Stevie was awful tonight *spoilers*

[Moz]

Originally Posted by skcin

It really did look like it was slo-mo.

I just watched the Stand Back twirl. D: You're completely right.

[Steviefan49]

Originally Posted by TheScoop

I'm upset with pretty much every aspect of her performance last night. Well, disappointed, not upset. I have seen Stevie so many times and I can tell when she's into it and when she's not. But last night it seemed she was feeling nothing. It was such a "go through the motions" performance that it was almost sad. This is why I feel that it might be time for her to retire. I would rather remember her for the way that she was than how she is today. And by today, I mean literally today - 2009. I saw her with FM over a dozen times on the SYW tour and on the TV and GD tours of 2005, and she was excellent. Not as good as her prime years obviously, but still put on a good show with a passionate effort. Even on the CV tour, she put on a pretty good show. But seeing her last night seeming so devoid of feeling the words that she sings is so un-Stevie like. For those of you who have watched her for years, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It has nothing to do with how fast she twirls or how hard she bangs that tambourine, but the feeling she sends out into the crowd while she's performing. She had that magic, no matter how she looked, what she was wearing, or how good or bad she might have been feeling. But that magic was no where to be found last night. She had zero chemistry with Lindsey and she rarely even looked at him. She just wasn't connecting with anything - not with the crowd, not with her band, not with her songs, and not with herself. As a long time fan, it was pretty disappointing.

In reading everyone's thoughts and opinions, I for one am very impressed that everyone is going through the motions of being extremely thorough on what they are saying. We all have to remember that everyone is entitled to their opinions, as we all have different tastes and different likes, and as someone said, to get mad at someone who has a different opinion then we do, is like getting mad at someone who doesn't like the same restaurant as you, or have the same taste in clothing, everyone is different. I respect that, and appreciate everyone's stance on Stevie and the Mac. To me, Stevie is a spectacular 60+ year old artist, who I've adored since the 70's, and not only she has changed, but I've changed as well! In those 30 some odd years of listening to her, we've all been through one hell of a lot of changes with her! We all have to remember this too! I'm just glad that she is still touring, on key, off key, twirling in slow motion, good days, bad days.. we ALL have them! Anyway, my bottom line is, I guess I'm just glad to see that there's some maturity among a civil discussion, and for what it's worth, thanks for everyone's input!

Hugs,

Arlene

[wheart]

I have faith in the old girl. As some of you might recall, the discussions regarding her performance were very similiar when the SYW tour started. I remember her father being ill at that time and her lack of enthusiasm was partially attributed to that. She wasn't great or anywhere near great at the beginning of that tour yet she improved quite a bit as the tour rolled on. I even recall one review citing her as "most improved player". I have faith the same will happen in 2009.

[Steviefan49]

Originally Posted by wheart

I have faith in the old girl. As some of you might recall, the discussions regarding her performance were very similiar when the SYW tour started. I remember her father being ill at that time and her lack of enthusiasm was partially attributed to that. She wasn't great or anywhere near great at the beginning of that tour yet she improved quite a bit as the tour rolled on. I even recall one review citing her as "most improved player". I have faith the same will happen in 2009.

Exactly! Me too!

[kennation]

Originally Posted by wheart

I have faith in the old girl. As some of you might recall, the discussions regarding her performance were very similiar when the SYW tour started. I remember her father being ill at that time and her lack of enthusiasm was partially attributed to that. She wasn't great or anywhere near great at the beginning of that tour yet she improved quite a bit as the tour rolled on. I even recall one review citing her as "most improved player". I have faith the same will happen in 2009.

HERE! HERE! I totally agree. Let's give her sometime... Do they not play tonight??? Let's hear what she has to offer tonight. I am gonna say that woman will make it work. She will. Can we all have hope? And just see? I bet tonight is heads and tails above the, Sunday Night Fiasco... As I have grown to call it, lol.

[David]

Originally Posted by wheart

I have faith in the old girl. As some of you might recall, the discussions regarding her performance were very similiar when the SYW tour started.

I remember similar discussions after the Tango tour, the Mirror tour, the Mask tour, the Timespace tour, the Dance tour, the Enchanted tour, the Millennium tour, & the Trouble tour.

I don't remember those discussions after the tours after that (whose names I can't remember). What did people say?

The important thing to me isn't whether Fleetwood Mac is energetic, playing well, singing well, or dancing around. The important thing to me is whether Fleetwood Mac members are comporting themselves onstage & offstage with decorum & breeding (keeping a civil tongue, saying please, saying thank you).

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by David

I remember similar discussions after the Tango tour, the Mirror tour, the Mask tour, the Timespace tour, the Dance tour, the Enchanted tour, the Millennium tour, & the Trouble tour.

I don't remember those discussions after the tours after that (whose names I can't remember). What did people say?

The important thing to me isn't whether Fleetwood Mac is energetic, playing well, singing well, or dancing around. The important thing to me is whether Fleetwood Mac members are comporting themselves onstage & offstage with decorum & breeding (keeping a civil tongue, saying please, saying thank you).

Oh, and don't forget the opening night of Mama's residency at Caesar's in 2005. I wasn't there, but I saw the bootleg. She was a drunken hot mess! The only time (I can remember) that she had an outstanding opening night was on the Two Voices tour in Philly. But then again, it was less than a month after Caesar's, so I'm not sure if that really counts...

Anyway, I suspect Mama will be back to form soon enough...

[macmar71]

Originally Posted by wheart

I have faith in the old girl. As some of you might recall, the discussions regarding her performance were very similiar when the SYW tour started. I remember her father being ill at that time and her lack of enthusiasm was partially attributed to that. She wasn't great or anywhere near great at the beginning of that tour yet she improved quite a bit as the tour rolled on. I even recall one review citing her as "most improved player". I have faith the same will happen in 2009.

Exactly....I remember the Worcester shows at the beginning of the 2003 SYW tour.... she was not very animated but when I saw her again in September 2003 she seemed in better spirits and then in 2004 she was even better so hopefully as each show passes it will get better.

[skcin]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Oh, and don't forget the opening night of Mama's residency at Caesar's in 2005. I wasn't there, but I saw the bootleg. She was a drunken hot mess! The only time (I can remember) that she had an outstanding opening night was on the Two Voices tour in Philly. But then again, it was less than a month after Caesar's, so I'm not sure if that really counts...

Anyway, I suspect Mama will be back to form soon enough...

Um, I was there. Not a drunken hot mess at all. Nervous, but still good. Second night was better though.

[wolfontherun]

Originally Posted by sparky

Scoop, I have no idea who you are and have had no interaction with you. But from this post alone, I will disagree with the many and deem you authentic and not a troll.

As if you give two rips what I think.



I've seen too many phoned in performances to think that your reaction is merely naysaying and dissing just to diss.
I get the impression that you really are a lifelong fan and you are going through the kind of thing I went through many many years ago.

I skipped the CV tour. And the Gold Dust tour, I think. I dunno. I can't remember anymore. I have seen so many shows it is very difficult to keep track anymore. I know there were a few shows I could have just drove 15 minutes to the Greek, got my comps and parking, gone backstage and done it all free. I couldn't be bothered.

But let me say this - I don't disbelieve a word of what you say.

SO many people are so enamored of Stevie (and her bank account thanks you for it) that she simply needs to show up and be alive for them to be thrilled. The expectations
are bottom of the barrel. I have been there. Just simply seeing her in person can be such a thrill, and such a fulfillment of a fantasy that all objectivity flies straight out the window.

Add to this the idea that she is this odd vessel that people project their own weaknesses and neuroses onto and you have an odd situation. People almost WANT her to be weak
and fragile. It fulfills some bizarre fantasy they have about her and themselves. "It's just nerves! It's only the first show! She must have had a bad day!"

It is a million and one excuses to make her seem more human and flawed in order to make her seem down to earth.

The fact is that she is, or should be, a professional. First and foremost. They had weeks of rehearsal. They should have a top notch sound and light crew. There is NO excuse for that monitor drama. No expense is spared, and they are asking for a king's ransom for each evening they perform. The ticket prices you people are paying reflect
that.

So should the audience expect perfection?

YES. Damn near, the audience should.

From people who have been doing this for a living for 40 years? Damn right they should expect perfect. Try flubbing **** and blowing lyrics and sleepwalking through a Broadway opening. 10 million gone. Show closed. Rock and Roll my ass. People expect professionals to be professionals. God knows my ass would be fired if my set sucked on the first shoot day.

Would Tina Turner's audience balk at her screwing up her dancing during Nutbush? Almost falling off as she scuttled across a scaffolding a few feet wide above the audience with no net?

Of course they would.

Would Madonna's audience howl and blog in horror if her dancing and interaction with her props and scenery looked clunky on the first night? Would they screech and hoot in disgust and call her a hack when they paid a fortune for a flawless performance?

You're damned right they would and with good reason.

They paid top dollar and expect a well rehearsed and professional show. No matter the fact that a mere human being is doing the performing. You demand over a hundred bucks for the privilege of watching you perform and you better damned well deliver.

For some incredibly screwed up reason, a lot of people love for Stevie to be weak. They sympathize, they love her for being nervous. They project their own shortcomings on her - being sick, being tired, being fat, you name it.
It humanizes her, but it also gives her carte blanche to turn in blase performances. Which she has done on and off for her entire career for various and sundry reasons.

Don't get me wrong. I have seen her be brilliant. And I ate it up and counted myself lucky. And I have seen her be dismal. Utterly dismal and unprofessional even in the past few years when purportedly sober.

There are lots of young fans here and even older ones who are still mesmerized by her every move. Of course her every gesture enthralls them. They are under the spell of her persona, which is still considerable. If I had a few bucks for every friend I drug to a show that intoxicated me and my guest said, "That's it?"



Love's a state of mind, indeed.

So, I don't fork over money anymore. I would rather remember the glory shows I have seen. I'm interested in
emotional involvement and full commitment in shows and performers.
Homegirl is just pulling a retirement paycheck these days and god bless her that she can. I hope she makes a few million on this tour, gets a kick ass face job from Catherine Deneuve's surgeon, gets truly inspired again, and does one more album.

Odds are highly against it but it would be a sweet coda to an uneven but fascinating career.

For now I've made my contribution to her bank account. Ten times over. I'm happy to watch the videos.

Thank you for your honest posts.

God knows people have chafed at mine over the years.

As for the performances...

Good god, Storms isn't supposed to be barked.

It ought to be whispered.

Points for effort, regardless.

Don't Stop made my teeth hurt. WTF with that hamhanded
piano from Tuggle?

And Rosie deserves a years late Emmy for her Stevie spinning impersonation on Arsenio Hall years ago.

The Stand Back spins from 3/1/09 confirmed her prophecy.

Slo Mo. Bored. Utterly disengaged.

Reviewing a performance is fine with most , calling for her to end her career is absolute rubish and i think that is what bothered many people here.

BTW Broadway shows have enourmous amounts of practice and then do a run off broadway to work out the kinks. Many performers do flub their lines and often.

I have seen her on every tour since 95 and CV was her best performance of them all sorry you missed that one.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by David

The important thing to me isn't whether Fleetwood Mac is energetic, playing well, singing well, or dancing around. The important thing to me is whether Fleetwood Mac members are comporting themselves onstage & offstage with decorum & breeding (keeping a civil tongue, saying please, saying thank you).

You know, the NBA instituted some type of rule that the players all have to wear suits when they aren't on the court, if they are talking to the press or sitting on the bench and I thought, yes exactly. I expect my basketball players to emulate David Niven when they are not dribbling.

Michele

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by wolfontherun

Reviewing a performance is fine with most , calling for her to end her career is absolute rubish and i think that is what bothered many people here.

many people take issue with any "negative" comment about the ~gypsy queen~.

what's wrong with wanting her to go out with some semblance of grace and style? too late for that by some people's standards, but still?

BTW Broadway shows have enourmous amounts of practice and then do a run off broadway to work out the kinks. Many performers do flub their lines and often.

fleetwood mac has been playing these songs for over 30 years.

i am no broadway historian, but i'm pretty sure that's more "rehearsal" than those shows get.

[badanimals87]

Originally Posted by skcin

Um, I was there. Not a drunken hot mess at all. Nervous, but still good. Second night was better though.

I was at Ceasar's opening night in '05 as well and she did not look like a drunken mess. She was a little reserved but overall she put on a great show. I should add though that when I saw her in Chicago with Don Henley a month or so later, she was not reserved at all. In fact the Two Voice Tour had some of Stevie's finest moments since I started seeing her live in '98. She just seemed to be having the time of her life up there with Don Henley which made for an excellent show for us.

BTW Paula, I think my friend Kim and I were sitting next to you and your friend at that first Caesar's show and we spoke briefly. Did you make it up for the walk that night? I'm pretty sure your friend made it up there, but we were too far.

Tim

[wolfontherun]

Originally Posted by carrie721

many people take issue with any "negative" comment about the ~gypsy queen~.

what's wrong with wanting her to go out with some semblance of grace and style? too late for that by some people's standards, but still?



fleetwood mac has been playing these songs for over 30 years.

i am no broadway historian, but i'm pretty sure that's more "rehearsal" than those shows get.

Not the same. They (Stevie/FM) take long breaks in between, whereas a Broadway show is continuous then it ends.

Openning night jitters are a very common occurence regardless of the venue or performer. Or maybe she has slowed way down and that is ok as well. When you love someone you forgive and allow them to "slow down".

Judy Garland was supposedly a mess on stage toward the end but fans kept coming because they loved her.

I think it comes down to the fact that some people are more forgiving then others and they hold people to unrealistic standards.

I cannot imagine being 60 and hearing people saying that I should "retire" cause I am not the same "performer" I was 5, 10 , 15 years prior. If It did happen I would be sending out some real big F**k Offs.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by wolfontherun

Not the same. They (Stevie/FM) take long breaks in between, whereas a Broadway show is continuous then it ends.

Openning night jitters are a very common occurence regardless of the venue or performer. Or maybe she has slowed way down and that is ok as well. When you love someone you forgive and allow them to "slow down".

Judy Garland was supposedly a mess on stage toward the end but fans kept coming because they loved her.

I think it comes down to the fact that some people are more forgiving then others and they hold people to unrealistic standards.

I cannot imagine being 60 and hearing people saying that I should "retire" cause I am not the same "performer" I was 5, 10 , 15 years prior. If It did happen I would be sending out some real big F**k Offs.

i've never performed in a long-running show, but i've been involved in plenty of competitions and auditions. you don't get any credit for jitters. they're supposed to be professionals.

many violinists have to stop performing if they injure their hands or get arthritis or carpal tunnel. even if they could still physically perform, they can't play to the standards they have set for themselves. why would a vocalist be any different?

and finally, i do not love stevie nicks. i was a big fan for years, and i've given her plenty of leeway. but the love thing ... not so much.