How Christine has re-energized the band...

[Andy Man]

I am viewing a lot of the clips from the previous two shows, and all I can think is, "is this the same band from last year?"

Christine's presence has completely changed the band dynamic...for the better. Some of the HD Youtube clips really present how tight the band sound and just look at their faces. All of the band members just seem so happy to be doing what they are doing. It really does make you think, how tough was it without Christine in the mix? Don't get me wrong, the previous two tours were full of great moments. But with Christine back, it's as if the band has taken themselves to a new level.

And Christine, herself, seems beyond happy to be there which is such a plus. And it is clear that from the audience reaction, she is feeling the love from the fans as well.

With Christine back, it does make me very excited to think of what is to come from the band. Clearly, this is a game changer. I see the next couple of years being a large swan song for the band...going out on top with the five musicians who have made such an impact on popular music today.

[louielouie2000]

I completely agree. Like I said in another thread, it's like the band has gone from auto pilot to fighter pilot. For the first time since 1982, I'm also hearing Fleetwood Mac... not Fleetwood Mac & it's Broadway ensemble of backing musicians. I dearly hope Richard Dashut is wrong, and this isn't the final tour from the band. Because they are finally back to what the great majority of us have wanted for so very long.

[olive]

money is a great motivator

[James89]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

I dearly hope Richard Dashut is wrong, and this isn't the final tour from the band.

NO!!! When did he mention this?

[Andy Man]

Originally Posted by olive

money is a great motivator

Yes, I am sure the finances did play a role in Christine wanting to come back. The band has more relevance today than it has since the 70s, and I am sure that Christine wanted a piece of the financial upswing the band has been having.

However, unless Ms. McVie was in a poor economic situation (which I don't believe to have been the case), I can't see why she would only do a tour for the money. She seems truly happy to be part of a band again and embracing her artistry. I also can't see how she would be going into a studio with Lindsey and working towards an album...if money was all that it was about, then surely they would just continue to tour. The video clips posted from the two shows clearly present Christine, and the band, loving the camaraderie and musicianship on stage.

At the end of the day, money is important. But I doubt that was the only determining factor in this full band reunion.

[Andy Man]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

I completely agree. Like I said in another thread, it's like the band has gone from auto pilot to fighter pilot. For the first time since 1982, I'm also hearing Fleetwood Mac... not Fleetwood Mac & it's Broadway ensemble of backing musicians. I dearly hope Richard Dashut is wrong, and this isn't the final tour from the band. Because they are finally back to what the great majority of us have wanted for so very long.

Absolutely. It is also interesting to see how much of a 'leader' Christine is on stage. Her keeping the time, counting in, and directing the musicians through her impeccable sense of rhythm, timing, etc. is very evident.

I think the other musicians on stage do add some element, and there are some songs (i.e. Go Your Own Way) that clearly need a second guitarist. I do agree though that it feels more like they are playing as the band that they used to be.

[KenshiMaster16]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

I dearly hope Richard Dashut is wrong, and this isn't the final tour from the band. Because they are finally back to what the great majority of us have wanted for so very long.

I believe he is absolutely wrong. This band is a band that has always laid the cold, hard truth out there in some fashion. If this was going to be the final tour, I think it would have been dubbed "End of the Road" or "End of the Show" or "The Final Dance" or some such nonsense.

And Lindsey definitely wouldn't go on spouting about the line-up yielding much fruit in the coming future. I think the end is near within' the coming decade, but not this tour. You can see it in the videos on their faces. They know the magic is back. Even Stevie can tell. They all seem like they are having an incredible time, for once. I don't think they will be ready to get off the crazy Mac train at the end of this tour.

[olive]

Originally Posted by Andy Man

Yes, I am sure the finances did play a role in Christine wanting to come back. The band has more relevance today than it has since the 70s, and I am sure that Christine wanted a piece of the financial upswing the band has been having.

However, unless Ms. McVie was in a poor economic situation (which I don't believe to have been the case), I can't see why she would only do a tour for the money. She seems truly happy to be part of a band again and embracing her artistry. I also can't see how she would be going into a studio with Lindsey and working towards an album...if money was all that it was about, then surely they would just continue to tour. The video clips posted from the two shows clearly present Christine, and the band, loving the camaraderie and musicianship on stage.

At the end of the day, money is important. But I doubt that was the only determining factor in this full band reunion.

If it were to just play music , the songs would not be the tired old hits they would have added their own favorites to play and brought life to the set list at he end of the day it is FLEETWOOD MAC INC they are really no longer a band but a Business

[Wdm6789]

I just really wish they would play Hold Me on this tour.

[Lee]

Well, money is the motivator for everything, isn't it? However, I think for Christine, & oh course I can't speak for her, it was more than just the money. This seemed to take place after we found out John was sick. It gets a person thinking; I'm not going to be around forever. I've got to get over my fears. Life if short. So she decided to not let life pass her by & get over her fear of flying & of being on the stage. I'm personally glad that she's back. She enhances the band, the sound, the chemistry, the dynamic. The Mac is back!

Lee

[Andy Man]

Originally Posted by Lee

Well, money is the motivator for everything, isn't it? However, I think for Christine, & oh course I can't speak for her, it was more than just the money. This seemed to take place after we found out John was sick. It gets a person thinking; I'm not going to be around forever. I've got to get over my fears. Life if short. So she decided to not let life pass her by & get over her fear of flying & of being on the stage. I'm personally glad that she's back. She enhances the band, the sound, the chemistry, the dynamic. The Mac is back!

Lee

Yes, I agree. I am sure the money is a wonderful plus, and is most likely some of the reason as to why she rejoined.

However, I also think that your comments are spot on. It seems that John's sickness has played a part in her decision. Also, she could have just realized that she has an opportunity that most people do not - to be a part of a large-scale rock band. It's a life that most of us will never know, and for her to not take the opportunity to spread her love of music and artistry alongside her band mates ever again probably seemed to be a waste.

Whatever the reason, and we may never know, it's a wonderful thing. Her contributions were lacking and after only two shows it is clear that the Mac needs her.

[wheart]

Originally Posted by olive

If it were to just play music , the songs would not be the tired old hits they would have added their own favorites to play and brought life to the set list at he end of the day it is FLEETWOOD MAC INC they are really no longer a band but a Business

gotta agree with you. the setlist says it all...BUT this business is collecting plenty of my dough!

[PenguinHead]

Originally Posted by Lee

Well, money is the motivator for everything, isn't it? However, I think for Christine, & oh course I can't speak for her, it was more than just the money. This seemed to take place after we found out John was sick. It gets a person thinking; I'm not going to be around forever. I've got to get over my fears. Life if short. So she decided to not let life pass her by & get over her fear of flying & of being on the stage. I'm personally glad that she's back. She enhances the band, the sound, the chemistry, the dynamic. The Mac is back!

Lee

Money is only one factor. Fleetwood Mac has an artistic soul besides being a business. I hope that the beyond tour, they can complete the album. Maybe release a DVD/CD of the tour. It's hard to except they will be prolifically active beyond that.

It would nice if they revisited their back catalog and re-release Mirage and Tango with bonus material like they did with Rumours and Tusk. A new big box set with tons of rarities would be great, along with a series of live albums from various periods in their career, along with an upgraded,complete show DVD version of their filmed Mirage concert.

Also, their transitional period, Kiln House to Heroes Are Hard to Find, should be honored in some way.

[jbrownsjr]

Money is always a factor in every decision we make. I don't think Christine has as much to do with the setlist as the rest of the band and the promoters.

She probably has a weak vote at this point about what's what. She lost her power when she left.

ON the note that she has energized the band: I love hearing this. I can't wait to see a show. And while I'm so disappointed in the setlist. I am trying to look at it like it's visiting an old friend. A very f''''ing expensive old friend. I'm just going to have fun and see them at the Forum. (all three shows)

I think Christine's presence has re-united the great musical relationship that she has with Lindsey. It's always been there since World Turning, and now they have a chance to create something new from their awesome bond and muse. These two are incredible together on that level.

Michele, when you went to see them in London last year, you mentioned that LB was hesitating and didn't run over there like he used to. I think we are seeing more of that now and he trusts her again. I never realized just how much of a hole she left. But now that it's back you can see it. It's really amazing.

Finally, let's hope they do something artistic and tour a new album. The three of these writers together can do amazing things.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by Lee

Well, money is the motivator for everything, isn't it? However, I think for Christine, & oh course I can't speak for her, it was more than just the money. This seemed to take place after we found out John was sick. It gets a person thinking; I'm not going to be around forever. I've got to get over my fears. Life if short. So she decided to not let life pass her by & get over her fear of flying & of being on the stage.

I agree with your take. We all love money, but Christine is 70 and has no kids. She seems to be living comfortably. I can't imagine any reason why she would be trying to stockpile the cash right now. The most extravagant thing we've heard about her is Dennis Wilson spending her money for that pool, not her spending it. We've no reason to think she's got to replenish the coffers.

Stevie has lots of people on her payroll. The guys all have kids and I'm sure they want to secure their futures. But Christine? I mean, I'm sure she loves her nieces and nephews, but why leave millions to them? I just don't see money as her main motivator.

Michele