Concert-5. Fairweather Fans-0

Is it me or am I the only one sick of these fairweather fans? I could tell that more than half of these so-called "fans" didn't even have the new album. Everytime FM played a new song or "not-so-popular" song, more than half of the arena would sit down, start talking, or get up to do something else. I stood during the whole show and sang all of the songs. There were more than 10 times that I was the only one in my section, yes the whole section, that was standing up. While I was singing along to either a new song or "not-so-popluar" song, I could actually see people looking at me and appear to be saying "she knows this song?". GIVE ME A BREAK!! It was like clockwork, popular song, everyone would stand up. Unpopular or new song, everyone would sit down. Other than that, the concert rocked.

I have to say that Lindsey stole the show. Don't get me wrong, I love Stevie to death (I have her name on my license plates) but, she was just lacking that certain something. She sounded great but, her stage presence was lacking.

I loved World Turning. Great drums on that one. Lindsey really looked like he was having the time of his life. He actually let people in the audience strum his guitar! I was SOOO jealous. All in all it was totally worth the money.

One more thing about these fairweather fans that really upset me. We all know how caring us diehard fans are. We practically know each other on the board. Well, as some of you know I am pregnant (by the way I am proud to say that the baby's 1st concert was FM) . On the way out, after the concert, the floor was extremely slippery because of people spilling stuff, well, I slipped and fell onto my knee. I really thought I broke it (just a sprain. Baby's fine too). Do you think one person asked me if I was alright? Do you think one person tried to help me up? Ummm...NO!! What is up with that?? People were just standing there looking at me. Anyway, that just goes to show you that fairweather fans suck! Just kidding!!

Rated "4" by Radar aka Mapa

I'll start with saying I hope we all agree that the "sound" of any studio recording will always be superior to it's live version, focusing on sound alone, because the artists have the ability to re-do it 20 times until they feel they've "got it", and all you veteran concert attendees know the sound quality of the Allstate Arena (basketball court, hockey arena, circus venue and for truck pulls) or outdoor venue isn't as pure as the recording studio. Certainly there are exceptions, usually when "unplugged" or acoustic versions of musicians' tunes excel in a live venue. I also want to add that I hope we agree that in general, people have different strengths in different parts of their life, which basically keep them alive and kicking...athletes come to mind.

With that being said, here are my thoughts about the 6.27.03 FM show last night.

My wife and I parked and ate dinner 2 blocks away from the Allstate Arena at a Hotel Restaurant then walked, because of the robbery/shootout the night before across the street from the show. Nice! I heard many concert-goers missed the first half of the 6-26 show, so I didn't know if that area was still roped/blocked off. There were additional forces of "Chicago's Finest" patrolling the perimeter of the venue last night, hoping to ward off any leftover liquor store bandits from the previous night, so no worries. Parking at the hotel was $5.50 ($15 at Allstate Arena) and the parking lot bastards ended up burying rows and rows of vehicles....unbelievable. You should have seen all of the couples in Mercedes and Beemers in the gridlock....what a shame.

As we walked up to the front doors of the Arena at 8PM, I started to get chills, knowing I'd be seeing FM live for the 1st time. All of the previous 2003 concert reviews, revealed the band came on religiously at 8:25pm, so I knew we had some time to settle in.

I was in the 3rd row, in Section 209, which is directly to the left of the band, as they face the main floor. I sat right above the ramps the band used to enter and exit the stage (awesome), directly even with Mick's drum set. Before they began, I started to worry about the sound quality but the crew seemed to line up speakers and the video screen perfectly for people on the sides.

Strangely enough, this audience never booed or started the wave-clapping thing to get the band out on stage, probably a direct result of the age range I saw in the crowd 35 - 60. The lights went out at 8:25pm as predicted and the band walked right below us up the ramps and onto the stage, one at a time,with strategic distances between them. The crowd provided loud ovations for each member as they appeared near the stage ramp lights.

I also have to say, everyone who placed a concert review here and said the musicians were "at their best" or "better than 25 years ago" or "didn't miss a note" or that "Christine wasn't missed" or that the face "value of the tickets were fair and reasonable" or that "the new songs were well received" or that "Mick's vest drum solo was cool" must have been smoking a bunch of crack.

Musicians like athletes have a prime and FM is past their prime. And of course they missed notes or couldn't reach certain notes last night. What 50 or 60 year old wouldn't? Christine was missed...period. The tickets were very high......but I was willing to pay that price. New songs of any musician are never well received, unless they've become pop hits already. Most concert attendees go to shows to hear the hits that make bands famous and crave those tunes. Mick's cool but please stay behind the drum kit next time instead of yelling a bunch of garbled crap into the headset,jumping around the stage like a goof and begging for applause.

I didn't keep track completely, but the set list appeared to mirror the recent tour dates. I truly appreciated the band's effort, liked the song selections (except the last song of the night...note to Fleetwood Mac's file....only play your best songs during the encore...that's what encores are for....and don't end concerts with slow songs after rocking your asses off for 2.5 hours!!)and had a good time.

Mick was powerful (still can't believe he's 61)and very entertaining as usual. The vest routine has to go though...

John was reliable and hidden except for his bass which was played too loud during some songs, almost creating feedback and drowning out some vocals.

Stevie did what she could....and I applaud her for trying. She's overweight (who isn't?), isn't very mobile or active, doesn't hit her notes as she use to, & walked right below us back to her visible dressing room behind the stage 8 times during the show. But, we all have to give her credit. How many people that age can sustain a 2.5 hour rock & roll show 4 times per week for an entire tour, without taking a few breaks in each show? Come on people, she's not sitting on her butt at home, eating bon bons on her couch watching Oprah(That would be Christine McVie...ouch). She knows her limits,was a professional last night & gave us what she could. Stevie thanked us for every song she delivered last night in a way where she felt she didn't deserve the applause, as if we were teasing her....but I liked what she brought. She's not the hot babe that use to drive us crazy 25-30 years ago....she's that hot babe's mother!

Many reviewers on this site suggest Lindsey is one of the best guitar players of all time, even though 2 other guitar players join him on this tour. Come on now...put the crack pipe down again. He's a good guitar player, above average singer, possesses an incredible amount of endurance & energy, & has a very likable stage presence. He's also very creative with the guitar but he's not Jimmy, Eric, Eddie. His solos last night were very strong & satisfying.

We had fun last night....I just have to call it like I see it though....can't give you guys a 5...but 4 is the next best!!!

Peace-out PeaceKeepers....Word Up...Dope Yo Own Way!!

Rated "5" by Pete P. aka Ppomatt

Do you like Fleetwood Mac? You'll love this concert. They sound great and put on a great show. Lindsey was on fire, proving he is one of the best. Stevie sounded great. Mick also rocked the house with a excellent solo on "World Turning". The only thing missing was Christine McVie. Less Christine, there was more time for the band to dig a little deeper in thier library. Great to hear "Beautful Child" and "World Turning" and "Second Hand News". All in all, in the tenth row, center stage, IT ROCKED!

Rated "5" by Kyle The Cool aka ShagyZeppelin

It kicked some serious ass!