Review: Fleetwood Mac

 

Photos by Chris Cummins/Special to The Star

The version of Fleetwood Mac that visited the Sprint Center on Friday isn't the best-known of the band's many versions. Without Christine McVie playing keyboards and singing some of her everlasting pop songs and love ballads, the Fleetwood Mac that is out on the road today isn't the one everyone remembers most. Nonetheless, it can still indulge an arena filled with rabid fans thirsty for a big dose of nostalgia.

For more than two and a half hours Friday, they played a setlist loaded with hits and favorites -- 23 songs in all. Most were from the trilogy of mega-platinum albums released in 1975-79: "Fleetwood Mac," "Rumours" and "Tusk. "With help from three background singers, an extra guitarist and a keyboardist, they made everything sound a lot like it did more than 30 years ago.

The rhythm section hasn't changed since the band was founded in the 1960s as a British rock-blues band: John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are still keeping time (and still wearing the black vests over white shirts). But this version of the band has become the Lindsey & Stevie show. Both implicitly and explicity, the show emphasized their tempestuous long-term relationship, both professional and personal.

Before she sang "Gypsy," Nicks recalled the first time she met him back in 1965. After "Sara," they posed for a long moment in an odd embrace: he leaning his head on her shoulder, she with her back to him. During "Storm," they looked hard at each other as they sang, "Not all the prayers in the world could save us." And they re-entered the stage for the two encores holding hands, like a teenage couple.

But all that was just window dressing for an event that showcased two things primarily: The band's enormous catalog of hits; and Lindsey Buckingham's dazzling work on the guitar. He makes a noise that is like no one elses, using only his bloodthirsty fingers, at times hammering out his own rhythms with his thumb and playing leads over them. His voice these days is still in remarkably good shape, even when he has to howl through a song like "Go  Your Own Way."

Nicks isn't the twirling gypsy-witch she used to be. These days, she dances in parentheses (as a quiet afterthought), and her voice has dropped at least an octave. Still, she can carry all her tunes and add some nice harmonies to Buckingham's lead vocals. They sang the Christine McVie hit "Say You Love Me," and made it sound like some kind of Everly Brothers tune.

The place was nearly full and loud, all night. The crowd was decidedly boomer-heavy, but there were plenty of fans 30-something and younger, too, a sign of how all these songs have taken root in younger generations. It's hard to imagine a band these days putting out records like this one did: Fans know the words to every track; and every song feels like a hit.

There were one or two lulls. "Storms" prompted a flood of traffic up the aisles. So did Fleetwood's long drum solo during "Oh Well," the traditional nod to the band's blues roots. He is looking wizened and wizardly these days, his white beard giving him a strong Dumbeldor resemblance. (He wears a long black cape off stage and has his own cape attendent, like James Brown.)

The highlights: The first four songs, each setting off its own detonation of cheers and singing.  Buckingham's guitar play on "Never Going Back Again." "Tusk," in which keyboardist Brett Tuggle sufficiently re-created the sounds of the USC marching band. "I'm So Afraid," which ended like it always does: with Buckingham stirring up some wildfire on guitar. "Landslide," in which Nicks took back the song from everyone who ever covered it poorly (especially Billy Corgan). And "Go Your Own Way," which ignited the most mania of any song all night.

They ended with three encores: "World Turning," a raucous rendition of "Don't Stop" and then an anti-climactic "Silver Springs." Most of the crowd stuck around till the end, however, though some had been in the place for nearly four hours.

And it's worth mentioning that after the show, some of them showed up in the line outside the nearby Czar Bar, which was filled to capacity with lots of young music scenesters. Inside a tribute band was playing Fleetwood Mac songs.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Setlist: Monday Morning, The Chain, Dreams, I Know I'm Not Wrong, Gypsy, Go Insane, Rhiannon, Second-Hand News, Tusk, Sara, Big Love, Landslide, Never Going Back Again, Storms, Say You Love Me, Gold Dust Woman, Oh Well, I'm So Afraid, Stand Back Go Your Own Way. Encore: World Turning, Don't Stop, Silver Springs.

Comments

[isellfords]

Was it just me , or did it seem like Stevie was having a hard time remembering the lyrics ? She even had a teleprompter for help. Several really good numbers, but also some definite "misses". Also, when are the people in charge of Sprint Center going to figure out how to get people inside without 1/2 hr lines ??

[Tim Finn]

I noticed her lyric issue on one song (can't remember which). Couldn't see a teleprompter from where I sat ...

[skip slyster]

Was there a big crowd sing along to "Don't Stop?"
Uggg.

[Duffer318]

I concur with the question from the Ford seller...the wait can be tedious to get in. This was the 5th show we've seen and nothing has changed to speed up the entry process. At least we weren't left in the blowing snow as before. Stevie definitely had the teleprompter for wording...didn't catch her looking at it though thru the binoculars. The upper section where we sat smelled like a casino with cigarette smoke. Boo to the Sprint staff for NOT enforcing the 'no smoking' policy. My Army combat ring set off the metal detector thus got a wand scan to make sure I was not a terrorist...guess that's a good thing. Sorry to the people behind me for holding up the line this time. Heaven forbid that we 'boomers' be allowed to retain a water bottle lid. Still a good time.

[Bubba]

Glad I didn't bother. When they were at Kemper, in 2003 I heard that without CHRISTINE MCVIE, the MAC concert was like a funeral. That STEVIE NICKS appeared depressed. As for a thirty minute wait - TRY over an over like they had at the recent BRITNEY gig. A friend of mine in Boston URGED me not to go to see FLEETWOD MAC. Feeling good that I did errands I've been putting off on Friday night instead. $178 is too much for a lower level ticket anyway.

[The Police Fan]

What's the point of going to a concert for an international star nowadays? In these times, corporate venues and promoters monopolize admission prices at their sole discretion. Who in their right mind wants to spend the minimum of $50 just for nosebleeds? To get a decent view of the stage, you need at least $200 after conveinence or other hidden costs. It's a shame that concerts are only for the rich. Not all of us can just put it on our credit cards either. Hell, even in Ancient Rome they at least accomodated to the plebians (middle or lower class) for spectating events. Was it like $8 for a general admission ticket at a Zeppelin show thirty years ago? In the meantime, a financially-destitute, live music lover can only resort in seeing their favorite performers either in small venues or bars before they reach popularity.

[idiots]

Good show. Wasn't happy to have the beer taps turned off as I stepped to the counter to order at 9:30 when the band had barely been onstage for 45 minutes. A for the band and an F- to the sprint center. Ridiculous.

[amr_52]

In 1975 a general admission ticket to see Led Zeppelin in Florida was $10.00 which, adjusted for inflation, amounts to about $35.00 in 2009 dollars. The difference isn't all that extreme. It's grand to reminisce about how great everything used to be and how much less expensive it was way back when. Of course, minimum wage back in 1975 was $2.00. Puts it in perspective, doesn't it?

[Bubba]

Hey, bring LED ZEPPELIN out on tour (even without ROBERT PLANT) for $35 a ticket and I guarantee the shows will likely sell out very quickly. I HATE sitting in the Sprint Center's nose bleed sections. When I went to catch BON JOVI last year, I sat in a nose bleed seat and ACTUALLY got light-headed. Thank goodness I went solo.

[Steve]

Will people please stop with the price of concerts! It's a luxury item, if you don't want to pay the price, don't go. Just be happy they played a long show (2 1/2 hours).

[Duke Jupiter]

"when are the people in charge of Sprint Center going to figure out how to get people inside without 1/2 hr lines ??"

I have been to the Sprint Center about 10 times now and have never, EVER had a problem getting into the venue in the back entrance on the Oak Street side. Springsteen, The Police, Tom Petty, Exhibition Hockey, etc., I waltzed right through. I have seen the lengthy lines on the Grand side and wondered if people know about the Oak street entrance or just don't want to walk around the arena after walking across from the KCP&L District. Perhaps I've said too much....I'm kinda glad most people don't think about this. It's makes it much easier to get into the Sprint Center.

[isellfords]

We used the back entrance and still waited 30 min. Metal detectors so touchy they pick up the change in you pockets ? Give me a break.If Sprint really feels the need to be that secure, they should open more entrances and hire additional help.

[Gin]

I had a blast, and IMO she sounded great, they all did.

I don't see this same review, although less more Stevie is my choice.

It was worth $80 bucks, great seats, dancing and singing along! Loved it!!!!

[Gin]

I ment less Lindsey songs and more Stevie would have been better IMO.

But he still jams it out.

LOVED IT!!!! Course I was on level 100 in the center, perfect surround sound.

[Chuck in MO]

The first show at Sprint Center that I actually paid to see. Was well worth the money - they sounded so much better than some recent live performances I've seen on TV and the web. "Storms" was one of my favorite songs of the night - it's not a high-energy concert song, but it is a beautiful song and they executed it well.

[Bubba]

Duke Jupiter (whatever happened to that band anyway?) - at the recent BRITNEY concert, I went to Sprint Center's rear entrance and it took at least 45 minutes to get in. Only upside is there (of course) were loads of hotties to view and listen to them BRAG to their girl friends HOW great the show was going to be. Hubba-hubba! Bubba said it.

[mankvill]

"Britney Spears"
"rear entrance"

eheheheheuehuehuehuehe

[Ben]

How could anyone possibly consider Silver Springs 'anti-climatic'? It is a magnificent song and a perfect way to end the show.

[skm]

Did anyone else notice Stevie seemed to have a hard time walking and what kind of shoes did she have on?

[Jack]

No wait for us suite-holders...

[Gary Dean]

The Lindsey and Stevie show, tough hearing Stevie sing the Christine McVie parts, but "I'm So Afraid" afraid was worth admission

[Dennis]

This was my first concert at the Sprint Center. I got there about a 1/2 hour early and had no trouble getting in on the Grand side. I was sitting way back about as far as you can be, but it was still closer than when I saw CSN&Y in Denver's Pepsi Center. I enjoyed the concert, of course missed Christine McVie (doesn't everyone?), was impressed with Stevie's voice and Lindsey's guitar work, put up with Mick's drum solo. I probably won't go see them again at these prices, but I enjoyed the experience and like the Sprint Center.

[Gary Dean]

I got a good boot of this show too

Gary
[email protected]

[Steve]

Why is Christine McVie not with them anymore anyway? She's leaving a lot of money on the table. Lindsey Buckingham sure did not turn away the cash. You don't get rich playing before 600 people at the Uptown (like last year).

[joe blow]

last time the band was in town (c 1978) stevie was so drunk that she got booed off the stage . . .

[Gary Dean]

Christine is probably not with the band because she is 65

12 July 1943 (1943-07-12) (age 65)

[Lisa Brooks]

This was my 30th time seeing Stevie Nicks, both with and without Fleetwood Mac...as for Steve... Stevie Nicks was never booed off stage because she was drunk I was at that show, get your story straight. This was a great show and anyone who dosen't think that gettin up there and rockin' out for two and a half hours when your are in your late fifties and early sixties, as Stevie is, you need a reality check!! They were awesome!!

[Bubba]

Lisa Brooks - BELIEVE it or not, I considered catching FLEETWOOD MAC this time around but this summer simply has TOO many other shows I want to catch and MOST of them co$t WAY less than $178 a seat. Did NOT want a nose bleed - because of getting light-headed at my nose bleed seat at BON JOVI last year. I am LESS likely to catch LINDSEY or STEVIE solo. Glad you had a good time, though.

[jvralston]

Saw a great BBC documentary about Peter Greene the other night, the initial driving force of the band. When I used to see them in 70's, my favorite song was Oh Well, which I associated with Lindsey. I never realized that this song, as well as the inital incarnation of the band was the vision of Greene, who was close to a genius in that early context. This doesn't take anything away from the John & Mick, who successfully reimaged the band as a pop rock juggernaut.

[Kinchaser (Class of '75)]

Bubba, you missed a great concert, despite Christine's absence.
This was my 1st time seeing them live but despite the changes IT WAS WONDERFUL. Quite the experience.
Yes, there was no Christine, yes, Stevie's aging voice prevented her from keeping to many of the original higher vocals. But what was there was of good quality and resonance. With age, post drugs and years of singing it's a wonder she has any voice left. She was still STEVIE, just 'abit' older.
And who among us looks and sounds that GREAT at 61??????? I know my voice at 51 isn't what it was at 25 and it's lots of work fighting middle age.
Stevie's diction was often poor but she's ALWAYS had that problem.
This group might be OLD but their instrumental chops are STILL THERE. Fleetwood is soon 67 Buckingham 60 in October and McVie is 63. They were amazing in their 30s and I think, more amazing now.
It was a 'flashback' moment, being surrounded by all my greyhairs. I kept looking at others thinking "Where were you in '76?" I wasn't the only one striking up conversations with neighbors about those times and Fleetwood Mac's music.
And after all the turmoil of their lives, they seemed to come to a collective peace, to really be enjoying this tour, this music, engaging with the audience, talking about the music, not just playing and walking off.
Yes, Christine was missed. But she chose to retire.
A night of GREAT music, still greatly performed, camraderie shared between audience members and between the audience and the band; a moment when we were all 20 or 30 again.
What else is there to ask for?????

[Joanne]

Spelling note: It's Peter Green. No E at the end.

No one seems to remember that "Don't Stop" is a Christine song. She wrote it. She also co-wrote "World Turning," so the current band is actually performing 2.5 Christine songs.

Christine retired from touring after the 'Dance' tour because she doesn't like the travel involved with touring, and frankly she has more money than she knows what to do with. She DID put out a superb solo record, 'In the Meantime,' about 5 years ago.

Stevie has *always* taken creative liberties with her lyrics in concert. I won't speculate on whether it's because she's always had trouble remembering the lyrics, or because it suits her as a creative person to alter them as her mood dictates.

I personally won't see this band unless (a) they play a nightclub for reasonable prices or (b) Christine returns or (c) they have a reunion with former members of the band like Peter Green, Danny Kirwan and Bob Welch.

[Bubba]

Kinchaser (Class Of '75). I guess I did miss a great show (if you say so). Next classic rock show I sort of am interested in is YES with ASIA. Less expensive tickets are available for the upstairs at the Uptown. Even though YES now has a new frontman / vocalist - I've seen him on fan videos posted on You Tube. He's acceptable.

[JJ]

This was my first FWM show and I loved it. I will always remember my older sisters playing "Dreams" and they got me into listening to the band when I was merely 5.

Stevie didn't twirl as much as she used to and as for the comment about the shoes, even though we were in nose bleed section, it looked like what one person called "cafeteria lady shoes." No big deal. She still sounded great.

I hope she would come back to KC by herself. She was my biggest draw to this concert along with Lindsey. They're sounding great for being in their 60s!

[Kinchaser (Class of '75)]

Bubba, I'm not one for paying big $$$ for concert tickets. Stuck with the $80 ones this time. Worth it. Have seen $250 and $350 on the floor for others, the only time I've been that close was comp'd by a friend. Depends on the venue. Paid $60 few years ago at Stateline, NV for 'best' and they were awful. Sprint's a good venue.

SKM-Yes, I noticed Stevie having difficulty walking also. Black boots with a wedge heel. Definitely NOT the stilts from Bella Donna days.

[Keith in KC]

'Joe Blow' sez:

"last time the band was in town (c 1978) stevie was so drunk that she got booed off the stage . . ."

I believe Fleetwood Mac has been back a couple of times since '78. The one time I saw them on the TUSK tour in 1980, Fleetwood Mac was in fine form and Stevie sounded at the top of her game. I couldn't have hoped for a better performance from the band on that night.

I did see Stevie solo once in '85 or '86 at Sandstone and Security had to help her walk around on stage and she seemed to be extremely detached from what was going on that night. She didn't mess up lyrics or even get booed, but she wasn't 100% in the moment, if you will. I had heard that at the time she was going through problems with Painkillers, but with Stevie, talented walking drugstore that she was, it could have been any number of issues.

[Bubba]

Kinchaser, yes - you're right about the Sprint Center. It's LITERALLY giving Kansas City a good run for it's money this summer. Sort of glad that Spiritfest and Blues Fest is no longer happening. With all the cool upcoming shows at Sprint, a few at Sandstone, Uptown, a couple at the Beaumont and Crossroads, very few will have the TIME as well money to attend ALL the concerts. Really thought Sprint would (maybe) ruin our fair city. Glad that I was wrong.

[Vickie]

It's amazing to me how people expect to see musicians sound and act the same after 40+ years. YOU dance in those boots for 4+ decades and see if you can still do it in your 60's!!! I've never missed a FWM concert in KC since the 70's and it was an HONOR to be at this show. I was on the 4th row and it was worth every penny spent, every moment in line to be there. Stevie beautiful and moving as always, Lindsey pouring his heart into every lick, John steady and solid as ever, Mick...still amazing, still loving every minute, every beat, every show.
I'll be here waiting and hoping for one more show from these incredible Legends of Rock and Roll.

[Daniels]

I was on the floor and it was great but like people around us could tell that Stevie was not an 100% but still a good show. To the ones that complain try walking in their shoes and then think about what they have gone through. They still have it.

[Aww, poor Fleetwood Mac!]

"To the ones that complain try walking in their shoes and then think about what they have gone through."

........Now what have these pampered, overpaid musicians WAY past their expiration date really had to ever "go through", except ingesting another 8-ball while Rolling Stone interviews them about their tumultuous relationships? For $100 plus dollars a ticket, The Mac should jump through hoops, breathe fire and emit lasers from their orifices. Beyond that, they have life pretty effin' easy, truth be told........

[Sarcastic Sam]

Daniels - shut up, bitch! Boo-hoo for Stevie Nicks if she can't show up for every night for work - giving 100%. I wish I could get away with that on my job. It's simple: really, musicians who cannot 'technically' perform as expected really need to retire. Enough said, already.

[70s & 80s Fan]

I loved the show. I saw them back in "the day" when all were young and beautiful, full of energy and high notes. Stevie Nicks is one of the few female rockstars who has an incredible talent. I admire her for not going down the road of so many other female singing stars and becoming a complete physical object -- selling out to more skin - more money. She has always come out on stage looking beautiful, feminine, spinning her gypsy dances and singing glorious songs full of poetry and verse. Fleetwood Mac was without Christine, but they sure didn't lack for songs and talent on Friday night. I wish I could look that good and have that much energy when I'm their age.