I'm writing a paper about Fleetwood Mac and need your help!

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by daniellaaarisen

I think I'm going to play the last few minutes of that for the class, and maybe a 30-second excerpt from "Rhiannon" Rosebud.

Why would you juxtapose a snippet from a choreographed promotional film with a clip from the drugged out '82 Forum show? For all intents and purposes, these are two entirely different bands. You have a consistent, coherent paper focusing on '75-'77... dragging it half a decade later (when, by all accounts at the time- fan/professional reviews- it was FM by the numbers) will only serve to make you look like an over-sharing fan of the band (IMO).

[daniellaaarisen]

Originally Posted by LukeA

Why would you juxtapose a snippet from a choreographed promotional film with a clip from the drugged out '82 Forum show? For all intents and purposes, these are two entirely different bands. You have a consistent, coherent paper focusing on '75-'77... dragging it half a decade later (when, by all accounts at the time- fan/professional reviews- it was FM by the numbers) will only serve to make you look like an over-sharing fan of the band (IMO).

Hmmm, I was just thinking along the lines of "passionate, witchy Stevie Nicks performance." Maybe I should just do Rosebud then.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by daniellaaarisen

I'm taking a class about stagecraft and spectacle in all types of theatre. We have to write a paper about any theatrical presentation of our interest, and my professor and I talked about me doing Fleetwood Mac. He thinks it's an awesome idea. I am interested in writing about the band's stage persona and how many different components of spectacle (primarily costume, lighting, sound and stage decor) contributed to the mystical, medieval feel that they conveyed to their audiences in the late 1970s and early 80s.

I can cite you guys in my paper! So if you've seen Fleetwood Mac in that time period and have anything to contribute, please do. Michele has already directed me towards some really interesting articles but I'm interested in anything and everything you guys have to say.

Also, I get to do a 10-minute presentation on the band with emphasis on the spectacle... so if you have any recommended YouTube clips that correlate with this idea, let me know.

1.) Sisters.

2.) of.

3.) the.

4.) Moon.




And I don't see how you could possibly avoid "This is a song about a REAL Welsh Witch!!!" Rosebud Rhiannon. I'm sure you can find the video yourself.

Also, are you going to cover Stevie solo? Or only Fleetwood Mac? If you can sneak into the early '80s a bit, then I would recommend Stevie's performances on SNL and Solid Gold ("Stand Back"). Both of those performances, i.m.o., were absolutely critical for Stevie's launch of her solo career. In terms of spectacle, pay especial attention to how Stevie, in the SNL performance, starts it off with her back to the camera. Why did she do that? To create a sense of mystery? Or another reason I haven't thought of? And if you can get away with it - depending on the "atmosphere" of the class and whether it seems appropriate - I'm not sure how one could possibly discuss/analyze Stevie's performances without discussing the way she uses sexuality - did she perhaps do that in a pro-woman, positive way at a time when others - Pat Benatar for instance - were more "graphic" and "forward" about it? Can a spectacle be subtle? (etc.)
(Can that be contrasted with more modern performers? Or is that just B.S....)
Other things which must be obvious to you - the clothes, the wigs, da boots, twirling (Try to find earlier examples of this! - Whirling Dervishes, fertility ceremonies, etc.) And did you ever notice the way Stevie places her arm vertically and opens her hand like a flower opening? The symbolism is obvious. (And has roots in art!!!)
But Dani, overall I think you should think about how these things are inter-related - How do Stevie's creation of a "persona" and her creation of "Spectacle" onstage inter-relate with each other? How do the clothes contribute to both? Where does the person and the persona end? (etc.)
Not to be "preachy" or something but this is college now. SHOW them that you can do a complete analysis including the past (pre-seventies), the present (seventies) and the future (post-seventies). How do all of these individual components interact to create a complete whole? A "rock star" performing on-stage in a "big-time concert?"

One other thought: - Stevie was once asked "does the songwriting help the SADNESS or the SADNESS help the songwriting?" Her answer was basically,
"I think maybe it's both."

So Dani - How does Stevie's personality inter-mingle with her stage persona? IS there an off button on the genius switch? Is she the Gypsy that Remains or this California girl lookin' to make as much ka-ching as possible while the gettin's good? How does all this affect HER and how does that come out in her shows? Do the people still love her? ARE they the most cruel? Does that feeling - that emotion - create a spectacle in and of itself?

Anyway, just some thoughts. (I think most of that could be applied to each member of F.M. and to the band as a whole, by the way.)

P.S. - two other thoughts -

in terms of Spectacle/persona, it might be worth going back over some of Stevie's early interviews - especially the one in Rolling Stone. Do you think
that Stevie ACTUALLY saw a ghost in her hotel room in England? There's people out there turning music into GOLD, and this was at the exact time that Stevie - and the record company!!! - Were ramping up her "mystical chanteusse image."
(Be careful to make clear when you're just speculating, though.)

Also, take a good look at the VARIETY Stevie presented, even over a relatively short period of time. Is she a country/western dancer? (As in parts of the HBO Special.) Is she a wild rock star freaking out? (As in the end of Rhiannon and in Sisters.) Is she a "dance hall girl?" Is she an angry ex threatening to tear her ex boyfriend's heart out and feed it to him? (Geez if Silver Springs isn't Spectacle then what is?) Is she a Nice Girl deeply in love with her boyfriend? (Leather and Lace, Bella Donna, Beautiful Child.)
VARIETY helps create Spectacle too, perhaps...

Anyway, have fun!

P.S. - ONE last thought - - - - Is Stevie flying high on her trapeze, even though we know she won't fall? Is the whole thing "phony?" Or is she - like the rest of us - just trying to "fly for her northern star?" Maybe a part of the "Spectacle" involves the portrayal of things common to everyone. Part of her genius, in my opinion, has always been that she plays a "queen" who is also a commoner. Maybe the center of this "Specatcle" is that in a way, she's not all that "spectacular" - she's "just like us." Rhiannon is "strange and elusive" and yet she's right there "with us" in the park, listening to the wind blow and the sound of birds rising. She is like a cat in the dark and yet she is our darkness; and yet at the same time she's just this chick from California who's trying to make a buck without getting into too much trouble. That elusiveness, when coupled with her "commonality," is a Spectacle in itself.

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by michelej1

When I was in college, I did a paper on Sonny Bono's songs. I had to get the topic approved beforehand, because the teacher said he wanted to limit the number of people doing a paper on The Beatles. When I told him my topic, he said he didn't think I had enough material for a full paper. That's because the only thing he knew about Sonny Bono was "I Got You Babe." I did the paper and he wrote that I surprised him and that he had been wrong about the depth of the subject matter.

Michele

I know this is OT but Sonny was a pretty versatile guy.

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by LukeA

Why would you juxtapose a snippet from a choreographed promotional film with a clip from the drugged out '82 Forum show?

Actually I think it's a perfect contrast. Plus, SOTM '82 is Stevie's Joplin moment.

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by daniellaaarisen

Hmmm, I was just thinking along the lines of "passionate, witchy Stevie Nicks performance." Maybe I should just do Rosebud then.

No! Stevie has always maintained that the band really split after the Mirage tour. I think you are right to do 70's/early 80's.

[daniellaaarisen]

I did my presentation! I showed three clips-- the obvious parts of "Rhiannon" Rosebud and Mirage "Sisters of the Moon" and also "The Chain" from Mirage to show the tension between the band members (aka Stevie/Lindsey). My professor ate it up. Let's see how he likes my paper.

A few people asked if they could read it. I'm kinda self conscious about these things so if you're interested, PM me.

[Nikolaj]

Am I tripping? Isn't this thread from at least three or four years ago? It had to have been high school for her, no? Edit- No, she just said 'professor'.
I thought this thread was one of the first times that The Ledge had heard from D.
I am in such a timewarp, again. I was sure this was an ancient thread, but nobody else seems to have noticed, so maybe it's new.
I am sure the presentation was brilliant, whenever it was! Can one get a PhD in FltMcV?

[APerfectLie]

Damnit, I am just now reading this post. To me, Fleetwood Mac is one of the most captivating bands ever. Their stage persona is unique and unmatched. However, many people have pointed out that they didn't do many fancy things. I think a good view for a paper would be how they were able to create and maintain such an amazing aura and stage presence without the use of such hi-tech spectacles. But alas, since you have already written the paper I'm not much help. Also, I see no problem with you showing Rhiannon (Rosebud) and SOTM (Mirage). They are both extremely amazing performances and prime examples of intense stage presence without immense visual effects. Anyone can fly around on a harness with brilliant lights and video everywhere, but it takes a true artist to have an audience in the palm of your hands by simply performing with nothing but yourself and your chiffon dress.

[sjpdg]

There may be some youtube video of Mick's "World Turning" drum solo during the "Tango" tour. Specifically at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The percussionist on that tour was an African guy from Ghana named Asante. He had this kinda weird tribal outfit thing with a headdress that had real large horns sticking out of it. He's an awesome percussionist and worked well with Mick on the "World Turning" solo with Mick's percussion vest. He's also listed as doing additional percussion on "Behind The Mask" and I think he toured with the band again for that CD. This was a pretty theatrical thing really, with Mick doing his thing on the vest and Asante keeping it going on the percussion. Mainly his costume but worth taking a look at. Try "World Turning Live 1987" and you should find it pretty easily. Good luck.

[daniellaaarisen]

I'm amazed. I got 100% on my FM paper and apparently I was the only one. He read it aloud to the class. WHOOHOO!

[vivfox]

Originally Posted by daniellaaarisen

I'm amazed. I got 100% on my FM paper and apparently I was the only one. He read it aloud to the class. WHOOHOO!

FM would be proud and so are we. Congrats Dani!

[sjpdg]

Awesome!! Good for you!!

Here's that "World Turning" link on youtube just for fun anyway. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adLJDZXku80

[jellyman10]

Originally Posted by vivfox

FM would be proud and so are we. Congrats Dani!

Yes, well done. Maybe you could post a bit of it for us? I would like to read it anyway, but it's fine if you'd rather not. Excellent grade, tho.

Loz

[TerraRhiannon]

Originally Posted by jellyman10

Yes, well done. Maybe you could post a bit of it for us? I would like to read it anyway, but it's fine if you'd rather not. Excellent grade, tho.

Loz

That's a good idea, even a little portion of it if you feel comfortable Congrats on the grade btw