OZ Article and Pic

[MacMan]

By Daniel Ziffer, Entertainment Reporter
November 1, 2005



http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/...720485621.html

ROCK star Stevie Nicks will be backed by the sonorous harmonies of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra when she performs next year. But do not expect a timid show.

"Led Zeppelin. That's what I want," she said emphatically yesterday.

"Like the strings in Kashmir. I don't want this to be (like the film) The Sound of Music."

The former Fleetwood Mac frontwoman will hit the Rod Laver Arena stage on February 18 as part of her "Gold Dust" tour.

Nicks' promoter has previously lured 1970s rockers Kiss and Meat Loaf to perform with the orchestra, and the 57-year-old singer is working on compositions to accompany her hit songs.

The decision about which songs to perform with the orchestra will come down to their suitability, she said.

"Edge of Seventeen, Stand Back, you don't know," she said.

Nicks has sung orchestra-backed versions of Etta James' classic ballads A Sunday Kind Of Love and At Last at festivals and both may be included in the six or so songs she will perform with MSO backing.

The Melbourne show will be the only place she will perform with the orchestra and her band. Nicks' other dates in Australia and New Zealand will feature her nine-piece band only.

Local legend John Farnham will play Brisbane and Perth, with US singer Vanessa Carlton supporting all shows.

Fleetwood Mac sold tens of million of albums off the back of such hit singles as Dreams, Everywhere and Go Your Own Way. Nicks has toured prolifically around the world as a solo artist.

On Stakes Day, Saturday, the Stevie Nicks Plate will be race seven on the card. Nicks will present the record-shaped trophy then.

She will be at the Melbourne Cup today and is tipping Eye Popper or Makybe Diva to win the big race. She is laying a bet on Xcellent for her mum.

So, if you see a 155-centimetre blonde rock star in a black slouch hat, pearled cape and heels - it's her.