Song(s) you wish Fleetwood Mac would retire

[~*BellaDonna*~]

I'm sure we all have a song we wish they would quit performaning.

I won't get too far into it. So I'm only going to name one: DREAMS

C'mon guys, put it to bed. It used to be my favorite SN song from Rumours, now I despise it. If I never hear it again for the rest of my life, I'll be happy. :)

[Macfanforever]

I'm sure we all have a song we wish they would quit performaning.

I won't get too far into it. So I'm only going to name one: DREAMS

C'mon guys, put it to bed. It used to be my favorite SN song from Rumours, now I despise it. If I never hear it again for the rest of my life, I'll be happy. :)

Sorry.No no no no .I love Dreams and it was their only number 1 hit.Worldrurning gets boring to me at times but they cant pull it out since it gives the spotlight on Mick.I was upset when they pulled Standback.They could pull some others ones but I refuse to say what they are .I dont want stir up the board here.

I'm still pissed about they did not play Hold Me on this last tour.

[Angel75]

Good thread....

1. DONT STOP
Without a doubt....I just always think of the Clintons and their terribly out of beat clapping and bad dance moves :distress:

2. BIG LOVE
Amazing guitar work yes and a good song in general, just the climax sounds coming from a man pushing 70 at the end is a bit cringe :sorry:

[dawn_amanda]

I love World Turning but not the drum solo. It's a bit cringey.

[The Highwayman]

None.

I'm far more concerned with the songs the band should bring back to their set list or play for the first time, i.e. 'Fireflies', 'That's Alright', 'Hold Me', 'Crystal', 'Storms', 'Love in Store', 'Think About Me', 'Monday Morning', etc.

[Angel75]

None.

I'm far more concerned with the songs the band should bring back to their set list or play for the first time, i.e. 'Fireflies', 'That's Alright', 'Hold Me', 'Crystal', 'Storms', 'Love in Store', 'Think About Me', 'Monday Morning', etc.

I agree, I would love for ALL or at worst a few of these to get added in.
Problem is we need to get them to pull out a few of the ones they think the audience would die if they didn't play them, when in fact we die because we've heard them played 100 times already and need more than a greatest hits show.... :shrug:

[sue]

... Never going back again...

Just do not like the indulgent way this song is done nowadays..
I like the original version but not the current one...
Sorry.

[KenshiMaster16]

- Big Love (Acoustic) [If done, uptempo version is a must]
- Never Going Back Again
- World Turning
- Sisters of the Moon [Never thought I'd ever say that in my life but Stevie's vocal range just doesn't cut it for this tune anymore, not to mention "Sistahs" is borderline too much]
- Everywhere [Christine's vocal range works on the majority of her tracks......but not this one, the chorus gets incredibly screechy and she just cannot hit (or hold) that note anymore]

[Macfan4life]

Tough thread and also unrealistic. We are extreme fans on this board but we must not forget probably represent 10% of the audience in concert. Most people would be upset if Dreams and other big hits were not performed.
But I will play along. I would say most of the songs played live could be retired and I would be happy. Fleetwood Mac is probably the most ritualistic band to play live. We all know Dreams is going to follow the Chain and Go Your Own Way closes the show, etc. My dream setlist would have very few "hits."
Here are some songs I wish were dropped from the set

Dreams

Rhiannon - I know its a staple but Stevie sings flat now and cant hit high notes. It used to be almost like an exorcism live but has NONE of the passion it once did.

Gypsy - missing the passion and not a fan of the "hey hey's...say hey hey now"

Never Going Back Again

Big Love - it was cool on the Dance tour though. Time to refresh it or drop it

Sisters of the moon - the condensed version they play now is an insult to the song. Let it live. Plus Stevie has little passion and the 'siiiisssters' is sung because she cant hit the high notes.

[SeanJT]

I believe they could take four or five songs and condense them into a well orchestrated medley. They could also rotate set lists for shows, and do whole album special venue tours. I'm sure that's not a fresh new idea, but I also believe they should do a Christmas album. :angel:

[SisterNightroad]

Rhiannon. But I understand that it will never happen as it's their most recognizable song. It changed too much for me. I'm sure with their new vocal ranges and stage presences it would be nice if they tried their more country and folk catalogue, maybe also those more bluesy tracks of Christine. I don't wanna know, Warm ways and That's alright come to mind.

[jbrownsjr]

Dreams... She can't even hit the notes. It's so boring live.

Landslide... This song was never meant to be bellowed. The album version is so beautiful.

[~*BellaDonna*~]

Good thread....

1. DONT STOP
Without a doubt....I just always think of the Clintons and their terribly out of beat clapping and bad dance moves :distress:

2. BIG LOVE
Amazing guitar work yes and a good song in general, just the climax sounds coming from a man pushing 70 at the end is a bit cringe :sorry:
No need to apologise. :)

[~*BellaDonna*~]

Dreams... She can't even hit the notes. It's so boring live.

Landslide... This song was never meant to be bellowed. The album version is so beautiful.
Um, yeah....... I agree......

[~*BellaDonna*~]

Rhiannon. But I understand that it will never happen as it's their most recognizable song. It changed too much for me. I'm sure with their new vocal ranges and stage presences it would be nice if they tried their more country and folk catalogue, maybe also those more bluesy tracks of Christine. I don't wanna know, Warm ways and That's alright come to mind.
That is a wonderful idea that will probably never happen, unfortunately.

[~*BellaDonna*~]

Tough thread and also unrealistic. We are extreme fans on this board but we must not forget probably represent 10% of the audience in concert. Most people would be upset if Dreams and other big hits were not performed.
But I will play along. I would say most of the songs played live could be retired and I would be happy. Fleetwood Mac is probably the most ritualistic band to play live. We all know Dreams is going to follow the Chain and Go Your Own Way closes the show, etc. My dream setlist would have very few "hits."
Here are some songs I wish were dropped from the set

Dreams

Rhiannon - I know its a staple but Stevie sings flat now and cant hit high notes. It used to be almost like an exorcism live but has NONE of the passion it once did.

Gypsy - missing the passion and not a fan of the "hey hey's...say hey hey now"

Never Going Back Again

Big Love - it was cool on the Dance tour though. Time to refresh it or drop it

Sisters of the moon - the condensed version they play now is an insult to the song. Let it live. Plus Stevie has little passion and the 'siiiisssters' is sung because she cant hit the high notes.
Agreed, 100%

[Danielle]

Don't Stop

[~*BellaDonna*~]

None.

I'm far more concerned with the songs the band should bring back to their set list or play for the first time, i.e. 'Fireflies', 'That's Alright', 'Hold Me', 'Crystal', 'Storms', 'Love in Store', 'Think About Me', 'Monday Morning', etc.
But how many times can a person hear GYOW and still have respect for themselves? That song is pretty old now........ Sorry.....

[bsavi4]

Really cool thread. I'd definitely say "Rhiannon" and "Dreams" for the reasons stated above. I would give up any 2 Christine songs to get "Why" and "Spare Me A Little" back. Those two fit Chris's older voice much better than "Everywhere" or "Little Lies". Would also love to see "Warm Ways" make an appearance.

[FuzzyPlum]

I agree Dreams and Gypsy should go. Gypsy was the one big disappointment for me when I last saw them. I can't see them ever dropping their sole US #1 though so Dreams definitely won't go.
I think they should retire I'm So Afraid and develop another song to fill its place. I think they should drop I Know I'm Not Wrong and bring in another Lindsey 'toilet break song' (not a toilet break for me but it is in general). Probably a good idea to bring something else in in place of Over My Head too.

If I was to guess at 5 songs they would actually 'retire' to make way for new material I'd go for;

Gypsy
I Know I'm Not Wrong
Never Going Back Again
Over My Head
Sisters of the Moon

[The Highwayman]

But how many times can a person hear GYOW and still have respect for themselves? That song is pretty old now........ Sorry.....

So songs, even great ones, have an expiration date? Well, then I'd better get rid of every single album I have. Shame... I'll never get to hear my #1 favorite song of all time, 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' by the Beach Boys, anymore as it was released way back in 1966 and I've heard it so many times it boggles the mind.

I've listened to Rumours and Tusk and Mirage, and on the solo side, Bella Donna, so many times out of a deep love for the incredible songs that grace these albums.
And it amazes me to see so many pick 'Dreams' as a song that the band needs to drop from their live concerts. I've listened to 'Dreams' so many times since I became a FM/Stevie fanatic 18 years ago, that my heart now only beats in tune with John McVie's infamous bass line. I can hear 'Dreams' a googleplex more times, but I'll never tire of what is my favorite FM song second only to 'Gypsy'.
Add on to that, 'Dreams' was the first time that, as a little boy sitting in the back seat of a car some of 30-odd years ago, I ever heard Stevie Nicks' voice. I was attracted to it even then, just as now, as a card-carrying member of the church of Stevie. Drop 'Dreams'? I'd rather drop my left arm, and I'm left handed.

[FuzzyPlum]

But how many times can a person hear GYOW and still have respect for themselves? That song is pretty old now........ Sorry.....

There are certainly songs I could do without hearing live again. GYOW certainly isn't one of them though. I don't think I could ever tire of listening to it. I guess I have no self-respect- I'll have to live with that.

old doesn't mean bad (thank goodness).

[~*BellaDonna*~]

There are certainly songs I could do without hearing live again. GYOW certainly isn't one of them though. I don't think I could ever tire of listening to it. I guess I have no self-respect- I'll have to live with that.

old doesn't mean bad (thank goodness).
I'm such a burnt little piece of toast when in comes to GYOW. Sorry for offending you, FuzzyPlum.

[FuzzyPlum]

I'm such a burnt little piece of toast when in comes to GYOW. Sorry for offending you, FuzzyPlum.


Oh, no worries- I'm certainly not offended.
Did you listen to the 'breakdown of GYOW' in the other thread recently? I find it so amazing there are still things to hear for the first time on that song when you scratch below the surface.

[Angel75]

No need to apologise. :)

Ha! Well I shouldn't have apologised really but I know a lot of people go mad for Big Love live

[elle]

Rhiannon and Dreams are the worst offenders in being tired and just going through the motions.

[Frankenstein]

Rhiannon and Dreams are the worst offenders in being tired and just going through the motions.

I agree with this, and also Landslide. If I never heard that song again, that would be just fine.

[sands of time]

Don't Stop, World Turning, and I'm So Afraid. Lindsey could have his big moment with either Tango In The Night or Murrow Turning In His Grave replacing I'm So Afraid. It's enough already.

[Angel75]

Oh, no worries- I'm certainly not offended.
Did you listen to the 'breakdown of GYOW' in the other thread recently? I find it so amazing there are still things to hear for the first time on that song when you scratch below the surface.

The breakdown of GYOW was incredible, particularly for me John's bass parts and Lindsey's stripped down vocals......it is a shame he more or less shouts this now on stage....if he could sing this live now closer to this breakdown/original it would be sublime

[Angel75]

Don't Stop, World Turning, and I'm So Afraid. Lindsey could have his big moment with either Tango In The Night or Murrow Turning In His Grave replacing I'm So Afraid. It's enough already.

Agreed, pull I'm So Afraid ( and for me Big Love) and have Lindsey new a different big moment solo....Tango in the night would definitely be great

[KarmaContestant]

Big Love. Play it the way it was released on Tango, or just burn it, already. How about Tango In The night, instead?

World Turning. Oh gosh, the worst ever. I can't even listen to it on the Tusk deluxe live CD. I've hated it live since, well, since forever, because it always drags on for what seems like forever. How about You And I, instead? Part 1, leading in to Part 2?

Don't Stop. Don't stop touring again tomorrow! Been tired of it since The Dance. How about Think About Me, instead?

Tusk. Really. It's just a bunch of noise anymore. Lindsey has none of the pacing or control to sing the lyrics with the menace and mystery of the original. How about Green Manalishi, instead?

Rhiannon. Because they're all the same, all the same, all the same Rhiannon. How about Thrown Down, instead? Or - lets' go way back - how about Sorcerer the way it might have ended up on a 1970's Fleetwood Mac album. I hate Stevie's live solo version.

Those are, for me, the songs that make me groan with angst and boredom when I hear the opening notes.

On the other hand, I never, ever get tired of Dreams. I love Dreams in Stevie's huskier voice. The high notes are for the vengeful little girl that wrote it. The modern takes are a wiser look back, a reflection.

None of these songs get skipped when I play the albums - I love each of them. It's just that, played live, they lack any enthusiasm. They're rote.

[paleshadow]

Good thread....

1. DONT STOP
Without a doubt....I just always think of the Clintons and their terribly out of beat clapping and bad dance moves :distress:

2. BIG LOVE
Amazing guitar work yes and a good song in general, just the climax sounds coming from a man pushing 70 at the end is a bit cringe :sorry:

I agree with both, but especially "Big Love" unless they decided to do a non acoustic version like it is on Tango.

[macpai]

Gypsy. Not that I will ever retire from listening to the original.

[The Highwayman]

'Gypsy' is my #1 favorite Fleetwood Mac song. As such, it's rather disappointing that none of the live versions I've ever heard have lived up to the greatness of the song. I mean, there have been some nice live performances of it, but never truly great. Still, I don't want it dropped from the set; as I said, I don't want anything dropped, but instead add more great songs.

[HomerMcvie]

They will NEVER drop Big Love, as the acoustic version that I HATE.

Because it's Lindsey's showcase of "a million fingers a second"(even though half[or more] of what 'you're' hearing is all delay[mechanically echoed notes, for you non musicians]).

He's never been a revered guitarist, in guitar circles. The one thing he has, is his finger picking style. That's why they'll never drop it. It's his solo showoff song.

I'm just glad they put it halfway through the set, because I can successfully make a pee run, in the time from the first note to the last.

[Angel75]

They will NEVER drop Big Love, as the acoustic version that I HATE.

Because it's Lindsey's showcase of "a million fingers a second"(even though half[or more] of what 'you're' hearing is all delay[mechanically echoed notes, for you non musicians]).

He's never been a revered guitarist, in guitar circles. The one thing he has, is his finger picking style. That's why they'll never drop it. It's his solo showoff song

LB then needs to release a new finger picking song and play this live so we don't get tormented with the cringy and embarrassing ooh aahs....there's some motivation for their new album right there ;)

[Macfan4life]

I never tire of Go Your Own Way either live or on the radio. I don't know why. Its such a crank song and is the perfect way to end the set. Its such a rocker and a great final song before farewells and encores. I was surprised but happy that even the tours without Lindsey, the Mac kept it in the set. I love to see Stevie in the top hat too.

I also never tire of anything Christine does. I do have preferences for her songs but she can sing me a lullaby and I would be happy. I would love for her to dig into deep tracks and I bet she would love to do it. Sadly she knows the backlash. In 1987 I was disgusted at what I saw. During the Tango tour Stevie left the stage for Over My Head and You Make Loving Fun. I felt it was an obligation for her to stay on stage more (like she does today) with new members on stage. When Chris started to sing Over My Head and Stevie left the stage, there was a mass exodus in the arena. It was so rude and I felt sick at my stomach. How are you a Mac fan if you leave during their first USA radio hit even if you don't like the song. The group can easily see the mass exodus to the bathroom or refreshment stand. I wanted to lock the doors and not let these people back in. There were so many leaving that there were lines on the stairs to get out.
I say this because just imagine if Fleetwood Mac played Why instead of the "hit" Over My Head. Sadly the response would have been worse.

[FuzzyPlum]

I never tire of Go Your Own Way either live or on the radio. I don't know why. Its such a crank song and is the perfect way to end the set. Its such a rocker and a great final song before farewells and encores. I was surprised but happy that even the tours without Lindsey, the Mac kept it in the set. I love to see Stevie in the top hat too.

I also never tire of anything Christine does. I do have preferences for her songs but she can sing me a lullaby and I would be happy. I would love for her to dig into deep tracks and I bet she would love to do it. Sadly she knows the backlash. In 1987 I was disgusted at what I saw. During the Tango tour Stevie left the stage for Over My Head and You Make Loving Fun. I felt it was an obligation for her to stay on stage more (like she does today) with new members on stage. When Chris started to sing Over My Head and Stevie left the stage, there was a mass exodus in the arena. It was so rude and I felt sick at my stomach. How are you a Mac fan if you leave during their first USA radio hit even if you don't like the song. The group can easily see the mass exodus to the bathroom or refreshment stand. I wanted to lock the doors and not let these people back in. There were so many leaving that there were lines on the stairs to get out.
I say this because just imagine if Fleetwood Mac played Why instead of the "hit" Over My Head. Sadly the response would have been worse.

I get where you are coming from. I reckon Why could be a great opener, or at the very least near the start of the set when the audience have no excuse to get up.

[redbird]

There are a number of songs that are not as good live as they used to be. GYOW is my favorite Mac song of all and I really don't care to listen to it live at any point past the Mirage tour. That said it's still not terrible, a lot of what's great about it is the instrumentation and that all still sounds good. For me the one that suffers the most is "Rhiannon", it's a shell of its former self. "Dreams" is noticeable because of that high note, but it always was a mellow song anyway (I don't deny that the groove is not as good, though). But "Rhiannon" should be a power showcase in my mind and, for obvious and understandable reasons, it just isn't. NGBA is a close second -- Lindsey, why?

I like "Big Love" acoustic but I agree that the sex sounds could go.

[guillamene]

Great thread. I skip the following when I'm listening to a show:
1. Rhiannon - played out at this stage. Does she feel that she has to do it?
2. Big Love, Landslide and the slow Never going Back Again.
3. I'm So Afraid(!) Not That Funny and, of course, Don't Stop.
So many alternatives could fill these being dropped. Funnily enough, I never tire of Dreams or GYOW: something about the bass and beat of these two that in many ways sum up the heart of Fleetwood Mac for me.

[aleuzzi]

Pretty much 2/3 of their current set. I'd replace it with the "profound" "new" music we have still yet to hear.

Have I mentioned I want new music?