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Tampa Show - Roll Call
Anyone else going to the Tampa show? Being the last night of this leg of the tour, before they break for a month, wonder if there will be anything special, a guest, a Christmas cover, yeah doubt it, LOL.
I'll be attending the show with a couple of friends and hope to run into some ledgies I haven't seen in a while. Staying at The Grand, then will probably be hanging out at Gilligan's before the show. Later on saturday we plan on going to "The Castle" in YBOR City for their special "Gothic Night" party. Anyways, hope to see some of you there. Enjoy the show. |
I will be there. Section 114
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^Great, enjoy the show!
Forgot to put I'm in section FL1 Row 18 or 19? |
I will be there in section 129. It's my second show for this leg of the tour!! Can't wait!!:thumbsup::woohoo:
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By Tim Chong | TBO.com Published: December 20, 2014 Tampa Tribune
http://tbo.com/news/breaking-news/fl...141220/?page=1 Fleetwood Mac reunion tour a landslide hit with Tampa fans TAMPA — It has been nearly 40 years since the classic lineup of Fleetwood Mac first performed together. The band has been in existence even longer, but when most people think of “Fleetwood Mac” they think of eccentric guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, mystical songstress Stevie Nicks, crazed drummer Mick Fleetwood, quiet bassist John McVie and down-to-earth keyboardist Christine McVie. Four decades is a long time for any group of people to stay together, and members of the notoriously combustible Fleetwood Mac, not surprisingly, have spent much of that time in and out of the group. The past couple of tours and the last album, with everyone but Christine McVie, was the closest many thought there would be to a reunion. Christine McVie’s full-time return is enough to celebrate a tour — there’s no new album to promote — and on Saturday night at Amalie Arena fans were ready to welcome her back, giving McVie her own ovation. Unsurprisingly, the set list leaned heavily on “Rumours,” still one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. Starting with a thundering ”The Chain,” the band defied age and its reputation as a soft rock band. The biggest surprises were songs from “Tusk,” the follow-up to Rumours considered by some to be a flop. The songs aren’t as familiar, but the band seemed to enjoy playing them and stretching out “I Know I’m not Wrong” and “Sisters of the Moon,” and reinventing “Tusk” as a blues guitar workout.” The group seemed more enthusiastic than on previous tours. Perhaps everyone being together has re-energized the Mac. There’s talk the group will return to the studio. If so the enthusiasm displayed at Tampa’s show is a good sign of things to come. The night was a welcome back party; to the band from the fans, to Christine from her bandmates, and to the music from the band. |
This was really, really great! I saw them at the O2 with Christine back last year, but this was SO much better imo. The enthusiasm and energy was through the roof, and it really just was a great show. And Mick's drum solo... :]
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Review: With Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac sound refreshed, revitalized at Tampa's Amalie Arena
Saturday, December 20, 2014 10:58pm Soundcheck http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundc...zed-at/2211042 What does one member mean to a band? Depends on the band and the member, but if we’re talking Fleetwood Mac and Christine McVie, it’s worth breaking out some stats. A sold-out crowd of 17,620 packed Tampa’s Amalie Arena Saturday night to catch the Mac on their first tour with the songwriter, pianist and occasional lead singer since 1998. That’s up from 14,071 who came to see them last summer, up from 10,008 in 2009. Why does McVie hold that kind of sway over the Fleetwood Mac faithful, when the band is better known for its other singers, perpetually linked ex-lovers Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, who sing their most massive hits? Just as there are folks who call George their favorite Beatle, many say McVie is Fleetwood Mac’s strongest songsmith, and any version of the band that doesn’t include her just isn’t the same. A reunion with McVie was Fleetwood Mac’s ultimate trump card in their quest for continued relevance in this, their 47th year – a regrouping of their classic Rumours-era lineup, and a reopening of their songbook to classic tracks they haven’t played in years. On Saturday, Tampa got ‘em all – Say You Love Me, You Make Loving Fun, Little Lies, Everywhere, plus a McVie-led Don’t Stop and Songbird as parting gifts. It was the band’s 40th and final North American concert of 2014, and they must be hitting their stride, because they haven’t sounded this vital and copacetic in years. “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” said Buckingham. “On this particular tour, and this particular moment now, with the return of the beautiful Christine, with her return, I believe that we begin a profound, a poetic and a prolific new chapter in the history of this band.” Indeed, with McVie back in the fold, Saturday’s show felt more inspired than either of Fleetwood Mac’s previous two trips to Tampa. There was a little less focus on the occasionally melodramatic interplay between Nicks and Buckingham, and a little more focus on the lively, mood-lightening material the pianist penned for the band. It wasn’t just McVie’s long-dormant ‘70s sing-alongs – 1987’s Tango in the Night, the band’s poppy and peppy final classic-lineup album, also got a welcome workout, with McVie handling lead vocals on the slick confections Everywhere and Little Lies; and Nicks propelling the equally upbeat Seven Wonders. The lightness and sweetness that McVie brought to the table counterbalanced – perhaps even enhanced – the rest of Fleetwood Mac’s hit-loaded set. Her presence brings out the best in all-world guitarist Buckingham, who got his six-string rocks off on the frenetically fingerpicked Big Love, punkish rave-up I Know I’m Not Wrong and epically barn-burning I’m So Afraid. And as is her wont, Nicks wailed and convulsed like a banshee during the cauldron-boiling Gold Dust Woman and drifted into her inimitable twirl on Gypsy. Buckingham and Nicks would pair off here and there for stripped-down numbers – Landslide, Never Going Back Again – but the night felt more complete, more celebratory, when all five members were out there together, rocking along like the last 16 years never happened. Take Tusk: You had Mick Fleetwood rumbling away on his drum kit; Nicks crooning backup and sashaying across the stage; McVie pumping an accordion and coercing her ex-husband, stoic bassist John McVie, into a little soft-shoe shuffle; and Buckingham snarling into a mic, “Don’t say that you love me! Just tell me that you want me!” As Buckingham kicked and shredded his way back and forth across the stage on Go Your Own Way, lingering for an extra half-measure by the grinning, bobbing McVie, it was clear that her return meant more to Fleetwood Mac than just a few thousand extra tickets sold. In a way, it meant new life. -- Jay Cridlin, tbt* |
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I really enjoyed the first half of the set the most. The Chain and then YMLF through IKINW was pure magic. Something about seeing the acoustic set dozens of times now just kinda dragged on for me, as well as crowd favs GYOW, Don't Stop, ISA. Over my Head was nice. The lengthy talking pushing the show to nearly 3 hours is a bit much not only for the audience but for the band IMO. Fantastic performance for someone first seeing the band, but I honestly would have welcomed at least 1 or 2 new songs while dropping a couple others. I know this tour is not about that though. I give the band credit though they were playing with the enthusiasm of 20 year old's, simply timeless. They looked fabulous too. Nice to see so many teenagers and 20 somethings at this show singing and dancing along even in the nosebleeds. If the venue had the air conditioning working for the first 3/4 of the show it would have made the night perfect. Hot in there. |
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Creative Loafing By Gabe Echazabal and Tracy May on Mon, Dec 22, 2014
http://cltampa.com/earbuds/archives/...pa#.VJnFsMCfGE Concert review: Fleetwood Mac lands at Amalie Arena in Tampa The rumors are indeed true: with Christine McVie's return, the Mac is back and better than ever It's often said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That age-old adage is particularly relevant in reference to rock bands that attempt to forge ahead and record or tour without a key member in tow; the results can be uneven or sub-standard at best. While Fleetwood Mac already had a lengthy catalog to their credit by the time they revamped their lineup and adopted more of a pop sound in the mid-1970's, the UK-spawned blues/rock group's greatest success came when the dynamics of all its different personalities meshed and translated into hit singles and million-selling albums. [Text by Gabe, photos by Tracy.] Fleetwood Mac reached unimaginable heights when breezy, laid-back Californians Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham were welcomed to the fold and the band debuted their new look, sound and feel to the world with a magnificent 1975 self-titled album. A major factor in the band's newly attained success was the emergence of veteran songwriter and vocalist Christine McVie. With her cool vocal delivery and impressive keyboard work, McVie's presence was as much a factor in the band's dominance of sales charts as Buckingham and Nicks. Christine dropped out of Fleetwood Mac in the late 1990s to enjoy a quiet, reserved retirement in her rural English estate, but on this latest tour (following a highly successful jaunt around the globe in 2013), she returned to the lineup after 17 years away, apparently having missed the rush of onstage performance and the camaraderie of touring with her bandmates. The constant ovations she received all night long at this past Saturday night's sold-out concert at Tampa's Amalie Arena proved the fans are more than a little pleased she's back. Opening the final night of the tour's first leg (the band resumes their North American trek in mid-January), the familiar quintet (with some assistance from a trio of backup singers and some additional musicians) hit the stage just after 8 and without the aid of any warm-up act, got things off to a rollicking start with "The Chain," a signature tune hat shows off the distinctive flavor each member brings to the table. Nicks's all-too-familiar instantly recognizable vocal acrobatics, Buckingham's exquisite guitar arrangements, John McVie's booming bass lines, Mick Fleetwood's solid drum work and Christine's subtle keyboard fills and wonderfully deep, breathy, cooing voice. The massive stage was bathed in stark blue lights as Nicks, a dynamic performer as either a solo artist or lead muse of the group, rocked and swayed from side to side clad in one of her traditional black dresses replete with fringe and lace at her perch front and center. Her long blond locks flowing, Nicks looksed and soundsed better than she has in years. Her loyal legion of fans tend to dress in look-alike outfits when attending her shows and Saturday night was no exception; scores of blond ladies sporting top hats, black boots and flowing lacy garments were easy to spot in the packed crowd. If there was one low point about the band's last visit to the area, it was the absence of all those great Christine McVie songs that were omitted from the set throughout their superb summer 2013 arena show. Welcome additions to Saturday's setlist included "Dreams," "Say You Love Me" and "Over My Head," all integral to the Mac singles canon and all McVie-led numbers. Whether standing at her bank of keys stage left or shaking a pair of maracas center stage or sporting a mini accordion, McVie's presence, comfort level and command of her gorgeous vocals seemed to come as naturally as ever. One would never know the striking 71-year old had been away from the stage for nearly two decades. Hits and lesser-known album cuts featured prominently throughout the lengthy 24-song setlist. Nicks had plenty of time to shine throughout her own fair share of mega-hits she's contributed throughout the band's tenure. There's a lot more to Stevie Nicks than eccentric costumes, inimitable and instantly recognizable vocal style and whimsical poetic lyrics — Stevie is a storyteller and a purveyor of positivity. Almost as engaging as her heartfelt readings of "Rhiannon" and "Dreams" were her rich, descriptive between-song chit-chat and anecdotes. Whether describing how visiting a funky San Francisco clothing boutique in the 1960s served as the inspiration for her 1982 hit "Gypsy" or humbly asserting the belief that any single person in attendance is capable of making their dreams come true as long as they don't let anyone stand in their way, it's clear why Nicks draws such a rabid, dedicated legion of fans and has done so for the better part of 40 years. For all the depth and hit power that Nicks and McVie emanated from the stage, it is truly singer-songwriter-guitar wizard Lindsay Buckingham who draws the mightiest and most awe-inspiring responses when he takes command of the spotlight. Delivering razor-sharp takes on his compositions "Second Hand News" and "I Know I'm Not Wrong," he sounded fantastic both vocally and through his incredibly unorthodox, unique guitar picking style. While he wowed the crowd plenty of times throughout the night, notably via his solo acoustic mind-melding and rather frantic take on "Big Love," the raucous standing ovation he received after the jaw-dropping, extended guitar gymnastics he displayed as he stomped from side to side of the massive stage during "I'm Not Afraid" summed up the love and affection the mostly 50-plus-aged audience still hold in their hearts for Fleetwood Mac and its individual members. A massive screen at the rear of the stage sporting crystal-clear images was matched in clarity by the sweet, perfect, long-missed three-part harmonies Nicks, McVie and Buckingham shared all night. At no point were they more in sync, more beautifully layered or more impressive than in the band's most recognizable hit, "Don't Stop," which featured prominently during one of the night's encores. All three took turns alternating through their designated verses but the sound of them singing in unison on this joyous, inspiring tune really summed up the elation felt by their throng of long-time fans of having the most successful and treasured Mac lineup in history back together and on the road again. The nearly three-hour set (sans intermission) came to a poignant close with Christine McVie planted center stage, sitting behind a massive black grand piano and delicately delivering an absolutely gorgeous rendition of her tender ballad "Songbird," originally from the band's 1977 masterpiece Rumors, one of the best-selling albums of all time. How fitting that the woman whose return to the fold has been the main draw for this current tour closed the night and show off with the style and finesse that had long been missing. Wrapping up the night after the music had ended was Nicks and Mick Fleetwood each taking turns alone at the microphone conveying what it means to the band to have McVie back on board and delivering heartfelt words of thanks and appreciation to the fans who have attended the 40 shows leading up to this one, the final night of the current run. While it certainly would have been simple for a band as well-loved as Fleetwood Mac to deliver an abbreviated set of hits and not much else, they went out of their way to deliver a lengthy, exciting performance that seemed to please every single person who'd purchased a ticket. Casual fans and die-hards alike had to be pleased with the varied setlist and the individual contributions each and every band member brought to the nearly-three hour party. |
Fleetwood Mac Was Better Than Ever at BB&T Center on December 19, 2014
By Lee Zimmerman Mon., Dec. 22 2014 Broward Palm Beach New Times http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/co..._19_review.php Fleetwood Mac BB&T Center, Sunrise Friday, December 19, 2014 Better than: Anyone had the right to expect. All those who packed into the BB&T Center at the penultimate show of the much-heralded Fleetwood Mac reunion tour truly felt they were attending a landmark event. After some 48 years of slinging hugely successful albums and holding down a reputation as rock's most notorious traveling soap opera, the band's sold-out performance was testimony to its longevity and durability. But the fact that the band still sounds remarkable -- some might say better than ever -- ensured its three hour, awe-inspiring show was one for the ages. And much was made of the fact that Christine McVie's return to the fold after an absence of 15 years was a remarkable feat in itself. "She's back!" Stevie Nicks noted at the outset. It was a feeling of euphoria that Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood echoed at various points throughout the 24-song set, packed with hits, fan favorites, and even the occasional rarity. Indeed, it was well worth noting that at age 71, McVie looks at least 20 years younger, and her rich, riveting vocals showed no sign of diminishing. In truth, the same could be said of each member of this tireless ensemble. Nicks retained her trademark quiver, her top hat, her granny dresses, and a mystic fairy-queen sensibility -- not to mention the ability to literally spin in circles whenever the occasion called. Buckingham, at age 65, showed the dexterity of someone half his age, whether he was goose-stepping across the stage, adopting a reliable rock star posture, or proving, yet again, that despite the competition from predecessors like Peter Green or Jeremy Spencer, he remains one of the nimblest guitarists Mac has ever fronted. Fleetwood himself is far from a figurehead, a remarkable time keeper whose tasteful flourishes, commanding rhythms, and role as the band's eternal cheerleader often puts him center stage. He offered a semi-unplugged interlude, a breathless drum solo, and heartfelt and humbling remarks as the concert came to a close. As for that other individual name-checked in the band's handle, suffice it to say he played the role of the stoic bass player to a tee, yet his apparent lack of an onstage persona and reticence to join the others in sharing the kudos and commentary offered the impression he was basically along for the ride. It's a remarkable thing that even now, the group's voices and harmonies are as vibrant as they were back in the beginning. While many veteran bands need an army of support players to effectively convey their classic melodies, the Mac brings along a relatively sparse support team consisting of two extra musicians on guitar, occasional keyboards, and three subtle backing singers to, at times, flesh out the vocals. That leaves the main players to do the heavy lifting, a task they accomplish exceedingly well. Buckingham's fretwork, as previously mentioned, is nothing short of astonishing, and on songs such as "World Turning," "Never Going Back," and the lovely "Landslide" -- one of the concert's most fragile interludes and one of its best -- he demonstrated a remarkable dexterity that deserves all the kudos the critics have given. As Fleetwood noted during the band introductions, Buckingham is the one member of the group who literally never leaves the stage. As for the songs themselves, it's the big band numbers that elicit the most enthusiastic response, and rightfully so. Opening number "The Chain," perhaps an unintended homage to the group's continuing trajectory, was greeted with a rapturous response, as was the well-heeled, more familiar fare like "Second Hand News," "Rhiannon," "Say You Love Me," and natch, the irrepressible "Go Your Own Way." It's obvious that those who refer to them as the quintessential soft rock band are way off the mark. This group rocks hard, with a drive and determination that rivals any of its venerable contemporaries. Add to that already impressive presentation an amazing array of back projected images -- ranging from magnified views of the band to scenes that look as if they were lifted from The Hobbit, to spectacular hallucinatory light displays -- and the show was a total sensory experience. Still, it was another element that made it so special. There was the fact that the individual members -- bassist McVie excluded -- took time to expound on the band's contentious history and complicated interpersonal relationships. Likewise, the band's affection for the audience was clear. Noting a sign that said its holder had just had a stroke and that being at the concert was on his bucket list, Nicks not only dedicated a song to him but repeatedly assured him that he would be just fine. It was a kind gesture indeed. So too, Nicks' and Fleetwood's concluding homage to the fans and expressions of appreciation for their devotion throughout the years made that final send-off especially touching. While the song "Don't Stop" implores its listeners, "Don't you look back," it's all but impossible not to feel the love that makes that exhortation all but impossible to abide by. Critic's Notebook Personal Bias: It was the first time I'd ever seen the Mac, and it was as fulfilling as it might have been back in the day. One of the best concerts this critic has ever seen. The Crowd: Totally enthused, wholly adoring, frequently standing, and smitten entirely. By the Way: With a band now well into its 60s and in Christine McVie's case her 70s, there is definitive proof that age is all but meaningless as far as making music is concerned. |
Found this amazing video of the show. EVERYONE is on their feet the entire show!!!
Stevie's speech at the end has evolved and now is better than ever. This arena like all of their arenas is PACKED. Everyone on their feet and clapping esp during Don't Stop. LOVE IT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XTRyewk3JQ |
Walton Sun By DEBORAH WHEELER
http://www.waltonsun.com/news/party-...n-end-1.419035 Published: Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:44 AM. Wow, what a whirlwind two weeks! I kicked off the busy Christmas week with a quick trip to Tampa to see Fleetwood Mac in their final concert of their 2014 reunion tour. It was a great scenic trip of stopping in Apalach for my Boss Oyster fix, seeing a different coastline, learning about sponges, and devouring the best mussels in garlic butter and white wine sauce that I have ever experienced. And, yes, Fleetwood Mac still has it going on. I first saw them in 1975. I wondered how it would be this time after so many years, and they did not disappoint, especially Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham. They really brought it. Kudos to them. Meanwhile, as I was on my way south, my precious youngest daughter was boarding a flight in Lauderdale to come here for the holidays and to cat sit for me. She got to meet the cutest kitten known to man, named Christine McVie, and she got to go to Seacrest Wolf Preserve and meet the wolves, which she said was cool. Even though we were without some of our other family this year, it was a great Christmas of love, laughter, adventures, and sharing Christmas dishes and traditions. Love it. It was difficult, as always to say goodbye to my sweet Summer Joy on Monday morning. Giving her up always comes too soon. Many people traveled and welcomed family in over the holidays. |
Haha!! A kitty named Christine McVie!:lol::lol::lol:
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http://cltampa.com/earbuds/archives/...pa#.VKFHCV4CeA
Concert review: Fleetwood Mac lands at Amalie Arena in Tampa The rumors are indeed true: with Christine McVie's return, the Mac is back and better than ever Posted By GABE ECHAZABAL and TRACY MAY on Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 12:35 PM Fleetwood Mac at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sat., Dec. 20, 2014 - TRACY MAY It's often said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That age-old adage is particularly relevant in reference to rock bands that attempt to forge ahead and record or tour without a key member in tow; the results can be uneven or sub-standard at best. While Fleetwood Mac already had a lengthy catalog to their credit by the time they revamped their lineup and adopted more of a pop sound in the mid-1970's, the UK-spawned blues/rock group's greatest success came when the dynamics of all its different personalities meshed and translated into hit singles and million-selling albums. [Text by Gabe, photos by Tracy.] Fleetwood Mac reached unimaginable heights when breezy, laid-back Californians Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham were welcomed to the fold and the band debuted their new look, sound and feel to the world with a magnificent 1975 self-titled album. A major factor in the band's newly attained success was the emergence of veteran songwriter and vocalist Christine McVie. With her cool vocal delivery and impressive keyboard work, McVie's presence was as much a factor in the band's dominance of sales charts as Buckingham and Nicks. Christine McVie, back in the Fleetwood Mac fold - TRACY MAY Christine dropped out of Fleetwood Mac in the late 1990s to enjoy a quiet, reserved retirement in her rural English estate, but on this latest tour (following a highly successful jaunt around the globe in 2013), she returned to the lineup after 17 years away, apparently having missed the rush of onstage performance and the camaraderie of touring with her bandmates. The constant ovations she received all night long at this past Saturday night's sold-out concert at Tampa's Amalie Arena proved the fans are more than a little pleased she's back. Opening the final night of the tour's first leg (the band resumes their North American trek in mid-January), the familiar quintet (with some assistance from a trio of backup singers and some additional musicians) hit the stage just after 8 and without the aid of any warm-up act, got things off to a rollicking start with "The Chain," a signature tune hat shows off the distinctive flavor each member brings to the table. Nicks's all-too-familiar instantly recognizable vocal acrobatics, Buckingham's exquisite guitar arrangements, John McVie's booming bass lines, Mick Fleetwood's solid drum work and Christine's subtle keyboard fills and wonderfully deep, breathy, cooing voice. The massive stage was bathed in stark blue lights as Nicks, a dynamic performer as either a solo artist or lead muse of the group, rocked and swayed from side to side clad in one of her traditional black dresses replete with fringe and lace at her perch front and center. Her long blond locks flowing, Nicks looksed and soundsed better than she has in years. Her loyal legion of fans tend to dress in look-alike outfits when attending her shows and Saturday night was no exception; scores of blond ladies sporting top hats, black boots and flowing lacy garments were easy to spot in the packed crowd. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac - TRACY MAY If there was one low point about the band's last visit to the area, it was the absence of all those great Christine McVie songs that were omitted from the set throughout their superb summer 2013 arena show. Welcome additions to Saturday's setlist included "Dreams," "Say You Love Me" and "Over My Head," all integral to the Mac singles canon and all McVie-led numbers. Whether standing at her bank of keys stage left or shaking a pair of maracas center stage or sporting a mini accordion, McVie's presence, comfort level and command of her gorgeous vocals seemed to come as naturally as ever. One would never know the striking 71-year old had been away from the stage for nearly two decades. Hits and lesser-known album cuts featured prominently throughout the lengthy 24-song setlist. Nicks had plenty of time to shine throughout her own fair share of mega-hits she's contributed throughout the band's tenure. There's a lot more to Stevie Nicks than eccentric costumes, inimitable and instantly recognizable vocal style and whimsical poetic lyrics — Stevie is a storyteller and a purveyor of positivity. Almost as engaging as her heartfelt readings of "Rhiannon" and "Dreams" were her rich, descriptive between-song chit-chat and anecdotes. Whether describing how visiting a funky San Francisco clothing boutique in the 1960s served as the inspiration for her 1982 hit "Gypsy" or humbly asserting the belief that any single person in attendance is capable of making their dreams come true as long as they don't let anyone stand in their way, it's clear why Nicks draws such a rabid, dedicated legion of fans and has done so for the better part of 40 years. Fleetwood Mac (From left): Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham - TRACY MAY For all the depth and hit power that Nicks and McVie emanated from the stage, it is truly singer-songwriter-guitar wizard Lindsay Buckingham who draws the mightiest and most awe-inspiring responses when he takes command of the spotlight. Delivering razor-sharp takes on his compositions "Second Hand News" and "I Know I'm Not Wrong," he sounded fantastic both vocally and through his incredibly unorthodox, unique guitar picking style. While he wowed the crowd plenty of times throughout the night, notably via his solo acoustic mind-melding and rather frantic take on "Big Love," the raucous standing ovation he received after the jaw-dropping, extended guitar gymnastics he displayed as he stomped from side to side of the massive stage during "I'm Not Afraid" summed up the love and affection the mostly 50-plus-aged audience still hold in their hearts for Fleetwood Mac and its individual members. A massive screen at the rear of the stage sporting crystal-clear images was matched in clarity by the sweet, perfect, long-missed three-part harmonies Nicks, McVie and Buckingham shared all night. At no point were they more in sync, more beautifully layered or more impressive than in the band's most recognizable hit, "Don't Stop," which featured prominently during one of the night's encores. All three took turns alternating through their designated verses but the sound of them singing in unison on this joyous, inspiring tune really summed up the elation felt by their throng of long-time fans of having the most successful and treasured Mac lineup in history back together and on the road again. Fleetwood_Mac-nicks.jpg The nearly three-hour set (sans intermission) came to a poignant close with Christine McVie planted center stage, sitting behind a massive black grand piano and delicately delivering an absolutely gorgeous rendition of her tender ballad "Songbird," originally from the band's 1977 masterpiece Rumors, one of the best-selling albums of all time. How fitting that the woman whose return to the fold has been the main draw for this current tour closed the night and show off with the style and finesse that had long been missing. Wrapping up the night after the music had ended was Nicks and Mick Fleetwood each taking turns alone at the microphone conveying what it means to the band to have McVie back on board and delivering heartfelt words of thanks and appreciation to the fans who have attended the 40 shows leading up to this one, the final night of the current run. While it certainly would have been simple for a band as well-loved as Fleetwood Mac to deliver an abbreviated set of hits and not much else, they went out of their way to deliver a lengthy, exciting performance that seemed to please every single person who'd purchased a ticket. Casual fans and die-hards alike had to be pleased with the varied setlist and the individual contributions each and every band member brought to the nearly-three hour party. Set List: The Chain You Make Loving Fun Dreams Second Hand News Rhiannon Everywhere I Know I'm Not Wrong Tusk Sisters of the Moon Say You Love Me Seven Wonders Big Love Landslide Never Going Back Again Over My Head Gypsy Little Lies Gold Dust Woman I'm So Afraid Go Your Own Way Encore: World Turning Don't Stop Silver Springs Second Encore: Songbird Tags: Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Amalie Arena, Image |
Guitar International By: William Clark 1/5/2015
[click for nice photos] http://guitarinternational.com/2015/...ie-arena-2014/ For those who think a single original member of a great, even legendary, music ensemble can’t re-energize a group when they rejoin the team, stand aside, because Fleetwood Mac with Christine McVie is back at it and now running with their full force gale of talent to blow you away. After sixteen long years, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriting extraordinaire, Christine McVie, has made her anticipated return to the profilic rock group, which has allowed the same wrecking crew that appeared on such iconic studio albums as Rumors and Tusk to return to sold-out arenas and perform a compilation of anthemic tracks, which have long remained out of the set list since McVie’s departure back in 1998. The band’s unfitting reputation as a soft rock band was put to rest when the members of Fleetwood Mac appeared beneath the darkened blue stage lights of Tampa’s Amalie Arena, and the spine-chilling signature guitar intro to “The Chain” came tearing out of the amplifiers to the pure delight of the audience. The songs were far more than familiar to both veteran and the next generation of rock fans alike, however this was a revitalized band; the songs were heavy, the vocal harmonies surpassed that of the nearly forty year old recordings, and the musicianship was unrivaled. Such staples as “Tusk” and “Go Your Own Way” were proud examples of this same musical tour de force; meanwhile, Lindsey Buckingham reassured his status as a guitar hero and one hell of a singer, nailing both blistering arpeggios and articulate chord progressions while belting out the vocals to “Never Going Back Again”. The underappreciated guitar lick to “Sisters Of The Moon” was particularly highlighted during the show, with the brooding chords standing out against the song’s enchanting vocal harmonies. The always captivating Stevie Nicks was similarly in superb form throughout the group’s three hour show. The angelic vocalist was found nailing all the high notes to “Dreams”, “Rhiannon” and “Gypsy” with ease, and gave a quick shout out to American Horror Story for highlighting Fleetwood Mac’s music after a rousing rendition of “Seven Wonders”. For not having set foot alongside her former band members for the better part of two decades, Christine McVie delivered perhaps the most surprising performance out of the entire lineup. Fleetwood Mac has never really disappeared from the touring circuit, but it’s with Christine back on the keys and vocals (as well as occasionally manning an accordian for “Tusk”) that the band really stands out – and they weren’t hesistant to acknowledge this same point multiple times throughout the night. The reintroduction of such cuts as “You Make Loving Fun”, the New Wave-esque “Little Lies” and the lighthearted “Over My Head” were well appreciated by the audience, who responded after each song with a standing ovation. It wasn’t too difficult to notice how much Christine was missed throughout the years, and how delighted her clamoring audience is with her return into the fold. As the band stepped off stage, the crowd immediately began demanding an encore, and by brightening the entire arena with their cell phones, they created an alluring starry night atmosphere that was fitting for the occasion. The members of Fleetwood Mac obliged, first returning for a top notch run of “World Turning”, complete with a seven minute rocketing drum solo from Mick Fleetwood. “DON’T BE SHY!” the drummer repeatedly proclaimed while nailing dizzying jungle rhythms, for a solo he dubbed “Hanky Panky”. From that point forward, the band gave a solid take on “Don’t Stop” and the slightly progressive “Silver Springs”, before Christine appropriately concluded the show by manning a grand piano for her signature romantacized ballad, “Song Bird”. For this rabid Fleetwood Mac crowd of nearly 20,000 fans, it was truly a night to remember, and for many marked the return of the one, true Fleetwood Mac. |
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