Why don't they play stadiums?

[louielouie2000]

I've noticed this tour that the band plays several dates to satisfy demand in their very largest markets- New York, LA, London, etc. Instead of playing 4 shows in each of these cities, why didn't they just book a stadium?

[FuzzyPlum]

I was wondering that.
I guess its only now they have been in a position to sell-out stadiums. I'm not sure what it has been like in the US but the London shows were added gradually. Not sure whether were always likely to play those dates or whether they just got added 1 or 2 at a time as demand dictated when the shows sold out. Perhaps knowing they can sell so many tickets would make them consider stadiums in the future.

[AncientQueen]

I guess there are more Bandmembers who do not like to play outside, but only Stevie has been vocal about it. I don't think that the FM-experience transports well onto a stadion.

[MikeVielhaber]

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

I was wondering that.
I guess its only now they have been in a position to sell-out stadiums. I'm not sure what it has been like in the US but the London shows were added gradually. Not sure whether were always likely to play those dates or whether they just got added 1 or 2 at a time as demand dictated when the shows sold out. Perhaps knowing they can sell so many tickets would make them consider stadiums in the future.

Seems logistically you're either doing a tour of stadiums or a tour of arenas. You don't mix and match. I'm sure every aspect of their show is put together for arenas.

[mottabam]

I'm glad they are not playing stadiums. I've been to a few stadium concerts and promised myself never again. Generally far too much traffic getting in and out, most of the seating requires binoculars to get a decent view, and the weather plays a factor especially in the warmest and coldest climates.

As mentioned I think this tour and most of their previous tours were set up for arena's and amphitheaters.

Sure a few acts tour Stadiums but they also rely heavily on the wow factor of the show over the music IMO. Acts like the Stones, Taylor Swift, One Direction etc generally have a major stage with sub stages and loads of special effects and fireworks to keep the approx 50-60 thousand people visually entertained.

Honestly, I'd love to see the Mac again in a small intimate venue, but at this stage it seems very unlikely.

[FuzzyPlum]

It would probably make sense for them to play stadiums though. Its not as if they havent done it in the past. In 1990 they played to 70,000-80,000 at Wembley and it was regarded as a great show. Why play 5 times when you can pull it off once?

From a fans point of view though it's obviously better to see them in smaller venues.

BTW, How many shows did the giant penguin appear at?

[gypsy333]

Fleetwood mac performing in daylight outdoors at New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 4, 2013...

[louielouie2000]

Originally Posted by gypsy333

Fleetwood mac performing in daylight outdoors at New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 4, 2013...

Indeed. The last leg of the Say You Will tour was all amphitheaters. Much of the Dance tour was as well. Stevie tours amphitheaters almost exclusively as a solo artist (except her casino dates & that time she opened for Rod Stewart ).

I guess they just didn't realize going into this tour how wildly successful they'd be?

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by mottabam

I'm glad they are not playing stadiums. I've been to a few stadium concerts and promised myself never again. Generally far too much traffic getting in and out, most of the seating requires binoculars to get a decent view, and the weather plays a factor especially in the warmest and coldest climates.

I think the fan experience would definitely suffer if they played stadiums.

Michele

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

BTW, How many shows did the giant penguin appear at?

Did the penguin have a name? Someone asked me recently and I thought it did, but I couldn't remember one.

I just felt like saying Stanley or something, but I have no idea.

Michele

[Macfan4life]

Oh thank goodness they are not playing stadiums or amphitheaters. The sound greatly suffers and you can hear people talking over the music. The seating is also horrible.
A rock concert is supposed to be in an arena where the loud crack of the drums are felt on your cheeks and the bass hits you in the gut.
I HATE amphitheaters for concerts. No side seating and so much of the sound is lost.

[Dodfather]

The NZ dates are stadiums. I'll be in Auckland. I have to say that stadium gigs can be hit and miss. I've been to some amazing ones (Springsteen, Eagles) and others that were ruined by terrible weather and poor sound (Bon Jovi - not the band's fault). They're not my favourite venues for these reasons, plus the horrendous transport back afterwards, and I guess some bands don't like to be at the mercy of the weather as it can effect so many things. We'll see how it goes!