Big Mac attack @ X
Posted on March 4th, 2009 – 1:26 AMBy Jon Bream
As always, Fleetwood and Mac were a terrific rhythm section. The Lindsey Buckingham Show was wonderful, too. But the Stevie Nicks Show was so-so.
First, she looked pretty good despite what you might see in photographs when she was wearing this cranberry-colored, layered get-up (over another outfit, making her look as padded as a Wild goalie). After she removed the red dress (backstage) to reveal a gauzy black outfit, she evoked the Stevie of old, complete with top hat at one point, black leather gloves and a series of different colored shawls. She didn’t do any Stevie dervish dancing, which I can live without.
But, on the second night of Fleetwood Mac’s first tour in five years, her voice was another story. Her husky, nasally voice sounded deeper than usual, and it took her way too long to get her voice warmed up so she could find her upper range. (Does she go the same ENT as Bob Dylan?) She mesmerized on “Storms,” the deeply emotional track from “Tusk” that has seldom been performed live, and sounded strong on the closing “Silver Springs.”
As for Buckingham, what a monster talent. He was aggressive, expressive and punkishly energetic — both as a guitarist and singer.
By the by, that was the Twin Cities’ own Jana Anderson on backup vocals (the blonde standing next to Stevie’s sister in law, Lori Nicks).
Here is Fleetwood Mac’s set list:
1. Monday Morning 2. The Chain 3. Dreams 4. I Know I’m Not Wrong 5. Gypsy 6. Go Insane 7. Rhiannon 8. Second Hand News 9. Tusk 10. Sara 11. Big Love 12. Landslide 13. Never Going Back Again 14. Storms 15. Say That You Love Me 16. Gold Dust Woman 17. Oh Well 18. I’m So Afraid 19. Stand Back 20. Go Your Own Way ENCORE 21. World Turning 22. Don’t Stop 23. Silver Springs
What did you think of the show?
18 Responses to "Big Mac attack @ X"
Lindsey Buckingham can BRING IT!!! I was taken back what a talent that man possesses!!!! I really enjoyed the show but would agree, I thought the first 4-5 songs the band was working out some kinks (technically). The sound was a bit fuzzled. Nevertheless, anytime you have haev the ability to see a hall a fame band with this much history (and drama to go with it) I, for one will seize the opportunity. I wouldn’t call it a GREAT show but a really, really good show worth the $$$. Oh yeah, did I say Lindsey B. ROCKS!!!
Lindsey Buckingham was incredible last night. His energy is amazing. Stevie Nicks seemed bored or possibly ill, I wasn’t impressed with her performance. It was a great concert (mainly because of Lindsey) and a lot of fun!
Lindsey rocked it no doubt!! I thought his guitar would explode on Big Love, what a talent that shows us what real rock and roll and passion truly is. Stevie seemed a little off I agree, but I was just thrilled to see an icon live and she did pick it up once she got warmed up…I say go Stevie, I hope I’ve half of what’s going on at her age.
Thrilled they made St. Paul a stop!
Fleetwood Mac rocked! What an awesome show with two encores. Could only have been better if Christine McVey were there too. Loved hearing their “greatest hits”. Stevie sounded amazing, Lindsey ROCKED with endless energy, Mick Fleetwood was AMAZING on the drums (what an entertainer) and John McVey was solid!
As for the review of the concert…Jon Bream needs to focus more on the music and the performers NOT what Stevie Nicks wore!
It’s Mc Vie
Fleetwood Mac really put on a good show, I never got a chance to see them in concert before, but they have always been one of my all time favorites! The rock and roll was great, the guitar playing was fantastic. It was worth the money!! Mick Fleetwood was crazy on the drums and World Turning was great. I loved it all.
Stevie “so so”? I beg to differ. I was 3rd row center, right in front of her mike stand and i thoght she sounded just as awesome as the four times I have seen her in the last two years on solo tours. She did look like she did not feel well,but being the professional she is the show must go on. I am wondering if this Bream guy was even at the show or if he was how much he had to drink.
I thought the concert was wonderful. My three sons, ages 19,20 & 21 got me tickets for Christmas and attended with me. They loved it as well. I first saw Fleetwood Mac in May of 1973 at the Duluth Arena as a college freshman where they were the middle act in a show opened by Rory Gallagher and headlined by Deep Purple, for the princely sum of $5.50. They impressed me then and have never disappointed. I agree they seemed more relaxed, perhaps, as mentioned, due to the lack of pressure of performing new material. While I will always appreciate new songs, I went specifically to hear old, nostalgic, beloved rock and roll by one of my favorite groups of all times. They still got it! Thanks, FM
Not a huge Fleetwood fan like most at the concert. I am 62 around the same age as many of the attendees. Only have their Greatest Hits CD. Generally like their music. Some of the songs sound like others but I think a lot of bands are like that. I was very impressed with the energy especially from Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. Basically, I loved the concert and am now a bigger fan. Thanks to my son and his wife for getting the tickets for my wife and I for Christmas.
I wish they could have been there with us.
This concert was amazing. When Stevie came on stage in her red or cranberry colored dress everyone in our area was stunned and loved it. They are rock stars in every sense of the word and I feel honored to have been able to see them live. Personally I really enjoyed them singing “Say you Love Me”. Every song was my favorite at the moment. Ending with “Silver Springs” was a great surprise and showed they are really in touch with their fans. Their passion and energy are intoxicating.
Two good voices great together
Stevie sounded good alone, and Lindsey sounded good alone. When they sang together that special vocal sound of Rumours came through great. The visual treat is using the binoculars on Mick Fleetwood totally enjoying drumming.
Very good, but not great concert. The absence of Christine McVie was very obvious, especially on Say That You Love Me. Musically they were solid all around except for Go Your Own Way…can’t put my finger on it, but there was something big missing from the band. Again, maybe Christine’s keyboard! Glad I didn’t pass up the chance to see these legends perform. I agree with all the comments on Lindsey…what a show he was in and of himself. I even liked the rythmic rendition of Go Insane although I was hoping for the unplugged accoustic version. TUSK!
Lindsey Buckingham was amazing, what a guitar clinic!
I was never a big fan, never owned an album. I read the band was touring without the release of a new album—very intriguing.
I visited youtube and was suprised at how much music I was familiar with.
I was in awe at how much energy was on that stage, and the passion to go with it. After all, they been singing those songs for over 40 years!!
I have been to many venues, and this one is one of the better ones. I have not seen someone rip up a guitar the way Lindsey did—that was intense. Mr. Fleetwood himself poured his heart and soul into it.
As for Stevie—perhaps she was sober and we are just used to her being wasted?? I thought they were all amazing. I loved every minute of this concert to hear old familiar tunes. Great way to tour!!
Dorothy
Stevie has been sober for many - many years. Your comment was uncalled for.
I’m not sure how you can make that comment, you said yourself you’re not a big fan - was this your first show?!? It must have been.
I agree with MD to Dorothy - totally unnecessary and disrespectful comment about Stevie.
For the first 45 minutes of the show, my GF kept hitting me on the shoulder and saying “I just can’t stand it” (she was in awe)and she cried through many of the songs that we witnessed from 6th row centre. Lindsey’s guitar just sang and “I’m so afraid” gave me goose bumps.
It was an outstanding, awesome performance and well worth the price. I’d see them again in a heartbeat.
First Fleetwood Mac concert, first time at the Excel Centre and first time I have grinned from ear to ear through an entire set! Simply amazing talent up on that stage and many years of emotion and drama packed into one performance. What other group can hold the attention of a 15 year old girl to a 60 year old man…with all of us in between knowing the words to nearly every tune??
i give it two thumbs up…and maybe the flick of a bic! 
We’re going to show this weekend in Connecticut. How did they handle the lead singing on the Chistine Mcvie songs?
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