The Ledge

Go Back   The Ledge > Main Forums > Present Band
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read


Make the Ads Go Away! Click here.
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-16-2019, 09:24 AM
kak125's Avatar
kak125 kak125 is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,944
Default Fleetwood Mac: Free Fallin' Into The Unknown

As Fleetwood Mac head into the Australian and New Zealand leg of their massive worldwide tour, the band contends with fighting ghosts, looking to the future and not breaking the chain with fans.

Fleetwood Mac are the 8-ball of classic rock royalty. Question the history or intention of the band and you could come up with a number of answers that sort of fit.

"Is Fleetwood Mac still good in concert without Lindsey Buckingham?"

Most Likely.

"Will Neil Finn and Mike Campbell remain members of Fleetwood Mac after this tour?"

Reply Hazy Try Again.

"Are they just as good live as when they last toured in 2015?"

Ask Again Later

"Could Fleetwood Mac survive without Stevie Nicks?"

Don't Count On It.

The band has been through a dizzying amount of band changes in it's fifty years but it's the most recent change that has caused the most division amongst their fans. Buckingham's outing last year was swift and seemingly quite brutal. Fired via a phone call for apparently not complying with upcoming tour plans, Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks implored the public they had no choice but to move on without their former creative force. Buckingham has refuted this claim.

In his place singer and songwriter Neil Finn from Crowded House and guitarist legend Mike Campbell from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were brought in to fill the immense void left by the ousting of the most frenetic member of the band.

So online, fans picked sides criticizing both parties or arguing for civility, others vowed to never go to another concert or professed excitement at the new blood in the band. Cries that Buckingham had been wronged were responded with indifference by Nicks supporters who argued she was the actual star of the band. At the end of the day it didn't amount to much as the wider public loves the music of Fleetwood Mac not the internal dramas, and have subsequently been packing out stadiums and arenas across North America and Europe.

For this fan who follows the ebb and flow of Fleetwood Mac news ardently, I was extremely skeptical they could deliver without Buckingham. Other reviews of their first show in Australia ranged for pleasantly surprised to glowing. And it's true, having now seen their first two shows on the Australian leg of their tour, I can say the group appear to have a show that hits all the beats it should, is enjoyable to watch, but also seems to be ignoring the elephant... or penguin, in the room.

The highlights of both nights were a moving duet rendition between Finn and Nicks, of Finn's "Don't Dream It's Over" and an encore homage to Tom Petty with his "Free Fallin'". These two songs had the emotional upswing that caused 15,000 punters to get onto their feet and sing passionately. And whilst these songs were stellar, considering these were Fleetwood Mac concerts, one would expect it to be Fleetwood Mac songs that would get people to take their phones out to record.

Perhaps it's because Finn is so beloved by Australians for his work in Split Enz and Crowded House and for the impact he has had on Australian music. I was so fascinated by Finn that when I was at uni I presented his songwriting in my poetry class with all the fervor of a young girl who thought she was the first person to uncover the Kiwi. His genuine personality tinged with a dry wit and larrikinism is relatable and charming. Finn responding to the weight of responsibility has also stepped up his game from earlier on in the tour and is surprisingly now evolving into an exciting rock guitarist, showing off his talent with a grungy rendition of "Oh Well" on both nights.

In the official band shots Finn stands relaxed with a key hanging from his neck foretelling his talent, adaptability and likability would be vital to this tour's success from the outset. In that he has definitively succeeded.

Given the spotlight Finn took it for all it was worth and made it his own, through a melancholic version of "Man Of The World" (not heard since 1969) to sharing guitar duties with Campbell in "Oh Well". Yet despite all that, when he was brought in with Nicks’ and Christine McVie's songs, his energy shifted, as he consciously pulled himself back to a supporting role. Then as he sang Buckingham's penned songs it became strange, "I know there is nothing to say, someone has taken my place" Finn sung with all conviction through "Second Hand News".

Campbell, who looked like the Captain Sparrow of west coast rock, is a legend in his own right but whose influence many people may not have been aware of until the photo montage that accompanied ”Free Fallin’” played at the end. His playing style, different to Buckingham’s, still had a grittiness and he deftly managed all the guitar flourishes that typically closed out their songs.

Over on the keys McVie was a welcome sight. Her solid and assured presence always grounded the band from Nicks’ and Buckingham's reactive behaviour. Her voice, known for its warmness, did come across almost papery at certain times, with the key and tempo being dropped for "Little Lies" and "Hold Me". Later she regained ground by leaving a lasting impression with the rousing encore closer "Don't Stop". Her former husband John McVie as usual remained in the background providing one half of the most iconic rhythm sections in rock with Mick Fleetwood. Fleetwood, always the jester of the band, still has playing prowess and clearly lives for performing. The continued inclusion of his eye watering five minute drum solo during "World Turning" actually provided an opportune toilet and drinks break during the two and half hour show.

Nicks too also took a while to warm up, and her voice was more limber on the Sunday than it was on the Friday. She still shone gloriously in her black Margie Kent outfit and suede boots. She still had grown men tearing up through "Landslide", and bewitched us all with an impassioned "Gold Dust Woman" and a sultry version of "Black Magic Woman", yet without Buckingham beside her there was no one for her lyrical barbs to be directed to. Additionally the quirky quips and banter she had shared between songs with Buckingham were now gone leaving the audience to only see her sparkling personality during the dedication of "Landslide".

As she gave kind smiles across to Finn there was a certain niceness to everything. You could argue that maybe that's the way bands should be, happy families and all, but have you gone through the songs of a Fleetwood Mac setlist? Fleetwood Mac live is such an unruly beast because of the catalytic nature of their performances. An adoring look one moment, could so easily be returned with a vicious side glance which then would feed into their performance, and there was some understanding by fans that it was all informed by their deep rooted dynamics.

Fleetwood Mac were a band balanced by the light and shade of its band members. Nicks the hopeless romantic and McVie the ballad songbird were tempered by Buckingham's dark simmering cynicism leading to a back and forth that very few bands have. So songs like "Go Your Own Way" which should've sparked and crackled failed to do so as Finn sung Buckingham's bitter lyrics warmly to Nicks only recovering that fire during the final "all in" guitar solo and drum breakdown at the end.

For the casual Australian fan, the Mac Attack's current show will completely entertain. They will hear all the songs they loved which are delivered like a greatest hits package. For ardent fans, their attention will be held by the inclusion of lesser played work; on Friday night they played "Hold Me" from 1983's "Mirage" for the first time ever in Perth, and on Sunday the last time we had heard "Blue Letter" was way back in 1990. Offering up these charms helps keep the indicator on the dial closer to the side of a vibrant rock show than nostalgic tribute band. With that said after twenty two songs its hard not to be pleased but in the end we are not entirely satiated.

This is completely new territory for a band that has toured every three years (with essentially the same set list) to now contend what their next step will be. So what does the future hold for Fleetwood Mac? With this band anything is possible and it all rests in Stevie Nicks' delicate hands. She is the star of the show and without her Fleetwood Mac would say goodbye to their Arena tours to play more modest venues (as happened back in the early 1990s). Pundits can argue that this is a band of change but without Nicks would fans around the world pay up to $400 for a ticket? What would get people out, and be the most bizarre turn, would be a reunion or reconciliation tour. Given the telenovela nature of Rock n' Roll's most lovingest and fightingest classic rock band, nothing would surprise at this point.

https://melaniedgriffiths.wixsite.co...ylVdX89wdWoq84
Reply With Quote
.
  #2  
Old 08-19-2019, 08:40 AM
On Ice On Ice is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 642
Default

Sorry, but Free Falling does not belong in a Fleetwood Mac set especially as an encore. So many great songs to choose from that she could have sent a wave out to Petty- but this, is not working. Pick any song that she really likes and put a Petty spin on it and voila, there you have it. Storms would've fit the bill. There had to have been a song of hers that Petty really liked no? At least they followed it up with a Christine rarity, although that apparently is now gone from the set. Also, with Crowded House reuniting, why keep DDITO in the set, or bringing back I've got You? Not to mention dropping Hypnotized, Tell Me All the Things You Do and Isn't it Midnight while keeping this?
__________________

Last edited by On Ice; 08-19-2019 at 08:44 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-19-2019, 10:02 AM
vivfox's Avatar
vivfox vivfox is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 13,956
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by On Ice View Post
Sorry, but Free Falling does not belong in a Fleetwood Mac set especially as an encore. With Crowded House reuniting, why keep DDIO in the set?
Before the tour I agreed with this but after having seen the show I hate to admit it, but those 2 songs got the biggest audience response of the evening along with GYOW. The audience sang right along with DDIO and loved the Petty tribute screen shots. I ended up enjoying them also because it was something refreshingly different.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-19-2019, 01:39 PM
On Ice On Ice is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 642
Default

Good point Vivfox, but still, getting the biggest response from the audience is telling though- how about a killer version of Why, Beautiful Child or even Crystal?

Just too much material in the catalogue and stellar musicians in the band's past to justify that many covers.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-19-2019, 02:10 PM
jmn3 jmn3 is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,842
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vivfox View Post
Before the tour I agreed with this but after having seen the show I hate to admit it, but those 2 songs got the biggest audience response of the evening along with GYOW. The audience sang right along with DDIO and loved the Petty tribute screen shots. I ended up enjoying them also because it was something refreshingly different.
That says a lot about the audience and the band. Two cover songs are the highlights of the show of a band of Fleetwood Mac's caliber?

When I see the Stones, Harlem Shuffle or Just My Imagination wouldn't be the best parts of the show - and hey, they actually recorded versions of those tunes!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-20-2019, 09:05 AM
jbrownsjr jbrownsjr is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 16,332
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmn3 View Post
That says a lot about the audience and the band. Two cover songs are the highlights of the show of a band of Fleetwood Mac's caliber?

When I see the Stones, Harlem Shuffle or Just My Imagination wouldn't be the best parts of the show - and hey, they actually recorded versions of those tunes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAkMTu6q2pY
__________________
I would tell Christine Perfect, "You're Christine f***ing McVie, and don't you forget it!"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-21-2019, 05:37 AM
brucewayne brucewayne is offline
Junior Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 27
Default

The current version of Fleetwood Mac is just a cover band. Without Lindsey, I’m not a fan.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-21-2019, 07:04 AM
HoursAndHours HoursAndHours is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 500
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrownsjr View Post
Well, the last Stones album was all covers, and one of the best things they've done in the last 30 years.

I wish this version of FM should record something. I'll be surprised if they do, but I wish they would.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-21-2019, 07:25 AM
jbrownsjr jbrownsjr is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 16,332
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HoursAndHours View Post
Well, the last Stones album was all covers, and one of the best things they've done in the last 30 years.

I wish this version of FM should record something. I'll be surprised if they do, but I wish they would.
I love Harlem Shuffle. I'm not a HUGE Stones fan like many folks. However, as I've gotten older I have come to appreciate just how many damn songs they have.
__________________
I would tell Christine Perfect, "You're Christine f***ing McVie, and don't you forget it!"
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-24-2019, 11:37 AM
David's Avatar
David David is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: California
Posts: 14,896
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by brucewayne View Post
The current version of Fleetwood Mac is just a cover band. Without Lindsey, I’m not a fan.
I realize that some fans (where did Steve and Mr. Sugar go, by the way?) were initially looking forward to some new magic generated by this configuration. But that hope seems to have fizzled, even in the most quixotic of them. Unless you're perfectly content attending these big stadium and arena thingies for $400 a pop for the rest of your life and not hearing anything new on vinyl or in the print media or even on TV, you've probably moved on.

Mick himself may or may not have had greater expectations for this project - I don't know. It's almost impossible to tell with him. He's the guy who has reached out to grab anyone who happened to be walking down the street for the past fifty years. The recent article (posted in another thread) about a "love story" between Mick, Stevie, and Neil's old hit song is silly. This latching on to Neil's ancient work (ask Stevie to name a Neil Finn song besides the two Fleetwood Mac is playing) is no more a love story than Mick and the Big Town Playboys, Billy Thorpe, Billy Field, Dane Donohue, or other one-ups. This urge to reach out and pull in players who catch your eye can be a good thing, but when it's so incessant - as in Mick's case - it begins to seem like a neurosis.

(Stevie has this urge too. But at least she doesn't form whole new bands with the people she picks up every year. She didn't form a band around, say, the Williams Brothers.)
__________________

moviekinks.blogspot.com

Last edited by David; 08-24-2019 at 11:40 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-24-2019, 11:41 AM
cbBen cbBen is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,139
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmn3 View Post
That says a lot about the audience and the band. Two cover songs are the highlights of the show of a band of Fleetwood Mac's caliber?

When I see the Stones, Harlem Shuffle or Just My Imagination wouldn't be the best parts of the show - and hey, they actually recorded versions of those tunes!
Stevie recorded "Free Fallin'" in the 1990's, with Mike Campbell producing.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-24-2019, 07:54 PM
secret love secret love is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 850
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by David View Post
I realize that some fans (where did Steve and Mr. Sugar go, by the way?) were initially looking forward to some new magic generated by this configuration. But that hope seems to have fizzled, even in the most quixotic of them. Unless you're perfectly content attending these big stadium and arena thingies for $400 a pop for the rest of your life and not hearing anything new on vinyl or in the print media or even on TV, you've probably moved on.

Mick himself may or may not have had greater expectations for this project - I don't know. It's almost impossible to tell with him. He's the guy who has reached out to grab anyone who happened to be walking down the street for the past fifty years. The recent article (posted in another thread) about a "love story" between Mick, Stevie, and Neil's old hit song is silly. This latching on to Neil's ancient work (ask Stevie to name a Neil Finn song besides the two Fleetwood Mac is playing) is no more a love story than Mick and the Big Town Playboys, Billy Thorpe, Billy Field, Dane Donohue, or other one-ups. This urge to reach out and pull in players who catch your eye can be a good thing, but when it's so incessant - as in Mick's case - it begins to seem like a neurosis.

(Stevie has this urge too. But at least she doesn't form whole new bands with the people she picks up every year. She didn't form a band around, say, the Williams Brothers.)
Would certainly not put it past Stevie to have gone ought (okay, who am I kidding... she may have sent Karen to the shops...) and bought a chunk of the Crowded House and Split Enz catalogue to listen to and learn some songs. She did this when she was considering joining Fleetwood Mac and was impressed by what a great band they were. Hell, some of the old songs made it into the set simply because she likes them so much.

Stevie always reveled in being the only honorary girl Heartbreaker. The difference between Stevie and her best friend Mick being that she can write a decent tune and sing it herself. If we had these hangers on Mick latches onto playing songs he wrote, we could only expect These Strange Times and Lizard People all over again.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-01-2019, 01:52 AM
michelej1 michelej1 is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: California
Posts: 25,975
Default

She listened to the albums backwards and forwards. Then she spun a lithe ballet routine to a Don’t Dream It’s Over instrumental.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-01-2019, 07:54 PM
lovethemac1's Avatar
lovethemac1 lovethemac1 is offline
Addicted Ledgie
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: center of Canada
Posts: 808
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by michelej1 View Post
She listened to the albums backwards and forwards. Then she spun a lithe ballet routine to a Don’t Dream It’s Over instrumental.
That made me burst out laughing. Thank you Michele!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-11-2019, 12:14 PM
jbrownsjr jbrownsjr is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 16,332
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by michelej1 View Post
She listened to the albums backwards and forwards. Then she spun a lithe ballet routine to a Don’t Dream It’s Over instrumental.
I bought all the Fleetwood Mac records and listened to all of them.. and I said Lindsey, "...even though they don't want me; we have to join this band!!"
__________________
I would tell Christine Perfect, "You're Christine f***ing McVie, and don't you forget it!"
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


Billy Burnette Vinyl Self Titled S/T LP Columbia CBS 1980 AlbumNew John Hammond picture

Billy Burnette Vinyl Self Titled S/T LP Columbia CBS 1980 AlbumNew John Hammond

$9.95



Billy Burnette - Billy Burnette [Used Very Good CD] Rmst, Reissue picture

Billy Burnette - Billy Burnette [Used Very Good CD] Rmst, Reissue

$12.47



Billy Burnette by Billy Burnette (Remastered CD, 1980, 2023) Fleetwood Mac picture

Billy Burnette by Billy Burnette (Remastered CD, 1980, 2023) Fleetwood Mac

$10.98



Billy Burnette by Billy Burnette (LP, Vinyl Record, 1980 CBS Records) Rockabilly picture

Billy Burnette by Billy Burnette (LP, Vinyl Record, 1980 CBS Records) Rockabilly

$7.98



BILLY BURNETTE S/T Self-Titled  1980 Columbia In Shrink w/Hype Sticker Rock  NM picture

BILLY BURNETTE S/T Self-Titled 1980 Columbia In Shrink w/Hype Sticker Rock NM

$11.99




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:26 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
© 1995-2003 Martin and Lisa Adelson, All Rights Reserved