Chalk one up for baby boomers. Popular music is the realm of young musicians and relevant artists over the age of 60 are the exception rather than the rule. While he didn't break any new ground during his bracing appearance Sunday at Yardley Hall, Lindsey Buckingham demonstrated that he remains vital.
An arduous rendition of "Not Too Late" served as the emotional core of the concert and as Buckingham's statement of purpose. He repeatedly howled "it's not too late" as he created distressed ripples of sound with his masterfully plucked guitar. As with most of the evening's 13 selections, "Not Too Late" contained personal epiphanies from the astute perspective of a seasoned artist who understands that time is precious.
Partly due to his role in instigating the ambitious scope of Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album Tusk, Buckingham has been saddled with a reputation for musical excess.
The format of Sunday's solo concert, consequently, was particularly satisfying. Buckingham played acoustic and electric guitars and deployed unobtrusive prerecorded backing tracks on a few selections. The plaintive pop of "Trouble" and the gorgeous instrumental "Stephanie" contained the unadorned serenity associated with solo concerts. The full-throated vocals and phenomenal guitar picking on "Bleed to Love Her," however, contained lush bursts of sound.
Buckingham played the role of a repressed bluesman on a gritty version of Fleetwood Mac's "Come" as his tormented guitar solo evoked the work of Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green. The enthusiastic response to his virtuosic solo on "Shut Us Down" led to a bit of uncharacteristic showboating.
A reworking of "Never Going Back Again" exposed the anguish at the core of the seemingly simple composition. "Go Your Own Way," another selection from Fleetwood Mac's 1977 blockbuster album Rumours, was the only song during which Buckingham seemed disengaged.
The lackluster version of "Go Your Own Way" aside, the concert was far from a routine exercise in nostalgic pandering. Buckingham said that he remains inspired to record and tour. He left little doubt that he's fully capable of continuing to create music of consequence, but the resolute spirit Buckingham displayed Sunday made his hasty exit seem entirely inexplicable.
His performance -- less than 75 minutes -- was scandalously short.
Setlist: Cast Away Dreams, Bleed to Love Her, Not Too Late, Stephanie, Come, Shut Us Down, Go Insane, Never Going Back Again, Big Love, I'm So Afraid, Go Your Own Way, Trouble, Seeds We Sow.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Bill, I saw Dylan in Omaha on Saturday night and even that show was 90+. He did 15 tunes counting the encore. Had Mark Knopler open. And Bobs like 8 yrs older!
Frankly, the short set was a rip-off. The man was surely paid handsomely. No real overhead to a production with just a guitar tech and a handful of amps & guitars.
The songs he played were all quite great, don't get me wrong.
His tune 'Shut us Down' was quite nearly worth the price of admission alone, IMO.
But when he laid his guitar down at exactly one hour, the crowd was shocked. I'd love to hear the calls being made to the box office today!
Posted by: corky | November 05, 2012 at 09:16 AM
Great first set by Lindsey! Still waiting on the second set...
Posted by: onthemark | November 05, 2012 at 09:48 AM
I thought it was a great show no matter the length. Great songs, guitar playing and impassioned singing. I didn't walk out of there saying he should have done more.
Posted by: scott | November 05, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Good show, I'm So Afraid is always a show stopper, Venue was stuff, I mean it did not feeel like
Rock N Roll to pretentious for me
But it was Johnson County
Posted by: Gary Dean | November 05, 2012 at 12:45 PM
That set list looks more like a short album than songs played at a concert.
FUK THESE SHORT SETS AND HIGH TICKETS PRICES!! IT IS TIME FOR A REVOLT, or at least a guarantee that the show will last longer than the transportation time.
Posted by: Harold | November 05, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Would be nice if there were guarantees, but as I said in one of the other threads (Madonna?), buyer beware. Seems like most were satisfied with the performance however short in this case, but I've always been a value (not to be mistaken for cheapest) shopper and it would seem to me that the show was a little less than what a $50 "cheap" seat deserves.
The internet is your friend. Setlists and reviews are readily available, if hedging on a high ticket price, check previous shows on a tour and try and make sure you'll receive the value that you desire. No need to be taken completely by surprise anymore unless maybe there are technical issues at work such as with that Snow Patrol show the other night.
Posted by: pellboy | November 05, 2012 at 01:48 PM
This came to my email box at work:
We are Star subscribers and regularly follow your articles. Not sure if you reviewed the concert by Lindsey Buckingham this evening, but here is our take on this event which I just sent to the JCCC Performing Arts Series feedback site:
We had Mid-Orchestra seats for the Lindsey Buckingham concert this evening. We felt the sound was horrible, specifically the mixing of instrumental to vocal. The instrumental terribly overwhelmed the vocals, whether his guitar was acoustic or electric, lyrics were almost impossible to discern, and we were in the 7th row! For this size venue we would have expected a much better mix. We have heard much more discernable concerts outdoors! Also, for the $130 we paid, and after reading reviews of previous concerts for this artist, we expected AT LEAST a 90 minute show. Despite Buckingham's talent, we were extremely disappointed.
Posted by: Tim Finn | November 05, 2012 at 01:54 PM
It appears there are more disappointed fans out there. From where I sat (towards the top of the lower level) the sound was good, I had no problems with his vocals.
I looked online and saw that a recent show in Austin also went 75 minutes, so I guess that is all you get on this tour. That is a shame because Lindsey's talent and wealth of material could have easily made for several hours of performing and still left us wanting more.
Posted by: onthemark | November 05, 2012 at 02:27 PM
THATS IT!!!
OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!!
We need to send a message!!!!
Posted by: Jean | November 05, 2012 at 02:43 PM
I've seen Lindsey twice on this tour and will see him again Thursday night in Nashville. He sings and plays guitar very passionately BY HIMSELF for 75+ minutes. I had tickets in the front row, right at the stage, and got to touch him and shake his hand and haven't paid more than $85 per ticket. A musician of Lindsey's caliber and history could easily sell tickets for $500 for intimate venues like this. Not sure what people are expecting but it's been more than worth my time and money. Lindsey is a legend.
Posted by: Kristen | November 05, 2012 at 03:12 PM
I can see why the folks front and center had a bad mix, because they were right in front of the guitar amps, while the vocal speakers were at the far left and right ends. Would have been a big hole in the middle for the vocals. Sound was fine elsewhere.
My second solo show of his. He is a fantastic musician.
But I am very angry at the short set. Take a damn break if you're tired! Those were expensive tickets, his touring expense is next to nothing, and I felt ripped off.
"I'm never going back again." Last time he gets my money.
Posted by: Rich MacDonald | November 05, 2012 at 03:19 PM
If he enjoys playing, THEN PLAY!!!
If not THEN STOP!!!
I ask again, what the hell else has he got to go do? Go back to his hotel room and watch porn and spank that monkey?
A concert should be a MINIMUM of 90 minutes NOT including encores. If an act, solo or band, can not do that then they should stay at home, freekin wimps.
MOST PEOPLE work 8 hours+ EVERY DAY!! Is it too much to ask for 1/4 of that time from some pansy "playing" for money?
STOP RIPPING PEOPLE OFF!
These are tough times and they are charging top Dollar, they need to do the right thing.
@Kristen trust me if he could charge more for tickets then HE WOULD. He is not doing charity work here, he is charging as much as the market will bear, dont kid yourself.
Posted by: Harold | November 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
When Lindsey said he had one more song, the audience growned and Lindsey jokingly said how quick they turn on you.
I would of like a longer set too, and He DID play a longer set a few years agou with his band at the Uptown Theatre.
He is probably doing this show like this because Nov 13th he releases a solo acoustic tour live album, with this same setlist.
http://nickslive.blogspot.com/2012/11/lindsey-buckingham-talks-fleetwood-mac.html
Posted by: Gary Dean | November 05, 2012 at 04:26 PM
@Harold, I'm not kidding myself. I've been to two shows and I'm gladly paying more for a third one (plus travel/hotel expenses in Nashville) I didn't mean to speak for everyone but, personally, I would pay more to see him and be happy with the 75 minutes. Just my personal opinion.
Lindsey show in NY: http://www.kristensrandommutterings.blogspot.com/2012/06/intimate-evening-with-lindsey.html
Posted by: Kristen | November 05, 2012 at 06:11 PM
I am SO glad that I didn't even consider going to LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM. Because a few years back, I saw a PBS concert featuring him and I was somewhat impressed. If you're in doubt of what (songs) a band / artist of an upcoming concert will play, check their recent set list on the Setlists FM site. It's usually pretty reliable. With the exception of bands like PRIMUS - because I believe they change their set list around each night.
Posted by: Bubba Brown | November 05, 2012 at 07:31 PM
Well, I am sure after Lindsay reads Kristen's comments here his next step will be charging $175.00 for a 50 minutes show, and see if she still happily pays for it... and if so, he will charge $225.00 for a 35 minute show... and if she is still happy... then it will be a 22 minute show for $275.00... and so on and so forth.... adn soone nough every show will be like the Stones shows $800.00 for back of the hall balcony. dang man.
Personally I am tired(worn out) of these millionaires and their crappy attitudes (playing shorter show while charging more) but as long a there are people willing to pay more for less, why should they play longer?
Have fun at you shows, Kristen, I am honestly happy for you that you are satisfied.... I no longer am.
I guess it may be time for me to hang up my spurs, quit posting on concert web sites and lay down and die... this is just no fun anymore. oh well :(
Posted by: Harold | November 05, 2012 at 08:11 PM
"I guess it may be time for me to hang up my spurs, quit posting on concert web sites and lay down and die... this is just no fun anymore. oh well :("
Oh come on now DT, there are still plenty of 3 to 4 hour shows out there. Unfortunately, they are coming mostly from bands that you despise.
Posted by: NEW | November 06, 2012 at 09:36 AM
The performance was pathetic. His sound man ruined the performance. Couldn't hear the vocals as the acoustic sounds were over amplified way beyond the point of distortion. The only good thing about the ordeal was that it lasted only a little more than an hour.
Posted by: Authorized User | November 06, 2012 at 09:42 AM
It's totally ridiculous that of all the reviews you print there is nothing about the incredible JOE BONAMASSA show Friday night. Inexcusable.
Posted by: kmoon | November 06, 2012 at 02:51 PM
""Oh come on now DT, there are still plenty of 3 to 4 hour shows out there. Unfortunately, they are coming mostly from bands that you despise.
""
==========================
My only fear is that when I die, and I go to the Hell, it will be to the Crossroads KC for an eternal mellow fest. That place is a dump and God knows I hate it....
Hell, even God hates Crossroads KC. Everyone hates Crossroads KC, it is a dump. Come on man!!!
Porta potties for bathrooms? (in the middle of the city, really?), no HV/AC?, no roof?, no walls?... it is like going to concert in New Jersey.
Posted by: DT | November 06, 2012 at 03:10 PM
If you look on his site and go to events, you find that he has been doing a show virtually every night for some time, and it continues on. He looked tired when he came on stage, and he continued to shake his hand all night. The man is not young any more and age is taking its toll. People who want long concerts should go see some of the crap that is out there. Virtually none of the older acts are or can do the long sets any longer. For one person to play the way that he played for 75 minutes is incredible. He is truly the master of the guitar, and it was a wonderful show. I would much rather have a short show of high quality, than a longer one that lacked the quality of his show in KC. Ticket price??? The cost of his show here was very reasonable and not at all high by todays standards, in fact it was a bargain compared to many shows. Just be happy you got to see and enjoy greatness. Few can match his abilities with the guitar.
Posted by: D.Burg | November 06, 2012 at 03:22 PM
I wasn't talking about shows at Grinders DT, I was talking about Panic, SCI, Phish, Moe, Umphree's and all those other jam bands you love so much (out of all those names, I think only Umphrees and Moe has played Grinders). Say what you want about those guys but you will never see them on stage for less than 3 hours on any given night.
Posted by: NEW | November 06, 2012 at 03:30 PM
"Virtually none of the older acts are or can do the long sets any longer."
Posted by: D.Burg
Is 63 really that old? Bruce Springsteen is 63, Steven Tyler is 64, Mick Jagger is 69, and Paul McCartney is 70. Maybe those performers don't play any longer than 80 minutes either, but they're smart enough to know to have an opening act so that people will feel like they got their moneys worth.
Posted by: LiveMusicFan | November 06, 2012 at 03:32 PM
Springsteen still plays a 3-hour show and McCartney did about a 2 1/2 hour show here at the Sprint Center a couple of years ago. Unless it's a triple bill, a headliner should at least give you a 90-minute show. JD McPherson put on a 90 minute show at Knuckleheads a month ago and he only has one album out. Sure, I'm happy to see any performer that I love, even if it's for an hour, but if you're gonna charge people a pretty penny for a show, then give them a show, even if it means slapping another act onto the bill. I was kind of disappointed with my beloved Fleshtones, who played about an hour and 10 minutes at Knuckleheads last year with no opening act. They were incredible, but I have never walked out of Knuckleheads before 9:15 before. Just my opinion, but if people are going to take time out of their lives to come out and see you play, and to pay good money to do so, show them a modicum of respect, musicians of the world!
Posted by: Geordan | November 06, 2012 at 03:57 PM
McCartney is playing 35-40 songs per night plays for hours every show.
Anyone supporting Douchey Buckingham and his short sets and high prices is just begging him to charge even more and play even shorter.
MOST people work for 8 hours every day or night, Buckingham aint special. Fk him and his prima donna attitude.
If he is playing every night it is so he can rack up enough money and then go away, forever, the the sooner the better, fk him and his frizzy hair.
Posted by: Mark | November 06, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Well!!!
I was in a pissy mood when I posted my opinions at the top of this thread.
But yes, any artist OUGHTA do at least a 90 minute set IMO. Times are tough, these dollars are hard to earn.
Like I said, it'd be right interesting to hear what the calls to JoCo were like Monday.
Geordan, I too was at that Fleshtones show. Over the top energy from fellers that I'd bet were all near 60 anyways, and they were doing pushups & jumping jacks during the show if I remember right!
Killer show. AND it sure didn't cost me any $50 a ticket...
Looking forward to seeing Bruce next week. I was enroute to his last show here when I learned it was cancelled.
Bet he gives us a long show this time.
Posted by: Corky | November 06, 2012 at 05:35 PM
I saw CSN this summer and they performed two 60 minute sets; great show. Stephen Stills voice was a little gravely, but they gave it their all.
Same with the Moody Blues last summer; over 2 hours of wonderful music. Graem Edge just turned 70 and he danced a jig.
Then I saw ZZ Top 2 weeks ago and they played for about 80 minutes, including encores.
But you are right; the info is out there on the internet. After I bought the ZZ tickets I started reading about the short set complaints.
Live and learn. Going to see Stevie Winwood in a couple of weeks and from what I've read that should be a great show.
Caveat emptor (buyer beware).
Posted by: Kevin | November 06, 2012 at 10:12 PM
I believed it was an excellent display no issue the duration. Excellent music, enjoying instrument and impassioned performing. I didn't stroll out of there saying he should have done more.
Posted by: MBA Degree | November 07, 2012 at 03:04 AM
Yeah, the Fleshtones show was a little shorter than I would have liked, but only because they left off some songs (dammit, no Hexbreaker!!!) I wanted to hear. Difference being it was an unbelievably high-energy show for such an aged groups of guys and as Corky stated, I think it only cost something like $12 as compared to the $50 and up for Mr.Buckingham.
Posted by: pellboy | November 07, 2012 at 07:45 AM