Rated "5" by Leslie

I am 18 and I have only been to a few concerts in my life and the Fleetwood Mac one was hands down the best ever! I went without expectations and it turned out to be better than anything I could have ever imagined. When they came out and began to play the first song I could help the tears rolling down my face. My mom has been listening to their music since before I was born...so it was only natural that I would be a fan too. It was just amazing and they rock my world.

Rated "4" by Shea Carver aka "Shea"

En route to D.C. with my forever-willing-to-go-to-any-show, concert buddy, Chad Keith, we were discussing exactly what to expect from a Fleetwood Mac (FM) production in 2003. After all, it was going to be somewhat different from the early soap opera days of the band, wherein all five members, in the midst of their love-triangle, were on stage.

Twenty-something years later, it’s a much different tune. Not because there isn’t an electrifying connection between them still, but because Christine McVie’s absence from the reunion tour does fizzle the spark slightly. As we were listening to “You Make Loving Fun,” on the drive up, Chad asked, hopefully, after I speculated that we wouldn’t hear any of McVie’s songs,  “Well, how do you know we won’t? They’re Fleetwood Mac; they can play anything they choose.”
While there was some legitimacy to the statement, and while it did raise my hopes a smidgen, I also knew that it just wouldn’t be right. It would be like hearing McVie sing “Gypsy” – interesting, but not quite “Nicks-ing” the ear canal. Still, the overall picture had to be kept at the forefront: We were going to see Fleetwood Mac...minus one. And, in all truthfulness, it is this ‘70s rhythm rock group who appeals to all walks of life because of their universal and timeless sound. They have broken all molds of standard bands, wherein there really isn’t a “frontman/woman.” There were, instead, five original members who all stepped up to the mic for an equal amount of fame-time. This type of group simply does not exist in today’s rock band formula. And, never again can they be replicated, which is why the excitement rose as we approached the MCI Center.

As suspected, ladies were donning the ever-popular lace shawls and whimsical black skirts that has made Stevie Nicks just as much of a fashion icon as a musical one. And, when she, along with her three other bandmates, set foot on stage (only a few minutes late) to open with “The Chain,” it was a moment of unsurpassed pleasure of any concert-going experience I have encountered in my lifetime.

John McVie (ex-hubby to Christine) ever-so-eloquently played all of the band’s popular bass lines to mere faultlessness, while the wide-eyed Mick Fleetwood mastered the percussionary beats better than any grandfather on the planet. Yet, it was the dynamic between Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks that was most intriguing.

As Buckingham ripped through the fanciful rifts of “Dreams,”  often he shared a look with the Welch Witch that made the song that much more powerful, as she sang, “...In the stillness of remembering what you had/And what you lost...” Sheer coincidence doesn’t produce moments like these. And, as Fleetwood shattered the cymbals at all the right moments, so did the realization of a Nicks/Buckingham marriage. Like a Shakespearian love affair, some things just end tragically, and the wounds that have been open for years are finally healing with this tour – you could feel it emitting from the stage.

Having released a new album Say You Will, songs like “Beautiful Child,” “Destiny Rules” and the popular radio-aired “Peacekeeper,” made the set list, along with “What’s the World Coming To” and “Running Through the Garden.” True to FM fashion, these songs have the structure to become legendary tunes, like that of “Gold Dust Woman” and “Rhiannon” –also proving impressionable on me and, from what I could tell, on the rest of the audience that evening.
However, Buckingham’s single stints, including his massive guitar solos in “Big Love” and “Never Going Back Again,” were groundbreaking by all measures. The only other comparable minutes of the evening would resonate with the eccentric vocals unveiled in “Gypsy” and “Silver Springs.” Nicks’ sultry and rusted voice sounded simply impeccable – as if thirty years passed and entirely skipped over her amidst the rest of the population. In fact, the band in it’s entirety sounded fresh and unphased by the lapse of time.

In the same sentiments, when the acoustic rendition of “Landslide” began, and only she and Buckingham were on stage, the rest of the world didn’t exist. Music fell from the rafters, and in complete unrivaled unison, everyone at the arena was a member of the famously enriching band that has made memories for us all...in every lifetime near or far.

By the end of the evening, the Macs threw all of their energy into the encore “Don’t Stop,” and all the cliché-ness of this song being the “finale” somewhat dissipated. I suppose there really isn’t a better place to see the live rendition of Clinton’s campaign song, circa 1992, than in the capital. But, it would’ve been just a wee-bit better if the concert could’ve ended with the psychedelic, roots-rock “Tusk,” which they played earlier in the night to tribal heights. But, like Clinton, I  guess Fleetwood Mac felt this song allowed them to go out with a bang; this time around, I would agree.

Rated "4" by Jeff Friedson

Saw them 1979 - - 1982 - - 1997 - (twice) - - 2003
Lindsey amazing all the way through. Beautiful Child got Stevie going....Very very upset with the encore....If you're going to do Christine's songs - - MENTION HER - - Then it's a tribute, not an insult....Stevie should NOT be doing "World Turning" Lindsey is the best live performer I have ever seen - - 1978 to the present.....

 by Suzyn

All fears anyone has had about the tour not being up to par can be forgotten. The Mac IS BACK and sounding better than ever. EVERYONE was in top form and Lindsey is a Guitar God! We took our 8 year old son with us who danced to quite a few songs and managed to hold up until the end (sorry I missed you Brooke!!)

Stevie looked WONDERFUL and her voice sounded (to me) better than on the TISL tour. Mick is incredible as usual and the drum vest part actually didn't come off cheesy or anything. Everyone was in awe. John still shy as ever I think got one of the loudest rounds of applause and cheers when Mick inroduced the band and back-up band & singers. Christine's presence was missed however if only to make it feel like old times.

I was sort of surprised they didn't play "Running Thru The Garden" and they didn't replace it with anything else either but all the songs were in tune, on key and wonderful. "Beautiful Child" sounded just as it did on Tusk and gave me chills.

Anyone contemplating on going to a show, don't think, DO IT! I was well worth the $400+ I spent on 3 tickets and my son Aidan now has a Fleetwood Mac t-shirt to remember his first concert! THANK YOU MICK, JOHN, LINDSEY AND STEVIE!!

 by Charley Barrett

Fantastic concert -

My wife, a huge Mac fan, said it was the best concert she's ever attended, and she can make the average music critic pale. My 22 year old daughter was introduced to the band for the first time, other than just hearing the newer songs on the radio, and loved them. Stevie Nicks has never sounded better - Lindsey sounds just as good as he did in the 70's. As for Mick, does this guy ever get tired? An amazing concert.

 by Jeff

My wife and I won tickets to see Fleetwood Mac. As I left the concert, I thought to myself 'Damn, I'm glad I didn't PAY for those tickets.' In terms of a "reunion" tour, this was the worst one I've attended. Perhaps it's because I am not the biggest Mac fan in the world, and I have no interest in the new album. The flow of the concert was awful. Way too many new songs, way too many ballads. Our section looked half asleep most of the time and it wasn't until the latter part of the show that we felt energized. It felt as if they were going to play the music that they wanted to play without regard for the fans, some of whom had to sacrificed quite a bit to attend.

Stevie's voice is showing it's age as she didn't attempt to hit the high notes in "Rhiannon" or "Dreams." She resembled a geriatric having an epileptic fit when she danced around. Lindsay Buckingham, however, sounded terrific. His voice seemed as strong as ever and seeing him live only cemented my belief that he is a very underated guitarist and musician. Mick is as nuts as ever and will be forever a showman. His drumming was tight and intense.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for me was the omission of "Oh Well." This is by far one of the finest live tracks ever captured on tape. It would have complimented "World Turning" or been a great lead into "Don't Stop."

For the casual fan, I recommend saving your money. I'll compare this tour to the Eagles current tour. The Eagles are putting new album out as well. For their tour, they will play only one single from the album. This gives the fans what they want to see and hear, three hours of the classics.

Rated "5" by Brooke Garber

Last night was INCREDIBLE! I had the best seat in the MCI Center, I was front row center, right smack in front of Lindsey!!!!! I made eye contact with him, Stevie, and Mick. They let cameras in and I used my entire disposable.

The pictures should come really well. I did not need the earplugs I brought and they played amazing. They came on a bit late, like 8:20, 8:25 or so, but they did two encores (as expected). I think the setlist stayed the same as the Columbus show for the most part. Lindsey and Stevie came out holding hands each time they came back from backstage and you could just feel their good spirits the whole night, it was really amazing.

Mick came out and did his drum solo during 'World Turning", yelling into the microphone, playing the drums on his body (and I mean, his WHOLE BODY) it was really cool. Stevie had on this gold shawl for "Gold Dust Woman" and her voice was just breathtaking. I went especially nuts during my favorite Stevie song "Stand Back", which was incredible as well. I guess at one point in the beginning, S and L were trying to start the song and they looked like each was waiting for the other and I saw them kind of look at each other, smile and laugh, urging the other on. There were just so many "awww" moments, and I got a picture of their hug and kiss on the cheek after "Landslide", very sweet. Lindsey just went nuts on the guitar during "Big Love", "I'm so Afraid", "Go Your Own Way", I was totally freaking..lol. I didn't see the moment Gavin pointed out but that might have been because my eyes were on Lindsey the whole time.

That's all I have for now, I'm sure I'll have more as the days go by and my brain clears. People afterwards came up to me and said 'I saw you, in the front row, going nuts!" It was absolutly everything I had dreamed of for 11 years, most amazing experience of my entire life.

Rated "4.5" by Gavin Brown

What can I say, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance. After seeing their appearances on TV, I was beginning to worry.

Let me tell you, I was blown away. I can be a harsh critic of the band at times, with their sound, but they were in outstanding form.Stevie's voice was the best that I have ever heard seeing her live.

She really rocked on Gold Dust Woman, and didn't sound tired at any point during the show, which was such a relief. No piano intro for Rhiannon, and at times, reminded me of older performances of the song, I think she's realizing how much people wanna see her rock with this song. Landslide was beautiful, and the chemistry between Stevie and Linds onstage for Say Goodbye was great. Stevie even wiped a tear when the lights went out after it. There was also a time where Stevie stumbled in the dark and John mimicked her stumbling and she laughed at him....then one point she walked over to john and whispered something...and then he pointed and walked over to grab her tamoburine and hand it to her...verrry cute.

Obviously they were having a good time last night, and they looked great. I liked Stevie's shoes and outfits. Only things missing were Running Through The Garden, and a high kick at the end of Stand Back....but let me tell you, they were in INCREDIBLE VOCAL FORM....which is a lot for me to say since I was fearing what they would sound like.

They are just as good as when they did The Dance, and it was just shocking. This was a great show, great set (could have added Sara though hehe), and a great experience that touched me and will be one concert I will truly never forget. Ahhhhh, Tampa's show seems soooooo far away.

You all are gonna die when you hear what I mean......

by Ron Watt

The MAC is BACK!

The phrase may seem over used, but it is the best way to say it! From the chime intro in The Chain to the last note of Goodbye Baby, the band performed a flawless concert. Fleetwood Mac retains all of the energy of the past, while being “supercharged” with new material.

The backing musicians (2 guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion and backing vocalists) provided continuity and flow that allowed the band to be at their best.

Special effects provided an electronic “appearance” of the USC marching band during Tusk, and other visually pleasing effects during the entire show.

Mick Fleetwood’s drum solo during World Tunring went from his drum set to a conga to electronic drums in his vest, definitely unique.

The inclusion of Stevie’s solo song Stand Back was enhanced by it’s performance by the band.

As usual John McVie’s bass playing style coupled with Mick’s drumming provided the unique Fleetwood Mac sound that allowed Lindsey to excel as usual on guitar, and the vocals seemed smoother than ever.

If you can get tickets to any show on this tour, do yourself a favor and go.