear it or not? -- I heard Lindsey say, ‘Well maybe Steve can just play that part.’

"And I’m typing away on my computer and I’m looking up and I’m thinking: ‘No. Back to work.’ And Mick looks over his shoulder and goes, 'Have we got any drums here?' We had every drum that Mick Fleetwood owned there. So I said, 'Yes we do, as a matter of fact.' And (I) probably was just finishing another word by the time I had the drums all set up and ready to go.

"And so that was it. That was one song. Within literally a couple of days, one song became two songs and two songs became three."

Ferguson then asked Rinkov if he was nervous about getting to play with the band as a backing drummer.

"No, no," he said. "Nervous wasn’t part of it. Excited. It’s a weird thing. Being nervous about playing drums is just something that has never happened to me. It’s never happened to me. The first show of the tour, which was Columbus, Ohio, which is where my father’s from. So my aunt is there. I have cousins there, And I’m at an arena that holds I think like 17,000 people and there isn’t an empty seat in the house. And I was excited. I wasn’t nervous at all. I couldn’t wait to do it and keep doing it. It was a blast."

Steve, if you see this, it'd be great to know how the brief starring role went for you in Lincoln.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7438 or [email protected]. On Twitter @LJSMatteson.

[michelej1]

It is a great article. Steve seems like a character. I have never heard his speaking voice, but I can imagine what his speech pattern is just by reading those sentences and the repeated phrases. I am glad he has a role he enjoys in the band and that they recognized his skill even though he wasn't putting it on display. Michele

[Macfanforever]

I wonder how he's making out tonight in Grand Rapids.

Any Ledgies attending tonights show.

There is no "Ill be there' thread started yet for the Grand Rapids show.

[nicepace]

Is Steve's brief appearance on drums the first time ever that someone other than Mick Fleetwood played drums with Fleetwood Mac? (I mean, other than the backing drummers and percussionists they've been using for years.)

If so, this was truly a historic occasion, since Mick is the only band member who has been in the band from the very beginning and has played every gig.

[nicole21290]

I wonder how he's making out tonight in Grand Rapids.

Any Ledgies attending tonights show.

There is no "Ill be there' thread started yet for the Grand Rapids show.

Well, he did make it to the end this time, so I guess that's good? :lol:

http://onwiththeshow-bn.tumblr.com/post/108710182364/grand-rapids-mi-01-20-c-robin-bartells
http://onwiththeshow-bn.tumblr.com/post/108708219279/grand-rapids-mi-01-20-c-mark-rendel
http://onwiththeshow-bn.tumblr.com/post/108707670919/grand-rapids-mi-01-20-c-sabswill7596

[michelej1]

[Mick often gets oxygen during a show, though. On one occasion in a high altitude, I saw Lindsey take oxygen onstage as well.]

Star Tribune, Jon Bream 1-19-2015

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/289080251.html

Drummer Mick Fleetwood acknowledged that he was feeling under the weather when he addressed the sell-out crowd Friday at the end of Fleetwood Mac’s concert at Xcel Energy Center.

Indeed, we heard rumors that he was getting an IV and oxygen before the show.

On Saturday in Lincoln, Neb., things didn’t go so well for Mr. Flu-wood. He began vomiting backstage. The show was curtailed by several songs, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Here is what Kevin Coffey reported in the World-Herald:

“Mick is really sick. We don’t know exactly what to do,” Stevie Nicks said, adding that Fleetwood suddenly became ill and was throwing up backstage.

Set to play more than two hours, Fleetwood Mac cut its set short by eight of its planned 24 songs and finished almost an hour early with “Go Your Own Way” and “Songbird,” and they had to call on a drum tech to get behind the kit to finish.

“We’re so sorry,” Nicks said. “In all of our 40 years, this has never happened.”

“It’s really unfortunate,” Lindsey Buckingham added. “We’re really sorry, guys.”

[AncientQueen]

You initially said anybody, and now it's 90%, which clearly means that SOMEBODY would be okay with Fleetwood Mac without Stevie, which negates the comment "I don't think that anyone would want to see the band without her in it" because clearly there are some who would be okay with it.
.
Honestly, I still don't get people who don't care who plays drums at a FM concert or don't see Stevie as an integral part of the band, because she does not play an instrument.Why bother to see FM then in the first place? See a Cover band, it's cheaper and fun, too.

[SteveMacD]

Honestly, I still don't get people who don't care who plays drums at a FM concert
Nobody's suggesting it as a long term solution, just a way to finish the remaining eight songs in an emergency situation. You know, on with the show.

or don't see Stevie as an integral part of the band, because she does not play an instrument.
Some people just don't like Stevie. In terms of instrumentation, Fleetwood Mac could survive her departure. Vocally, Lindsey has toys that can fill "her parts" on the songs in the studio.

Why bother to see FM then in the first place? See a Cover band, it's cheaper and fun, too.
Because Christine and John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham are in the band.

[johnnystorms]

Nobody's suggesting it as a long term solution, just a way to finish the remaining eight songs in an emergency situation. You know, on with the show.


Some people just don't like Stevie. In terms of instrumentation, Fleetwood Mac could survive her departure. Vocally, Lindsey has toys that can fill "her parts" on the songs in the studio.


Because Christine and John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham are in the band.

try booking a tour without Stevie. See how well Lindsey's "toys" could fill her vocals/charisma/stage presence

[elle]

:lol: how did the thread about Mick being sick and about interesting Steve Rinkov story turn into a thread about Nicks? some people just can't resist but insert her into every scenario... guess Mick was not interesting and important enough for them. kinda sad. or too funny.

[PenguinHead]

How did a thread about Mick getting sick mutate into a debate about Stevie's relevance in the band? Whatever...:shrug:

I feel bad for Mick and the fans who missed out on a big chunk of the show. But that audience can claim being at one of most notable, if unfortunate incidents to happen in the history of the band performances. Does anyone know at what point in the show Mick had to stop? Stevie certainly was the alpha dog of the group when informing the audience.

This incident has just jarred my memory of two moments I completely forgot. I attended a Maria McKee show in the early 90s. She just put out her fantastic second album and I was seeing her for the first time. She came out and immediately told the audience that she was sick and said she would perform as much as she could. She had a large band with a horn section; it seemed like it would have been a great show, but she only managed to get through about five songs before calling it quits. It was really disappointing, but what can you do, especially when you're a solo performer? Fans can only have empathy and understanding. I saw Jethro Tull once in the 80's in Boston Gardens (I went through an intense, but brief infatuation with the group). They performed for about an half hour then abruptly stopped. No explanations; no goodbyes. The bright lights of the arena came up, and everyone was shocked in a "What the hell just happened?" manner.

If Fleetwood Mac weren't so lock-step and tight-knitted, they could ad-libbed the rest of the show in some manner. But they just don't have those abilities; once they go off script they get completely lost and then grind to a halt. They could have turned this into a historic show for all the right reasons. Lindsey could have done some solo numbers. Surely they must have some songs in their wheelhouse could perform. Aside from stripping down some of their set lists songs, they could have performed unrehearsed numbers. Surely they would be expected to sound rough and unpolished, but that would be the charm about it. They could have garnered suggestions -- taking requests and questions from the audience, making them part of the show. Turn it partly into a talent show, and call out members of the audience with specific skills. Just some ideas to fill the time.

Some artists have the skills of engagement, with the confidence to be impromptu. Tom Petty and Elvis Costello come to mind, though I know there are better examples. It's an arena of entertainment just doesn't suit Stevie and Lindsey; that level of exposure and looseness makes them uncomfortable. Neither of them have that kind of showmanship in them. The only band member who does is, ironically, Mick!

[AncientQueen]

try booking a tour without Stevie. See how well Lindsey's "toys" could fill her vocals/charisma/stage presence
THIS exactly!

[jbrownsjr]

:lol: how did the thread about Mick being sick and about interesting Steve Rinkov story turn into a thread about Nicks? some people just can't resist but insert her into every scenario... guess Mick was not interesting and important enough for them. kinda sad. or too funny.

So much venom from Stevie fans when we are worried about Mick.. :lol:
Weird...

[jenniferuk]

Saw this on Twitter--a mention of Steve's coverage for Mick with a 2004 interview with Steve in which he describes his role and how it changed from tech to playing supporting drums (LB idea). I thought it worth a share-it's too bad the author couldn't add in a quick quote or update from Steve post his recent performance.

-------------------------------------------------------------

A little more about Steve the substitute Fleetwood Mac drummer

http://journalstar.com/blogs/ground-zero/a-little-more-about-steve-the-substitute-fleetwood-mac-drummer/article_a7b4cc3c-1bbf-5563-b0fa-5b09b3887b6a.html

17 hours ago • By Cory Matteson | Lincoln Journal Star
1

On Tuesday, Fleetwood Mac is scheduled to perform the band’s planned tour date in Grand Rapids or wherever. The next stop matters little to Lincoln concertgoers, who saw the show here cut somewhat short on Saturday night. But that wasn’t before the band brought out “Steve” to fill in for an unfortunately ill Mick Fleetwood on “Go Your Own Way.”

Steve performed admirably in Fleetwood’s absence, drawing a “Yay, Steve” from Stevie Nicks at the end of his “big audition,” as she called it. He also got some stray “Steve” chants at the end of the show from fans who perhaps hoped he could lead the band through the rest of the scheduled set. (You can hear concertgoers asking if he could keep playing during a fan recording of “Go Your Own Way” that has over 7,000 views on YouTube already.)

So who’s Steve? Steve is Steve Rinkov, and he’s been a drum tech with Fleetwood Mac for over a decade. He's also worked with Lenny Kravitz and Pearl Jam, to name a few. In 2004, Rinkov did an interview with Cheryl Ferguson on a public radio program about careers, “The Recruiter’s Studio” where he talked about inadvertently landing a drum tech job, and then a performing role with Fleetwood Mac. During Rinkov’s conversation with Ferguson, he also gave some insight into why he might not have been able to cruise through the band’s catalog on command this Saturday.

“You’re not there to play the instruments,” he told her, referring to band rehearsals. “Nobody wants to hear it.”

So the technicians aren’t forming Fleetwood cover bands when Mick, Christine, Lindsey, Stevie and John take tea breaks. But that doesn't mean Steve can't play some Mac. He backed Fleetwood on some songs during the show at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, as he has for years. And Rinkov told Ferguson that he was not nervous, but excited, those first times he joined the band on stage. Here's what Rinkov had to tell her about going from a drum tech to playing with the band years before he sat in for Mick at the head kit during the Lincoln show. (Here's the entire interview.)

“I was minding my business, I swear," Rinkov said. "I was just minding my business. Because you learn early on, you learn early-early on -- and if you don’t already know, someone will not be shy about telling you -- you’re not there to play. You’re not there to play the instruments. Nobody wants to hear it. Nobody wants to hear it.

"Our rehearsal days, the band would show up at, you know, noon to two o’clock in the afternoon and in some cases I’d be working with Mick, and the sound crew would have to be there until one o’clock in the morning. And the last thing anyone wants to hear is someone else banging away on a drum set or wailing away on a guitar when they’re just really not supposed to.

"In rehearsals one day, I swear I was minding my own business and we had done one small show for a group of Best Buy retail executives. And it was just 10 days into rehearsal that we’d done that show. And I think that’s when Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood heard me play drums. Because they walked in when we were soundchecking.

"About a week-and-a-half, two weeks later, they were rehearsing a song from the new album, from the 'Say You Will' album. And on that song, there are two drum parts that were recorded separately. And out of the corner of my ear, I swear I heard, what I had to question -- did I really hear it or not? -- I heard Lindsey say, ‘Well maybe Steve can just play that part.’

"And I’m typing away on my computer and I’m looking up and I’m thinking: ‘No. Back to work.’ And Mick looks over his shoulder and goes, 'Have we got any drums here?' We had every drum that Mick Fleetwood owned there. So I said, 'Yes we do, as a matter of fact.' And (I) probably was just finishing another word by the time I had the drums all set up and ready to go.

"And so that was it. That was one song. Within literally a couple of days, one song became two songs and two songs became three."

Ferguson then asked Rinkov if he was nervous about getting to play with the band as a backing drummer.

"No, no," he said. "Nervous wasn’t part of it. Excited. It’s a weird thing. Being nervous about playing drums is just something that has never happened to me. It’s never happened to me. The first show of the tour, which was Columbus, Ohio, which is where my father’s from. So my aunt is there. I have cousins there, And I’m at an arena that holds I think like 17,000 people and there isn’t an empty seat in the house. And I was excited. I wasn’t nervous at all. I couldn’t wait to do it and keep doing it. It was a blast."

Steve, if you see this, it'd be great to know how the brief starring role went for you in Lincoln.

[Mr Scarrott]

Is Steve's brief appearance on drums the first time ever that someone other than Mick Fleetwood played drums with Fleetwood Mac? (I mean, other than the backing drummers and percussionists they've been using for years.)

If so, this was truly a historic occasion, since Mick is the only band member who has been in the band from the very beginning and has played every gig.

I don't think it's ever happened before in concert. Didn't it happen to John once when Rocky Burnette filled in for him due to illness? Was that on the Tusk tour?

Thinking off the top of my head, there have been occasions when Mick didn't play drums on FM records. I seem to recall that Lindsey said Mick (and John) "weren't really on" Without you. Then there's probably the odd track on Tusk and maybe even TITN on which Lindsey did everything. Going further back S P Leary played drums on some tracks on the Blues Jam at Chess Album including World's in a tangle. Technically, although FM got top billing, I think that album was credited to Various Artists (it is on the verson I've got, anyway) so maybe that doesn't count.

[nicepace]

A factor to keep in mind in this whole discussion is that drumming is hard work. It is really good exercise, and very demanding physically. This would explain why Mick has sometimes received oxygen during a show; it's like a football player getting oxygen on the sidelines after an exhausting series of plays.

Playing an electric guitar or a heavy bass guitar is demanding too, but not as much as drumming.

The only musician in the band who gets off relatively easy in terms of the physical stress of playing her instrument is Christine. She doesn't have to lift her instrument. (Well, except the accordion, but that's just one song.) She has always had a delicate touch on the keyboard, too, so hopefully her hands aren't getting sore from all this performing. Good thing she's not a "basher"!

[bombaysaffires]

A factor to keep in mind in this whole discussion is that drumming is hard work. It is really good exercise, and very demanding physically. This would explain why Mick has sometimes received oxygen during a show; it's like a football player getting oxygen on the sidelines after an exhausting series of plays.

Playing an electric guitar or a heavy bass guitar is demanding too, but not as much as drumming.

The only musician in the band who gets off relatively easy in terms of the physical stress of playing her instrument is Christine. She doesn't have to lift her instrument. (Well, except the accordion, but that's just one song.) She has always had a delicate touch on the keyboard, too, so hopefully her hands aren't getting sore from all this performing. Good thing she's not a "basher"!

true, although some songs can be really demanding. she commented during the Tusk tour that playing What Makes You Think You're The One (Lindsey's song) has a very bash-y style (I'm not sure, Lindsey may in fact have played the piano himself on the recording, he did much of that on that album) and she said she needed a break after that song because it killed her wrists.

I would think Sara when she played it on the upright (acoustic) piano would have been a tiring one also. (and now it's all on electronic keyboards).

But you're right, her own style on her own songs is definitely not a hard hammering style. Still, she's 70. I'm not sure what shape she'd be in after a show these days if they didn't have a supporting keyboard player along. :shrug:

[SteveMacD]

try booking a tour without Stevie. See how well Lindsey's "toys" could fill her vocals/charisma/stage presence
THIS exactly!
Susanna Hoffs or Cyndi Lauper could easily fill in for Stevie, and would probably put on a better show. Stevie is NOT bigger than Fleetwood Mac (if she was, she'd be bigger than Rod Stewart),a fact some of her fans refuse to acknowledge. The ONLY time the band ever tried since 1975 was when Lindsey and Christine weren't either in the band or touring with them. They could probably get away being a quartet without her.

[James89]

Susanna Hoffs or Cyndi Lauper could easily fill in for Stevie, and would probably put on a better show. Stevie is NOT bigger than Fleetwood Mac (if she was, she'd be bigger than Rod Stewart),a fact some of her fans refuse to acknowledge. The ONLY time the band ever tried since 1975 was when Lindsey and Christine weren't either in the band or touring with them. They could probably get away being a quartet without her.

This is just plain rubbish. Do you seriously think that they would still be packing out arenas without Stevie?! That's hilarious. :lol:

[Ghost_Tracker]

Still, she's 70. I'm not sure what shape she'd be in after a show these days if they didn't have a supporting keyboard player along. :shrug:

I think it's worth pointing out also that she's standing for the entire show.
And pretty much rocking out too, right? . . . . :thumbsup:

[Ghost_Tracker]

I'm wondering if there have been any reports from the Grand Rapids show the other night, and how Mick might be doing.

How was his energy during the show? (etc.)

[SteveMacD]

Stevie can't pack in areas without Fleetwood Mac. Without the band, she's opening for Rod or playing for Tom or Don. Fleetwood Mac is bigger than Stevie. With Christine and Lindsey, Fleetwood Mac is pretty unstoppable on their own. Add somebody like Hoffs or Lauper, who have sold millions on their own, and it almost becomes "Stevie who?"

[BlueDenimLamp]

Susanna Hoffs or Cyndi Lauper could easily fill in for Stevie, and would probably put on a better show. Stevie is NOT bigger than Fleetwood Mac (if she was, she'd be bigger than Rod Stewart),a fact some of her fans refuse to acknowledge. The ONLY time the band ever tried since 1975 was when Lindsey and Christine weren't either in the band or touring with them. They could probably get away being a quartet without her.

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r663/Nicksiannation/sn7_zpsdaa18e2a.png

On this site she is :nod:

While the band could continue musically the tours would financially be a serious downgrade from what they are used to.

Hoffs? What are they going to play Bangles tunes? I hope someone gets LB's reaction on video when he's told he has to play "Bangles" songs at a FM show :lol:

[annabellee]

Stevie can't pack in areas without Fleetwood Mac. Without the band, she's opening for Rod or playing for Tom or Don. Fleetwood Mac is bigger than Stevie. With Christine and Lindsey, Fleetwood Mac is pretty unstoppable on their own. Add somebody like Hoffs or Lauper, who have sold millions on their own, and it almost becomes "Stevie who?"

Not one of the parts is greater than the whole of Fleetwood Mac. Some of the parts are greater than the other parts depending on who is your favorite and apparently people on this board are willing to get down and dirty about it. However, substituting Cyndi Lauper or Susanna Hoffs for Stevie or Sheryl Crow for Christine, no longer equals Fleetwood Mac. It equals fan fiction and it just won't happen. So why fight about it?

[Ghost_Tracker]

Stevie can't pack in areas without Fleetwood Mac. Without the band, she's opening for Rod or playing for Tom or Don. Fleetwood Mac is bigger than Stevie. With Christine and Lindsey, Fleetwood Mac is pretty unstoppable on their own. Add somebody like Hoffs or Lauper, who have sold millions on their own, and it almost becomes "Stevie who?"

Uhmmm, Cyndi Lauper may have leagues of talent, but she is *NOT* considered a big star any more. As for "Hoffs," I literally have no idea who you're talking about.

So uhmmm . . . yeah.:blob2:

[elle]

As for "Hoffs," I literally have no idea who you're talking about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bangles

http://www.thebangles.com/
"As the first all-female band to top Billboard’s #1 for four weeks in a row, platinum-selling icons the Bangles dominated the ‘80s with memorable hits including Walk Like an Egyptian, Eternal Flame, Manic Monday, and Hazy Shade of Winter."

[annabellee]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bangles

http://www.thebangles.com/
"As the first all-female band to top Billboard’s #1 for four weeks in a row, platinum-selling icons the Bangles dominated the ‘80s with memorable hits including Walk Like an Egyptian, Eternal Flame, Manic Monday, and Hazy Shade of Winter."

Manic Monday was written by Prince. Hazy Shade of Winter was written by Simon & Garfunkel. Walk Like An Egyptian was written by Liam Sternberg. Eternal Flame has a cowrite by Hoffs. At best, they were a VERY talented all-girl cover band, but to compare them to anything related to Fleetwood Mac, Stevie, Christine, Lindsey, Mick, John or any past players of the band is incongruous. The Bangles have a Cyndi Lauper connection through the Goonies and some back up vocals. Again, comparing Cyndi to anything Mac related is apples to oranges.

[SteveMacD]

On this site she is :nod:
NO! Really? On a fan site dedicated to a band she's been in off and on for 40 years? Really? You have to be $h*ttng me.

While the band could continue musically the tours would financially be a serious downgrade from what they are used to.
Ditto, if not more so for Stevie. Going from stadium tours to opening for Rod Stewart can't be fun.

Hoffs? What are they going to play Bangles tunes? I hope someone gets LB's reaction on video when he's told he has to play "Bangles" songs at a FM show :lol:
What's wrong with Bangles songs? Catchy hooks, lush harmonies. Somebody willing to make a record. All things Lindsey and the others seem to value. AND, she's recorded with Mick and Lindsey. Oh, and she can still do this...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rJCJuvxBRVU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[elle]

At best, they were a VERY talented all-girl cover band, but to compare them to anything related to Fleetwood Mac, Stevie, Christine, Lindsey, Mick, John or any past players of the band is incongruous. The Bangles have a Cyndi Lauper connection through the Goonies and some back up vocals. Again, comparing Cyndi to anything Mac related is apples to oranges.

exactly. for example, if we are talking about popularity contests and awards, Cyndi has 2 grammys and 2 AMAs, a Tony and an Emmy. FM have 1 grammy and 1 AMA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Cyndi_Lauper

[SteveMacD]

Uhmmm, Cyndi Lauper may have leagues of talent, but she is *NOT* considered a big star any more.
She sells out arenas on her own, which is more than Stevie can say (outside of Fleetwood Mac, of course).

BTW, Stevie's a big star the same way Dolly Parton is a star.

As for "Hoffs," I literally have no idea who you're talking about.
She was in a band that's sold 23 million albums and sang lead vocals on seven Top 40 singles. Also, she's recorded with Mick and Lindsey. And, she plays songs by Big Star.

[elle]

BTW, Stevie's a big star the same way Dolly Parton is a star.

except Dolly Parton sells arenas on her own. and headlines Glastonbury.

[SteveMacD]

Eternal Flame has a cowrite by Hoffs.
One that topped the charts at that!

At best, they were a VERY talented all-girl cover band,
Except they wrote most of the songs on their albums.

but to compare them to anything related to Fleetwood Mac, Stevie, Christine, Lindsey, Mick, John or any past players of the band is incongruous.
Not that it matters, but how so? They sold 23 million albums and had seven Top 40 singles, almost all of which featured Susanna on lead vocals. I'm sure most members of Fleetwood Mac, and even the core members on their projects outside of Fleetwood Mac, would LOVE those numbers.

[elle]

On this site she is :nod:

exactly - just another proof that majority opinions on this site are not very reflective of the band's vs individual members' popularity or general opinions out there.

[elle]

Is Steve's brief appearance on drums the first time ever that someone other than Mick Fleetwood played drums with Fleetwood Mac? (I mean, other than the backing drummers and percussionists they've been using for years.)

If so, this was truly a historic occasion, since Mick is the only band member who has been in the band from the very beginning and has played every gig.
cool - good point!

I don't think it's ever happened before in concert. Didn't it happen to John once when Rocky Burnette filled in for him due to illness? Was that on the Tusk tour?

Thinking off the top of my head, there have been occasions when Mick didn't play drums on FM records. I seem to recall that Lindsey said Mick (and John) "weren't really on" Without you. Then there's probably the odd track on Tusk and maybe even TITN on which Lindsey did everything. Going further back S P Leary played drums on some tracks on the Blues Jam at Chess Album including World's in a tangle. Technically, although FM got top billing, I think that album was credited to Various Artists (it is on the verson I've got, anyway) so maybe that doesn't count.
cool info! so it seems that live, this still may be the only occasion someone had to fill in for / instead of Mick! :thumbsup:

If Fleetwood Mac weren't so lock-step and tight-knitted, they could ad-libbed the rest of the show in some manner. But they just don't have those abilities; once they go off script they get completely lost and then grind to a halt. They could have turned this into a historic show for all the right reasons. Lindsey could have done some solo numbers. Surely they must have some songs in their wheelhouse could perform. Aside from stripping down some of their set lists songs, they could have performed unrehearsed numbers. Surely they would be expected to sound rough and unpolished, but that would be the charm about it. They could have garnered suggestions -- taking requests and questions from the audience, making them part of the show. Turn it partly into a talent show, and call out members of the audience with specific skills. Just some ideas to fill the time.

Some artists have the skills of engagement, with the confidence to be impromptu. Tom Petty and Elvis Costello come to mind, though I know there are better examples. It's an arena of entertainment just doesn't suit Stevie and Lindsey; that level of exposure and looseness makes them uncomfortable. Neither of them have that kind of showmanship in them. The only band member who does is, ironically, Mick!
yes! all great points and interesting suggestions! :thumbsup:

confidence plus the balance of roles in FM may be a a big part of what's holding them back. another reason why i prefer LB solo shows where he can go off script. plus i immensely enjoy pushing him in that direction much more than he seems to be comfortable with - because when it does happen it can be pretty spectacular. when we were at his 92Y q&a and he did Rock Away Blind live for the first time ever - after he had to re-tune his own guitar right in front of the whole audience - everyone there felt like we just witnessed something truly amazing. unfortunately it's so rare.

[Iktomi]

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r663/Nicksiannation/sn7_zpsdaa18e2a.png

On this site she is :nod:

While the band could continue musically the tours would financially be a serious downgrade from what they are used to.

Hoffs? What are they going to play Bangles tunes? I hope someone gets LB's reaction on video when he's told he has to play "Bangles" songs at a FM show :lol:

On a fan-site, of course she's more popular, but she's still not bigger than the band. Stevie the person is more extroverted and puts herself out there more as a person. Of course people are going to be drawn to that. She purposefully gives people something to talk about in order to stay relevant. Marketing 101. However, that doesn't necessarily say anything about her status among the general public, or her stature as an artist. Several people that I don't find particularly talented musically happen to be the most popular artists. I think Stevie is talented, but popularity doesn't necessarily reflect merit or artistry. Nonetheless, no matter which way you cut it, what the casual populace thinks still matters more. As a relatively young person, more people know of Fleetwood Mac than they know of Stevie Nicks. Besides Mick, she's probably the only member they'd recognize, but they know her as part of a band called Fleetwood Mac...and I don't see people attributing songs like Don't Stop or GYOW to her. They know there are other members.

I didn't know who she was until I actually got into the band, and I say that as someone who only listened to oldies music as a child. The only solo song I was familiar with was Stop Dragging My Heart Around, and I only knew that because I recognized Tom Petty in the video. But the oldies stations in my area didn't play 80s music, and only played Fleetwood Mac songs (and while I knew several of their songs, I only knew GYOW, Rhiannon, and Don't Stop were by FM). Similarly, my nieces and nephews really only know Go Your Own Way and Don't Stop, but they only know of Fleetwood Mac because of Rock Band.

What I'm trying to get across is that just as much as the band needs her to fill out arenas, Stevie needs the band to continue to remain relevant, especially when her solo career needs a boost. When she's among legendary bands, I guarantee you, she's probably talking more about the band than her solo career, because she knows she is in "a band just as famous as theirs." Heck, even her friend Tom Petty said that as excellent as SN and LB's solo work has been, the band is still more exciting. As I've said before, Stevie is a great solo artist, but Fleetwood Mac has almost reached (or perhaps has reached) immortal status in terms of greatest bands of all-time. That's not something to belittle or scoff at.

They both need each other for different reasons...and Stevie knows this. She's a smart woman, and knows that associating with Fleetwood Mac is still a good move for herself and her image (not that's the only or main reason she's still in the band. I'm positive she's emotionally dedicated to them as well.) If she really wanted to, she could leave the band, but this idea that the band would suddenly start playing casinos and fairs is unfair to the brand and fans of the band. Would they be selling out arenas, no, but they'd still have relevancy and stature among fans, peers, and critics. Don't discredit the talents and respect that the four remaining members do have. They are highly respected artists, and Stevie's presence or absence doesn't take that away.

[Ghost_Tracker]

She sells out arenas on her own, which is more than Stevie can say (outside of Fleetwood Mac, of course).

BTW, Stevie's a big star the same way Dolly Parton is a star.


She was in a band that's sold 23 million albums and sang lead vocals on seven Top 40 singles. Also, she's recorded with Mick and Lindsey. And, she plays songs by Big Star.

Which of course raises the question, "Who's 'Big Star?'" ;)

[Ghost_Tracker]

How did a thread about Mick getting sick mutate into a debate about Stevie's relevance in the band? Whatever...:shrug:

If Fleetwood Mac weren't so lock-step and tight-knitted, they could ad-libbed the rest of the show in some manner. But they just don't have those abilities; once they go off script they get completely lost and then grind to a



You know, everybody keeps talking about what they could have done.
But nobody seems to want to focus on what they should have done.
The name of the band is "Fleetwood Mac."

They're named after their bass guitar player, John McVie, and their drummer, Mick Fleetwood. Their leaders. Their friends. The ones who formed the band more than 47 years ago.

Like they said in "Jurassic Park," "Just because we CAN do a thing, does not mean that we MUST do a thing."

Just because they could have continued while their best friend, their leader, the founder of the band, was, at age 67, suddenly puking his guts up for unknown reasons, unable to perform for the first time ever in 48 years, about to be rushed to the hospital with symptoms which could potentially have been those of a heart attack, does not mean that they should have continued. And no offense but I bet you that any comments addressing this question from the other Four Fireflies would not be as lengthy, but would simply boil down to just two words.

Something to think about, z'all's I'm sayin'.

[bethelblues]

except Dolly Parton sells arenas on her own. and headlines Glastonbury.

Dolly Parton's net worth is greater than that of every member of Fleetwood Mac combined. Yup, more than 7x greater than Stevie's. Not that that necessarily indicates current stardom...Dolly's pretty much the richest woman in the music industry apart from Madonna, except she can claim being a great songwriter too.

[SteveMacD]

You know, everybody keeps talking about what they could have done.
But nobody seems to want to focus on what they should have done.
The name of the band is "Fleetwood Mac."

They're named after their bass guitar player, John McVie, and their drummer, Mick Fleetwood. Their leaders. Their friends. The ones who formed the band more than 47 years ago.

Like they said in "Jurassic Park," "Just because we CAN do a thing, does not mean that we MUST do a thing."

Just because they could have continued while their best friend, their leader, the founder of the band, was, at age 67, suddenly puking his guts up for unknown reasons, unable to perform for the first time ever in 48 years, about to be rushed to the hospital with symptoms which could potentially have been those of a heart attack, does not mean that they should have continued. And no offense but I bet you that any comments addressing this question from the other Four Fireflies would not be as lengthy, but would simply boil down to just two words.

Something to think about, z'all's I'm sayin'.
I say ask the people who paid hundreds of dollars what they want.

[SteveMacD]

Which of course raises the question, "Who's 'Big Star?'" ;)
Wow. Just wow. That's something I'd have Googled before asking.

[jbrownsjr]

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r663/Nicksiannation/sn7_zpsdaa18e2a.png

On this site she is :nod:

While the band could continue musically the tours would financially be a serious downgrade from what they are used to.

Hoffs? What are they going to play Bangles tunes? I hope someone gets LB's reaction on video when he's told he has to play "Bangles" songs at a FM show :lol:

Hey my name is on the CMcVie thread!! yay!!!

[Ghost_Tracker]

I say ask the people who paid hundreds of dollars what they want.

I'd say they probably want Fleetwood Mac to return and give another show, which is what Stevie said was going to be the case.

I don't know why people are automatically assuming that that's not going to happen.

People get sick sometimes. Mick's not a robot.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Wow. Just wow. That's something I'd have Googled before asking.


Well the streets are going to the kids. Obviously.

(*cue bad music.*) :thumbsup:


:angel:

[SteveMacD]

I'd say they probably want Fleetwood Mac to return and give another show, which is what Stevie said was going to be the case.

I don't know why people are automatically assuming that that's not going to happen.

People get sick sometimes. Mick's not a robot.
Nobody said it was long term. Just eight songs. It's not like Steve wasn't already playing drums. People don't believe Stevie because she constantly contradicts herself, and thus lacks credibility.

[elle]

I'd say they probably want Fleetwood Mac to return and give another show, which is what Stevie said was going to be the case.

for free? like Pearl Jam did when they did 3/4 of the show and couldn't finish so they added another one and didn't charge?

don't see that happening with Fleetwood Mac but i would love to be proven wrong.

[The Catdancer]

for free? like Pearl Jam did when they did 3/4 of the show and couldn't finish so they added another one and didn't charge?

don't see that happening with Fleetwood Mac but i would love to be proven wrong.

They did just that during the BTM tour. They were opening the European tour in Belgium and quit playing after Rhiannon because John had fractured his finger and couldn't play anymore. They told us to hang on to our ticket stubs, came back a month later and gave us an awesome show and didn't charge us one dime extra. So it could happen.

[elle]

They did just that during the BTM tour. They were opening the European tour in Belgium and quit playing after Rhiannon because John had fractured his finger and couldn't play anymore. They told us to hang on to our ticket stubs, came back a month later and gave us an awesome show and didn't charge us one dime extra. So it could happen.
:thumbsup: thanks for the info.

so in their 40 years that did happen, that they had to stop the show because one of the essential players was sick/injured and they handled it. :nod:

seems John had problems several times from all the posts - including the time someone else described when they had another guitar player replace him for the rest of the show.

[jbrownsjr]

:thumbsup: thanks for the info.

so in their 40 years that did happen, that they had to stop the show because one of the essential players was sick/injured and they handled it. :nod:

seems John had problems several times from all the posts - including the time someone else described when they had another guitar player replace him for the rest of the show.

Way to go Stevie... :lol::lol:

[michelej1]

Letter to the Editor, Journal Star

http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letter-fleetwood-mac-pay-it-forward/article_a6b191a4-7e6e-5d82-8700-24d2c4919f68.html
January 21, 2015 11:55 pm

I was one of approximately 14,000 Fleetwood Mac concert participants who enjoyed 14 hits from very talented artists. I’m also blessed to have had the discretionary income to pay about $190 for the ticket. Unfortunately, fans saw a bit over a half of a concert, cut short due to illness of the drummer ("Mick Fleetwood illness cuts Fleetwood Mac concert short," Jan. 18).

Fans respectfully exited Pinnacle Bank Arena, realizing that “stuff happens.” I propose that Fleetwood Mac artists refund money by paying it forward in our community. Could Fleetwood Mac donate $50 per ticket to these four agencies: Cedars Youth Services, Food Bank of Lincoln, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, and People’s City Mission? This would generate, by my approximations, $700,000, or $175,000 per organization. These are among many nonprofits that make a huge difference in the lives of our citizens who don’t have $190 to spend on a concert ticket. Fleetwood Mac could pay our community “forward” to any organization that matches their philanthropic values. These are my suggestions to get the conversation started. I am confident that these successful artists will do the right thing.

Maureen Burson, Lincoln

[PenguinHead]

Letter to the Editor, Journal Star

http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letter-fleetwood-mac-pay-it-forward/article_a6b191a4-7e6e-5d82-8700-24d2c4919f68.html
January 21, 2015 11:55 pm

I was one of approximately 14,000 Fleetwood Mac concert participants who enjoyed 14 hits from very talented artists. I’m also blessed to have had the discretionary income to pay about $190 for the ticket. Unfortunately, fans saw a bit over a half of a concert, cut short due to illness of the drummer ("Mick Fleetwood illness cuts Fleetwood Mac concert short," Jan. 18).

Fans respectfully exited Pinnacle Bank Arena, realizing that “stuff happens.” I propose that Fleetwood Mac artists refund money by paying it forward in our community. Could Fleetwood Mac donate $50 per ticket to these four agencies: Cedars Youth Services, Food Bank of Lincoln, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, and People’s City Mission? This would generate, by my approximations, $700,000, or $175,000 per organization. These are among many nonprofits that make a huge difference in the lives of our citizens who don’t have $190 to spend on a concert ticket. Fleetwood Mac could pay our community “forward” to any organization that matches their philanthropic values. These are my suggestions to get the conversation started. I am confident that these successful artists will do the right thing.

Maureen Burson, Lincoln

What a great idea! If I attended that aborted show, my disappointment would be leveled, knowing that my money was not wasted, but going to help others, turning a negative into a positive.

[The Catdancer]

:thumbsup: thanks for the info.

so in their 40 years that did happen, that they had to stop the show because one of the essential players was sick/injured and they handled it. :nod:

seems John had problems several times from all the posts - including the time someone else described when they had another guitar player replace him for the rest of the show.

Yes, it did happen but Stevie probably forgot. After all, it was the Klonopin years ;)

[Macfanforever]

Some people are forgetting this band is not thirty-something anymore.
Got to give them credit for working their a$$es off at their age when most people are retired and sitting down in Florida enjoying the sun and the warmth or working PT at Walmart or Home Depot at that age .I said that many times on here.They are not robots.

[lies]

Were the fans told to hold their stubs for a future date?
If not...then they got ripped off....the drum tech could have finished the show....easily hands down...
If not...FM took the money and ran.
I hope the venue told people to hold the stubs

[BlueDenimLamp]

Could there be some kind of clause in the bands contract that if they play more than a certain percentage of what is a "normal" show that if something happens after that said percentage and they can't continue that they don't have to issue a refund or play a make-up date?

[Hawkeye]

It obviously was very sudden or I'm sure they would've cut a different 8 songs. The poor Lincoln fans missed the 2 consistently best songs in any fleetwood Mac set this century (good dust and so afraid) plus probably the 2 most popular songs amongst the most casual of fans (don't stop and GYOW). And Little Lies seems to be quite the experience this tour. It's literally the first time it's been played live by the line up that recorded it.

[Hawkeye]

Oh I forgot they did actually play Go Your Own Way. We'll they still got kipper out of the 2 best songs in the set.

[bombaysaffires]

Could there be some kind of clause in the bands contract that if they play more than a certain percentage of what is a "normal" show that if something happens after that said percentage and they can't continue that they don't have to issue a refund or play a make-up date?

Yes..........

[RockawayBlind]

Stevie can't pack in areas without Fleetwood Mac. Without the band, she's opening for Rod or playing for Tom or Don. Fleetwood Mac is bigger than Stevie. With Christine and Lindsey, Fleetwood Mac is pretty unstoppable on their own. Add somebody like Hoffs or Lauper, who have sold millions on their own, and it almost becomes "Stevie who?"

I think Brandi Carlile would be a tremendous Stevie substitute.

[Macfanforever]

Paulette Carlson of Highway 101 would do a good job filling in for Stevie since she looks like her and sounds like her.

[SteveMacD]

Eh, having a big generational gap won't work. See also: Bekka Bramlett. Hoffs is only nine years younger than Lindsey and had her biggest career success just before Tango. She's a contemporary of the band in terms of age and mainstream career timeline.

[michelej1]

[From an article about bars in the downtown Lincoln area]

The Journal Star

http://journalstar.com/special-section/new-directions/arena-crowds-spillover-to-boost-downtown-bars-and-restaurants/article_9e899ec1-0e28-5228-af27-c027f1009061.html

“The Fleetwood Mac thing was great for us,” Mardock said. “Generally the older concert crowds go home when the shows are getting over at 11. When they only played an hour and a half, we had a lot of people come in and have a drink or two before they went home.”

[michelej1]

Lincoln Journal Star 2015 round up 12/31/2015

http://journalstar.com/entertainment/performing-arts/hamlet-wows-in-more-ways-than-one-in/article_aa857704-df38-5171-86b4-d4ab784276ad.html

Pinnacle Bank Arena -- I’m still waiting for Fleetwood Mac to return -- as Stevie Nicks promised from the stage -- after the legendary rock group cut its January show short when drummer Mick Fleetwood became ill. I’m also waiting for the arena to make it right, too. I wasn’t expecting any kind of refund, but a complimentary concession item redeemed from my ticket that night or at another concert/athletic event would have gone a long way from a public relations standpoint.

-- Jeff Korbelik

[HomerMcvie]

Lincoln Journal Star 2015 round up 12/31/2015

http://journalstar.com/entertainment/performing-arts/hamlet-wows-in-more-ways-than-one-in/article_aa857704-df38-5171-86b4-d4ab784276ad.html

Pinnacle Bank Arena -- I’m still waiting for Fleetwood Mac to return -- as Stevie Nicks promised from the stage -- after the legendary rock group cut its January show short when drummer Mick Fleetwood became ill. I’m also waiting for the arena to make it right, too. I wasn’t expecting any kind of refund, but a complimentary concession item redeemed from my ticket that night or at another concert/athletic event would have gone a long way from a public relations standpoint.

-- Jeff Korbelik
So Stevie LIED. I suspected as much. :rolleyes:



Like they couldn't afford to give even a 25% refund to all ticket holders.

[Macfanforever]

I think nobody lied.All artists and bands say the same thing."We will be back next year"Or "We will make up the dates next year".

Time passes and other things come up.

[Dr.Brown]

Time passes and other things come up.
Makes the lies seem sweeter and littler that way.

[Missy]

Yes I feel bad for that audience. Not a great point on the tour. Though in their late 60s things like that are bound to happen from time to time.

I had a look at Madonna's current shows, and they are visually very impressive. She is in great shape. But I've read some horrendous stories about how late she often starts. Regularly 2-3 hours late on weeknights when people have to go to work the next day and may not be able to get transport after midnight. The seats aren't cheap either.

Reading those reviews totally put me off. I don't know if the shows are technically too ambitious, whether she takes longer these days to get prepared, or what.

The majority of the tour seemed to go very well for FM considering it was a three hour show, packed schedule that had even more dates added along the way. But I can understand that audience felt short changed and they should have been able to fill in with a substitute drummer for a bit longer, or had a contigency plan.

[AncientQueen]

That is exactly what happened when I went to a Madonna concert. She came 2 1/2 hours late, did not even adress it while some people had to leave after 2 songs because of transportation mid-week in germany. So most people were angry, tired of waiting and really annoyed, or had to leave early. I had worked for 8 hours that day, drove 2 hours, waited 2 hours until the official start of the concert an stood there for another 2 1/2 hours in really loud techno music waiting for her, I was really to tired to enjoy her concert, let alone dance. I was back home at 3 in the morning, had to get up to work at 7. I payed good money to be tortured like this, thanks Madge!

Shame, the concert would have been great, good songs, fantastic dancers, everything top notch, Madonna is a good performer. 2 hours earlier, fans would have loved her, then, she was appreciated, that's all. The venue was full of middle aged people, to my suprise the average age was higher then at FM concerts, and noone was in any kind of party mood from what I saw.

And Madonna, with all her choreographed dancing, the immense physical strength and her larger than life attitude, can't compete with Stevie Nicks, who has so much more warmth, stage presence and intensity even when she simply stands behind a mic and waits for the next song to start.