Bad Don/Good Stevie Review

[dudden22]

Nicks, Henley no dynamic duo
While the Fleetwood Mac songstress carried her weight, the Eagles singer fell flat.
By DAVID PENCEK
Norwich Bulletin

MOHEGAN-- Don Henley and Stevie Nicks became the solo stars for two of the biggest bands during the 1970s.

In the 1980s, they both enjoyed solo success and recorded a hit duet single "Leather & Lace."

More than 20 years later, the song could have been used as an appropriate theme for the two's double-bill headlining show Monday in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

One could have also used the phrase "oil and water" because that's how different the two approached their portion of the three-hour concert.

Where Henley went through the motions and gave a passable, yet uninspired performance, Nicks was more energetic and responsive to the audience. She demonstrated why there are few equals to her when it comes to female rock singers.

Each performed 80-minute solo sets that included duets with the other. However, the two had little chemistry together, which is perhaps why press photographers were not allowed to take pictures when both were on stage.

Henley appeared stiff next to theatrical Nicks and he didn't even mention Nicks' name when she came on stage during his set. His only acknowledgment was, "She'll be back," as Nicks retired backstage. When he performed during Nicks' set, Henley stood in the dark next to Nicks' guitar player until it was his turn to sing.

At one point, Henley didn't know whether to hold Nicks' hand or not when she extended her hand out to him.

He didn't.

Henley even began the concert on a slow note. He didn't take the stage until 40 minutes after the scheduled 7 p.m. start time and he opened with the curious tune "The Genie," a song from his 2000 album "Inside Job."

Both Henley and Nicks mixed their sets with solo material and songs from their bands -- the Eagles for Henley and Fleetwood Mac for Nicks.

Nicks received an ovation when she came out to perform "Hotel California," "New York Minute" and "The Last Worthless Evening." The applause continued each time she finished her part of a song.

Henley's best moments came toward the end of his set with acoustic renditions of "The End of the Innocence" and "Desparado." His one encore was "I Will Not Go Quietly," although when compared to Nicks, he actually did.

After a 15-minute intermission, it was Nicks' turn. Her singing of "Rhiannon" continues to pack a powerful punch. She was consistently strong throughout with performances of "Gold Dust Woman," "Stand Back" and "Edge of Seventeen" highlighting her set.

Henley joined Nicks for "Gold Dust Woman," "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and "The Circle Dance." He also came out for the encore that included "Leather & Lace."

Another difference in the two performances was Nicks allowing her band members to show off their talents. She left the stage several times to change outfits and her band, especially the drummer and percussionist, kept the show moving and increased the anticipation of the next song.

If you missed the show, Henley and Nicks will perform tonight at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Mass.

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