Monday, March 16, 2015

Review: Fleetwood Mac Live in Charlottesville, VA March 15, 2015

VIEW GALLERY AT THE DAILY PROGRESS
BY HAYS DAVIS
Richmond Times Dispatch

In pop music, lightning occasionally strikes twice. In the case of Fleetwood Mac, their smash 1977 album “Rumours” was closer to lightning striking an earthquake’s epicenter, still ranking as one of the top-selling albums in history. Along with other hit albums and a string of enduring singles, word of a Fleetwood Mac tour to those so warmly connected to the band’s music will always be big news.

With the five “Rumours”-era members reuniting, their current “On With the Show” tour is Fleetwood Mac’s biggest news in years. Had the Eagles not previously claimed “Hell Freezes Over” as a tour name, it might have seemed somewhat appropriate here.

A sold-out John Paul Jones Arena erupted with the opening notes of “The Chain,” and suddenly there was the band’s most famous lineup: Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Stevie Nicks. With Nicks at his right before a scarf-draped mic stand, Buckingham tore through a fiery guitar solo in one of the group’s hardest-rocking songs.

For those who had seen other touring versions of the band, it must have been a particular buzz for longtime fans to see Christine back at the keyboards. While making a point of welcoming her back, Nicks made reference to Christine’s maiden name, after which the singer/keyboard player joked, “I used to be Perfect before I married John.”

It was a set filled with highlights. A lively “Second Hand News” was followed by a bewitching turn from Nicks on “Rhiannon.” Christine stepped out from behind her keyboard to strap on an accordion and join Buckingham for a crowd-pleasing stomp through “Tusk.” It was still poignant to hear Nicks sing “Well, I’ve been afraid of changes ‘cause I’ve built my life around you” during “Landslide,” especially performing alone with ex-husband Buckingham onstage, and the crowd sang along. Buckingham then slowed “Never Going Back Again” to half its original tempo, underscoring its lyrical impact.

Bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood, one of rock’s most solid rhythm sections, were content to lay a foundation in the background, though Fleetwood did have his time in the spotlight when he settled onto a mobile drum kit pushed to the front of the stage.

It seemed evident that Christine’s return had the band’s members as excited as their audience. “I think you can say that we’re a group that’s seen its fair share of ups and downs – well documented,” said Buckingham. “With the return of Christine, I think it’s safe to say we begin a beautiful, prolific new chapter of Fleetwood Mac!”


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stevie and Lindsey were never married!

Anonymous said...

really if you are going to write a review about the band, get your facts straight ! Lindsey and Stevie were never married to each other and pretty much had split as a couple when" Rumors " was released

Anonymous said...

Was Songbird performed at this show?

Anonymous said...

This was an unintended slip that was corrected earlier. Sorry, folks!

Anonymous said...

I hate reading posts about writers who don't even know what their talking about. claiming to know the band.

Anonymous said...

everybody chill out!!! Why dont yall talk about that fantastically amazing band instead of someone making a dumb mistake!!! Im from New Orleans and have driven to Houston twice in the past three months to see F. M. at The Toyota Center. And im driving to Little Rock to see them in April !! I love them and this is the last yr they will tour together. The Mac rocks big time!!! does anyone know why they didnt play in New Orleans/??? i didnt understand that.... after Katrina Stevie Nicks made a beautiful video in New Orleans.and one yr they played at the jazz fest? /new Orleans would have loved to have had them play here !!!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely fantastic performance in Charlottesville! They were phenomenal..........it was my first time ever seeing Fleetwood and boy was I thrilled. All five together again....what a show! I'm still reeling from the excitement! They were "off the hook"...

Unknown said...

Did Chris perform songbird

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