Seattle?

[DavidMn]

Hey Luke this one's for you... WHat I dont understand is why dont they play Key Arena in Seattle. They've got plenty of open dates since the Sonics moved to OK City. I've been by the Tacoma Dome, and from what I saw, it wasnt anything to be excited about. How old is Key Arena anyway? wouldnt it make sense for Fleetwood Mac to play there?

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

Hey Luke this one's for you... WHat I dont understand is why dont they play Key Arena in Seattle. They've got plenty of open dates since the Sonics moved to OK City. I've been by the Tacoma Dome, and from what I saw, it wasnt anything to be excited about. How old is Key Arena anyway? wouldnt it make sense for Fleetwood Mac to play there?

They are playing Tacoma instead of Seattle due to many reasons. One, its a larger venue (25,000 seats compared to 16-17,000 with Key Arena). And two (multi-layered reason), being in Tacoma, its somewhat closer to Portland- although not by much (still 140 miles away). Promoters will often think by playing Tacoma (again, larger venue) on a Saturday night, they can get away with skipping Portland, because the devoted fans in the region will drive up to the show, etc. Its stupid & condescending (just as whenever they call shows at the Gorge in George, Washington a Seattle show... that's like calling a show in Philadelphia a NYC show)

The irony of it all is that the venue will likely end up being half empty and teetering on cancellation. Ha!

[DavidMn]

I thought of another thing. Why dont they play the White River Amphitheater or that outdoor place I think it's in Ridgefield Washington? Have you been to either of those places? I know The Mac played both of them on SYW.

[EveryHour]

As a Seattle-area native, I am very glad they are playing the Tacoma Dome instead of Key Arena. Obviously, the aforementioned size and location issues are surely an issue (Seattle and Tacoma are about 35 miles apart, which unfortunately does make a longer trip for those hitting Tacoma and Vancouver). I am somewhat bummed they're not playing Portland too, but in a way it's good because it forces me to limit myself to enjoying one show. I technically can't even afford one given the economic situation! Given that and the 'subject matter' of this tour, I should practice control, and I know if there was a Portland show I wouldn't be able to resist. Luckily, I can talk myself out of Vancouver BC by exaggerating the irritance of border-crossing in my mind!

Having said all of that, my personal reason for preferring the Tacoma venue is sound. The Key Arena's sound isn't god awful, but definitely leaves something to be desired. The Tacoma Dome is unique because the domed top is made of wood, making for far superior sound and way less echo than your typical indoor venue of that size.

[EveryHour]

To answer your new questions..........

They would have to push the dates out to play either of those outdoor venues, as it would be way too cold and likely raining here in May. Neither of those venues open for the season until mid-June. White River's seating is great, but Clark Co. Amph. spreads the seats out way too wide from the stage. When I saw the SYW Tour there, I had 6th Row in a side section and I was miles away from the stage and at a very poor angle. The pro of that venue, though, is that the staff are really lax and I was able to weasel my way up against the stage easily.

If they did opt for Tacoma in an attempt to cover both Portland and Seattle, I just THANK GOD they did not choose The Gorge for the same reason. I hate that f***ing place.

[LukeA]

I wouldn't go to a Clark Co. Amphitheater (Ridgefield, WA) show either, to be honest. Expensive tickets for shed shows just isn't my bag. As far as the Portland metro area goes (at least as likely Fleetwood Mac venues go), its Rose Garden or bust with me.

The Tacoma Dome IS right by the Amtrak station & some hotels- so, if the setlist is good, I suppose I'd consider checking it out. But buying tickets on spec? No thanks.

[DavidMn]

Ok, I know I'm getting slightly off topic here, but why on earth would they put an amphitheater(The Gorge) in total BFE like that?

[EveryHour]

Originally Posted by LukeA

...its Rose Garden or bust with me.

That place is a great large venue.

[EveryHour]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

Ok, I know I'm getting slightly off topic here, but why on earth would they put an amphitheater(The Gorge) in total BFE like that?

It's a hellhole, IMO. I've ventured out there a few times only for people who were very important to me. The first time I ever went there was for a Stevie 'Enchanted' show. But, after seeing Tom Petty there last summer, I decided I am never going there again. For the three hours it takes to get there from Seattle, I'd rather drive somewhere else (even if it was a bit farther). It is more difficult to see multiple shows (or travel to the next-nearest) here, as opposed to the east coast, because the states are so much larger. Many tours (by any artist), especially shorter ones, skip the northwest altogether. I was surprised and bummed that Stevie didn't come to this area at all for either the Gold Dust or Crystal Visions tours. (Though I know Gold Dust had to be a short one since her father was dying.) Both she and The Mac have usually been good about hitting this area. Was appreciative to get to easily see LB three times on his recent two tours.

Anyway, The Gorge is very much a party place in the total middle of nowhere. There is absolutely NOTHING to do if you stay over for two shows in a row. You can't really even spend the day doing outdoor activies because it is sweltering with no shade, sandy, and horrendously windy! Yes, the setting is beautiful, with the venue located against a river canyon. When I saw Stevie there, there was a very appropriate low-hung full moon behind her all night. But it is very geared for people who view the concert as background and an excuse to party. Ideal for the college-oriented annual Labor Day Weekend three-night stint by Dave Mathews Band. Just not my thing.