Am I the only one that is bothered by...?
 

So first, let me say that I loved the show I saw on this tour. I went without knowing the setlist and really loved it from start to finish. So these points are merely me nitpicking.

1. I really hated the fact that she did only parts of Wild Heart and Bella Donna. When I heard the opening chords of Wild Heart, I went insane (to borrow a phrase from someone, now, who was it that said that? :) ) and then just I was getting ready to listen to the second verse, it went into Bella Donna. I hated that because it cut out so much. It also feels like she thinks that the audience's attention span isn't long enough to last 3 extra minutes. Frankly I would have liked it better if she had just done Wild Heart all the way through and if she wanted to cut out a minute of the "vamp" at the end (that's how it's called in the linear notes :) ) it would have been fine and not so long.

2. Similarly, I hate the shortened Edge of 17. I don't want to hear it any more just because the shortened version really misses so much and again, it feels like it's so that we will stay interested. Cut a minute or two of the solo at the end for Pete's sake, but not verses of the song. :( :(

OK, I got that off my chest. Sorry for the negative vibes, which I don't usually post, but I had to get it off my chest. :)

Kevin

it appears she cuts things not because of the audience's attention span but because of her diminishing vocal range.

The verses in Edge of 17 are all the same notes. And if she sang just Wild Heart instead of Bella Donna it would be the same amount of singing. It doesn't seem like it's a range issue. I mean, I know her range isn't what it once was, but to me that doesn't makes sense in these decisions, unless there is something that I don't understand. I'd honestly rather have her take out one song from the set and sing the others all the way through. Just my opinion. ;)

Kevin

Edge of Seventeen is such a story, it's hard to imagine it being edited the way it was on this tour. I don't think the shortening of the three songs you listed had anything to do with her range or ability to sing them, but rather it's Stevie's way of meeting the venue's closing time, while keeping as many songs in the set she can AND still having time to chat between songs.

I also think Stevie didn't realize how much the audience would enjoy hearing Bella Donna and the Wild Heart, so to play it safe, she combined them. Clearly, the audience has been loving those two songs, but if she changed it now and sang them individually, she'd have to drop a whole other song.

This is probably the main reason. Although I hadn't thought of the point bwboy made; that could also be a factor. Stevie had been thinking about a "medley" of title songs for a long time, I think she first mentioned it at an IYD screening.

I'm all for editing the songs in concert these days since she can no longer sing to save her life.

I wonder how many people enjoy hearing her "chat between songs"? I honestly think her rambling is an indication of early onset senility.

Oh I don't know, Phil.....it's meant to be an evenings entertainment.
And if I really thought she couldn't sing, then I wouldn't.......guess what, GO.

I'd probably rather hear a medley at this point too. It softens the fact that her voice is in such bad condition now. I mean, she thinks she's singing better than ever. But she really isn't, or at least to my ears it isn't. Certainly not as entertaining as it was during the RAL tour when she roared, barked, and bellowed.

The fact that she doesn't wear a stitch of white for EO17 bothers me far more than the new shortened version, although I prefer the song in it's entirety. It REALLY hate that she chopped up WH and Bella Donna. These are amazing, classic songs that haven't been played in so many years (WH has never been played until now). I think it was a really bad decision to not play them in full. It's almost like why bother? Skip the story about her shawl, the sails and her mom's frugal ways and sing the whole damn song.

So am I the only person who is just grateful for these songs being performed then? Lol.

She is doing what she has send in interviews --- doing a medley of Bella Donna and Wild Heart. In one of the Q&As for In Your Dreams she said she wanted to sing a few verses of Bella Donna, Wild Heart, Rock a Little, etc. Maybe she will add more next time, or do full versions since they were both well received this time.

The Edge cuts are totally because of time. She said she would be doing this too, and this is how she has performed the song on TV recently. I personally wish she would put back the clouds never expect it and end the song with the nighbird part, only chopping that last verse she's tacked on for years.

I LOVE her stories. I think it makes the show more personal than if she would just stand and sing. Her voice is stronger on this tour than it has been lately. Sure her range has decreased but now her voice is deep and full. And at nearly 69 years old, she can still kick some ass!

I do think her singing has been stellar on this tour.

Not only am I grateful, I am blown away by the variety, intensity and yes, the vocal performances on this tour.

Look, it's not 1977. It's not even 1985. Our girl is never going to sing like that again, but she's taking care of her voice now, and working very hard to give a good performance every night. Guess what? She's succeeding, and the audiences are responding.

I've seen the 18 minute Edge of Seventeen performances. I'm happy to give up 14 minutes of that to get a bit of Wild Heart, Bella Donna, AND the cape story.

I have seen her twice on this tour...I would like more singing myself and less storytelling, because I know all the stories LOL...but everyone I am talking to who attended these concerts commented that they liked the story telling and that it was like being in your living room talking to your Aunt...I dunno...I think her voice is strong and powerful this tour...During the Drug Years I witnessed much worse vocal performances...When I saw her with the Reunited Rumours Fleetwood Mac lineup, her voice was much stronger than Christine's...love Chris but you could def hear the difference!

I went to Stevie's shows in Los Angeles and San Diego and thought her singing and the entire production was the best she's ever done. Maybe she isn't able to hit the high notes anymore but considering her age (most performers can't hit those notes anymore in their 60's) and the vocal problems she's had, I think her voice is stronger than it's been in many years.

I also love her story-telling. It gives so much more depth to the music and it's unfortunate that some of you don't like it. Most singer-songwriters don't share that much about themselves. The first time I remember Stevie sharing this much about her life and work was at her performance for Cal State Fullerton's Front and Center Program at Honda Center several years ago. Since then, she's added more stories to her solo tour and this year she's talking much more. It seems like she's trying to pass on her knowledge to the younger people who are coming to see her who don't know her history, as well as those of us who have been faithfully following her since the 70's.

If you don't like Stevie, her stories or her singing, I honestly don't understand why you even go to her shows or post messages on this MB. If you don't like her, please go see someone you do enjoy so that this thread can be positive again.

If she can't hit the high notes anymore, and she previously could, how could Stevie's singing at that show be the best she's ever done?

I'm not sure if this was directed at me. I"m the one who started the thread. I liked her stories and I started my posting by saying that I loved the show. But, still, I didn't like her shortening songs. If this wasn't directed at me, then...never mind. :)

Kevin

^^^^THIS. Especially since she had mentioned years ago wanting to try a medly of the title songs and on this tour she was also promoting the wild heart and Belladonna RE-issues technically. Stevie is my favorite, but she is not really one to take risks that way, she does like to "try it out and see how well it goes over" and for the most part it has gone over really well. I like the shawl story it's beautiful and it lets her talk about her mom which you can see is special to her and I would never want to take that away from her. I agree with someone who posted earlier saying that she probably was not actually aware of how well the audience would respond to hear those songs,... now she knows:thumbsup:

I think Stevie has put together such an epic show at a point in her career when I least expected it. I relished every moment, medley, stories, all.

Yes this tour has been a wonderful surprise. And while I would have liked her to record with Fleetwood Mac, the more I think about it I realize that if she would have went into recording after On With the Show we probably would have never got the 24 Karat Gold Tour.

Regarding the original post of the thread, I would rather have the WH/BD medley than neither of them or just one. When I heard the opening notes of Wild Heart for the first time I literally started crying I just couldn't contain my excitement. These emotions continued as it transitioned to Bella Donna. It would be awesome to have both songs in their entirety, but I actually kinda like them as a medley. They're the title tracks to the two albums that showed Stevie could make it as a solo artist and performing them together kind of brings everything full circle in my opinion.

And they transfer so well live.

Kevin,

My comments were not directed at you at all. You raised some very good points and I don't mind constructive criticism of Stevie or any other artist. Sadly, there are other people--including a couple who posted on this thread--who continually make derogatory comments about Stevie's singing, her commentary between songs, her clothes, etc., etc.

I agree with you about wanting to hear "Bella Donna" and "Wild Heart" in their full-length versions because they are both great songs and it's been so many years since she has performed them. Most people are hearing them live for the first time so it's sad that it's a medley--although I love the way she blends them together, just as I do the way "Outside the Rain" and "Dreams" blend in their medley. Sadly, "Outside the Rain/Dreams" was cut before our shows.

I just don't understand why people who feel so much dislike for Stevie need to come here and continually tear her apart (and I'm not speaking about anyone specifically--it's just a general attitude that seems prevalent). It's happening so much now because Stevie is choosing her solo concerts instead of recording on FM's new release--after she postponed this tour for two years so that she could tour with the group. Now it seems like it's Stevie target practice--especially on the "Rumours" MB. There are many things Lindsey has done over the years but I don't go on his message board and post a lot of negative comments about him. It's my opinion and I keep it to myself. We're all very, very fortunate that Stevie and Fleetwood Mac are still performing at all after all these years. Every show is a gift--at least that's how I see it.

…but is it a gift? Watered-down performances, former shadows of themselves, no demonstration of artistic integrity (on Stevie’s part)… What about quitting while you’re ahead and retaining a semblance of dignity? Just a thought mind…

Just curious to why you think Stevie is losing her dignity? I think this tour has a lot of artistic integrity. Stevie has crafted an entertaining experience with a phenomenal stage set, is performing more than just the greatest hits, and is providing the audience with history and insight on her songs. I think all of that is pretty artistic in its own way. Plus, I love getting a little motivational pep talk from Stevie when I go to see her. In my opinion these things display a high level of dignity and appreciation of her fans. She could have just done the same setlist without the careful attention to detail and just called it a day. Instead, she has created​ something new and memorable for her audience. I don't think that recording is the be all end all here.

Looked like it might've been a good show last night with the cameras there!

I feel better now. Thanks. :)

Respectfully, we obviously have differing viewpoints on what constitutes artistic integrity. I concede that the first show of the 24KG Tour offered some promise in terms of an alternate set-list but at this point (as expected) it's already become stale. Stevie has a habit of driving everything into the ground and consequently, any initial attraction is diminished within no time. However, quite apart from that, it is my opinion that she is no longer capable of performing live. Age and apathy have simply taken their toll. She no longer has 'it'. She's dull, listless and boring. There's no shame in that if you have the good sense to recognise it and make a hasty retreat but this stubborn old buzzard is lacking when it comes to introspection or insight.
As for the "motivational pep talks", once again, we will have to agree to disagree. Condescending and cringe-worthy just about sums it up for me. This absurd, rehearsed gibbering actually makes me physically ill. She's an embarrassment to the band and the music industry. I just wish she'd slide under a rock and never be heard from again.

I don't have a problem with someone having a different opinion than me. Frankly I don't care if someone likes Stevie or not, or any artist for that matter. However, I think calling her a "stubborn old buzzard" just because she out there still performing is a bit much. I think any performer should be able to continue doing what makes them and their fans happy, even if they are older. I don't want to sound too antagonistic or anything, but your comments remind me of when Grace Slick stated that FM should throw in the towel because they are old. Why should anyone quit doing what makes them happy? Honestly, Stevie isn't hurting anyone.

She's hurting me and a great many others who once had faith in her, both as an artist/performer and a person, although admittedly, she probably was never a decent person. She ought to be ashamed of herself for bringing so much misery to so many...

I can understand stand being disappointed. Truthfully, I too would like a final Fleetwood Mac album from the complete Rumours lineup. However, I think we as fans need to realize that artists are not obligated to do whatever we want them to do. Also, I'm not sure how what she's doing now relates to her decency in the past, but again, we agree to disagree. You may be right about some things, but Stevie has also brought a lot of joy to many people with this tour as well.

I kind of agree with you here, Phil...especially the bit about "rehearsed gibbering"...I like the fact that she gives chit chat about every song but it's the same every night..Nothing spontaneous...The same with the last Mac tour, I made the mistake of looking at YouTube and knew the show word for word..and not just the songs.

stevie
 

she sounds great, love her mature voice. tour has been outstanding!

The great thing about this board is that all opinions are welcome, positive and negative. I will always love and support Stevie but when she makes choices that I don't like, I'm going to express my feelings about them. That's the whole point of this board. If you had "negative" opinions about Lindsey in the past but chose to keep them to yourself well, that's YOUR choice. You can't expect everyone to keep quiet when they don't like or agree with something that Stevie or FM is doing.

Some people say the same thing about Fleetwood Mac, too. And Lindsey Buckingham. And Christine McVie. They just don't go to a message board for fans and post it.

I am confused at how she is hurting you by not recording a new album with the rest of the gang, when in other posts, including this thread, you say she should call it a day and stop performing because she no longer has it?? Why would you want her to participate if you think she'll ruin it??

I am sorry you are feeling bad about her decision not to record.

Agree 100%.

This confuses me too. This isn't even directed at anyone specifically, but I have seen countless posts (mainly on the Rumours board) stating that Stevie is a !itch and that the band should just kick her out. They also mention how her involvement on a new FM record would just ruin it. Then these same people will post about how they are upset that she's not on the new album. Again, I understand having different opinions but I feel like Stevie can't win no matter what she does. I'm sure if she hadn't went on this tour and instead contributed to the FM album people would complain about that too.

You apparently aren't keeping up with the reviews, which are some of the best of her career. It may not be your cup of tea, but nothing about this tour (including the boxscore) indicates she should have retired long ago.

I am floored by the fact that people out there allow anyone in show business to "bring misery" to them, especially with the truly horrific things that are happening to people in this world. If an artist or entertainer is bringing you misery, it's as simple as walking away.