Phoenix Concert at Comerica Theatre

[button-lip]

Thanks to Elle for finding this article. :thumbsup:


Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie Know Exactly What You Want


Wednesday, July 19, 2017

By Jason P. Woodbury



You don’t have to strain to hear the influence of Fleetwood Mac in the popular music of 2017. Sister act Haim built the soft rock gems of its latest LP, Something to Tell You, utilizing songwriting tips on loan directly from Stevie Nicks, the West Coast pop figurehead who just so happens to show up on Lana Del Rey’s forthcoming album. From Miley Cyrus’ “Malibu” to the sophisticated pomp of Lorde and Harry Styles, the Mac’s golden-hued songs, filled with earnest lyricism and smoothed out, pillowy aesthetics, continue to hold sway over those looking to achieve pop rock transcendence.

But the album that comes closest to capturing the charm and emotional resonance of vintage Fleetwood Mac? That would be Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie, released this year by, you know, two actual members of Fleetwood Mac.


It’s effectively a Fleetwood Mac album in all but name. Featuring contributions from Mick Fleetwood and John McVie alongside the namesake duo, the record is so redolent with references to classic Fleetwood moves you’d think it directly followed Tango in the Night. Nicks doesn’t appear, but close your eyes and you can imagine she’s there.



Originally titled Buckingham McVie — a cheeky reference to Buckingham Nicks, the 1973 record recorded by the then-romantically entwined couple before they joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 — it works like sonic time travel.

Strip away some of the compression from Buckhingham’s vocals on opener “Sleeping Around the Corner,” and you’d have an excellent Rumors A-side. Once the harmonies of the chorus kick in, thick and evocative of a monsoon wind, it’s easy enough to disregard the clunky lyrics and get lost in the mood. On “Feel About You,” McVie steps up to the mic and delivers a stunner that echoes her funky Mirage-era material. “Lay Down for Free” feels like you could have plucked it from Tusk (indeed, the new album was recorded at Village Recorder, the same studio where Tusk was hatched); “Too Far Gone” finds McVie slipping into the bawdy spirit of her classic, “Sugar Daddy.”

It’s a mixed bag when artists give fans exactly what they want. On Weezer’s 2016 “white” album, the band often sounded like a tribute act to itself, citing specific highlights from its discography. Similarly, Metallica’s Hardwired … to Self-Destruct from last year found the Bay Area quartet mining its early thrash classics for modern inspiration. The results of a back-to-basics record usually sound pretty good, thrilling even, in both Weezer and Metallica’s cases, but it’s hard to shake the notion that artistic evolution necessitates not simply playing the hits, or updated, reconfigured versions of the hits.

But evolution doesn’t always sound great. On paper, Metallica and Lou Reed’s collaboration Lulu is keeping with the idea of artistic merit, but Hardwired is simply more fun to listen to. Or take Todd Rundgren’s latest, 2017’s White Knight. Topical, daring, and fearless, it’s also pretty terrible — even when Steely Dan’s Donald Fagan shows up to skewer President Donald Trump on “Tin Foil Hat” or American soul legend Bettye LaVette belts it out on “Naked & Afraid.” It’s admirable that Rundgren keeps pushing the envelope, bravely defying what’s expected of a “classic” artist, but admiration doesn’t always translate to enjoyable songs.

Would a song rearranging the chords of “Can We Still Be Friends” be more fun to listen to than “Deaf Ears,” his collaboration with Trent Reznor? Probably, even if the latter is more authentically creative.


Listen closely to McVie and Buckingham’s latest, and you will hear modern touches that suggest the now more than the then: programmed drums, sonic wizardry affecting their voices. But what you’ll hear more than anything is the sound of two pros at ease with their craft. They take no overt risks, never try out a hip-hop guest spot or industrial soundscape, but they do accomplish something that feels right. When everyone seems to be trying to figure out how to do what you do, teaching the lesson is practically a public service.

Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham are scheduled to perform on Tuesday, July 25, at Comerica Theatre. Tickets are $49 and up through Livenation.

[elle]

But what you’ll hear more than anything is the sound of two pros at ease with their craft. They take no overt risks, never try out a hip-hop guest spot or industrial soundscape, but they do accomplish something that feels right. When everyone seems to be trying to figure out how to do what you do, teaching the lesson is practically a public service.

love this quote!! :thumbsup:

[button-lip]

love this quote!! :thumbsup:

And it's so true. And I'm so proud of them for that! :nod:

[Lola]

A reference to Sugar Daddy--I didn't see that coming. I love that song!

[FM77]

I have 2 pairs of tix to this PHX show, both aisle seats. Out of town guests bailed.

Sec 204 row 3 seats 1,2
Sec 205 row 5 seats 1,2

$30 each/$60 pair

[button-lip]

Amazing show tonight! Again it was full house. Pretty much like Las Vegas.

I may have heard Lindsey adding some bits on some songs.

Again both looked happy and relaxed. They even joked a bit with the audience and also when they were introducing the rest of the band.

Christine made Lindsey laugh and he couldn't continue singing at the "packing up, shacking up" part. She took her hands away from the keyboard and kept saying to Lindsey with her arms crossed: "I'm not playing, I'm not playing" :laugh: Christine made Lindsey laugh!

I touched Lindsey's guitar and knee (because of proximity :) ) during I'm so Afraid, and when they were leaving I grabbed Christine's pinky finger!! :blob1::blob2:

A girl had a sign that said she wanted to take a pic with Lindsey because he was the reason she started playing guitar as a kid. She got her wish at the end of the show.

The crowd was wild and they were both really, really happy. Lindsey was beaming. :woohoo:

I'm gonna try and posts some videos and pics in a few hours. :wavey:

[elle]

Amazing show tonight! Again it was full house. Pretty much like Las Vegas.

I may have heard Lindsey adding some bits on some songs.

Again both looked happy and relaxed. They even joke a bit with the audience and also when they were introducing the rest of the band.

Christine made Lindsey laugh and he couldn't continue singing at the "packing up, shacking up" part. She took her hands away from the keyboard and kept saying to Lindsey with her arms crossed: "I'm not playing, I'm not playing" :laugh: Christine made Lindsey laugh!

I touch Lindsey's guitar and knee (because of proximity :) ) during I'm so Afraid, and when they were leaving I grabbed Christine's pinky finger!! :blob1::blob2:

A girl had a sign that says she wanted to take a pic with Lindsey because he was the reason she started playing guitar as a kid. She got her wish a the end of the show.

The crowd was wild and they were both really, really happy. Lindsey was beaming. :woohoo:

I'm gonna try and posts some videos and pics in a few hours. :wavey:

Thanks for the late night reporting- so happy that your trip is turning out so worth it!!

Love that he couldn't continue signing because she made him laugh so hard - hope someone captured that!

[HomerMcvie]

Amazing show tonight! Again it was full house. Pretty much like Las Vegas.

I may have heard Lindsey adding some bits on some songs.

Again both looked happy and relaxed. They even joked a bit with the audience and also when they were introducing the rest of the band.

Christine made Lindsey laugh and he couldn't continue singing at the "packing up, shacking up" part. She took her hands away from the keyboard and kept saying to Lindsey with her arms crossed: "I'm not playing, I'm not playing" :laugh: Christine made Lindsey laugh!

I touched Lindsey's guitar and knee (because of proximity :) ) during I'm so Afraid, and when they were leaving I grabbed Christine's pinky finger!! :blob1::blob2:

A girl had a sign that said she wanted to take a pic with Lindsey because he was the reason she started playing guitar as a kid. She got her wish at the end of the show.

The crowd was wild and they were both really, really happy. Lindsey was beaming. :woohoo:

I'm gonna try and posts some videos and pics in a few hours. :wavey:
Thanks for the review. Sounds like you had a great time!

[jbrownsjr]

Amazing show tonight! Again it was full house. Pretty much like Las Vegas.

I may have heard Lindsey adding some bits on some songs.

Again both looked happy and relaxed. They even joked a bit with the audience and also when they were introducing the rest of the band.

Christine made Lindsey laugh and he couldn't continue singing at the "packing up, shacking up" part. She took her hands away from the keyboard and kept saying to Lindsey with her arms crossed: "I'm not playing, I'm not playing" :laugh: Christine made Lindsey laugh!

I touched Lindsey's guitar and knee (because of proximity :) ) during I'm so Afraid, and when they were leaving I grabbed Christine's pinky finger!! :blob1::blob2:

A girl had a sign that said she wanted to take a pic with Lindsey because he was the reason she started playing guitar as a kid. She got her wish at the end of the show.

The crowd was wild and they were both really, really happy. Lindsey was beaming. :woohoo:

I'm gonna try and posts some videos and pics in a few hours. :wavey:

Great review!! I will be in DEN!!! Can't wait.

[Macfan4life]

Amazing show tonight! Again it was full house. Pretty much like Las Vegas.

I may have heard Lindsey adding some bits on some songs.

Again both looked happy and relaxed. They even joked a bit with the audience and also when they were introducing the rest of the band.

Christine made Lindsey laugh and he couldn't continue singing at the "packing up, shacking up" part. She took her hands away from the keyboard and kept saying to Lindsey with her arms crossed: "I'm not playing, I'm not playing" :laugh: Christine made Lindsey laugh!

I touched Lindsey's guitar and knee (because of proximity :) ) during I'm so Afraid, and when they were leaving I grabbed Christine's pinky finger!! :blob1::blob2:

A girl had a sign that said she wanted to take a pic with Lindsey because he was the reason she started playing guitar as a kid. She got her wish at the end of the show.

The crowd was wild and they were both really, really happy. Lindsey was beaming. :woohoo:

I'm gonna try and posts some videos and pics in a few hours. :wavey:
OMG !!
I cant believe I am responding to someone on a message board who actually touched Christine's pinky finger :eek:

CONGRATULATIONS MY FRIEND
I am deeply jealous and full of envy

Keep the reviews coming!

[David A]

looks like people are saying it was a full house, yet 3 hours before the show the site and ticket places showed the venue only had like 1/2 the tickets sold ? that's weird, idk if I trust these ticket sites, because I was under the impression only half the venue was sold :(

[button-lip]

Trouble


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yIxSoa_p2g0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[button-lip]

Thanks for the late night reporting- so happy that your trip is turning out so worth it!!

Love that he couldn't continue signing because she made him laugh so hard - hope someone captured that!

Thanks! :woohoo: That last minute ticket change was so worth it! :nod:

It's hard to record Go your Own Way. You just want to sing with Lindsey. :blob1:

Thanks for the review. Sounds like you had a great time!

Yeah! :xoxo: When I briefly touched Christine's hand I thought about your flowers. :(


Great review!! I will be in DEN!!! Can't wait.

I know! I hope it's another full house! Last night aerobic guy was nothing in comparison to a woman near me. But she went only for The Wallflowers. She gave quite a show, and then she left. :shocked:


OMG !!
I cant believe I am responding to someone on a message board who actually touched Christine's pinky finger :eek:

CONGRATULATIONS MY FRIEND
I am deeply jealous and full of envy

Keep the reviews coming!

She was leaving and I grabbed her pinky finger with all my force. :laugh::laugh: Her hands are cold.

And thanks! :woohoo:

[button-lip]

looks like people are saying it was a full house, yet 3 hours before the show the site and ticket places showed the venue only had like 1/2 the tickets sold ? that's weird, idk if I trust these ticket sites, because I was under the impression only half the venue was sold :(

Well, only on the 2nd floor there were very few people, but a couple of hours before the show there was only 1 ticket available on row 1 and apprently it was sold because there was no place to walk. We were literally on the stage. That's why it was so easy to touch everybody. :]

I ended up giving away my 2nd row ticket. I sent you a PM asking you if you wanted to buy it, but you never answered so I gave it away. :distress:

[button-lip]

A few things I remembered, even though I still haven't slept. :shocked:

Lots of folks with FM t-shirts (Second Hand News, Tusk You, from different tours), and with Lindsey's solo tours t-shirts.
A fan had a very amusing t-shirt: "I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands" :laugh: And he was right!

During Feel About You, Christine sang "your jelly taste the sweetest to me" to Lindsey. :laugh: They were both laughing!

The band was very active last night. They were all joking with each other and with Christine and Lindsey. :lol:

More videos to come. :)

[button-lip]

Wish You Were Here

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[button-lip]

Lindsey speaking

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[button-lip]

Love is here to stay (the light didn't let me record the whole song) :laugh:



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[button-lip]

I'm so Afraid (Guitar Solo)

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[elle]

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/lindsey-buckingham-christine-mcvie-phoenix-concert-review-comerica-july-25-2017-9532901

How Buckingham McVie Brought Down the House in Downtown Phoenix
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017 AT 10:46 A.M. BY AMY YOUNG

Buckingham McVie perform at Comerica Theatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.
Jim Louvau


Lindsey Buckingham is really excited to once again be working with Christine McVie, his former Fleetwood Mac cohort, after her 15-year break from that band. And he mentioned it to the crowd more than once during the pair’s show last night at Comerica Theatre. Not immediately, though. First, the two took the stage to play four songs with Buckingham on guitar and McVie on keys.


The two have a long musical history that started when began in Fleetwood Mac, when Buckingham joined in 1975. McVie left the band in 1998, but in 2014 reached out with her desire to join up again with her former bandmates. This renewed communication led to she and Buckingham exploring the idea of making a record together, and they hit the studio. The result? A self-titled, 10-song pop-touched rock record that features contributions from Mac-ers Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass.

Buckingham McVie started off the downtown Phoenix show with Buckingham’s early ‘80s classic “Trouble,” and exuded a deeply sincere warmth from the jump. Where his original version is a little more poppy, this take was a little thicker, more melodic. His vocals were majestic and broad, softly dripping with a bit of pride and contentment.

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McVie matched his emotion with “Wish You Were Here,” a Fleetwood Mac track from 1982's Mirage album. It took just a second for McVie to work her way into her voice, and when it snapped into place with her bold delivery, it was musical magic. Her distinct sound blanketed the room and solidified her presence.

In possibly the most chills-inducing moment of the night, Buckingham sang another Mac song that he penned, “Never Going Back Again,” from the beloved Rumours LP. The song is already a goddamned gut-puncher, but Lindsey cranked up its power and slayed with a quiet version that was sparse in parts, intense in others, and haunting overall. He took his voice from whisper to falsetto and, in both those moments, the audience held the excitement-driven friction as long as possible until the collective bubble exploded into cheers and some “We love you, Lindsey” shouts.

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The rest of the band joined them, and before getting into one of the songs from their new release, “Sleeping Around the Corner,” Buckingham let loose on his happiness about their reconnection.

“Making this record,” he said, “was something that we didn’t plan on doing, but once we started, we wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner.” He didn’t get into any details about why McVie left Fleetwood Mac or dig up any dirt. He simply said that it’s “a beautiful, circular thing” the group has, and he's happy she reached out and found her way back. That was clear from the beaming smile that barely left his face all night.

The songs they’ve created together for this self-titled record of duets are strong, solid rockers. They sounded fantastic singing together on “Sleeping Around the Corner,” which had some nice pop and punch to it. “Feel About You” was full of sweet sentiment, and when they delivered lines like “You’re so beautiful / That’s how I feel about you,” they expressed their bond by pointing to one another, going next level with the sweet-making.

Buckingham McVie perform at Comerica Theatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.
Buckingham McVie perform at Comerica Theatre on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.
Jim Louvau
McVie left the keyboard for “Too Far Gone” and did a little dancing along with her singing and maraca-shaking. Before they got into another newbie, “Love Is Here to Stay,” a fast rocker with a little bluesy edge, their convo got a little humorous. As Buckingham was waxing sentimental about their history and saying that they’ve “found this space together that they’ve never found before,” she stopped him to say he was a little out of breath. “It’s the dry heat,” he replied, which of course everyone found hilarious, as for four months straight here, heat jokes reign supreme.

Their great chemistry stretched to the relationship with the band – an array of stellar players who, aside from the recently added drummer, have all worked with either Buckingham, McVie, or both over the years. The new songs are strong. At this point, you probably can’t take the Mac out of either musician's live repertoire, but this didn’t feel like Fleetwood Mac rehashed at all. Buckingham's own guitar mastery was another beacon of the evening; also pretty impressive was his guitar collection. He switched guitars after every song.


And as far as the Mac goes, they played a pretty good assortment of those songs: “Little Lies,” “Tusk,” and “You Make Loving Fun." On the latter, McVie’s vocals hit that magical high-note sweet spot that makes heads spin. They ended the set with “Go Your Own Way,” and that’s when the crowd finally broke the invisible barrier and went sing-along and dance in the aisles crazy.


They came back out for a three-song encore, led by Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” and two of their new ones, “Lay Down for Free,” and “Game of Pretend” – a nicely crafted ballad that McVie offered with tenderness and mastery, closing the night serenely, which is where they seem content to live these days.

Set List:
1. "Trouble"
2. "Wish You Were Here"
3. "Never Going Back Again"
4. "Shut Us Down"
5. "Sleeping Around the Corner"
6. "Feel About You"
7. "In My World"
8. "Too Far Gone"
9. "Hold Me"
10. "Little Lies"
11. "Tusk"
12. "Love Is Here to Stay"
13. "Red Sun"
14. "You Make Loving Fun"
15. "I’m So Afraid"
16. "Go Your Own Way"

Encore:
17. "Everywhere"
18. "Lay Down for Free"
19. "Game of Pretend"

Critic’s Notebook:
Last Night: Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie at Comerica Theatre
The crowd: Extremely excited Fleetwood Mac fans
Overheard: "This is my mom's favorite," three different times, from three different people
Notebook dumps: I thought there’d be more people wearing flowy scarves

Correction: This article has been updated from its original version to reflect that Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975.

[button-lip]

"That was clear from the beaming smile that barely left his face all night." :nod: And we all saw that in every concert. :)

I've forgotten about "Feel About You"! She pointed at Lindsey while she was singing "You're so beautiful!", and he started laughing and almost couldn't finish that part. :lol:

Poor Lindsey! He was out of breath! :laugh: I don't remember what song was before his speech but he put too much effort into it. :nod:

Yep, impressive collection of guitars. :woohoo:

"Flowy scarves". Yep, no one around me mentioned her either. People seem quite content with what they have right now, so why change it?

[secondhandchain]

I have to say Lindsey's voice is the best it's sounded in a long time. Christine's is getting MUCH better. Also I noticed that during Love is here to stay they aren't relying as much on backing tracks? Anyone else notice that?

[secondhandchain]

So Feel about you is now a full duet? I like it like that.

[Tusk!]

It was hardly a full house. Several of the side sections on the floor were almost empty and the balcony had very few people. I would estimate the total attendance as about 70 % full. Great show!:nod:

[jbrownsjr]

I have to say Lindsey's voice is the best it's sounded in a long time. Christine's is getting MUCH better. Also I noticed that during Love is here to stay they aren't relying as much on backing tracks? Anyone else notice that?

Yes!! I barely noticed them.