Why is Stevie so absent on stage?

[twinmatrix]

I saw her live for the first time yesterday and was kinda disappointed / surprised by her lack of crowd interaction and crowd contact?

She seems to constantly focus on some points in the distance above the crowd. And when she does look into the crowd it's not actually "at" anyone, she just kinda stares into the distance.

Her performance is amazing and very gracious but it's pretty much like watching a DVD. She does a little wave at the audience during Go Your Own Way but even then it's more like an absent gesture, and it looks like she'd rather be sitting at home watching TV.

Is this supposed to be part of her "act"? Does she have stage fright? Is she bored of touring?

Also why does she waggle around so much like a penguin? Watching clips before I thought it was the high heels but seeing it in person makes me think she has some kind of issue with her joints.

Honestly after this concert I feel kind of disconnected from her as a person. I'm not one of those crazy fans who wants to be "recognized by their artist" but I felt like she didn't care about anyone at all. I went there intending to give her my support and yell stuff like 24 KARAT GOLD to know she has fans of her solo career but I wound up enjoying CHRISTINE the most and cheering her on lol. She's such a sweet awesome lady. I don't think my dad enjoyed Stevie either. He called her "cranky" lol. But well, he's a Lindsey fan.

Hell, even MADONNA has more crowd contact than Stevie and Madonna is supposed to be this untouchable diva bitch who has everything rehearsed down to the last second.

Having said that, Landslide was my highlight of the concert and far better and more emotional live than I could've imagined.

[Machu]

I think she has a lot of interaction in-between songs when she talks with the audience like she and them are BFF's. She's very funny and personable. When she performs, I think she's totally in that moment, focused. I think that's why during Christine and Lindsey's songs she smiles or waves a little more.

[SisterNightroad]

For what I know Stevie is practically almost blind, I remember her and Richard Dashut saying that she has only 4 dioptres on each eye and that even with contacts she doesn't see beyond 4 metres ahead of her and at concerts the audience is mostly a blurred mass.

About her movements, I think the age really took its toll on her, sometimes when I watch video on youtube I see her holding her back or joints and walking very tiredly.

[twinmatrix]

For what I know Stevie is practically almost blind, I remember her and Richard Dashut saying that she has only 4 dioptres on each eye and that even with contacts she doesn't see beyond 4 metres ahead of her and at concerts the audience is mostly a blurred mass.

About her movements, I think the age really took its toll on her, sometimes when I watch video on youtube I see her holding her back or joints and walking very tiredly.

Oh really? That would explain a LOT.

I felt like even when she looked at the crowd she wasn't really "seeing anything". I justified that to myself by saying she's so "in the music" that she doesn't see the people, but I still felt kinda bummed that she didn't seem to make contact with anyone at all.

Has she ever talked about this?

Yeah near the end of the concert she was constantly holding her back (like me hahaha). That doesn't bother me at all though I just hope she's fine. I'd rather she does small hall acoustic tours than try to stay a rock chick.

I think she has a lot of interaction in-between songs when she talks with the audience like she and them are BFF's. She's very funny and personable. When she performs, I think she's totally in that moment, focused. I think that's why during Christine and Lindsey's songs she smiles or waves a little more.

I watched Stevie constantly, even during Lindsey's and Christine's songs she didn't really do much with the crowd. She just walked around and stared up at some point above the crowd (that's why I thought maybe she has stage fright?) and did her beautiful dances and hand gestures. Although her connection with Lindsey and Christine was lovely. I was really moved by Christine. Prior to this concert I didn't even like her. She genuinely seemed so happy to be there.

She's very funny and personable.
Makes me wish she would do a solo concert here. I think it'd be a lot better. A 2-minute pre-Landslide speech is just not enough Stevie.

[louielouie2000]

For what I know Stevie is practically almost blind, I remember her and Richard Dashut saying that she has only 4 dioptres on each eye and that even with contacts she doesn't see beyond 4 metres ahead of her and at concerts the audience is mostly a blurred mass.

About her movements, I think the age really took its toll on her, sometimes when I watch video on youtube I see her holding her back or joints and walking very tiredly.

This was true at one point, but she had laser surgery done in the 90s. She talked about how frightening it was to suddenly be able to look into the audience and actually see people's eyes, because before, the crowd was just a beautiful blur (or something to that Stevie-ish effect :p).

I don't think this is why she's a robot in concert and avoids eye contact & interaction, though. I think she's just genuinely terrified of her fans. Just by the nature of her persona she attracts some odd birds... and obsessive types. I think this is the way she throws up a protective veil between herself and her fans.

As far as the lack of fluidity of her movements... just look closely at her hands. The woman clearly is arthritic, and has been for a long time. Dancing around on stages in heels for hours a night and banging away on tambourines daily for 40 years takes it's toll. It's easy to forget sometimes she's on the Edge of 70.

[BlueLight]

I do, however, think her eyesight has worsened significantly since her surgery in the '90s. That's why she relies so much on her prescription sunglasses when she's not on stage. From when I've seen her perform recently, it seems pretty clear that she can only really see a few yards or so in front of her. :shrug:

[elle]

I do, however, think her eyesight has worsened significantly since her surgery in the '90s. That's why she relies so much on her prescription sunglasses when she's not on stage. From when I've seen her perform recently, it seems pretty clear that she can only really see a few yards or so in front of her. :shrug:

i'm not sure whether that's night vision problems or difficulty walking in platform heels, but if you watch the band and how they move on stage during FM gigs, every time when the stage is dark one of the band members is holding Stevie by the hand to take her where she needs to go.

at the start of the show Lindsey brings her out in the dark, when they move around in the dark between some of the songs Christine takes her by the hand and leads her to her spot, at the end after Songbird John holds her hand and helps her walking out on the stage.

that said, and reading beforehand how bad her vision was, i've been surprised at some of the shows where she was clearly looking for someone in the audience, and made eye contacts. so she can see people, although not sure how far back. but yeah most of the time she seems to just have a blank stare towards / through the people, while Christine and Lindsey actually make eye contact and interact with the audience.

[James89]

Just thought I'd share with you guys that my only wish regarding FM on tour would be for Stevie to recreate the Gypsy dance routine live on stage. Just thinking about it gives me tingles! Ah well, I can dream! :lol:

[twinmatrix]

i'm not sure whether that's night vision problems or difficulty walking in platform heels, but if you watch the band and how they move on stage during FM gigs, every time when the stage is dark one of the band members is holding Stevie by the hand to take her where she needs to go.

at the start of the show Lindsey brings her out in the dark, when they move around in the dark between some of the songs Christine takes her by the hand and leads her to her spot, at the end after Songbird John holds her hand and helps her walking out on the stage.

that said, and reading beforehand how bad her vision was, i've been surprised at some of the shows where she was clearly looking for someone in the audience, and made eye contacts. so she can see people, although not sure how far back. but yeah most of the time she seems to just have a blank stare towards / through the people, while Christine and Lindsey actually make eye contact and interact with the audience.

Yeah, blank stare is a good description.

Even when I thought she was looking at someone in my direction, it was still just a blank stare. Not sure how to explain it.

Lindsey and Christine on the other hand really make eye contact. Lindsey surprised me SO much. The first songs I was just staring at Stevie, then during Dreams I looked over at Lindsey and he was literally looking into my eyes singing along the lyrics just like me. Suddenly I felt guilty I wasn't paying any attention to him, haha. He's a great guy. Too bad I don't "feel" his music or style.

I guess Stevie is more like a blank stare "in the zone" kinda girl. That's really surprising. Prior to my concert I thought she was very involved with crowd contact and interaction.

Makes you realize how different watching clips is from an actual concert.

[sorcerer999]

I guess Stevie is more like a blank stare "in the zone" kinda girl. That's really surprising. Prior to my concert I thought she was very involved with crowd contact and interaction.

Makes you realize how different watching clips is from an actual concert.


She used to be. All the time. The one and only time I've had a front row ticket, she noticed that I was the only one standing up and dancing/singing along to her song. She then (during the musical bridge) started shaking her tambourine and walked over to me, looked in my eyes and smiled. To which I then froze up and my mouth dropped, seeing her "acknowledge my existence". LOL

I've been to many other FM/Solo shows where she has pointed at audience members holding up signs or memorabilia, smiled and shook hands, among other things.

IMO, I just think she's exhausted with this CURRENT tour, hence the lack of audience interaction.

[Josh2003]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

[louielouie2000]

IMO, I just think she's exhausted with this CURRENT tour, hence the lack of audience interaction.

This may be true, but she was a blank-stare-straight-forward-into-oblivion zombie the entire Say You Will tour, too- and that was a dozen years ago. It really bugged me back then because even stoic, silent John pointed, laughed, and smiled at the signs fans made for him that tour. Lindsey watches the audience like a hawk during Mac shows (not so much solo)- he seems to really enjoy what's going on out there. He even pointed at me once when he noticed I was dancing and knew the words to his new (at the time) SYW songs.

[BlueLight]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

I bet there's some truth to this. Stevie likes to characterize her solo shows as "one big sleepover." ;)

[sorcerer999]

"Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

It's funny you say that because that's ALL I have perceived from her during this current tour. The main event being Chris' return to the fold, yet her "ramblings" on that subject, as well as others, always bring the focus back to her. It almost seems like she's jealous over that fact, but pretending to be happy about it, and overcompensating with her "speeches" and "song intros". At least, that's the impression that I've gotten from seeing this show live and watching YouTube clips.

Just my opinion.

[michelej1]

Also why does she waggle around so much like a penguin? Watching clips before I thought it was the high heels but seeing it in person makes me think she has some kind of issue with her joints.


I think she clearly has issues with her joints. Hips and knee. She talked about falling that one time years ago, when she was exercising on the plate, but just because she doesn't talk about it anymore, I don't think she's healed. I think it's a chronic thing, which would not be a big deal if she just lived a normal life like us, but having to perform so much, it takes its toll on her.

Michele

[michelej1]

As far as the lack of fluidity of her movements... just look closely at her hands.

Yes, her gloves and even some of her rings are probably designed to help control inflammation.

Michele

[michelej1]

I guess Stevie is more like a blank stare "in the zone" kinda girl. That's really surprising. Prior to my concert I thought she was very involved with crowd contact and interaction.



Stevie will talk more in her solo concerts and she does the Edge walk still, but she's not really into crowd interaction, where she's one on one. I mean, she certainly notices things. Like if you have a kid in the audience she will look. I've seen people put their daughters on their shoulders and Stevie will look and you know that she's taking it in and if you have stuffed animals or flowers she will see them. But these days I don't think she wants to take them. In fact, I think she sees these things as possible impediments that might cause trouble on the stage, when people are holding things up for her to take. She's not usually smiling and taking notice of particular people in the audience.

I have not been to one of her album signings, but if you get to go to one of those, I think you would get some of the interaction you're talking about, not in concert. Not any longer.

Michele

[michelej1]

This may be true, but she was a blank-stare-straight-forward-into-oblivion zombie the entire Say You Will tour, too- and that was a dozen years ago. It really bugged me back then because even stoic, silent John pointed, laughed, and smiled at the signs fans made for him that tour. Lindsey watches the audience like a hawk during Mac shows (not so much solo)- he seems to really enjoy what's going on out there.

I think Lindsey watches the audience a lot solo -- unless he's in some kind of strange special performance (like for the Apatow movie) where he chooses to close his eyes the entire time:shocked:. He also LISTENS. It's so funny to me that he cannot only hear what people say to him in the front rows, but he can hear them 10 rows back too and in a solo concert, he actually makes some funny retort to what they say, which he can't do at FM shows.

Michele

[jkmaletic]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

EXACTLY.
She's totally different with her audience during her solo shows. There's been several theories on why she's so different when she performs with FM, but whatever the reason, it is what it is.
She can definitely see the first few rows of people. I know this for sure.
Regarding her joints, they are bad - especially her knees. I know from someone close to her that her knees give her problems. And I think we've all read about her back issues. Poor thing sounds like a she's falling apart. Seems to be hanging in there though so far.

[twinmatrix]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

I might be overthinking but every time someone screamed STEVIE!! at my concert when the focus wasn't on her, I saw her smile or look up. However, when the focus WAS on her, she doesn't do anything. Like during Rhiannon (I think?) she came up right in front of us at the end and bowed, but still, nothing. Everyone was screaming and holding out their hands so I at least expected her to look down, right? Nope. Girl is totally in her own world. It's kinda romantic in a way.

Also, outside from the Landslide speech, she hardly talked? I ALWAYS hear people talk about "infamous Stevie speeches". She barely spoke. :-P

Meanwhile every time Lindsey came over I was scared he would jump into the audience or something. That guy is soooo into crowd interaction LOL. He even signed stuff on the side of the stage when he wasn't playing!

Anyway, all very interesting theories. Wish she would come to Europe for a solo tour! If she comes for 24k Gold I'm totally going wherever she is.

I have not been to one of her album signings, but if you get to go to one of those, I think you would get some of the interaction you're talking about, not in concert. Not any longer.

Michele

Now I'm kinda scared to go to an album signing, lol.

I don't need interaction with her per sé. But it certainly made the concert experience less enjoyable. It felt like it would not have been any different to her if the entire concert hall was empty.
It made cheering her on and clapping feel kinda pointless, if anyone knows what I mean.

[SpyNote]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.

Health-issues aside, I think this is the best explanation. It should also be noted that some band members used to make fun of her stage antics in the past. I'd guess that Lindsey and Christine were rolling their eyes a lot.

[louielouie2000]

I think Lindsey watches the audience a lot solo -- unless he's in some kind of strange special performance (like for the Apatow movie) where he chooses to close his eyes the entire time:shocked:. He also LISTENS. It's so funny to me that he cannot only hear what people say to him in the front rows, but he can hear them 10 rows back too and in a solo concert, he actually makes some funny retort to what they say, which he can't do at FM shows.

Michele

I definitely got one of those strange performances here in Austin a couple of years back. He really did have his eyes closed most of the time. I don't think he looked at anyone in the crowd or interacted with them in any way. When he mentioned FM he got several loud jeers, which he laughed and acknowledged, but that's about it. Even when it was time for him to exit the stage, he had to walk past all of the fans to leave. He barely shook a hand while darting out.

[michelej1]

I definitely got one of those strange performances here in Austin a couple of years back. He really did have his eyes closed most of the time.

Yeah, I saw him do that once when he was at the Roxy for a Judd Apatow event. It was like he didn't want to see the audience or the place he was in. I thought it was more than peculiar. Certainly a first for me, because he wasn't like that at the solo shows I'd attended.

With Stevie, I think she used to be different in her solo shows, but even that has changed now. She has fun at the solo shows, talking more and what not and I think laughing more with Sharon and Lori, but she still doesn't interact with the audience, outside of the Edge walk during the shows I've seen most recently.

Michele

[On Ice]

This is not new for Stevie, she's had that same presence (or lack of at times) since the early days. She beams from ear to ear when she's in a good mood and wears her emotions tighter than her gloves when she pissed. I've been in the front row at concerts during different eras and she does tend to look off into the crowd but will acknowledge fans when they get her attention (I got a smile from her at the Tango concert at Maple Leaf Gardens in '87). Moody and inconsistent as she is, I still love the woman to bits, faults and all (she has many but not so self aware at times)

[StreetAngel86]

I do, however, think her eyesight has worsened significantly since her surgery in the '90s. That's why she relies so much on her prescription sunglasses when she's not on stage. From when I've seen her perform recently, it seems pretty clear that she can only really see a few yards or so in front of her. :shrug:

when she looks DIRECTLY at you and smiles the most glorious smile that lights up the universe ... she can see PERFECTLY well.

I think she's sick of this FM nonsense tbh.

[PenguinHead]

This is not new for Stevie, she's had that same presence (or lack of at times) since the early days.

Thanks for making that point. I've been reading the comments and thinking "this describes the typical behavior she generally always had." The imagined, idealistic portrayal of Stevie you might want to see is just that. Sometimes her fairy dust doesn't live up to expectations and it is just plain dust. That inconsistency has always been there.

I think this tour is taking a toll on her, perhaps more so than the other members.
Though they are road warriors, I can only imagine how weary life can get when they are off stage -- the monotony of constantly traveling, getting on and off planes, being chauffeured in cars. The juxtaposition of the loud applause of thousands of people to the silence of being alone in an hotel room. Over time, the repetitiveness could be grueling despite having the means to travel in the highest level of comfort and luxury.

[mitzo]

Through the years she often projected a "who gives a ****?" vibe with FM on stage, when she is not centre stage. She would wander around looking partially zonked out and partially bored and apathetic during other numbers, even sit on the side and have a cigarette!

[teedeerocks]

Through the years she often projected a "who gives a ****?" vibe with FM on stage, when she is not centre stage. She would wander around looking partially zonked out and partially bored and apathetic during other numbers, even sit on the side and have a cigarette!

You sure that was a cigarette she was smoking?:p

[twinmatrix]

After my concert 2 nights ago, I take back the negative things I said about Stevie. This concert she was playful, energetic, fun.

Maybe she was just tired the other time because there was a concert the day before.

Either way, I was so so happy to see STEVIE NICKS on stage in Antwerp and not the ghost of a woman from Amsterdam. xxx

[singertobe]

Just thought I'd share with you guys that my only wish regarding FM on tour would be for Stevie to recreate the Gypsy dance routine live on stage. Just thinking about it gives me tingles! Ah well, I can dream! :lol:

That would be AAAAAAAAMMMMMAAAAAAAZIIIIIIIINNNNG!!!!!!!

[Jondalar]

Just just trying to make it through. This tour has been too long.

[PastelGravel]

Just have to chime in here. I guess I've been ridiculously lucky in my interactions/meetings or she is more animated than people are saying.

I suspect she is just bored, exhausted and done with this monster tour. I second everyone's comments about her vision/joint problems and how she is different solo.

I can see why people get the impression she's checked out - cause I kind of think she has. When she shows up emotionally or has a few days off in between shows she is so awesome.

But she is SUCH a gracious lady and a sweet person to boot - just tired I think. :angel:

P.S. If anyone gets a chance to go to a signing. GO. We flew to LA from Vancouver for 1 night to make it to the last one. WORTH IT!

P.P.S Let's give her a break. We're so lucky they are all out there still rocking :shrug:

[StreetAngel86]

WHAT SIGNING???????
is there a new one?

[twinmatrix]

Just have to chime in here. I guess I've been ridiculously lucky in my interactions/meetings or she is more animated than people are saying.

I suspect she is just bored, exhausted and done with this monster tour. I second everyone's comments about her vision/joint problems and how she is different solo.

I can see why people get the impression she's checked out - cause I kind of think she has. When she shows up emotionally or has a few days off in between shows she is so awesome.

But she is SUCH a gracious lady and a sweet person to boot - just tired I think. :angel:

P.S. If anyone gets a chance to go to a signing. GO. We flew to LA from Vancouver for 1 night to make it to the last one. WORTH IT!

P.P.S Let's give her a break. We're so lucky they are all out there still rocking :shrug:

Agreed. Second date in Amsterdam she was tired and bored I think lol.

After a few day break in Antwerp she was playful and awesome. :3 Even though the concert was cut short.

[iamnotafraid]

"Why is Stevie so absent on stage?"

Flubber.

[twinmatrix]

"Why is Stevie so absent on stage?"

Flubber.

Disgusting movie.

[landslide95]

Saw Stevie & The Mac in Dublin this year, it was the first concert on June 20th. The show was beyond fantastic, it was my first time so you can only imagine how excited I was but yes Stevie did seem like the lights were on but no one was home. I do wish she was more lively but hey, she's 67 so I can't really complain.
Btw, new here so I thought I'd give my opinion on the matter.

Carmel, Ireland.

[Macfan4life]

I also think there's a difference between "solo" Stevie and "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie. Solo Stevie tends to be more playful and interactive, because it's her show and she can be. "Fleetwood Mac" Stevie tends to be a bit more professional, if you will, and hold back a bit so as not to steal (or be perceived as trying to steal) attention from the others on the stage.
***This answer exactly****

Stevie will accept stuff solo but is hesitant to do so with Fleetwood Mac today. She has no "edge walk" and tones it down to make sure she is not the "star" of the group. I admire her for doing that.

[Lee]

***This answer exactly****

Stevie will accept stuff solo but is hesitant to do so with Fleetwood Mac today. She has no "edge walk" and tones it down to make sure she is not the "star" of the group. I admire her for doing that.

ITA!!! :nod: