Quote:
Originally Posted by PenguinHead
I really enjoyed your post...especially that pithy observation. I think Fleetwood Mac is one of the most mis-managed bands around. But, then again, most of it is self-inflicted.  |
Totally agreed. They are their own worst enemies with so many decisions over the years. Songs like "If You Were My Love" or "Smile at You", which seem to be beloved by fans in demo form, are shelved permanently or show up many years too late in unrecognizable form. There's a lot of others too, those are just the first two Stevie tunes that come to mind.
As far as a live band, the Mac, from what I've read in other band's discussion boards, are very well respected. I think a lot of people have always been pleasantly surprised that a pop/rock band, with such produced and polished studio work, can put on such a loud, rocking, raw performance. But then again, to the fans who see the band on every tour (or multiple times on each tour), they really don't try to offer anything new or push themselves too much. And it's not age either, they've been doing this for years.
When it comes to the setlist, really, has Fleetwood Mac in the 75-90,97-present form really ever changed things up? A few new songs here and there and the random "lost track" (Beautiful Child, Silver Springs, revised versions of SYLM and Big Love, etc). It's frustrating because with some imagination and risk, I tend to think the Mac could put on an even better show than they already do (and let's face it, they do put on a great show). For some reason it took about 20 years to bring Sara back to life because it was hard to recreate live? Oh come on - you could do it from 79-82 with five people on stage and you mean to tell me that you couldn't put something together with the entourage that has taken the stage over since 87? Lindsey has slowly brought some more Tusk songs into the set, but there's more - where is The Ledge, WMYTYTO, That's All for Everyone, etc?
We should take bets on what the first song will be in Pittsburgh. Seriously, as awesome as it is to hear The Chain, I might just have to scream at someone if they open with that song yet one more time!
Okay - rant over. I'm a fan of this band and I will see them next year...I just think they are not maximizing their potential by exploring the excellent back catalog that they have at their fingerprints.