Newspaper Review of Melbourne Concert

[lucindalou]

Nicks charms, but too little of the MSO

REVIEWER - Guy Blackman from The Age.

The show started with a modest lack of fanfare and and almost inaudible MSO. Stevie suddenly appeared looking both like Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter, all in black with top hat and high-heeled boots.

Perhaps it was just out seats but well into the second song, Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, there was still only the barest hint of violins discernible over song's trademark loping beat.

Thankfully the assembled orchestra was given the chance to shine accomponied only by a video backdrop of Stevie while she herself dissapeared into her own dressing room at the side of the stage for the first of a series of costume changes.

Rhiannon soared with the orchestra before the drums came in to get the 3/4 full arena screaming in approval.

But once again with the band in full swing the MSO was almost entirely seen and not heard.

Although she looks 37 rather than 57, Nicks remained mostly static during the performance, moving with a touch of stiffness and occasionally banging a tambourine.

But for the urgent solo hit Stand Back out came the whirling dervish of old, Nicks spinning, arms outstretched, with a mischievous expression at the delight of the audience.

Landslide was the night's orchestral and emotional highlight with a black and white career collage behind Nicks and flute and sweeping strings merging beautifully with dual acoustic guitars.

For the first time, the evenings disparate elements jelled - and it was thrilling.

As a SN band show it was fantastic, full of equal parts good natured charm, grace and real poignancy.

Nicks was compelling and charismatic from beginning to end, saying little between songs but commanding attention with every move.

But the sight of all those bows bowing, mallets pounding and cheeks puffing to little audible avail was just to frustrating for the show to be an unqualified success.


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Sorry about any typos, but I hand typed it because I couldn't find the review online.

Enjoy!