[Dayaz]

Hi all,
I haven't posted to the Ledge in years; however, after reading some of the comments in anticipation of and after last night's performance, I have to agree that over the past few years, Stevie's show has left me disappointed and I have simply stopped going.

After my inital FM/SN experience on the Tango tour; I was mesmerized -- so much that I went out and got every single bootleg show of earlier shows that I could get my hands on. The one thing that amazed me was how Stevie would 'spin' each performance with her style, flair, vocals -- each one was a bit different than the other. Some songs she would completely go off into different keys, etc. She was dynamic, she was spontaneous...

I traveled all over the place (planes, trains, automobiles) to see Mask, Timespace, Angel, Dance, Enchanted, TISL, and SYW shows; my friends would do everything possible to get a coveted first five rows with the chance of reaching up and shaking her hand, etc. Now, I know there were several other 'influences' in the early days; however, through the late 90s, we would still see the spontaneity shine through now and again. The Enchanted tour being a prime example (esp. the Radio City show where I finally got to see a glimpse of the rock out-speaking in tongues Stevie!) and when Lindsey came back, we saw a livelier Stevie up on stage...

However, as time went by, so did the 'magic' that I loved seeing. Yes, there were a few 'sparks' - the covers on the Gold Dust Tour -- but I became a bit resentful, why would Stevie go to covers, when there are so many songs (hits even) from her own career that her fans would die to hear. We gasped when she brought Sara back -- but what about the countless others? And I understand Stevie has gotten older; I'm not asking for cartwheels on stage, just a bit of spontaneity in song choice and/or arrangement.

So, in light of ticket prices being so expensive these days, I always defer to The Ledge postings before I buy any ticket to a show. My friends have long stopped going; they say, "why bother? same 'ol songs, same 'ol performances." I never want to admit that Stevie is becoming a 'lounge' or 'cabaret' act -- simply singing the 'oldies but goodies,' yet, it appears to be happening. Yes, I know that the majority of audiences aren't long-time followers of Stevie or FM, who know every lyric to every song on every setlist ever created; she does need to appeal to the 'OMG I love that Landslide song' audience as well as her long-time fans. Stevie has always been quite frank about having to perform 'those songs' in her set -- and I respect that (I could see Stand Back, Gold Dust, and Rhiannon 1000x and never get sick of them -- after all, they've become her trademarks); but, these days, 'I've gotten older too' and I've seen it all before.

Grace Slick spoke candidly when she said 'no one wants to see their grandmother rock on stage' when asked why she doesn't perform anymore. While I believe Stevie to be a truly amazing artist, beautiful in every way, I'm not planning to go to any of the shows on this tour. I don't want to see the depleting audiences, and the archaic set lists anymore. The more I see online, the more it appears she's simply 'going through the motions.' I love Stevie and will continue to turn her up in my car and in my house.

I hope everyone has a magical time on this tour -- especially, all the new fans out there who might be experiencing Stevie for the first time. Have a blast and don't let us old timers bring you down -- I have so many amazing memories of my SN shows, the fans, the excitement, the energy. But, after reading many of the posts in anticipation, last night's setlist was a bit of a let down for me personally. Yes, she may change it, and I might still check out a Jersey or NY show (from the lawn probably), but for now -- I'll defer to the rising ticket prices and gas prices, and stay at home w/ my memories and CDs.

Thanks for reading....
Dave