Reflections of 2011

[jkmaletic]

This year has been AMAZING for us Stevie fans, with the release of "In Your Dreams" being the center of that amazingness. This has been a dream-come-true year for me as far as Stevie is concerned, so I wanted to do a short write-up of the summary of my Stevie-related experiences this year. You guys can feel free to follow suit with your own memories as well.

February 19, 2011 -

I was able to attend an event very close to where I live called Sunset Sessions. Stevie was there promoting her new release, and I bought a ticket to this industry-only event. (although I am not in the industry, I got in with no problems) I got to spend 2 hours in a small room of about 80-100 people, with Stevie. She played us 8 new songs, showed us the promotional sizzle reel (twice), and debuted the "Cheaper Than Free" video. She was extremely excited about all of it, and I was equally impressed with it. Part of me was worried what this music was going to sound like with Dave Stewart producing it, but as I said in the thread I posted after the event, after hearing it I knew we had something truly fantastic on our hands! Stevie also took questions from the audience, and Sapphire Sister got to ask one. This event was special because of the intimacy of it and being able to hear 8 tracks 3 months before the CD was released, with Stevie herself! There were lots of little special moments during the two hours, but one that sticks out is when we were listening to "Moonlight". Stevie was sitting right behind me at the time, and I kind of turned around and gave her a little thumbs up about 1/2 way through the song and she replied with a huge smile and shook her fists like, "yes!" This was truly a dream-like event for me.

March 25, 2011 -

This was the public debut of the infamous Sizzle Reel. I was so excited for my girlfriend (who's a Stevie fan as well) to see it, and for you Ledgies to see it. Remeber how blown away we were? (well, most of us anyway) We all had a new appreciation for Owls.

May 3, 2011 -

The release of "In your Dreams". It was so great to finally get a physical copy of this masterpiece in my hot little hands. Overall reviews for IYD were very positive, validating our fandom and making us proud of our Stevie!


May 14, 2011 -

Saw Stevie perform in Vegas - 3rd row. Awesome show, considering Stevie had been battling pneumonia since May 3rd.


May 26, 2011 -

Stevie's 63rd Birthday and the Wiltern Show! What can I say - a lot of us were there that magical evening. I remember being in line and meeting Danielle, Ed, and other Ledgies. I also met others that have since became friends with - shout out to, Justin, Jose & Maria At one point, Danielle had gotten a copy of the set list, and was gushing over the listed songs. She asked me if I wanted to know which new songs she was going to do, and I said no, but I did ask how many - she replied, 8!! I remember being floored! As we all know, this was unheard of for Stevie. We were in for a VERY special night and that's exactly what it was - special. I hope they work a lot of this show into the documentary because the energy was just crazy - from Stevie and from the audience. We were in the pit for this show, the 4th people back from the stage, dead center. Got some great Stevie interaction along with some great video.

August 3, 2011 -

The day a dream of mine came true. This was the day I met Stevie. It was at a CD signing at Amoeba Records in Hollywood. It was on a wednesday and I didn't find out about it until the friday before that. Not having the time to really ask for the day off, I feigned illness the monday and tuesday before and called in sick early wed morning (at 4am, in the quiet parking lot of Denny's on Sunset)
It was there in line at 430 am that I met Becca for the first time. Danielle and Lindsay showed up soon after that, sleeping on the sidewalk like homeless women.
Fast-forward to the event itself - we were all so nrevous and excited. While in line inside the store, I went through phases of getting choked up. Stevie's music was being played in the store and a dream of mine was finally about to come true. I managed to hold down the tears, thankfully. Stevie came out, and everyone cheered. I was the 12th in line, so I just kept telling myslf to hold it together and act normal. Last thing I wanted is for Stevie to view me as some kind of wierdo. It was my time, and I approached the table. I introduced myself and shook her hand. She then began signing my lithograph as I was telling her what an amazing year it's been for me with the Sunset Sessions event, Vegas, The Wiltern. I told her I was the one who had made the comic book for her spoofing the Destiny Rules documentary. She said she remembered that and Karen piped up and said, "Everybody loved that thing!" Then I told Stevie that her music meant so much to me, and that it's been very helpful in the healing process of losing my mother. I got a little choked up at this point and she took both of my hands and squeezed them. She cocked her head to the side sympathetically and said, "awww..." I said, "Thank you Stevie." I then let go of her hands and left. Needless to say, I was emotionally spent after that. But I was so happy at the same time.

October 12, 2011 -

Like an answer to our prayers, Stevie added a few solo shows after the Rod Stewart shows. We got to see her at The Grove of Anaheim. This was another small venue which always makes for a more intimate show. While waiting outside we met up with Becca, Jose and Maria. It was so dang hot, but worth it in the end. Another rockin' show. I was right behind Becca, who was front and center, in the pit. My girlfriend finally got a handshake at this show, after a 10 year hiatus. Stevie always seemed to miss her until this night, so she was stoked.


October 19, 2011 -

The Grammy Museum Event. Becca had told me she had heard about this and would try to find out more details. The next day she calls me and tells me she's in line at the Museum and asked if I wanted her to get me a ticket. (God Bless you, Becca!) They were only allowing 200 people. Of course I said yes. On the day of this event I waited outside in line with her. Once let in, we scored seats in the 3rd row, dead center, in this tiny little room. It had a fantastic sound system. The evening consisted of an interview, audience questions, and then a small performance. I was one of the lucky ones called on and I asked Stevie how she decides which songs are to be slower vs. faster. Her answer was lengthy, but basically said that she has no set way of deciding, she just kind of goes with what the producers make out of it, or sometimes not. The entire time she was answering my question she was looking dead at me. I remember thinking, this is unfreaking real right now. She performed Landslide and For What It's Worth, with Waddy, Carlos, and Michael Grimm on guitar. Sharon backed her up. Becca and I pantimimed in our seats along with Stevie during FWIW, and Stevie was totally smiling at us. Then, Stevie did Moonlight by herself, on the piano. I was FLOORED. This event was videotaped by the Grammy staff and I was told it would be archived and they had plans to screen it there in January 2012, so I'm keeping my eye out for that. It was another amazing night I'll never forget.

So that's been my Stevie year, in somewhat of a nutshell. Feel free to post your Stevie experiences of 2011. I'd love to read the memories.

Here's to an even more amazing 2012!!

Jamie

[beccamorrisfift]

2011 was the year I discovered Stevie. For way too many years I'd been pottering on with my life, completely ignorant to what was right in front of, or right in the record cabinet at least.
Without Stevie's lyrics, voice and presence in my life throughout this year I'm not sure how I would've gained the strength to carry on.
Stevie became my best-friend when I truly had no one else left to turn to, in the middle of the night when no one else was awake I could plug in my earphones and listen to Stevie as she took away my pain.
That's a truly wonderful thing, that I'm grateful for everyday.
And because I discovered Stevie, I discovered the Ledge, in my 'real life' there isn't anyone who I can really relate to on the same level that I can with friends I have made on here, because of the connection we all already share in our musical interests everything else just often falls into place.
There are friends I have made on here that I don't know what I'd do without, it is a wonderful place and I am so looking forward to spending 2012 with you guys and many years after that.
Happy New Year everyone, I hope 2012 brings you all nothing but happiness, peace and love.

[THINKABOUTIT]

Jaime....my 2011 Stevie calendar is about identical to yours

[icinglover1995]

Last year, I loved Stevie, I went as her for Halloween and all that, but I sort of stopped listening to her for a while (how silly of me), until February, I found out that she had a new album coming out in May, and that you could listen to it on Rollingstone.com, so I listened to it and fell in love with her all over again!
May 3rd- Her album came out and I bought it the next day! What a wonderful album it is! I keep it in our car, and listen to it all the time.

August 17th (a.k.a. the best day of my life!) - about 2 month before the show (which, at the time, wasn't even on the list of shows she was doing this year) I wrote Stevie a letter, asking (more like pleading) for her to come close to Tennessee, because my mom said that's the only way I could see her. (my mom knew she wasn't coming anywhere close to Tennessee) I asked, in the letter, for her to come anywhere, Nashville, Atlanta, even Chattanooga! I felt Atlanta would be more appropriate, so I asked for that alot. A few weeks later, Atlanta was on the list! So I showed it to my mom, and she got me tickets. The show was originally scheduled for the 15th, and on the morning of the 15th, I woke up and was very upset when I found out it had been rescheduled. I know it was only 2 days later, but still, I was crushed. The show was at Chastain Park Amphitheater. It was AMAZING!! I just remember sobbing through many songs, especially the first one (Stand Back!).

That's pretty much it for my Stevie expiriences this year! I wish Fleetwood Mac would go ahead and tour, I've been saving money for a ticket just in case they do...

So, that's it!

[AnchntQueen]

Jim Ladd (KLOS) interview - Stevie was to only do a two hour interview starting at 10pm. I remember it was a week night. It was such a great interview... Stevie decided to say on w/ Jim for his full 4 hour shift. I was hanging off the side of my bed. All of a sudden, Jim said he was opening the lines if anyone wanted to talk to Stevie. I lunged for my cell phone, called and got through. Even though Jim rushed me... I got to ask Stevie, "You have inspired so many people, what inspires you". She answered in length. I think she did it in spite of Jim rushing me, lol!

Wiltern B-day Show - From the Jim Ladd interview, I learned of the B-day show to pre-kick off Stevie's IYD Tour. I was freaking out. Called the Wiltern box office... no tix. Called ticket master... no tix. So, I called an old ticket broker and he said do you want the floor or balcony. I almost fainted and wanted both. Not wanting to miss out on anything. However, due to funds... I took the floor .

Amoeba Signing - My car started heading to work then it veered off heading to the Amoeba Store. I couldn't miss the chance to see, talk and get my first ever signature piece from Stevie. Like others, I called work. I believe I gave the good ole "car problems" excuse . What can I say. It would have been one of those things I would have regretted if I didn't go. Meeting Stevie was amazing. She touched everyones hands. Gave you her undivided attention. She was amazing and then some. From here I met some really kool people. I met my soul sisters here. I seized the moment as Stevie had made referenced for me and others to do (during the KLOS interview).

IYD small group get together - took place where my two soul sisters talked me into going w/ them to the Vegas show. Didn't have to twist my arm to hard.

Vegas Show - Had some great bonding time w/ my soul sisters and off we went to see Stevie (Road Trip). OMG... you'd think we were all going out on a date, how long it took us to get ready. Stevie put on another fantastic show. Great venue by the way. There is where I met a few more sisters of the moon. Go figure I am not the only little gypsy out here, lol!

I have made some amazing friends upon this journey. Thanks to Stevie!!! What an awesome year. Here's to 2011 and now welcoming in 2012. May you be safe, have a blast and be good to yourself and others. We need more "LOVE" in this world. It's a gift :wavy:.

[WildHearted]

Random memories that come to mind - the Sizzle Reel being released, Rolling Stone putting up the stream of IYD a week before it was released, the Secret Love video, the For What It's Worth video, the Moonlight video, the Cheaper Than Free video, the sneak peaks of the documentary, Annabel Lee posting on twitter, and so much more.

Seeing Stevie in Atlanta was definitely a highlight for me. I don't go to many concerts really - I only attend if I'm a really huge fan and it's very important to me that I go. It was my first time seeing Stevie live and she was incredible. Her voice was in top form, she was in great spirits all night, and she looked absolutely phenomenal. I also had an amazing time staying with my cousin (who went to the concert with me). I definitely really cherish that memory and I hope I'll have the opportunity to see her live many more times.

Another great memory was the night of the Jim Ladd interview. I listened for the entire four hours all the way through, and I remember the thread being such a hoot, as we all commented and reacted to what they were saying. Stevie was so open and candid - a great interview which I still go back to and listen to from time to time.

Other great moments were watching Stevie on all of the various national telivision shows that she performed at - The Voice, America's Got Talent, etc. I especially loved seeing her sing Edge of 17 live on the 30th anniversary of Bella Donna (wasn't it?). That was so unexpected and such a lovely treat, she really knocked it out of the park.

I also joined The Ledge in 2011! It's been a great ~11 months conversing with you all and sharing stories and info and pictures and all the rest!

[mikebise]

Jim Ladd!!!! That was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

I think discovering "Priest Of Nothing" and "Mirror, Mirror" was pretty important!!!

[vivfox]

Originally Posted by WildHearted

I also joined The Ledge in 2011! It's been a great ~11 months conversing with you all and sharing stories and info and pictures and all the rest!

It feels like you've been around as long as I have. I notice your sig pic all the time. It identifies you to me.

[WildHearted]

Originally Posted by vivfox

It feels like you've been around as long as I have. I notice your sig pic all the time. It identifies you to me.

well thanks! I'm glad I'm recognizable!

[poetinmyheart]

Truly a great year for Stevie fans all over. Lets hope 2012 is just as wonderful!

For me personally, seeing Stevie live in London - meeting her the following day at the album signing. Quite simply an epic weekend!

[bluefox4000]

Stevie's had a great year. On a truly personal level.....I can Say that, she made a solo work that for the first time in a long while.......I thoroughly enjoyed. Here's hoping for great things to come. Bravo Stevie

Mick

[louielouie2000]

I was thinking about IYD over lunch today. I still hold to my belief that IYD is one of her top 3 solo albums. For me, those are:

Bella Donna
Rock A Little
In Your Dreams

I think it's a pretty great thing Stevie pulled off such a high quality album after such a long recording absence. And I'm very pleased that the album received such glowing critical support, too. I was really hoping us chiffonheads would finally be vindicated by Stevie receiving a solo Grammy, but it's okay she didn't. The more important thing is how much she enjoyed making & supporting the album.

[CADreaming]

Originally Posted by mikebise

Jim Ladd!!!! That was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

Love that too! One of my top fav interviews ever!!

Other live highlights for me (other than seeing her live in Atlanta and my first Edge Walk!) via youtube videos are:

1. The Wiltern B'day show, especially Soldier's Angel with Lindsey and Moonlight. EPIC.

2. The Fillmore show and her feathers! Love!

3. Sturgis - Soldier's Angel - after being disappointed Lindsey couldn't make the show, it turned out to be a stunning (although dangerous) performance.

[Gypsybecca]

Jamie, what a sweet thread. Brings back so many wonderful memories from last year being a Stevie fan. She gave us so much, that I can't help but love her even more.

What I didn't expect was to meet Stevie, or get a handshake, or a signed item, but all of that happened, and honestly it still doesn't seem real! lol. Getting to meet so many Ledgies and others who are just as dedicated to Stevie as I am was great. I met people from 5 countries at Stevie events! There are no fans like Stevie fans: Jamie, Anna, Dani, Mr. Stevie Nicks, the chick in the 70's Stevie costume, the dude in the 80's Stevie costume, the girl in the black cape, the guy in the top hat............

[PolishStevieFan]

Well, 2011 was an important year because I finally discovered "The Ledge" which ever since has given me the opportunity to meet so different opinions of so many Stevie and Fleetwood Mac's fans. It's really hard to fathom but this forum works as a big encylopedia full of facts, anecdotes, trivias, pictures, demos, etc. It's source of knowledge that cannot ever go to waste. Secondly, 2011 was important because of release of long-anticipated "In Your Dreams" album that in many ways exceeded my expectations (especially with brilliant songs like "Annabel Lee", "New Orleans" and "For What It's Worth"). And finally I decided to buy Stevie's first studio album "Bella Donna" It took me almost 10 years to do this, so you can imagine how pivotal this year was for me. Even though I can't rank "Bella Donna" as my favourite Stevie's album, still it served handsomely as a break from ongoing listening to of "In Your Dreams". And to see Polish reviews of her albums (in many prolific magazines) was another good thing that happened during already gone year of 2011 All in all, it was really a good year for Stevie's fans.