Jacksonville!!

ShangriLaTroubl · #1 05-24-2004, 04:59 PM

Ok so I got back to Atlanta today around 3pm...My trip to Jacksonville started out rocky, but fortunately turned out to be literally the most incredible experience of my life.

First off we left significantly early for the show (around 9 am)..It's only a 5hr drive from us. We decided (my sister and I) to take my mom's van, since it is generally the most reliable, being that it is pretty new. So about an hour in, the van starts making horrible noices and I pull off to the first exit, and it is totally dead. I am like devastated..We are broke down in the middle of nowhere on the way to the Fleetwood Mac show. So some guy we met looked at it, and decided "it doesn't look good." So we decided to call my mom and she said she would have my stepdad follow her, and she would bring us a car and they would deal with the van -- THANK GOD!

So she got there around 1: 00, and we said hello, and left...I felt kinda bad about abandoning them with the problem but HEY It's Fleetwood Mac!!

So of course I am nervous the whole way...and we had to move our FLEETWOOD MAC OR BUST sign to the new car (this sign actually had some significance now that we were having these problems). We arrived in Jacksonville at about 4:30 (we mustve been speeding b/c it only took us 4 1/2 hrs)...and looked for a hotel, which we couldn't find anywhere...and Jax is the weirdest town I think. It was so odd, I dunno if it was because it was a Sunday or what, but it's this like huge city (with all one way streets by the way!) and huge skyscraper buildings, and we are the only people driving down these lonesome streets that look like they should be bumper to bumper..very odd. The streets also had yellow paw prints on them, I don't know why, but ok.

We found the arena about 4:50, after getting lost a few times, and ending up on the wrong highway. We parked for $5, and got out to see an SUV with "rock on GDW" painted on their window, blaring Mac music...so that got me pumped.. I needed to change into my Stevie Nicks Chain t shirt (a fan group I'm in, we had t shirts made). We found these neat restuarant right beside the arena, called The Amsterdam. The restuarant was packed, so I changed and we took a seat. Before we ordered I see the bartender turn The Dance video on, and we got to watch that on about 8 tv's, which was WAY cool...so I ate some expensive chicken tenders, and magician guy comes to our table to show us the coolest tricks...
I met another from the Chain with the same t shirt on at Amsterdam, and about 6:35 we left an headed over to the arena...The crowd had already began to gather, including one lady who's outfit was out there, but still cool. She had on a white Stevie dress, a white shawl, white platforms, and a white tambourine--and a feather in her hair..Many people were starring, but it was kinda cool to see people set for the show..Some lady got on the loudspeakers and said "no cameras are allowed, if you have one take it back to your car" about 9 times, she was annoying...and FINALLY at 7pm they let us in. We saw a few others wearing Stevie attire, which was neat, one lady had the Stand Back cape, dress and boots, as well as others...
I didn't get anything to drink because I didn't want to have to pee during the show, and I didn't buy any merchandise because I can just get that stuff from the fan club store..
We took our seats in the fourth row, at the very end of the row on Lindsey's side (seats 1 and 2)..and began anticipating as we saw Cory Buckingham (who is VERY HOT by the way) putting the roses on Stevie's mic stand, and roaming around the stage. I started to take to a security guard, who told me the first 5 rows would be allowed at the stage, but not till the show starts..that got me really pumped (I've never been in the front!!)..So about 8pm, the guy comes up to me and says we can go ahead and go to the stage if we want...oh boy was I happy.. I found a nice spot beside Lindsey's mic, RIGHT beside a speaker (and let me tell you today I cannot hear ANYTHING--Seriously--well except for this buzzing noise)--but we saw a bunch of others from our row crowd behind us, and I felt very lucky to be in the front in perfect view of everything, FINALLY for my 6th and probably final show of this tour..
We chatted, and the guards checked everyone's tickets to make sure we were all from the first 5 rows, and the crickets began about 8 :25...whew at this point I can literally hardly breathe..The band came up the steps onto the stage, and Lindsey and Stevie came up on a lift in the back of the stage, which was very neat to see...

I could not believe how close I was..It was phenomenal, and the show had just begun. Stevie graced the stage in her black dress, reeboks, scarf and black gloves and looked stunning...Lindsey had his jeans on and white button up shirt. I could see now what everyone is saying about John's hair being brown now, IT IS..
The Chain was full of energy and Stevie welcomed JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA!!!! I'm not going to go through every song, I'm just going to try and touch on the highlights for me.
"I Know I'm Not Wrong" was very fun, Lindsey was glad to see everyone was into it. I got some faces from Lindsey which was way cool, old news to some I suppose, but this was my first time at the stage!! Stevie was banging her tambourine and they did the "bum bum ba bum" parts so great..I LOVE this song live, I'm so glad they added it.
I noticed a lot of people in the front singing along to "Peacekeeper" which was good to see, and Stevie did the brush move with her hands again. "Second Hand News" was fun as always, and Stevie was doing all her air guitar and hand motions, and Lindsey was really rocking it out..It was probably during this song that I really realized what an experience the front row is. It's TOTALLY different, not just because you can see better, the whole show is different. You don't feel like you are in a huge 12,000 crowd,you feel like it's just you and the band --AND a few others squeezed beside you..

<>

ShangriLaTroubl · #2 05-24-2004, 05:49 PM

Ok i'm back, so I just wrote a whole bunch of stuff and accidentally closed it out...lol..GOD!!

"Say You Will" was totally fun, many in the crowd caught on to the hand motions, and Stevie was playing with everyone. Stevie and Lindsey got very close during the guitar part..it was fun..

"Never Going Back Again" was good of course, and being this close I finally got to see more in detail Stevie changing outfits..She actually helps out quite a lot...

"Rhiannon" was great--Lindsey uses this song to kind of relax I noticed, but Stevie was on fire..She was shaking her head, and doing it vocally really well..In the middle before "dreams unwind" during her Rhiannon wings part, she stayed in front of her mic and did it rather than going in front of the drumset..

"Come" was very cool..Lindsey was very into it, I'm not sure who his "come girl" was but he did seem to pay a lot of attention to this cute blonde girl in front of his mic..He really got into it, and during this song I came to notice just out how loud the speaker located next to my right ear was..I did close my ears some during this song for a few secs..

Next came "Sara"--VERY good..Stevie nailed it vocally, and arrived on stage in her red outfit, hair in a clip, and red boots--which looked great..She was really doing a lot of hand motions and stuff she did in the 70s, which was cool..We she came to Lindsey's mic to do the 2nd "all i ever wanted" I could see her boots really good, this might sound crazy,but I could seriously see her feet moving inside the boots, was kind of cool..Lindsey stayed by his mic while she sang and faced her..In the end they played around with each other, and to my surprise Stevie did some consecutive twirls (about 5) and looked great---the crowd seemed to love it..

I do not remember during which song, but the man next to me held up some roses for Stevie which she took, and he said "THANK YOU FOR SARA" and she mouthed "thank you!" back, and smiled, shook his hand..She was very close to me, and I must say she looks phenomenal up close..he freaked out after that and was literally shaking, and began to cry like crazy--I was happy for him..

"Big Love" was great, as was "Landslide." The cool thing about Landslide was her dedication. She talked a little longer than normal, and went on to tell us how she arrived in the city pretty late, about 6am, and was able to open her drapes and see the most beautiful sunrise she had ever seen , "seriously!" so She dedicated Landslide to the state and it's beautiful sunrise.

"Say Goodbye" was good as always, and I don't think they took their eyes off of eachother once. Red Rover was great as well, and Lindsey smiled a lot when he would see us singing the words..Stevie seems to love this one as well..even when it's not her part she mouths the words..

"Beautiful Child" was phenomenal, and it was good to see Mick up close at his small drumset..the people in our section were yelling his name before the song began, and he finally looked over and made a crazy face, opening his eyes real big..The song was sang incredibly..Lindsey seems to enjoy watching her sing it, she totally got into the end, putting her hands in the air..

"Gold Dust Woman" was great, she rocked it out..and sang it with force..In the end, when she stood back to the audience, cape draped out, I thought she would never move, she had her head tilted back as Mick made faces at her..she kept that pose for A LONG TIME!! Very good performance, she really milked it..

Let me just say, I dont remember which song sorry, but Lindsey came to our section and got down with the audience, and I GOT TO PLAY HIS GUITAR..I have seen so many people get to do this this tour, and I was always envious--and Now i was able to..I played his guitar, and touched whatever I could...I even propped on his knee for a sec, and touched his shirt..which was soaked--so I let go quick, lol..It was only for about 30 sec, and it may sound insignificant others, but this was literally one of the most significant and incredible moments in my life...

Let me also say, I have always loved Lindsey and respected him...but last night's show gave me a much greater respect for him, as a person and musician..I will never forget the interaction he gives to fans, and how he TRIES HIS HARDEST to let them know he notices them...incredible...

No "Silver Springs" again, which I love the song, but it didn't seem to hurt the flow of the set..Stevie may have had a soar throat (You couldnt tell in her performance) she drank out of my cups throughout the night, and even rubbed her throat some when off to the side of the stage..

So they went directly into TUSK, which was great..They were all so energetic, Lindsey played his white guitar..And Tusked John, and then did his thing with Stevie, while hugging her he was giving thumbs up and making faces with the audience and stuff...She danced a whole lot, very fun!!

"Stand Back" rocked out..She was punching, and did a few kicks that were pretty decent...She played air drums, and did her twirls, which the crowd loved..I did notice Lindsey likes to sing a lot of the lyrics to this song, or mouth them, to the crowd...pretty cool..

"Go Your Own Way" was fun as always, and Stevie was finally interacting with the audience..waving at people, and everything..Lindsey of course freaked out and went wild during this one--man they must be tired by this point, but it doesn't show in their performance, just seems to get better and better..

"World Turning" was very fun, Lindsey through 2 towels out last night..no fights over them luckily, a girl of about 12 yrs old got one, and she held on tight..she was in heaven..Mick's solo seems much longer in the front row..Stevie came back with her stilleto heels on..and she moves quite well in them actually...

The band intros were kinda funny, Stevie and Mick almost ran into each other, and she was laughing, and making motions like LET ME GET OUT OF YOUR WAY! Mick laughed too...Is it just me or did her forget Brett??

I also noticed Stevie talks in John's ear a lot during the show..wonder what she's saying??

Don't Stop was great, the only thing was we knew the show was ending soon...Stevie and Lindsey did this one really well, and Stevie ended it by propping her foot on Mick's drum riser..Lindsey signed a lot of stuff, and greeted fans after this one...

"Goodbye baby" was great, Stevie looked phenomenal..and Lindsey's vocals seemed more prominent than usual...it was great..I was in my own world during this one, it felt like it was just me Stevie and Lindsey!

After this song Stevie took a huge thing of flowers, shook a few hands, and even took a sign that said BRING BACK SILVER SPRINGS!! I thought that was pretty cool, I wonder what she thought of it? Lol..Maybe she will bring it back now..She got her GOODBYE BABY shawl stuck in her heel, and got Mick to get it out for her...She left the stage, gracefully...Lindsey was jumping and doing little dances while they did the bows..

It was a phenomenal show..and an experience I WILL NEVER FORGET..I am starstruck I guess you could say...I touched Lindsey, and played his guitar..HOW COOL IS THAT?

I'm so glad I went...whew I'm still in awe...

Sorry this was so long everyone---it took a lot of words to describe my feelings I guess..

THANK YOU FLEETWOOD MAC!!

Chris

wondergirl9847 · #3 05-24-2004, 06:25 PM

Terrific review! Glad you got to play Lindsey's guitar, that is an AWESOME part of the show for the folks up front!!

Also, it's good to know that Stevie is now taking things from the audience and shaking hands.

TwistedGypsy · #4 05-25-2004, 08:30 AM

This is my review that I posted from the BN board. Thought I'd share with you guys.

Jacksonville Review!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey everyone! I just got home 15 mins ago and had to post.
I'm not going to go song by song...too tired. And it was fairly all the same as before. So just the highlights...

Pre-Show: Well since the show was 3 days before Stevie's birthday, I decided to buy a bouquet of flowers and then I thought I'll make a sign too. So I make a sign that said "Happy Birthday Stevie!" on one side then on the other I said "Bring Back Silver Springs!" I gather all my stuff, 2 cameras, flowers, sign and Rumours album (for possible signature).

7:00 pm: I get to my seat 4th row right in front of Lindsey's mic. The venue was an arena but not a big one, but big enough and intimate enough. I see Cory fixing up Stevie's mic. Then I see some roadie guy talking to some people in front of me. First question I ask him is if they are playing Silver Springs. No. Then I ask do you think they'll ever sing it again on this tour? No.

8:00 pm: I gather my stuff and make my way to the front of the stage beside Stevie's mic. And there was a small platform maybe 8 or 10 inches below the stage. So I setup camp there. Security was checking everyone's ticket cause only people in the first 5 rows were allowed to the front. Thank You Jesus for 4th row!

8:30: The crickets are out. Mick and John walk out first and btw kudos to John for losing so much weight. He looks great! Then Stevie and Lindsey walk out. You guys know the set list so....

Highlights: I did not see ____________ (you can fill in the blank )
Guess who was the Come girl?.....ME!!!! First time I've ever been called that in my life but I'll wear that name proud
Also during The Chain I looked at Lindsey's who I swear was looking at me so once again more Lindsey love. Besides Come, he also played I'm So Afraid to me, came over during Tusk and I played his guitar during Go Your Own Way. During that song he jumped down on that platform and I had my hand resting on his knee.
After Say Goodbye was over Lindsey was looking at Stevie and did a little pinky wave to her. Almost like he was trying to make her smile or something like that.
He kissed her hand after Landslide. She also gave a speech before LS that went something like this: We got into town rather late last night. So around 6 this morning I opened my curtains and saw the most beautiful sunrise I think I have ever seen. And I took about 10 photographs. So I'd like to dedicate this song to your beautiful sunrises and your beautiful city.
Stand Back ROCKED!!!!! She did a kick and twirls and shaken what her mama gave her!
At the end when Mick is introducing the band he was walking to Brett and Stevie was walking in the same direction with her head down and almost bumps into Mick. They look at each other and Stevie starts laughing and walks the other way.

About the sign.... Towards the end of the show a mother and her 4-yr-old daughter stood next to me and the little girl sat down on the platform. I broke off a flower from my bouquet and gave to the girl to try and give to Stevie. When Mick was doing his closing speech Stevie was standing nextto John and he noticed the little girl and pointed her out to Stevie. Then at the very end of the show I noticed my flowers had fallen behind the platform. But atleast I had my sign so I gave the little firl my sign to hold and Stevie came over and took her flower and my sign! Well when Mick was saying take care Stevie was standing next to him and the side that said Bring Back Silver Springs was facing the audience and she hadn't noticed it yet. Then when Mick finished he turned around and saw it and pointed at it and Stevie looked down and the expression on her face was hard to describe. She seemed a tad bit miffed or hmmmm...well maybe I should bring it back. But anyways she got my sign. That made my whole night!

Oh and when Lindsey was in front of me I looked for a cut and I did see a small cut above his left eyebrow. Hard to tell how big or how bad it was cause of the lights.

There was also a fight towards the end of the show right beside me. Luckily the band didn't see it all of them where upstage. If they had it would have probably put a damper on the rest of the show. I also took over 70 pictures. We'll get them posted hopefully by the end of the week.

That's about it for the evenings highlights. But I will say Jacksonville rocked harder than I thought it would. Amazing audience and the band really fed off that.

So pics will be up this weekend and if I think of anything else I'll post.
Brit

TwistedGypsy · #5 05-25-2004, 08:33 AM

Chris, after reading your review it seems we have very similar stories. I was sitting 4th row F2 seat 3. So we were about 10 seats away from each other. But the only person I talked to from any boards was from here, Great Dark Wing

Nice to meet you, btw.
Brit

ShangriLaTroubl · #6 05-25-2004, 10:26 AM

Yes we do have similar stories, isnt it crazy that we were touching Lindsey at the same time and playing his guitar, and had no idea we were from the same message board? I think that's too cool...

Or were we? Were u near Stevie's mic or Lindseys? I was crammed up against the stage in front of Lindsey

Chris

TwistedGypsy · #7 05-25-2004, 03:37 PM

I was on Stevie's side. There was an open space between two speakers so I grabbed that spot up! Plus I had all my Stevie b-day stuff so kind of had to be on Stevie's side. But I'm not saying that like I could care less. I'd rather be over on her side and then have Lindsey to have to come over to me!

Brit