Holmdel, NJ concert

[LilyRose]

Originally Posted by ragrsrocalot

^^. Yes, and she also spoke about fuzz balls and dust bunnies.

I adore her.

I hope someone got this on tape.

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by daniellaaarisen

Amazing show -- I heard a few people say that it was second only to Boston. I'll post more later if I have time... Gotta see as much of NYC as I can tomorrow before Ed and I head to Bristow!

Cool. SO youre going to the Bristow show. Excellent! Have a great time sightseeing in NYC!

[Eugene]

Originally Posted by mottabam

Thats cool. Was anyone taking them off the cans to keep for themselves?

Yes, we got one on the way out.

Anyway, Stevie was certainly "out there" last night, dangerously coming close to outright rambling. Chatty Cathy indeed.

Lots of people "negotiating" with security before EO17 to claim their place at the stage. A young lady on my immediate left tried to get her denim jacket signed-not sure how that worked out, but my GF got her right middle finger squashed by one of Stevie's Frankenstein boots during the EdgeWalk. But I guess since she got a two-handed shake in the process, it alleviated her pain.

[Regina]

My mini (ha) review.

I was definitely ready for a Nicksfix (and not the website kind). But, I think I had a few residual issues from the past few years that made me a little crabby. I kind of understand how complacency sets in after a while but I never considered it something that would ever apply to Stevie. So, when it seemed to, it was disillusioning (God, I'm channeling Lindsey! If I use the term "big machine"...feel free to slap me).

So, after the CD came out--all that went out the window and I was so psyched. Then, the pneumonia happened...those East Coast concerts were not rescheduled in those venues and the few shows she was doing were not easy to get to without a car (yes, it's all about me. Just as it is for everyone else;-) Anyhow, I stayed away from watching youtube videos (with the exception of FWIW and televised stuff) because I wanted to feel the excitement of seeing it live for the first time. And I was praying that all these folks sitting everywhere would not make her drop absolutely everything new on the day of MY show!

It was a beautiful evening and I sat down with my good friend, blackcat,and,I guess within a the first five minutes, I kept my drunk-magnet record going. He was a nice enough person and, while pretty pickled, he was just being friendly ... so...that was okay. The last time I was at PNC, some drunken frat boy told me I was "clapping wrong" and then made it his life goal to teach me how to do it right. When he grabbed my arms and put them above my head, his friend took him out of the place, never to be seen again;-) So, I've got quite the record going...at PNC and just about any other concert venue in the continental US.

Anyway, complacency is OVER, babies! What a difference! I've seen sparks of the "old Stevie" over the last few years, once in a while, during her concerts. This whole concert was "old" Stevie.

I was not thrilled with the idea of Stand Back being the opening number (because I wanted IYD) but, the absolute, extended ROAR that came out of the crowd was amazing. I think it even shocked her. Then, she told us about the new album and how she put the old songs and the new into her "magical sequencer" and came up with this setlist. VERY chatty. I believe Secret Love was the first one out. I'm not crazy about the song but it was fine. Dreams, up next. She made a REAL point to tell us it was FM's only #1 hit and one of her songs but the way she phrased it was really funny. Then, "Moonlight: A Vampire's Dream." And, really, that was the only introduction she gave that one. And blackcat and I still stood, but--toward the end of the song, the guy behind us rather politely asked us to please sit (and nearly everyone was seated in our section)...so, we did. Someone already mentioned it but the sitting was not that bad because the standing ovations immediately post-song, and people "dancing in their seats," not leaving the arena for booze or toilets, really did count for something in the enthusiasm department.

She was VERY dramatic during that song (Moonlight...remember?) It was awesome. And, even though I've heard the song now, countless times, I still was annoyed when that guy talked to us because it took me out of that weird world for a moment.

On the way up to PNC, blackcat put her Stevie playlist on shuffle and ... for some odd reason, it played about 23 versions of Landslide (the song I've been hardest on all year). So, when she sang that, it was version 24 for the night!

I'm going to stop going song by song and just give you highlights (I'm still half-asleep and have to start working sometime today). Someone in the audience, between songs, yelled out a request (I didn't hear for which song). And Stevie said either "Are you kidding me?" or "Get real, I barely remember the song I'm singing next, never mind that one." Then, she went into this whole thing about one day, she was going to have a tour where she'd come out for five hours and "do requests and take questions. We'll have popcorn and chocolate. I'll pace," and she proceeded to pace up and down the stage for a moment. It was a riot (and I would pay DOUBLE to see this happen in real life).
Everyone cheered.

Soldier's Angel, even though I think the song on the record is very harsh and jarring, is even moreso in real life. VERY discordant and raw. And she asked us to remember the USO (DOT org). She hates computers, doesn't want them in her life...that got a cheer.

FWIW...got the very odd half-hour speech (heehee...it was only a few minutes and I loved every second of it). From the old 50s bus she "totally wants to buy and live on...well, not really, but...yes," to the hilarious story of the mirage (the miles and miles of nothing and the lake getting closer,then further, then it's a mirage. And then she went into this thing about how the Indians were going toward it...totally not PC but kind of funny) and the guys with the sailboats and "you'll see the dust bunnies on the video" from their actions (*Disclaimer: anything in quotes is not a direct quote but one processed through my aging , and somewhat imaginative, mind). Michael Grimm (opening act) did the guitar on this one and escorted her off the stage to change into Rhiannon-wear. Rhiannon, by the way, was on fire. Although, that was really the ONLY time I was mesmorized by the screen. There is this image on there that totally looks like a Rorschach test (I know I spelled that wrong...but, whatever). I thought it was a papier mache clown of some sort.

She was about to leave the stage before Leather and Lace, I think--and that was the wrong time--so, she was laughing and said something like "in some ways, I'm stronger, but in some ways..." and then made the universal "cukoo" gesture at her own head. This was probably a standard intro of how the guy singing it with her had his own rock band to perform with and couldn't just drop everything to sing it to her but she didn't want to keep it from us, so she took this amazing man, who is her vocal coach, and saved her life (she repeated that twice so FWIW is about HIM!!! j/k) and let him do it for us (he has a lovely voice, by the way).

Uh---oh, yeah. Ghosts are Gone. 70s is her favorite musical era and this is just a good, old-fashioned rock and roll song and...sure enough, within minutes, people sat. And I thought this was the only time she was a bit miffed that this happened. But, definitely the "old Stevie" took control. You could absolutely see it in her eyes. She went closer to the edge of the stage. First one side, then the other--and, as she did it, everyone stood! Victory! See, this is the whole thing. She totally has that ability. This is the woman who introduced Rhiannon for the first time. She introduced GDW...she knows how to sell it. She just hasn't been doing it. I was SO thrilled to see her do it now. Get those old geezers (myself included) UP and screaming!

Which brings me to Anabelle Lee (out of Stevie's magical sequencer because it was done earlier but I forgot)...how wonderful to see it live. I just looked at her face and the joy she had performing this song. It has to be a real pleasure to be singing stuff that's been in her heart and in her mind all this time and sharing it. She just has to trust that the majority of us love that stuff..and those who don't...well, if they can't deal with new things, they'll stop coming and maybe she'll hit smaller venues...but, that's not necessarily a bad thing, if it makes her creatively happy. (and there was no evidence of anyone feeling that one last night)

So, the rest was GDW (Waddy rocking along with her), Edge, and a really nice Love is (she had to cut the intro short because she was 'dangerously close' to breaking curfew).

And the roars from the audience continued.
It was a very, very, very wonderful show. One of the best I've seen from her and I've seen quite a few. The enthusiasm of the audience and Stevie was amazing and "I won't forget it."

Side note: Lindsey's posters were ALL over the place. Including the ladies' room! They must REALLY be getting along! (or foreshadowing B/N II).
Other side note: She looked gorgeous. Blackcat and I were both astonished at how completely lovely she was last night. Especially in the white outfit.
Other side note: Hand gestures on FWIW didn't bother me as much in real life. Go figure!

[Amlyn]

Originally Posted by fumidesigns

I hope u tood a pic!

[Eugene]

Song request was for "Sisters Of The Moon" .

[Regina]

Originally Posted by Eugene

Song request was for "Sisters Of The Moon" .

That's awesome!!! Great request. Thanks for filling in the blank.

[Amlyn]

Originally Posted by Regina

I'm going to stop going song by song and just give you highlights (I'm still half-asleep and have to start working sometime today). Someone in the audience, between songs, yelled out a request (I didn't hear for which song). And Stevie said either "Are you kidding me?" or "Get real, I barely remember the song I'm singing next, never mind that one." Then, she went into this whole thing about one day, she was going to have a tour where she'd come out for five hours and "do requests and take questions. We'll have popcorn and chocolate. I'll pace," and she proceeded to pace up and down the stage for a moment. It was a riot (and I would pay DOUBLE to see this happen in real life).
Everyone cheered.

Great, great review! It was such a wonderful night and reading your post made me remember everything that I hadn't yet reflected on. And I completely forgot she mentioned he 5 hour requests and Q&A show she jokingly teased us about. Could you imagine? We'd just die. Although hey, if a BN tour is even a whisper in the air these days, you never know!!

[LilyRose]

Originally Posted by Regina

My mini (ha) review.

Someone in the audience, between songs, yelled out a request (I didn't hear for which song). And Stevie said either "Are you kidding me?" or "Get real, I barely remember the song I'm singing next, never mind that one." Then, she went into this whole thing about one day, she was going to have a tour where she'd come out for five hours and "do requests and take questions. We'll have popcorn and chocolate. I'll pace," and she proceeded to pace up and down the stage for a moment. It was a riot (and I would pay DOUBLE to see this happen in real life).
Everyone cheered.

Seriously. Throw in some vodka crans and ths is my version of heaven. For real.

[fumidesigns]

omg omg omg! i can't wait for sunday! Regina that was a great read! you got me so amp'd! omg!!!!!

[Amlyn]

Here are a few of my favorites from last night.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Regina

My mini (ha) review.

I was definitely ready for a Nicksfix (and not the website kind). But, I think I had a few residual issues from the past few years that made me a little crabby. I kind of understand how complacency sets in after a while but I never considered it something that would ever apply to Stevie. So, when it seemed to, it was disillusioning (God, I'm channeling Lindsey! If I use the term "big machine"...feel free to slap me).

So, after the CD came out--all that went out the window and I was so psyched. Then, the pneumonia happened...those East Coast concerts were not rescheduled in those venues and the few shows she was doing were not easy to get to without a car (yes, it's all about me. Just as it is for everyone else;-) Anyhow, I stayed away from watching youtube videos (with the exception of FWIW and televised stuff) because I wanted to feel the excitement of seeing it live for the first time. And I was praying that all these folks sitting everywhere would not make her drop absolutely everything new on the day of MY show!

It was a beautiful evening and I sat down with my good friend, blackcat,and,I guess within a the first five minutes, I kept my drunk-magnet record going. He was a nice enough person and, while pretty pickled, he was just being friendly ... so...that was okay. The last time I was at PNC, some drunken frat boy told me I was "clapping wrong" and then made it his life goal to teach me how to do it right. When he grabbed my arms and put them above my head, his friend took him out of the place, never to be seen again;-) So, I've got quite the record going...at PNC and just about any other concert venue in the continental US.

Anyway, complacency is OVER, babies! What a difference! I've seen sparks of the "old Stevie" over the last few years, once in a while, during her concerts. This whole concert was "old" Stevie.

I was not thrilled with the idea of Stand Back being the opening number (because I wanted IYD) but, the absolute, extended ROAR that came out of the crowd was amazing. I think it even shocked her. Then, she told us about the new album and how she put the old songs and the new into her "magical sequencer" and came up with this setlist. VERY chatty. I believe Secret Love was the first one out. I'm not crazy about the song but it was fine. Dreams, up next. She made a REAL point to tell us it was FM's only #1 hit and one of her songs but the way she phrased it was really funny. Then, "Moonlight: A Vampire's Dream." And, really, that was the only introduction she gave that one. And blackcat and I still stood, but--toward the end of the song, the guy behind us rather politely asked us to please sit (and nearly everyone was seated in our section)...so, we did. Someone already mentioned it but the sitting was not that bad because the standing ovations immediately post-song, and people "dancing in their seats," not leaving the arena for booze or toilets, really did count for something in the enthusiasm department.

She was VERY dramatic during that song (Moonlight...remember?) It was awesome. And, even though I've heard the song now, countless times, I still was annoyed when that guy talked to us because it took me out of that weird world for a moment.

On the way up to PNC, blackcat put her Stevie playlist on shuffle and ... for some odd reason, it played about 23 versions of Landslide (the song I've been hardest on all year). So, when she sang that, it was version 24 for the night!

I'm going to stop going song by song and just give you highlights (I'm still half-asleep and have to start working sometime today). Someone in the audience, between songs, yelled out a request (I didn't hear for which song). And Stevie said either "Are you kidding me?" or "Get real, I barely remember the song I'm singing next, never mind that one." Then, she went into this whole thing about one day, she was going to have a tour where she'd come out for five hours and "do requests and take questions. We'll have popcorn and chocolate. I'll pace," and she proceeded to pace up and down the stage for a moment. It was a riot (and I would pay DOUBLE to see this happen in real life).
Everyone cheered.

Soldier's Angel, even though I think the song on the record is very harsh and jarring, is even moreso in real life. VERY discordant and raw. And she asked us to remember the USO (DOT org). She hates computers, doesn't want them in her life...that got a cheer.

FWIW...got the very odd half-hour speech (heehee...it was only a few minutes and I loved every second of it). From the old 50s bus she "totally wants to buy and live on...well, not really, but...yes," to the hilarious story of the mirage (the miles and miles of nothing and the lake getting closer,then further, then it's a mirage. And then she went into this thing about how the Indians were going toward it...totally not PC but kind of funny) and the guys with the sailboats and "you'll see the dust bunnies on the video" from their actions (*Disclaimer: anything in quotes is not a direct quote but one processed through my aging , and somewhat imaginative, mind). Michael Grimm (opening act) did the guitar on this one and escorted her off the stage to change into Rhiannon-wear. Rhiannon, by the way, was on fire. Although, that was really the ONLY time I was mesmorized by the screen. There is this image on there that totally looks like a Rorschach test (I know I spelled that wrong...but, whatever). I thought it was a papier mache clown of some sort.

She was about to leave the stage before Leather and Lace, I think--and that was the wrong time--so, she was laughing and said something like "in some ways, I'm stronger, but in some ways..." and then made the universal "cukoo" gesture at her own head. This was probably a standard intro of how the guy singing it with her had his own rock band to perform with and couldn't just drop everything to sing it to her but she didn't want to keep it from us, so she took this amazing man, who is her vocal coach, and saved her life (she repeated that twice so FWIW is about HIM!!! j/k) and let him do it for us (he has a lovely voice, by the way).

Uh---oh, yeah. Ghosts are Gone. 70s is her favorite musical era and this is just a good, old-fashioned rock and roll song and...sure enough, within minutes, people sat. And I thought this was the only time she was a bit miffed that this happened. But, definitely the "old Stevie" took control. You could absolutely see it in her eyes. She went closer to the edge of the stage. First one side, then the other--and, as she did it, everyone stood! Victory! See, this is the whole thing. She totally has that ability. This is the woman who introduced Rhiannon for the first time. She introduced GDW...she knows how to sell it. She just hasn't been doing it. I was SO thrilled to see her do it now. Get those old geezers (myself included) UP and screaming!

Which brings me to Anabelle Lee (out of Stevie's magical sequencer because it was done earlier but I forgot)...how wonderful to see it live. I just looked at her face and the joy she had performing this song. It has to be a real pleasure to be singing stuff that's been in her heart and in her mind all this time and sharing it. She just has to trust that the majority of us love that stuff..and those who don't...well, if they can't deal with new things, they'll stop coming and maybe she'll hit smaller venues...but, that's not necessarily a bad thing, if it makes her creatively happy. (and there was no evidence of anyone feeling that one last night)

So, the rest was GDW (Waddy rocking along with her), Edge, and a really nice Love is (she had to cut the intro short because she was 'dangerously close' to breaking curfew).

And the roars from the audience continued.
It was a very, very, very wonderful show. One of the best I've seen from her and I've seen quite a few. The enthusiasm of the audience and Stevie was amazing and "I won't forget it."

Side note: Lindsey's posters were ALL over the place. Including the ladies' room! They must REALLY be getting along! (or foreshadowing B/N II).
Other side note: She looked gorgeous. Blackcat and I were both astonished at how completely lovely she was last night. Especially in the white outfit.
Other side note: Hand gestures on FWIW didn't bother me as much in real life. Go figure!

Great re-cap Regina! Thanks for taking the time. I knew it was gonna be a good read as soon as you stated "This whole concert was "old" Stevie." It sure seems like Stevie really been jazzed these last few gigs on the East Coast from everyones reviews. That's awesome. Can't even imagine what it will be like for the lucky Australians to see her with Dave Stewart. She will be on fire by then

[Sanne2]

Originally Posted by Amlyn

Here are a few of my favorites from last night.

Great photos!!

[blackcat]

It was a LONG day yesterday that worked itself into a 3AM morning. Part of me wants to just say "ibid" or "op cit" to Regina's Review--can't recall from college days eons ago if either is proper!

How about, "I got to sing, I got to dance, I got to be a part of a great romance?" It was outrageous! It was contagious! Last night was a Stevie love-fest the way it's supposed to be!

If you go to these shows because you want to hear the music: you will not be disappointed! The sound system at PNC was probably the best of all the shows I have heard in recent years--even the Star Spangled Banner was clear. The Garden States' PNC Arts is a beautiful venue--kind of like being in a flying saucer. (I first met Marty & Lis at PNC in 1998) Michael Grimm (cute guy, guitarist, wearer of hats- you can see why Stevie liked him) did "Stay With Me Baby," the song Bette Midler poured out in the movie "The Rose." He also covered a song Ray Charles made famous: "You Don't Know Me" and a couple strong rock numbers. The place was slowly filling up as he was finishing. And he snuck out and covered Mike Campbell's part of For What It's Worth.

Stevie's current set list created with her magical sequencer pen made everyone happy--I loved getting to hear AND see For What It's Worth, Soldier Angel (nurses of the world, bring a hanky: you have representation now), Ghosts Are Gone and Annabel Lee LIVE. Though a great philosopher once sang, "you can't always get what you want," this show actually delivered. The only song we didn't get to hear off the new album that I really really wanted to hear was In Your Dreams. Regina (the magnet for drunk men) thought it would have been a perfect opener. She's right. But STAND BACK kicked people out of their seats. But about In Your Dreams, if we don't get to hear it live now, then when will Stevie ever get a chance to do this live? (Regina is offering to be on the steering committee of the set list) People did holler out they wanted to hear ALL of the new album, but could anyone actually reproduce the haunting chants and clapping of "Wide Sargasso Sea"? Hmm. I think this audience could have! Stevie says she wants people to get to know this new album.

Are you more of a traditionalist? How SWEET it was to hear Leather & Lace! Stevie's voice coach gentleman (name slips my mind) was a beautiful blend with Stevie's voice. The show had your Landside, Dreams ("Fleetwood Mac's ONLY #1 song"), Rhiannon, my favorite Gold Dust Woman, and Stand Back. Can I interject here: How amazing is Waddy Wachtel? He is ever the powerhouse on the stage. There is nothing he can't play, and he is the most sought out sessions player on the planet. Waddy is all over the new Buddy Holly tribute album coming out. The one STEVIE NICKS is on? It's coming out September 6th. You can order it on Amazon, and I don't get paid for this reminder, but he is my special friend. The album is called "Listen To Me: Buddy Holly." Waddy IS ageless and timeless. He's not too big on much lace and fineness (Rod Stewart references), but I do enjoy the elegance he presents in tuxedo shirts and vests Stevie's managed to get him into in recent tours. I'm allowed to rave about him. But Stevie's whole band is wonderful, and the have all her new songs down! So special accolades to everyone of them. These people give us every sound, every note, every moment that tickles your ears at the shows: Ricky Peterson (who put the dot org in organ?), Darrell Smith (piano), Waddy's son Jimmy Paxson (drums), Al Ortiz (bass), Carlos Rios (guitar), Lenny Castro (percussionist) and lovely vampiresses Lori Nicks and Sharon Celani!

While there wasn't a 1000 Stevies tonight, there were two distinct Stevies: the magnificient gothic black Rhiannon, full of fierceness, fire and power-- and the beautiful white angel that came out to perform Edge Of Seventeen. Sisters Of The Moon? It would have worked in with her set! Since Stevie's been bringing back all the TUSK songs back, I bet that will be "taken into advisement."

Stevie was paying attention. She seemed to be trying hard to NOT laugh at a few people mimicking her gestures as she sang the new songs. I think Stevie was feeling the love. We already have the music, and I love getting to see it LIVE. But it's so much fun to have Stevie just talking to us, although it probably drives non-devotees crazy! Chocolate, popcorn, requests and a Q&A? Sign me up!

Travis, Torri, Keith, Bill, George, all you folks in "the south," you gotta go to this show!
love, blackcat

[daniellaaarisen]

Regina just said everything I could've said! Absolutely outstanding show... she was very loose last night and was more interactive with the audience, which I love to see.