Before the concert starts, the sound of chirping crickets plays over the sound system.
The band enters the stage and starts into "Monday Morning". The sound system is horrible, but my initial disappointment with the sound system quickly fades.
They play just incredible versions of "The Chain" and "Rhiannon".
Fleetwood Mac is the right name for the band. McVie and Fleetwood are the backbone of the band. Mick Fleetwood brings complete joy to his drumming. He's surrounded by a colossal gold-tinted drum kit complete with a very large gong.
Lindsay Buckingham is the greatest rock guitarist I've ever seen and heard live. He's all over the stage and just ripping it. He's nearly 60 years old?
Stevie Nicks does slow twirls with outstretched arms at center stage. I don't know of a single human act that's a more existential statement of "This is who I am, this is what I do, this is my place in the world". I'm moved watching it.
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2 comments:
Nicks gives a long introduction to "Gypsy", which she tells the audience is about the music scene in the Bay Area in the late 60s. She recalls her band at the time opened for Santana, Janis Joplin and Hendrix. Buckingham also shares stories about growing up on the Peninsula. It's obvious that this is a homecoming for them.
Surprise song of the set is the Peter Green-era "Oh Well, Pt. 1" sung by Lindsay.
Three changes of clothing for Stevie during the concert. Lindsay plays the entire time, including two songs solo, while the rest of the band takes a break. He commands the entire arena with his voice and guitar.
The main set lasts about two hours and the band comes out for two encores. Throughout the concert the individual members take bows after songs and solos to acknowledge the crowd's delight.
Final thought: I used to look down on old has-been bands that toured to play their old hits for their aging fans. I used to view this as artistically vapid exercises in nostalgia. I don't think this concert quite fits that genre. But what it may share with the old-fogey rock concerts is the mutual love between the band and their faithful fans. What I've seen at concerts of hot new bands is the audience reacting with youthful exuberance, kind of like a crush. What I witnessed at the Mac concert were fans expressing a deep, lasting love, and an appreciative band giving it right back. It was beautiful.
A more coherent review and slideshow of the concert here: http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2009/05/last_night_fleetwood_mac_at_th.php
A well written review, Rocky. No tour stop in Denver - WTF?
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