Opening Night Pictures/Videos/Reviews

[sodascouts]

I have been wanting to add my thoughts, but got sick right after the concert and had to attend a conference the next day... ugh! Since much of what I thought has already been stated, I'll keep it short and sweet:

I had never seen Christine perform with the band before, and I never knew what I had been missing. She adds so much. I realized that what we had before was Buckingham Nicks and the best rhythm section in the world, and now we had FLEETWOOD MAC. While some may be surprised that I don't prefer the former, when I sign up for a Fleetwood Mac show, that's what I want to get.

Christine started out a bit tentative but gained confidence and by Songbird was able to make me weep - and I wasn't the only one. When she came out to the front of the stage during Tusk with her accordion and smiled at audience members, I was delighted. She is amazing! However, maybe it was just my at-the-stage position, but I couldn't hear her as well on harmonies.

Stevie was better vocally than I've seen her in a long time, perhaps ever. She took risks on a couple songs - going high where she typically keeps it flat - and it made the songs much more dynamic.

Stevie's interactions with Lindsey during songs were treats: the fire of Gold Dust Woman and Silver Springs. However, Landslide was much less touchy-feely than it has been and they don't spent as much time talking to/about each other. I guess that's only natural, as doing so would exclude Christine, but I missed it a bit. Stevie also spent a great deal of time smiling encouragingly at Chris, especially during tricky harmonies which could be a bit shaky. Lindsey's few interactions with Chris were cute, although I wish there had been more between these terrific musicians.

Now Lindsey. Unfortunately for me, while I was lucky to get a spot at the stage, it was very high and Stevie's teleprompter blocked me from even seeing Lindsey unless I backed up a great deal, which I was hesitant to do since I didn't actually have a first row seat and there was one security guard in particular who seemed very keen on sending back miscreants such as myself. I had done the VIP thing and paid just as much money as those next to me, so I felt no guilt, but obviously I was unworthy in his eyes. I tried to be invisible and so missed Lindsey.

Basing it solely on sound, I can say his guitar is as sharp as ever. However, I was surprised that he changed so little: yes, we knew the speeches would be the same, that's just Lindsey, and I suspected his positioning would be the same as it would probably tax the lighting director if he didn't always stand in the same spot (I was glad of this during ISA and GYOW, the only times I actually saw him, because I knew he would come over to where I was at least twice). However, typically, he will at least have a new or different song, and such was not the case here. For better or for worse, no arrangements were changed. That was disappointing, but again, Lindsey was incredible whenever he played.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Little Lies. I was thrilled to hear this for the first time live with Lindsey and they really sounded tight as a band on that chorus where each vocalist has a distinct part. LOVED it.

Seven Wonders. I never expected them to switch out Stand Back for this, but I'm so glad! It was fun and despite a bit of a flub at the end of one of the verses, I was delighted by it.

Gold Dust Woman. Perhaps the best version I've ever heard. Stevie took vocal risks and while her "crackhead dance" started out a bit sketchy, it quickly became fascinating to watch. The howl was done as it should be. Her defiant ending - "You can't break me down, you can't take me now" etc. was far superior to her more plaintive one of recent times.

I'm So Afraid. This song is always a highlight for me; so intense!

Silver Springs. Stevie changed things up at the end and of course, I love her interaction with Lindsey.

Don't Stop. Lindsey and Christine worked together vocally in the way it should be done (no offense to Stevie) and Christine's keyboard solo was fantastic. Love it.

Songbird. I've already said how much this song moved me.


THINGS THAT COULD BE IMPROVED:

HOLD ME. I was largely unspoiled for the setlist, but someone told me beforehand that Hold Me had been planned and dropped. Very disappointing, as this would play a lot better than Over My Head, IMHO.

Over My Head. Why is Lindsey not singing harmonies on this like in the old days? His voice was missed.

Sisters of the Moon. I want the guitar solo at the end. I know it's apparently a lost cause for Rhiannon, but I was still hoping maybe we'd get it for this one. It would elevate the song so much. Honestly, Lindsey's guitar solo is my favorite part of the song.

Never Going Back Again. Oh, how I loathe the way Lindsey does this now. It is agony to listen to it at this point; his picking sounds like a novice who's not really sure what the next note is, so he has to pay it SUPER SLOWLY; his drawn out vocals make it boring; his holding a note until his breath runs out impresses me not a bit - anybody with sufficient lung capacity can do that - yet he acts as if it were downright operatic as he waits for the applause to commence. BLECH. I hate it so much that I have decided I will not applaud it, even if I'm right there at Lindsey's feet.

World Turning. Why do they have that stupid bit with the sound effects? It's been plaguing us for years now, and it's completely inane. At this point, we've already been forced to suffer through an extended drum solo... get back to the freaking song already!

The floating Lindsey head graphic. It's creepy. WTH?! To be fair, most of the graphics in the back were well-done, but yikes on that one. It reminded me of Max Headroom, a movie I hated.


ADDITIONAL SHALLOW THOUGHTS:
I prefer Lindsey in leather. He still is sex on a stick when he plays those hot electric guitar solos, though.
Stevie made a lot more eye contact with audience members than usual. It was cool.
Stevie needs to bring back the sexy Rhiannon top.
I adored Stevie's boots with the glittery heels. WANT.
Christine looks fantastic.
John's vest looked like something he stole from Mick's trunk, but I liked it.

Hmm, perhaps this wasn't so "short and sweet" after all, eh?

All in all, this show was terrific. Again, it was the first time I felt like I was really at a Fleetwood Mac concert. It was worth the trip and getting sick. No Fleetwood Mac fan should miss this tour. Sit in the cheap seats if the ones up front are too pricey, but go. It's epic, and I don't use that term lightly.

THE MAC IS BACK!!!!