"Tensions run deep for Fleetwood Mac", 2/19 Brisbane

[SpyNote]

Tensions run deep for Fleetwood Mac

Noel Mengel
The Courier-Mail (Australia)
February 20, 2004



Nothing like a bit of in-built tension to keep a band intriguing.

Fleetwood Mac have always had plenty of it, even long before before the romances, the bust-ups and the battles that followed their ascension to the top of the tree with the Rumours album in 1977.

The tension might still be there. Last year's Say You Will, the band's first studio album with guitarist Lindsey Buckingham in 16 years, is so long that it's as if no one could agree on just what to leave off.

Buckingham often gives the impression he was never too fussed with the soft-rock sound of Rumours in the first place and aggrieved that the rest of the band and the public didn't agree with his more experimental streak, as found on the Tusk album.

Still, he's back, and that's a good thing for the band and the millions of fans coming out to see the reunion on this world tour. As well as being the author of so many rock-radio staples, Buckingham is an inventive guitarist who provides plenty of fireworks to the band's live show.

But it's all those hits and Stevie Nicks's distinctive voice that really packs the stadiums, and the band's lengthy set has plenty of both, kicking off last night with "The Chain" and ensuring the near-capacity audience had their fill of memories with tunes like "Rhiannon," "Second Hand News" and "Dreams."

Chrissie McVie has now retired from the band but Mick Fleetwood and John McVie are still providing the rhythms 37 years on from their first gig under the name but now assisted with a cast of extra players and backup singers.

Seeing Fleetwood Mac in concert is a reminder: what an interesting bunch of bands they turned out to be. One minute the intense Buckingham is opening a vein onto the strings on his new song "Come," a raucus guitar explosion. The next Nicks is taking the lead on the gentle pop rock of "Gypsy."

One of the highlights of the set was the sight of Nicks and Birmingham playing "Landslide," pouring heart and soul into a song that's almost 30 years old. When the former lovers who spun Heartbreak into platinum records hug at songs end it's a genuinely moving moment. Because we're all growing older too.

Fleetwood Mac play the Entertainment Centre again tonight.

[strandinthewind]

Originally posted by SpyNote
[B]But it's all those hits and Stevie Nicks's distinctive voice that really packs the stadiums, and the band's lengthy set has plenty of both, kicking off last night with The Chain and ensuring the near-capacity audience had their fill of memories with tunes like Rhiannon, Second Hand News and Dreams.

I swear I did not write this

Actually, what a nice article - thanks for posting!!!!

[bootylicous]

Stevie looks GREAT in that pic.

Oh jeez I *have* to see them one more time...

[wondergirl9847]

Stevie in that pic: "I give up officer! Don't shoot! It's only a tambo and it's not loaded!!"

[stefan]

Originally posted by SpyNote
Tensions run deep for Fleetwood Mac

One of the highlights of the set was the sight of Nicks and Birmingham playing "Landslide," pouring heart and soul into a song that's almost 30 years old.

"Ah hello Mister Birmingham, would you please be so kind and play this little song with me on the stage. My guitarist- I cannot remember his name right now- has just left for a few beers and I think he`s looking for that cute young blonde he saw at the entrance also"

[SmthngOfADreamr]

Originally posted by bootylicous
Stevie looks GREAT in that pic.

I sorta disagree. Seeing her constantly wear that grandma cardigan makes me long for the days of the old black dress. I think it's so unflattering. But, the important thing is that she's on a stage singing I guess.

[Cristian]

Who the hell's BIRMINGHAM???


Song of the moment - Jigsaw Puzzle Blues

[wondergirl9847]

I know Cristian, and Chrissie McVie? I know lots of people probably call her that lovingly, but for a journalist to do so?

[chiliD]

Originally posted by Cristian
Who the hell's BIRMINGHAM???


Song of the moment - Jigsaw Puzzle Blues

Lenny Birmingham.

Nobody was supposed to know that Lindsey couldn't make the trip to Australia. Mick got this guy from a Fleetwood Mac Tribute band in Canberra...made him get plastic surgery to look just like Lindsey. (similar situtation as to the guy who took McCartney's place in the Beatles when Paul supposedly "died" in 1966).

You can barely tell the difference between his playing and Lindsey's. But, I think we solved the reason that they haven't changed the set list for the Oz/Kiwi tour. He'd been practicing the set they've been playing since June while his surgery scars healed.

So, if you Aussies notice that Stevie will occasionally look at "Lindsey" with a "do I know you?" expression, that's why!

I guess the guy who wrote this article had inside info and let it slip.

"Chrissie" McVie is actually Christine's 12 year old clone. This guy must REALLY have the inside scoop!

[shackin'up]

Originally posted by Cristian
Who the hell's BIRMINGHAM???


Song of the moment - Jigsaw Puzzle Blues

Come on! Don't you know him? It's the guy who normally stands guard at the entrance of Buckingham Palace...

[tommer]

the age
Fleetwood Mac back in top form

Veteran rock outfit Fleetwood Mac say they are performing better than they ever did, allowing them to be more experimental with their music.

Fleetwood Mac are in Australia for their current world tour and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham couldn't be better.

"I am certainly in my own mind at the top of my game and that is only because I took the time to study and be quiet and to allow things to come in," he said from his Sydney hotel.

"I spent about 10 years basically meditating, approaching music in a very singular way and solitary way."

The 70s band is best known for their mega-platinum album Rumours, while their song Don't Stop became a Bill Clinton campaign anthem.

Buckingham is joined in Australia by Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Stevie Nicks. Christine McVie is notably absent from the tour, choosing to keep a low profile living in rural England.

Fleetwood Mac used its personal upheavals as fodder for Rumours and have recently released a new album, Say You Will, which promises a mix of classic old-style and new songs.

Buckingham said he was able to express more individuality in his music now that he had passed through the "sex, drug and rock 'n' roll" years.

"I have never had this much fun. Part of that is because there is a lot that I can bring back and everyone else is not only clear to receive it but wants it."

He said the band members, now in their 50s, had grown and felt less pressure to perform a certain way.

"There is, by definition, a distancing from the audience. All you can do is somehow go out there and get in touch with how you feel is fresh and new about what you are doing," he said.

"If you really want to keep the artist side of yourself alive, you have got to try to present something which is somewhat challenging to them and presents the new side of what we are doing along with the familiarity and it is not an easy equation."

Commenting more generally on the group, he said all members were playing at their peak.

"In many ways we are doing the best work of our lives now and there is no reason to take that lightly other than the fact that there are still politics and push-pulls in the band and those people who want to do different things with the band."

Looking forward, Buckingham hopes Fleetwood Mac will have plenty more albums to come.