Multiple Mac shows - why?

[Jyqm]

Feels like I haven't posted anything here in quite a while...

Anyway, I know a lot of folks here went to quite a number of shows on the Say You Will tour, and Mick's apparent mention of a possible 2006 tour already has a coupe of people speculating about how many shows they'll hit up next time. But I must admit, I don't really understand the appeal. Even putting aside the issue of having enough disposable income for going to multiple shows, what is it that makes you want to attend multiple Mac shows?

I ask not because I think a Fleetwood Mac concert isn't a great show - it is. But on any given tour, it's more or less exactly the same show every time. Doesn't that get boring? I think if I went to two identical shows within such a short span of time, it'd lose quite a bit of the magic.

I did have a ticket to what would have been the Chicago-area show on the second leg of the SYW tour, which I bought because I was excited to hear five different songs. Once "Destiny Rules" and DYLMDA were dropped, though, I was kind of annoyed, and I have to say I wasn't too disappointed when the show ended up being cancelled.

The only artists I've ever seen multiple times on the same tour are Springsteen, Dylan and Elvis Costello, but those are all guys who are notorious for really mixing things up from show to show. (Dylan, for one, just did a five-night stand in Chicago, playing fourteen-song sets, and managed to perform over 60 unique songs.) I can always get excited for one of their shows, because I know I'm going to hear something new, or somethign I didn't expect, or least something different from the night before.

So, for the folks who go to multiple Mac shows, what's the appeal? What keeps you coming back?

[Regina]

I was thinking about this last night.

I went to a concert last night, which I enjoyed tremendously--but I wouldn't go again on this tour. The same holds true for a concert I went to two months ago. Had a good time, thanks. See you next time around. Maybe.

With FM--I went to 10 SYW shows (which isn't even all that many according to the bylaws of the FM mania handbook A couple of them were either the next night or with a night in-between.

I ADORE Fleetwood Mac. Not just like. Not just love. ADORE. As people, as musicians and as performers. And, even though the setlist doesn't change very much--each night is different to me. I think they are just that expressive. You know when one of them is a little tired, a little pissy, or feeling completely "on." It's written all over them and I love witnessing as much as I feel I can financially afford. And when they are all "on," it's a sight to behold.

But I don't necessarily think that it's something that can be explained by anyone. I think you can only "get it" when you experience it with a singer or a band or someone you do want to see multiple times yourself. It's just some odd cosmic connection or something;-)

[WelshWitchPMD]

Originally Posted by Regina

I was thinking about this last night.

I went to a concert last night, which I enjoyed tremendously--but I wouldn't go again on this tour. The same holds true for a concert I went to two months ago. Had a good time, thanks. See you next time around. Maybe.

With FM--I went to 10 SYW shows (which isn't even all that many according to the bylaws of the FM mania handbook A couple of them were either the next night or with a night in-between.

I ADORE Fleetwood Mac. Not just like. Not just love. ADORE. As people, as musicians and as performers. And, even though the setlist doesn't change very much--each night is different to me. I think they are just that expressive. You know when one of them is a little tired, a little pissy, or feeling completely "on." It's written all over them and I love witnessing as much as I feel I can financially afford. And when they are all "on," it's a sight to behold.

But I don't necessarily think that it's something that can be explained by anyone. I think you can only "get it" when you experience it with a singer or a band or someone you do want to see multiple times yourself. It's just some odd cosmic connection or something;-)

I have to say that I agree with your post 100%. I couldn't have said it better myself. I feel a spiritual connection to them that don't with any other artist.

[catinthedark]

Originally Posted by WelshWitchPMD

I have to say that I agree with your post 100%. I couldn't have said it better myself. I feel a spiritual connection to them that don't with any other artist.

Yup - Regina pretty much said it exactly as I would have, too. Fleetwood Mac is my band, and Stevie sings to me like no one else. I love her words, I love her passion. And every night is different to me - depending on where I'm sitting (or standing). I tend to watch Stevie the closest - I love to see every different nuance from show to show. I love standing up against the stage at Stevie's feet, thinking, "I am mere inches from Stevie Nicks." I love singing along with her. I love when she catches me singing along with her. I love the feeling of being there, hearing my favourite songs, among other people who love them the way I do. The reason I go to as many shows as possible is because I feel like they aren't going to tour forever... and I have to see them and hear them and experience them as much as possible while they are here. Sure, there are moments I don't care for (Mick's bored as ass drum solo), and I wish they'd shake up the speeches, but I'm not about to complain. Beyond that, I can't explain it. Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks just hold a different place in my heart than any other band or singer I've ever loved. They're on a different level. And they are the only artists I travel to see.

[ThePenguin]

Originally Posted by catinthedark

Yup - Regina pretty much said it exactly as I would have, too. Fleetwood Mac is my band, ... Beyond that, I can't explain it. Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks just hold a different place in my heart than any other band or singer I've ever loved. They're on a different level. And they are the only artists I travel to see.

Oh you guys are making me choke up! This is all so true, and SOOO hard to explain to people who don't get it. I have felt like they were 'mine' forever. The first time I saw one of them in person-- I was about 14, at Christine's 1984 solo show-- I took a huge gulp of air and swallowed it just to keep some of the air Chris had breathed inside me LOL. When I saw Lindsey's solo show in '93, I cried most of the way through it and almost all the way home. Marty took a funny picture of me in the parking lot after the show, all weepy.

I never thought I'd see all 5 of them together. So when I saw the Dance shows, forget it, I was crying the minute they were all on that stage in front of me, and several times throughout.

I am so jealous of people that get to trail after them and see several shows! $ and childcare is an issue for us, so we can't do stuff like that, much as I'd love to. If they toured again, we'd try our damndest to get there!! There is no other band like this band. Granted, it's lost a bit without Chris there...but still, I adore them all, no matter where in the world they are and what they're doing. I wish for their good health and happiness as much as I wish it for my own family, and that is sort of odd, but by now I am used to it!

-Lis

[Livia]

No offense to anyone, but that's like asking a bible thumper why they go to church EVERY Sunday.

Music is like a religion to me. It's very spiritual, uplifting and healing. And for me, going to concerts is like church (or temple, in my case). So, I guess it's a good thing that I live in the Live Music Capital of the World. Seeing Del Castillo, on the first anniversary of 9-11, who does all their songs in Spanish - was still one of the most profound live music experiences I've ever had. As for FM, well, everyone else has already said it so perfectly! Ditto!

However, I DO see your point about the varied set lists. Dead-heads get a different show every night. Chiffon-heads get not only the same set list, but LB in the same white shirt, and Stevie in the same black cardigan.

[slnrox]

Originally Posted by catinthedark

Yup - Regina pretty much said it exactly as I would have, too. Fleetwood Mac is my band, and Stevie sings to me like no one else. I love her words, I love her passion. And every night is different to me - depending on where I'm sitting (or standing). I tend to watch Stevie the closest - I love to see every different nuance from show to show. I love standing up against the stage at Stevie's feet, thinking, "I am mere inches from Stevie Nicks." I love singing along with her. I love when she catches me singing along with her. I love the feeling of being there, hearing my favourite songs, among other people who love them the way I do. The reason I go to as many shows as possible is because I feel like they aren't going to tour forever... and I have to see them and hear them and experience them as much as possible while they are here. Sure, there are moments I don't care for (Mick's bored as ass drum solo), and I wish they'd shake up the speeches, but I'm not about to complain. Beyond that, I can't explain it. Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks just hold a different place in my heart than any other band or singer I've ever loved. They're on a different level. And they are the only artists I travel to see.

Well said--I saw them 4 times on the last tour, and would probably have seen them even more if not for financial and geographic limitations.

[wondergirl9847]

Lindsey Buckingham. At least, for me. If Lindsey weren't with them, I would have seen maybe a Dallas show, if that. The fact that I had great tickets to 99% of the shows I went to helped for sure. LOL I'm not alone in saying if Lindsey weren't the guitarist, I wouldn't be into FM that much. I love Miss Stevie, but am not a Chiffonhead. I think that a lot of people went to multiple shows for not FM collectively, but Stevie or Lindsey. If Danny Kirwan had re-joined the band, I would most DEF have gone to see them 8 or more times like I did, but he's probably the only person besides Lindsey.

Yes, the shows were pretty much the same, setlist wise, and even their antics, but I don't give two craps about so-called love affairs and that crap, I go to hear the songs I love. It's very frustrating they didn't do some very rare stuff, but I think that's expected with FM. There was always a (slim LOL) chance they would add a song or do something different.

Also, it's the threat that they are getting on in age and you may not get another chance, so see them as much as you can.

It's Mr. Buckingham that caused my insanity, your honor.

Perhaps Pattie (our resident super multiple FM concert attender) should answer this one.

[dissention]

I don't see how anyone could go to more than one or two Mac shows, I'd be bored out of my mind. Stagnant setlists, canned speeches, rehearsed movements, etc. Great band, but not great enough for me to spend hundreds and hundreds and hundreds to see the same show over and over. I like to go to multiple concerts of artists and bands that change things around on a constant basis.

[wondergirl9847]

I'd also like to add that I've never loved an artist like I do Lindsey. He's inspired me and his music has helped me through a seriously tough time in my life. I've been obsessed with bands/groups/singers/actors before (LOL), but this obsession will stick with me for life.

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by dissention

I don't see how anyone could go to more than one or two Mac shows, I'd be bored out of my mind. Stagnant setlists, canned speeches, rehearsed movements, etc. Great band, but not great enough for me to spend hundreds and hundreds and hundreds to see the same show over and over. I like to go to multiple concerts of artists and bands that change things around on a constant basis.

I agree completely. And being a student, disposable cash is hard to come by. If they're not going to change it up, I can't justify the expenditure.

That's why it makes me mad that I missed David Bowie when he played Austin. I found out after the fact that he changes up the setlist every night! Ugh. I have a feeling though that this won't be his last tour. I think a lot of people thought that this might be the Mac's last outing so they oversaturated themselves. Totally understandable! If I had had the money, I would have been at the Boston DVD taping show no doubt about it!

[dissention]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

I agree completely. And being a student, disposable cash is hard to come by. If they're not going to change it up, I can't justify the expenditure.

That's why it makes me mad that I missed David Bowie when he played Austin. I found out after the fact that he changes up the setlist every night! Ugh. I have a feeling though that this won't be his last tour. I think a lot of people thought that this might be the Mac's last outing so they oversaturated themselves. Totally understandable! If I had had the money, I would have been at the Boston DVD taping show no doubt about it!

Personally, I don't foresee Fleetwood Mac ever touring again, but that's just one blokes opinion. I think we might get one more studio album in about five years, but not much else. The Boston show (the 24th) was one of the best concerts I've ever been to, though. The crowd and the band were in overdrive. I was *exhausted* when it was over.

I always try to catch as many Bowie shows as possible (same with Blondie). The Heathen tour was my favorite because he played the entire Low and Heathen albums at one of the shows I went to, then played the entire Heathen album with a bunch of different songs at another show. His live shows kick ass. I mean, I have a bootleg from last June where he actually plays Lyzza Jane and The Supermen!

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by dissention

His live shows kick ass. I have a bootleg from last June where he actually plays Lyzza Jane and The Supermen!

Get OUT!!! I would have LOVED to have seen/heard this!

I bet the casual fans were pissed when he only played Heathen and Low at one of the shows!! They were probably like, wtf is this ****?!!?!?!? I am seriously rolling just thinking about it!

[SteveMacD]

In general, I tend to agree with you on this one, Jyqm. However, I have to say that I went to three shows, and saw three different sets. I went to the first show of the tour, a show in August, 2003 (which was the typical SYW set), and the last night of the tour. Truth be told, I would go to see them whenever they would be within a reasonable drive. I mean, it's not like Fleetwood Mac comes to town all that often, and I'd rather see them too much than not enough. I think that just being in the presence of my favorite band is reason enough, really.

I DID go to Detroit to see the last gig, but Windsor is like my second home, so it was no big deal. Also, I have family in the Detroit area, so I got to see them and was able to take care of some family business while I was there. Still, I probably wouldn't go to say Camden to go see Fleetwood Mac.

[WelshWitchPMD]

Originally Posted by wondergirl9847

Perhaps Pattie (our resident super multiple FM concert attender) should answer this one.

See my post above.