Taj 8/27/10
 

well, in a nutshell, stevie was great but...
security was terrible! Front row in only one section allowed to stage. Section 101 front row was so far off to the side it was partial view. Security hasselled is throughout the show, for standing toward the center rather than directly in front of our seats. The sound system was terrible, and we could hear the security people talking the entire time.

Not sure what everyone else thought, of course I love stevie no matter what, but the Taj sucks as a venue.

I also was in 101, 8 rows back. I somehow managed to cut across section 102 during the Edge intro and i made it up to the 3rd row between 102 and 103 and then the security bastards went ballastic and practically mowed people down and dragged them back to their seats. I managed to sneak in about 10 rows back for the duration of the song, but I was so distracted with how awful security was being, constantly walking up and down the aisle ramming people to get them to move that i lost out on enjoying most of the song. I was screaming mad when Stevie walked the stage because she seemed in such a good mood putting on a ribbon tiara thingy and what ever else she was handed. Ugh..i could have punched those people. Although, unlike the show in NY the other night, I didn't see one person being told to put their cameras away. So I guess with these shows you pick your poison.

Oh, was anyone in the front of 104 or 105? What or who was Stevie talking to just as she was about to do the walk? Seemed like she was pleading with someone. Wonder if it was security or a fan.

I still had a blast and I think Stevie was having a great time. She seemed extra chatty, especially during the band intros. She mentioned how she was a speech major for 5 years yet she still sucked at talking in front of people and when she got to Waddy she was talking about knowing him since the BN days and then how the only people who really know you are those who you knew before you were famous. And at the end of Love Is, which was beautiful by the way, she mentioned the 3 ballads thing, but she also started talking about coming here to AC (maybe this same venue?) after 9/11 and then she started talking about how we need to support the music industry and buy records cause it's really important. She even said something along the lines of "Listen up cause this is Mama talking to you" so it was cute.

Other random tidbits:

I spent $40 on this brick red shirt that says Stevie Nicks Belladonna on it. It's ridiculously small on me but i love it. Going to use it as my inspiration to lose weight so i can wear it when she tours next year.

My camera crapped out on me so I don't have many pictures, possibly a piece of a video. I'll have to check tomorrow. I'm sure many people got great pics cause like I said i didn't see security having an issue with that. At least not where i was standing.

She dedicated Landslide to Vanessa Carlton who was somewhere out there.

I loved Stand Back so much more this time around then when she did it with the Mac last year.

I also really thought she was trying to hit some of those higher notes she sometimes lowers for. So i was happy about that too.


Overall, I had a great time and the friend that i brought with me had very little knowledge of Stevie and I filled her in the whole car ride so now I"ve officially converted her to a fan! Now i really want to go tomorrow night to CT!

Wow, I knew that security was bad, but I didn't realize it was that bad! I too was way over on the side in 105, but by some fluke I slinked past a few checkpoints and ended up in the mass of humanity trying to get to the edge walk. It occurred to me that security could hold back one or two of us but not 25 of us. I will admit that I started pushing people to the point where a number of us got through and to the stage. And that wasn't the end of it. The Gestapo was continuing to kick people out of the front right under Stevie while she was singing. By some grace I remained at the stage for the duration and shook her ungloved hand again. Geez! I feel like I just penetrated Fort Knox!

Otherwise, I think she topped her Turning Stone show. She ran onstage punching the air for "Fall from Grace " and she kept up the intensity by, as mentioned above, going for some notes, as well as kicking the air and almost jogging in place. Perhaps we have those fugly shoes to thank for all of this enhanced mobility! Whatever the case may be, Mama was rocking. And let the record reflect that she herself called herself "Mama." :p

I just think it's really unfortunate that these rent a cops have to be such dicks. Ed, remember in London last fall how easy it was to get to the stage? :cool:

Sounds like Stevie was full of it last night... Quite a difference from what I saw in Verona... Stevie and the band kicked ass but at times it seemed like she was just doing a routine... I don't blame Stevie she seemed happy to be up there... I guess being in AC with a wild crowd makes all the difference...The verona fans should i call them that? Were pretty lame...Stevie's kicking the crap out of Petty's"Wreck Me" and you sit down...I could hear people whinning because i didn't "Sit down"..You should have stayed home...I heard she was wearing a "Flower Crown" did anyone see this(Pictures please)...

I have pics of the flower crown, will post in a couple days when I get home.

I got lots of video including the crown. Yes Loved it when she called herself Mama! Priceless! Will post as soon as get home. Stevie really did rock out and gave a fierce performance.

She was pleading with the fans to stop pushing and trampling each other in their fight to the stage. It had gotten particularly ugly over there, with people using various measures to get through, such as trying to crawl through the legs of the guards and launching themselves into the air on top of people. The scary thing was that the fans ignored her pleas and at least one person was hurt.
I wouldn't be suprised if Stevie stops doing the Edge Walk one of these days because of those fans who don't know how to treat each other.

****. And I only got to spend the evening with Condoleeza Rice and Madeline Albright. So jealous of you all.

Wow that's terrible. After a few mins I said oh well and retreated but I guess some people just were too determined. But it still all roots back to security being total schmos. They were totally unprepared for the stage rush and then freaked.

I really dont understand why Stevie or security only allow fans rush to the stage at a certain time eg: edge walk, isn't that asking for trouble:shrug: why not let the first 3 0r 4 rows make there way to the stage at the start of the show?? then perhaps the crowd might be more reluctant to jump over so many people that are already there..:shrug:

Agreed. I think an orderly stage rush is definitely possible if they would just allow people through one at a time through the security checkpoint. Instead they poured gasoline on the fire by enraging concertgoers, insisting that only the front row of 103 was allowed to go up; it was kind of like class warfare. :p By the way, when I said I was pushing, it wasn't a sudden, explosive kind of pushing; it was more like a slow, steady build up of pressure. Those who got through on my side were fine and very, very happy.

The Taj house security was okay, but the outside company they contracted, Strike Force (the guys in the yellow shirts) were frightening. What I found disturbing was that in our section, 101, the security guy several times stopped young women who were dancing in place in the aisles, inflated his belly at them, raised his shoulders and looked down at them with an excessively menacing glare.

Their attitude was completely inappropriate for a Stevie Nicks concert. If you feel the same way, I believe the most effective approach would be to write to the Taj and ask for your money back. We didn't pay $100 to encounter such a scary and situationally inappropriate attitude.

Wow, that FFG sounds particularly energetic. So, in what context did she use "Mama."

Michele

I really like people to stay in their seats, so I think I would have been happy with security, from what you guys are saying.

I just get upset when they let some people use their cameras and not others.

Michele

Check out Amlyn's post (the second one in the thread) for Stevie's quote. :)

She said that she and Dave Stewart are expecting and she can't wait to be a mama! ;-)

"I Remember Mama." I'm trying to recall how that came about--she was talking about how we all need to support music, buy albums, etc, "Listen to your Moma" slipped in there somewhere. I did notice the side visual screens were OFF, so people off to the sides really did NOT have good views of the show, and you can't blame them for wanting to inch more front and center. Security was unusually intrusive- excessively, I think. This was not an out of control crowd by any means. It's a Stevie Nicks audience. Numerous times security was cutting into the show. Maybe Stevie could consider a GA floor section and a lot of this security nonsense would end. Of course she would have to end the Edge walk to do that.

THAT aside, it was a powerful show, started out strong with "Fall From Grace." "Stand Back" was stand out! Stevie easily pulled off "You Wreck Me," as good as Tom can do it- the audience maybe didn't know it as well, so they didn't join in as readily as Tom's audience with "Oooooh," "Yeaaaaa." (She surpasses him on "I Need To Know," in my opinion, and I really like Tom).

In all, it was a solid Stevie Nicks SOLO show! Good to see Darrell Smith on keyboards and Ricky Peterson on organ. Jimmy Paxon is a powerhouse! Is was good to see Taku again. Carlos is "Stevie's Light" in the dark times. Not sure what that's about, but it was kind. Sharon and Lori were great- Stevie seemed to be motioning to them to sing louder at times. Guitarists/Bassist Ortiz, Rios and Wachtel were standing strong. Waddy on Standback and Edge is always great fun!

I'm looking forward to the new album and more Stevie in the set list next round.

I'm so happy. "Fall From Grace" is my favorite song she released this past decade. "Destiny Rules" is right up there, but I suppose it might be too much to ask to develop a segue from "Fall From Grace" to "Destiny Rules" even though I think the latter song is sort of a sequel to "Fall From Grace."

I love Tom Petty, but I agree with you on both counts, especially on her ability to surpass him on "I Need To Know." Even my ex-roommate, who was in no way a Stevie fan, made it a point to tell me she sings it better than Petty does. I mean, dude literally knocked on my bedroom door to tell me that. Whenever I sing "I Need To Know," I always do it a la Stevie.

I've always thought the same thing as well! When making Stevie CDs, I usually follow "Fall From Grace" with "Destiny Rules" (with "My Heart" preceding both!).

I just transferred the vids from camera to laptop and OMG, the audio is fantastic !
My camera had focus issues at times though I think due to the brightness of the stage lights, it did not know what to focus on. Anyway, I think you all will enjoy them hopefully once I get them uploaded, will provide links. I think I got almost every song.

Security varies from venue to venue.
 

Last year Dean was the head of Security for FM,

he made sure that the Local Security knew what the Mac would allow,

it appears that there is no one in charge of Security for Stevie other than the Local Lads,

each individual venue has their own standards, usually they are on the offensive,

you have to read the situation before you make any move,

at Turning Stone I scoped out the situation before, and during the show, and timed my advance to the stage to avoid the surge, with little interference from Security, despite the fact that I am huge,

I dont push, I dont block,

I usually get pushed, &, blocked,

I have made it to the stage 100% of the time when attempted,

at Turning Stone I was in Section 31, Row F, Seats 1, & 2, (great room package deal seats), dead centre on the isle, terrific view, great sound,

but I had to get to the stage to touch those "small ungloved hands", (......have not washed hands yet......)

made it to the stage right in front of Sharon, &, Lori, ("......Hello Ladies........hello G......you again....."),

then when Stevie did the Edge Walk thing, the anticipation was almost too much, watching her approach with no gloves,

thank goodness the H1N1 Pandemic was cancelled,

for all the other fans who were successful in making contact, well done,

Oh, btw, someone, (crew member), told me that Stevie's tour next year will include the Great White North...........(c'mon up y'all),

Hopefully, Security at Foxwoods will be accomodating tonight..........

good luck all,

I agree. I was in 105 all the way at the far end and it was a horrible angle to see her and they didn't even have the screens on at the side of the stage which would have helped a lot. I managed to go to the front for the Edge Walk but it wasn't easy because of the issue you mentioned. I couldn't tell if Stevie was saying Stop to the fans or the security people because I was already past security and at my spot waiting for Stevie's hand but she was clearly upset about whatever was going on. There were 2 women in the seats next to me that were drawing the ire of security repeatedly which was a major distraction. Apparently, they were trying to prevent people from videoing but didn't have a problem with just photos. I think we should let the Taj know they need to improve some things, especially as it pertains to her shows.

Before I begin sharing about the “muddled mess” of Atlantic City, let me begin by giving props to Torri for capturing most of the Verona show – this boot sounds better than the Atlantic City show that I actually attended. Horrible acoustics last night. At first I though it was my section, but it sounds like it was throughout the arena. Did I say horrible? Ok.. still had a really great time and want to give a shout out to section K – good crowd, I was in the front row and no one minded that I stood during most of the show. I was right above the clusterf*ck of the tee shirt stand. Since there was only one stand, could you get enough help? – you know how we Stevie fans need our overpriced shirts – love love the green crystal visions tee. Very surprised to see that and had to wait in line forever to buy one – but I am a patient man.

Love how she opens with “Fall from Grace” although it took me a few to figure it out – bad sound and I had hope they would do some tweaking, but it never really got resolved. I lost Stevie’s voice many times throughout the show. Love that “Outside the Rain” is back.. I loved the rain falling in the background as they played this one..

“..look at my eyes, touch my face.. think baby is there anyone in this whole wide world.. doubt if anyone in this whole wide world.. think anyone in this whole wide word could ever take my place.. I don’t think so..” verona.08.25.2010

Other fond memories – section K singing along on “Landslide,” the energy of “Stand Back” and the Edge walk.. couldn’t see much but it looks like Stevie was given quite a few gifts – loved the tambourine.. btw.. was there a reason the video screens weren’t working? Or was it in sync with the bad sound and over the top security. Stevie mentioned coming back to AC, and hope she plays the Borgato next time – I don’t think I can see another show at the Taj.. one of the worst venues I have been to.

Finally, the closer – Love Is. Simply beautiful.. my favorite part of last night. Simply gorgeous. Thank you Stevie for playing this one and the demo version. Stellar and then some!

Finally, a big thanks to blackcat for dinner and it was good seeing Torri, Regina, and JohnL (and friend) again. Nice meeting Farrah and Julio. I hope everyone makes it home ok.. I know Torri is still on tour.. :wavey:

"well alrighty then.. into the black deep dark mansions.. where the sorcerers and twilight people live.." verona.08.25.2010

Oh, ok I missed this quote the first time. She sounds playful.

It's hard to accept that 5 shows is all. I guess I thought a few more stray ones would be added.

Michele

I really think the audience was feeding off her energy and vice versa. She genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself.

I just got home and I'm already in withdrawal. I must have checked ticketmaster 10 times today for 1 ticket to pop u pfor tonight, but no luck. But it looks like we really are going to get the full-fledged tour next year, so I'm going to start saving my money now.

My batteries on my camera were going -- stupid me forgot to change them -- so my pictures are not clear at all. However, 2 of them were only half blurry and they look like something someone would try to attempt with photoshop.

Stevie and Waddy
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/w...5/IMG_1819.jpg

Mama and her mic stand
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/w...IMG_1822-1.jpg

I actually am really loving this second picture. If only it were tiny bit crisper. Might try to play around with it to see if i can improve it a little without losing the soft and blurry integrity.

I was at the show last night as well. I was in the first row, in front of Lori and Sharon. Stevie looked and sounded incredible. I had such a good time at the show and managed to take over 200 pictures and a few videos (including the Edge walk). I have no idea how to post photos on here--can someone give me directions? A lot of my photos came out dark, because of the lighting on stage and my side view, but they are very clear.

Security was crazy. I didn't personally have a bad experience with them, but what did annoy me was the fact that they were walking back and forth ALL night, every 30 seconds, right in front of the stage. They were tall and big and obstructed our view constantly. They were talking loudly and were very rude and inconsiderate, not caring that they were standing in front of people trying to WATCH the concert.

The Edge walk was crazy! My friends and I got up to the corner of the stage as soon as the drum solo started and security was literally linking their arms together to hold back the crowd in the aisle behind us. This was my fourth "Edge Walk," and I've never seen fans SO pushy before at a Stevie Nicks concert. One of my friends was in a wheelchair, and right when Stevie got to us, two people came out of nowhere behind us and pushed so hard to get to Stevie that my friend nearly slammed into the stage. I was so pissed! I pushed back and pointed to her, like "HELLO?!!!" So rude. I personally wasn't concerned about "touching" Stevie, I just wanted my friends to have a chance. Wow. That's all I can say! If "fans" are going to be that aggressive at shows, Stevie needs to re-think parts of the walk. Those pushy fans are going to ruin it for those that are not pushy and wait their turn.

Anyway, all-in-all, we had a pretty good experience. I don't know that I'd want to go back there for a show, as the stage was too small for the way they had the seats set up, but I've definitely had worse experiences this summer at shows. I can't wait to see Stevie next year on her tour!

Oh, and as we were leaving there was a HUGE line of fans that had meet-and-greet tickets. Where the hell did people buy those? I would have given up some of my concerts this summer to buy that! I wish I would have known about it earlier. Did anyone meet Stevie after the show with this pass/ticket?

http://video.ak.fbcdn.net/cfs-ak-snc...9161dcf&r=2315

Not sure if that link works for anyone, but that's my stand back kick clip ;)

"Love is", Atlantic City.
 

[QUOTE=highwaywomen;907787]

Security was crazy. I didn't personally have a bad experience with them, but what did annoy me was the fact that they were walking back and forth ALL night, every 30 seconds, right in front of the stage. They were tall and big and obstructed our view constantly. They were talking loudly and were very rude and inconsiderate, not caring that they were standing in front of people trying to WATCH the concert.

The Edge walk was crazy! My friends and I got up to the corner of the stage as soon as the drum solo started and security was literally linking their arms together to hold back the crowd in the aisle behind us.

So sorry to hear about more security BS at this show too! I got the "no pushing" bark too, but I'm tall, and I was moving with many others toward the stage. I actually had to remind this Alex (front row guard at Verona) that Stevie's fans are all about love - he outed himself as ex-military in the conversation ... it made me understand that unfortunately he and others like him will probably be looking for and suspecting terrorist activity the rest of their lives. So sad for them, and us. aAfter all that, I hope your friend was okay!

Fall From Grace from the Atlantic City show. I apologize for the shaky video. It was crazy where I was and people were bumping into me on my left and was trying to adjust the focus in all the craziness. It sounds better on my computer than through YouTube, but the videos get better as the concert progresses. Will be uploading videos more tomorrow when I get back home. Still in Atlantic City.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdPcCah3Diw

I think it sounds great! Thanks for sharing it.

So happy all her ending comments got recorded! I liked hearing the reference about 9/11 only cause it personalizes the show just that tiny bit more.

Oh...and for those of you asking about the mama comment you're in luck..it is just past the 730 mark.

Also, I swear I recognized one of the security schmos who was the leading the great wall of security during the edge walk and I believe I hear someone saying something about being arrested. I mean seriously, 45 seconds from the end of the show you are threatening with that?

Anyway, thanks for posting!!

Thank you so much for posting Fall from Grace. I've been waiting for that one to show up.

My guess is that the outside security company (I saw the name "Strike Force" on the yellow shirts) usually works a different kind of crowd. I called the Taj yesterday -- I'm a TrumpOne member -- to let them know that I've always liked the Trump hotels, but paid $100 to see a Stevie Nicks concert, not to be made to feel like I was at a Fifty Cent or Insane Clown Posse concert. It wasn't the being held back from the stage that bothered me; it was the way that security looked like they were going to chew some of these young women's heads off when all they were doing was dancing in the aisles and not moving forward. Also, the security guy in our section was clearly blocking the second row's view on purpose.

I have contact information for an events manager if anyone else would like to write a letter and document what happened. PM me if you want the name and address.

That being said, "You Wreck Me" was twelve kinds of awesome. :)

I think so, too. Thanks for posting. You can see her pretty good, those boots. ;) Thanks, I needed a Stevie fix. I've never heard Fall From Grace live before; one of my favs from TISL.

Go get 'em Farrah. :blob2: I wasn't too happy with security @ Caesar's when I saw Heart. The one guy said something to me after the song that I was recording (my one song) was over anyway, but security was tell people in the very front of the stage, to sit down. Ann told them to leave them alone, that they weren't bothering anybody! :nod:

Lee :)

OTR/Dreams

sorry for the shaky camera, people behind me were obnoxious and bugging people to my left to sit down. Luckily they did not bother me directly, but one of them got up to get security so got less of the song than I wanted to, but oh well. You can still see Stevie rocking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efh9Q-roAMY

did anyone take pictures?

Sorry to hear that security was so lame!