Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Review: Fleetwood Mac North Little Rock, AR - April 19, 2015

Fleetwood Mac fans flames of past in NLR
By JACK W. HILL
Arkansas Online


Sunday night proved better late than never for Fleetwood Mac fans, who had been waiting since March 11 to see the legendary band of men and women who have somehow managed to keep their long-running band afloat, despite what the group's guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham, described as their "well-documented ups and downs."

Before the 12,844 fans who came close to packing Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Fleetwood Mac showed over the course of a 2 1/2-hour show that its members can still rock with the best of anyone, past or present. Postponed on March 11, due to an undisclosed illness of an unidentified member, the "On With the Show Tour" -- arrived in Little Rock, finally, for the 81st and final show in the United States before a break followed by the European leg of the tour.

Though the band had played at Verizon in June 2013 and 15 of the 22 songs they performed Sunday night were also performed at that 2013 show, there was one major difference between the two shows: singer/keyboardist Christine McVie ended her 18 years of retirement and rejoined the band, giving them the lineup that had been responsible for hit after hit.

McVie soared on "You Make Loving Fun," "Say You Love Me," "Little Lies" and especially, "Over My Head" and even played accordion on "Tusk." Stevie Nicks, seeming to be in better condition or spirits than two years ago, served up fine versions of "Rhiannon," "Sisters of the Moon," "Landslide," "Gold Dust Woman," "Gypsy," "Go Your Own Way" and "Never Going Back Again."

McVie, Buckingham and Nicks, who were all wearing black outfits, provided vocals, and drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, though more colorfully attired, provided a firm foundation for the singers.

Buckingham's guitar skills were again on display as he prowled the stage like a feral cat. Indeed, Buckingham, who has a fine voice, could have almost been the show all by himself. Whether he was playing acoustic or electric guitar, Buckingham delivered perhaps the finest display of guitar prowess ever on display in Verizon Arena, and threw in some body language that could have originated in the worlds of athletics or dance.

Fleetwood showed off his drumming skills throughout the show, especially on "World Turning," the first of three encore songs that also included "Don't Stop" and "Silver Springs." The concert was further enhanced by some of the best light show and camera work ever seen in a rock concert this side of Pink Floyd.

Savoring the moment, after the last note, Fleetwood promised that "The Mac is back," perhaps hinting that more new music would someday emerge from the talented songwriting triumvirate of Buckingham, Nicks and Christine McVie.

Monday, April 20, 2015

77 Photos: Fleetwood Mac Conclude North American Tour in Little Rock, AR - April 19, 2015

Fleetwood Mac Live in North Little Rock, AR
April 19, 2015

77 Photos by: Nelson Chenault
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Review: Fleetwood Mac Oklahoma City - April 17, 2015

With Christine McVie's return, Fleetwood Mac electrifies Oklahoma City's Chesapeake Energy Arena
by Brandy McDonnell
Newsok.com

Crowd: Sellout, about 13,000 strong and adoring.

Early highlight: Even if it isn’t your favorite Fleetwood Mac song (the eerily extended version of “Gold Dust Woman” and crazily energetic version of “Secondhand News” were more my speed), there’s just something about a big fan sing-along on “Go Your Own Way” that makes it the instant, undeniable highlight of any Fleetwood Mac show.

Reviewer’s take: “Our ‘Songbird’ has returned,” drummer and bandleader Mick Fleetwood declared, and he was right in declaring that Christine McVie completed the lineup. Not only did she round out the trademark three-part harmonies with her smoky voice, she also brought a rightness and energy that galvanized the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

"The Chain" is at last mended, and unbroken, it's as strong as ever.

Fleetwood Mac made its delayed yet triumphant return to Oklahoma City Friday night with its full, five-star iconic lineup, including singer/keyboardist Christine McVie, whose significance in the band becomes even more apparent once you witness live the way she both energizes and eases her cohorts.

Monday, April 13, 2015

Review: Fleetwood Mac Live in Las Vegas - April 11, 2015

A REUNITED FLEETWOOD MAC PROVES ITS CONTINUED VITALITY AT MGM
by Josh Bell
Las Vegas Weekly

Fleetwood Mac April 11, MGM Grand Garden Arena



A few songs into Fleetwood Mac’s concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, singer Stevie Nicks noted that it was the 78th show on the band’s current tour with returned singer/keyboardist Christine McVie. Having McVie back after a 16-year hiatus seems to have reinvigorated the group, and they played with the enthusiasm of the first show on the tour, along with the confidence of experienced veterans.

Full Review at Las Vegas Weekly
GOLD DUST WOMAN

Review: Fleetwood Mac Live in Los Angeles - April 10, 2015

Fleetwood Mac adds another chapter to their storybook with a career-spanning show at the Forum
by KELSEY HENG
Buzzbandsla.com
Photos by Kelsey Heng


Following up last November’s stop in Los Angeles, iconic rockers Fleetwood Mac returned to continue their “On With The Show” tour. On Friday night, the Forum celebrated the idolized lineup that created “Rumours,” one of the era’s greatest albums and cemented the band’s place in history. 

With a 16-year retirement now behind her, Christine McVie has returned to the band for a reunion worth witnessing. Her sweeping alto harmonies and beloved love songs were a glaring missing piece for so many recent years. Now with her return, Lindsey Buckingham cheerfully declared this night a “circular karmic moment and new chapter in the story of this family.” - See more at: 

And it’s a family with plenty of story — one that has been anything but hidden to the public eye. Buckingham paused the show to emphasize that fact, saying, “We are a group of individuals and a band that has seen its ups and downs, but that is what makes us who we are. And we have been able to prevail through the good and the bad.”

Full Review with Photos at Buzzbandsla.com

Thursday, April 09, 2015

CHRISTINE McVie’s return to Fleetwood Mac has made many people extremely happy

Christine McVie rejoins Fleetwood Mac for On With The Show tour
CAMERON ADAMS NATIONAL MUSIC WRITER

HERALD SUN

CHRISTINE McVie’s return to Fleetwood Mac has made many people extremely happy — none more so than the other members of Fleetwood Mac.

At one point during her 16-year sabbatical from Fleetwood Mac bandmate Stevie Nicks straight up offered McVie $5 million right there and then if she’d rejoin the band.

“I said ‘Is that all!,” McVie laughs. “I’m only worth $5 million?!”

It’s worth noting that 40 US dates of their On With the Show tour since McVie officially rejoined in January 2014 generated over US$74 million, and they’ll at least triple that when they spend most of this year touring before winding up in Australia and New Zealand in November.

Once she was back in Mac, Nicks gave her friend a silver chain, a metaphorical gift that McVie says echoes the sentiment of the band’s classic The Chain because “the chain of the band will never be broken” then she adds “not by me anyways. Not again by me”.


Monday, April 06, 2015

3rd Fleetwood Mac Shows added for Sydney and Melbourne PLUS Adelaide finally secures a show!



Fleetwood Mac add 3rd dates in Australia in Sydney and Melbourne plus finally added a date in Adelaide. 

American Express Cardholders have first crack at tickets beginning April 9th. The Live Nation pre-sale begins April 13th and the general on sale date is set for April 15th. 

October 25th - Sydney, AU - Allphones Arena (3rd show)
October 28th - Adelaide, AU - Coopers Stadium
November 6th - Melbourne, AU - Rod Laver Arena (3rd show)

Tickets on sale via Live Nation

Review: Lindsey Buckingham was the undisputed star of the evening

Fleetwood Mac deliver 'Second Hand News' in Vancouver
By Robert Collins
CTVNews.com

Attending fans’ opinion of last night’s Fleetwood Mac concert at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena
depended entirely on whether or not they were present at the same venue four and a half months ago, the last time the band graced the city.

VIEW GALLERY
For those for who last night was their first taste of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘On With The Show’ tour, their senses are still tingling from the experience today. The Kings and Queens of Soft Rock still reigned, cranking out two and a quarter hours of gems with energy and style.

The long absent Christine McVie, now firmly re-entrenched in the line up, gave the band the vocal ammunition to roll out classics like “You Make Loving Fun,” “Little Lies” and “Say You Love Me.” After a touch of trouble on certain high notes early on, she soon slotted into her musical groove, finishing the night strong with a honky tonk piano solo adding an extra sheen of fun to “Don’t Stop.”

In terms of vocals, Stevie Nicks was in richer form than on her previous visit to Vancouver, wisely navigating her way around the high notes during “Rhiannon,” “Landslide” and her opus, the lyrically merciless “Gold Dust Woman.”

Stealing the show throughout, Lindsey Buckingham was the undisputed star of the evening, his guitars taking centre stage through opener “The Chain,” the perfect power pop of “Second Hand News” and “I Know I’m Not Wrong,” and hosting finger picking acoustic wizardry on “Big Love” and “Never Going Back.”

Those who were lucky enough to be at Rogers Arena back in November probably have a different view of last night.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

Review - Fleetwood Mac Live in Vancouver - April 4, 2015

Fleetwood Mac brings crazy-ass fingerpicking and monster drums to Vancouver
by Steve Newton
The Georgia Straight


Fleetwood Mac must really love Vancouver. The Anglo-American pop greats played Rogers Arena less than five months ago, on November 18, before returning for last night's gig at the same venue.

Apparently the feeling is mutual, because hordes of Vancouverites were willing to drop $199 (plus service charges and fees) for the best seats at the quintet's latest appearance. Who knew that Christine McVie had that much drawing power?

Last year saw the return of keyboardist-vocalist McVie to the concert stage, reuniting her with singer Stevie Nicks, guitarist-vocalist Lindsey Buckingham, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and bassist/ex-hubby John McVie. That's the same lineup that ruled the charts and airwaves in the seventies during its Rumours-era heyday.

Tomorrow is here: Mac are back

Here comes another, yes, another Fleetwood Mac reunion gig.

DON’T STOP thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop – it’ll soon be here. That’s right:

Sunday Star Times - New Zealand Apr 5, 2015
The future is hurtling towards us at high speed, and for those with the inclination and the cash, that future may well include a Fleetwood Mac concert.

All five members from the band’s golden period have regrouped and are about to descend upon our shining shores, with singer/keyboardist Christine McVie back in the fold after a 16-year absence. Their world tour hits Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on November 18 and Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on November 21.

Dreams. The Chain. Go Your Own Way. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumours got a thrashing when I was in my teens. Recorded during a time of wholesale disharmony and clandestine rooting within the band’s ranks, its mix of burnished Californian melodies and emotionally overwrought lyrics somehow made perfect sense to me as I rode the rapids of puberty.

Back then, Stevie Nicks, a vision in chiffon and lace, was a regular visitor to the very rudest of my dreams, swirling around so vigorously that her crooked gypsy hemline encountered unprecedented wind resistance, causing her dress to disintegrate before my thankful eyes. But when I got her on the phone in 2009, I was the very soul of professionalism, and so was she. ‘‘ Rumours came out of a very dark period,’’ she told me from her home in Santa Monica.