June 29th, 2003 - Milwaukee Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI

FANS ARE NOW RATING THE SHOWS AS WELL

1-5

5 BEING THE BEST

 

Rated "5" by Johnalphaomega

I have seen the band several times now and always a fantastic show. I love Fleetwood . I would go every week to see them if I could.

Rated "5" by Barbe

The thing that impressed me most was that Lindsey Buckingham didn't leave the stage for 2-l/2 hours! He has incredible energy and stage presence, and is handsome and sexy in a white shirt unbuttoned half-way down his chest!

Lindsey stole the show and played an awesome Jimmy Page-like solo on COME. He's is one of the best guitarists in the world! His playing was non-parallel on EYES OF THE WORLD, NEVER GOIN' BACK AGAIN and GO YOUR OWN WAY. Among other numbers, he received standing ovations for his solos on the outstanding COME, the acoustically beautiful BIG LOVE and the dynamic I'M SO AFRAID. His singing voice was powerful and pure on these!

Of the new album "Say You Will, I adored PEACEKEEPER, WHAT'S THE WORLD COMING TO and SAY YOU WILL. They definitely commanded the audiences' attention!

A pivotal moment was Lindsey's faaaaassssst-paced SECOND HAND NEWS which turned out to be a true crowd-pleaser. It brought out the beast in the crowd of Fleetwood Mac devotees!

Lindsey and Stevie performed the new SAY GOODBYE romantically with eyes locked. They make a beautiful-looking couple!

LANDSLIDE and SILVER SPRINGS, accompanied by Lindsey, were sung flawlessly by Ms. Stevie Nicks. She was in fine voice throughout the evening. Vocal gold!

Mick Fleetwood drum solo was an added highlight and burst with excitement. This outstanding drummer doesn't miss a beat!

The melodic bass of John McVie really kept the band tight. His precise pulsating rhythm seemed infinite.

I was one of the 23,000 - 24,000 fans who went home very happy!

Thank you, Fleetwood Mac!

Rated "5" by Emily

I had been anticipating this concert since the first I heard that Fleetwood Mac’s album was coming out. 

The day seemed to drag on and on, but when the concert finally started it seemed like it was over in five minutes. Ok, to start the day me and my mom got to Summer Fest around 4 o’clock and walked around for about and hour and ½. That’s when the concert souvenir shop opened. I got two shirts and a poster. After that we sat and waited what seemed like an eternity for the doors to open at 6:30. So finally when we got in their we were the only ones sitting in our section. (Section 6 “yellow section” seats 47 and 48, not the best but good seats.) 

That is, we were the only ones until these two people came and sat behind us and discovered that they could smoke! WHOP WHOP! Not.... There was a breeze and the smoke was blowing right in our faces. Oh well, I wasn’t going to let that ruin the time of my life. 

So anyway, we brought binoculars to the show and on the side of the stage the curtain was opened a little bit and you could see in to the back about *this* much.  So I was keeping a look out to see if I could maybe see any of the band members walk past. And sure enough I saw Mick first who was wearing corduroy black knickers, black socks (I think), The red shoes lol, a white shirt, black vest, and red bandana tied around his neck. Then I saw Lindsey. He same out to look at the crowd or something. He was wearing the usual button up white shirt, which was ½ was unbuttoned and black pants and black shoes. One thing I noticed while waiting for the show to begin was that Mick had a plethora of drinks by his drums lol. A huge lemon-lime Gatorade, thee bottles of water and a diet 7-up. Where Stevie had two cups of water complete with straws, and Lindsey only had one bottle of water. Not sure what John had lol. Stevie had the microphone all “dressed up” as usual with black, silver, and maybe some other colored ribbons, she also had what looked like Mardi Gras beads on it. Finally around 8:20 Mick came running out followed by John who I think when around a different way and then Stevie and Lindsey hand in hand. 

Ok, I am going to try and remember as much as I can about the songs but I was so tied up in the moment that some songs are kind of hazy lol. The Chain, great song, my ears had to adjust to the volume lol and the only think that I really remember it that it seemed like they really emphasized the DAMN your love, DAMN your lies. Which isn’t a bad thing.  After The Chain was finished Stevie did the “welcome speech” which I don’t remember word for word but it was some thing like this “MILWAUKEE! MILWAUKEE!, how are you all doing? Thanks so much for being here tonight with us... MILWAUKEE!”  Lol.  Dreams: another great song, Stevie did a lot of hand motions and other actions, when the words “say... women...they will come and they will go” both Lindsey and Stevie got big grind on their faces. And Stevie did this little tapping thing where her heart is during “Like a heat beat... drives you mad” 

Peacekeeper: good song but a lot of people went to get more beer or sat down. Lindsey really got into this one wait, doesn’t he get in to all of them? Lindsey introduced this song like this “ this is the first single off of our new album Say You Will and its called Peacekeeper.” (I think)  Eyes of the world: FANTASTIC SONG! It seemed like every one in the band was having fun. Our record player broke so I never got a chance to hear this song prior to the concert. But when they were doing the eyes, eyes, eyes, chant Stevie got really wide eyes. Lol. Say You Will: what can I say great song. Stevie introduced it naturally by saying, “ this is also a new song off of our new album Say You Will except it is the song “Say You Will.” During the chorus Stevie does this little dance that goes along with the words and when it goes “ If I can't get you to dance...” she does this lasso thing and shakes her hips. Adds a nice effect.. Also during Lindsey's guitar solo she walks over to him and plays air guitar  Never Going Back again: Good song but I don’t remember much about it. I know that Lindsey held some notes extra long and then got a big rouse out of the crowd. During this song Stevie changed tops. This one was lower cut revealing a little more cleavage for those of you who are in to that sort of thing. lol. 

Rhiannon: Fabulous song. In some of the other reviews it says that Stevie kept dodging high notes. That’s nothing even close t o what I heard. In fact she went for, I think all of the high notes. Her voice also was a bit higher than on the dance tour. She also put on her “Rhiannon” top with the bat wing sleeves, very cool. Anyways fantastic song, I think there was dancing during this song also. Gypsy: During this song she put on this beautiful long coat thing on. It was like a dark cream or tan color, and had sparkles all over it. It was really pretty. Don’t remember much about the song but it was great. Come: good song not sure if its my favorite but its good. A lot of people sat during this one to which is beyond me. One interesting thing, Stevie did not do the vocals, Lindsey did. Second Hand News: I love this one, highlight, the “ba-bows”!!! Stevie even sung them, it sounded great! Big Love: good song, Lindsey was going insane on that guitar!  

Landslide: Spectacular! They dedicated this song to some people who I think there names were like Kim and Amy something like that. Very, very, good song. When Lindsey was playing his guitar solo Stevie walked behind him and put her hands on his shoulders and tapped along with the rhythm. Lindsey apparently liked this because he just put his head back and smiled. When they got almost to the end of the song they stopped and the audience went wild and then when we simmered down a little they finished the song lol.. Stevie had to keep turning the volume up on her earpiece so that she could hear her self. (she did this several times during the concert.) When  she sings “and I'm getting older to: she smiles. After the song they hugged and then Lindsey put his arm around Stevie and they faced the crowd. Stevie only came up to his armpit even with her platform Reeboks on. Then Lindsey gave her a little kiss on the temple. I think that they still love each other. 

Say Good Bye: Lindsey gave a little introduction to this song but I don’t remember it very well. And there was a lot of eye contact during this song. What’s the world coming to: another good song but people saw this  as another opportunity to buy more beer and to sit down. Mick used that little blue drum set lol. Beautiful Child: I love this song. Stevie’s intro went something like this, “ This is a song from our 1979 album Tusk called Beautiful Child. I never thought that I would ever get a chance to do this song live and it was actually Lindsey's idea. So, this song is very precious to me and its called Beautiful Child.” Stevies voice was top notch. Gold Dust Women: Such and awesome song! Stevie really rocked out on this one. Every one loved where she starts to yell “ And go HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE!” Her shawl was glowing. She is so cool. Lol. Lots of dancing.... After the song she took off her shawl and threw it in a corner lol. I think that John picked it up. At the end of the song she did the silhouette thing and got a huge rise out of the crowd. Only Stevie.  

I’m so afraid: don’t remember much once again.. but Lindsey is a wild man on that guitar I tell ya. Silver Spring: Classic song, when it picks up Stevie picks up to. She was basically screaming in to the mic. It was really awesome. Tusk: I think it was here where I noticed that she had her boots on!! I was so happy. She may have had them on earlier but I did not notice. 

Anyone who says that she moved like a 55 year old I would like to know what they mean by that?! She moves and dances like she is 1/2 her age. Stevie was dancing a twirling all night long! This song was amazing! In the middle where Lindsey starts to go after his fellow band members if so fun. First he slowly started to go after Stevie until she began to speed walk the other way shaking her head. Lol.  He than got John. John just stood there and turned around but after he realized that he was not going to throw Lindsey away that easily he started to dance a little. Lindsey was jumping all over him. HAHA. Now he was going back after Stevie. They did this little shark-circling thing for a while until she gave in. Then she took his hand and out it on her shoulder and kept it there for a while. When the song was coming to and end Lindsey jumped on to the drum platform and started to band on the cymbals like mad. Stand Back: Awesome!!!! Her voice was incredible and she even did a few kicks on top of all the dancing! Go Your Own Way: Obviously a crowd favorite. Lots of interaction between Lindsey and Stevie. When Lindsey goes “ Packing up shacking up is all you wanna do” they both got enormous grins on their faces! Lot of dancing. 

World turning: Stevie did an excellent job on covering Chris’s parts. Mick’s drum solos were cool. When he was done using the “squeeze drum” he just like dropped it lol. The vest was also really neat. At one point he was like “SCRATCHIN’ SCRATCHIN’!” and then like scratched the drum pads with his fingers it hard to explain but it was amusing. When the words came back in Stevie would like do turning motions with her hand when they sang “World Turning.” After this song Mick did the introductions, after introducing all of the backups and the other musicians in the band he moved on to the actual “band”. First was “Lindsey Buckingham!” Lindsey like prowled around the stage, Second was “Ms. Stephanie Nicks!”  She did that bowing thing. Then “My good old friend John McVie!” he just pretended to take his hat off and he bowed lol. 

Don’t Stop: great song never my favorite but it is 20x better live. Once again Stevie did an excellent job covering Chris’s parts. 

Goodbye Baby: last song of the night.... this song is extraordinary live. Stevie have on her pink shawl. The song was done beautifully. Unfortunately a lot of people started to leave. After this song Mick gave the last words that were “ From all of us here at Fleetwood Mac we would like to tell you a few things, Be good to each other, be good to your selves and remember to smile.” Lindsey signed a few autographs and Stevie shook a few hands before leaving. 

This was a concert of a lifetime! My mom even said that it was the best concert that she had even been to . Stevie is still awesome and can still dance, twirl, her voice sounded better than ever and Lindsey and Mick are still them wild selves and john ever present. Chris was missed but I am not going to dwell on it because it was her choice and they were still top notch. Closing comment, at one point Stevie was talking to John and she kept holding her tambourine with red white blue and silver ribbons on it to him until he would take it. Lol. Fabulous concert.

Rated "5" by Tracy

I was SO excited that Fleetwood Mac was coming to Milwaukee and I would be seeing them for the first time. I joined the fan club so I could get my tickets before going on sale to the public. Got seats in the exact middle of the amphitheater which was not great considering I paid as much as the people in the front row.

Nevertheless, my excitement continued to build. We got there and found our seats - the last row in the reserved seating section (Section 6 to those of you who were there). We then realized that our row was the ONLY row in the entire place that wasn't "tiered", as in "stadium seating". Our seats where LEVEL with the row in front of us so unless you are 7 feet tall you definitely have an obstructed view. There was a row of 6 feet tall people right in front of us. This 5'3" fan was encouraged at the good view I had when I stood on my seat for the first 20 seconds of The Chain. A security guard (#373) made me and the other short people in our row get down though. I could see absolutely nothing but the backs of the people in front of me. It was utterly heartbreaking. I had read reviews on other forums about people being in tears over particular songs and thought it was a little much, but lo and behold I was in tears two minutes into the show - because I couldn't see a *%(#)*%)*# thing!

Well, if you've read this far, thank you for letting me whine. All that being said, the concert itself, the band, the music was outstanding. I had a great view of the huge video screen and felt as though I was watching my Dance DVD though. And someone reviewing a Chicago show complained about the fair-weather fans - I LOVED the fair-weather fans, because the few times that they sat down, I COULD SEE! Unfortunately that was quite rare.

Trying to decide if we should travel to another city and try our luck at a better view.

Rated "5" by Jo

Absolutely phenomenal!

Ever since seeing "The Dance" DVD several years ago (which, if you could wear out DVDs, would be worn out by now), I have been waiting for them to come around my town. To know that this show pretty much sold out in 2 days is quite exciting indeed. I thought all of it was incredible, from the first beats of "The Chain" to the end of "Goodbye, Baby". Their energy is amazing and true, Stevie didn't move quite as much as she did 6 years ago, but hey, I still say if I can look that good at 55, I will be one lucky woman. Her vocals were top notch and "Gold Dust Woman" and her 80's "Stand Back" were probably my Stevie favorites for the evening. During "Stand Back" (which was an explosive performance), you could almost see the Stevie of 20 years ago.

What can I say about Lindsey Buckingham? He is truly one of the most overlooked, underrated guitar players ever. Seeing him on the DVD was great, but seeing him live was better than words can say. This really is HIS show and he runs around the stage with more energy than I have (and I'm only 30!).

Mick's drum solo and crazy looks were great as well. John was in the wings as usual, but his presence was definitely felt.

I, too, am very much hoping that this is not the last tour for the Mac. Usually people say the moment of anticipation is better than the deed or the memory, but in this case, the moment of the deed wins out. Rock on, Mac!!!

Rated "3.5" by Greg

I would rate the show a very good, although I thought the crowd sucked. Most of the crowd was not into it until Landslide, and then left before the encores. Stevie's voice was phenomenal! Sometimes the vocals was drowned out by the background music. Lindsey Buckingham was excellent, but at times tried to steal the show away. My personal favorites were Gypsy and Silver Springs. I am also a fan of the new album, so those were great as well. All in all, it was very good and I'm glad I got to see them.

Rated "4" by Timothy

Wonderful stuff, of course, but without Christine's voice now and then, it just wasn't completely whole. The fact that any one of three voices represents the Fleetwood Mac style is surely one of their strengths and a source of their longevity. I'm happy they've decided to tour even without her participation (I don't know the story behind it) but it does limit the experience somewhat.

The only negatives were Lindsey Buckingham's occasionally wanderings into wild guitar solos, doing everything but plucking the strings with his teeth a la Jimi Hendrix. It was the kind of histrionics that the audiences are supposed to go wild over...and they did, if not a bit perfunctorily, I thought. I wonder if anyone else was being as polite as I felt I was, tolerating it but really wishing he'd just go back to playing guitar licks created with the clear purpose that makes Fleetwood Mac the group it always has been. Instead, perhaps four times he ending a song wailing at the guitar like a monkey in an emptily (to me) dramatic fashion.

In contrast, Mick Fleetwood's spontaneity during the encores was a delight. He emerged from his drum kit with what apparently were four electric drum sensors placed on his vest, allowing him to work his belly with his two thumbs and two pinkies like all of us are inclined to do after Thanksgiving dinner. The difference is that for Mick, it produced wonderful rhythms and sounds.

Stevie, to my unschooled ear, sounded as good as ever. Maybe it's just love. That voice always did good things to me.

Rated "5" by Carlyle Nowak

This was the best concert I ever went to, It was amazing. My first time seeing the Mac, and what a show.

I also saw Tom Petty the night before. But Fleetwood was the greatest. They seemed not to excited to be there at first until about the fourth song. More towards the middle of the show, Lindsey was jumping around like crazy and seemed really happy to be in my home town of Milwaukee. Then when Lindsey and Stevie did Landslide, Steveie was hugging him through his little solo. And Lindsey's rendition of Big Love was amazing. What a talented man, he is by far the most underated guitar player, He is the best in my book. Then they did Beautiful Child, this of course was the haunting ballad from 1979's Tusk album. It was also the first time played live as Stevie Said. The Mick Drum solo was of course amazing. The two encores were great, and I was 3rd row off to the right. but Lindsey kept coming over to our little crowd, amazing seats!

This was the Mac at their best. I think that this was their best performance ever, not only because they sounded good, but you could tell they wanted to be there. Awesome.

Rated "5" by Kelly

I saw Fleetwood Mac back in 1976 I'll tell ya one thing,they sounded the same.The music was great as always with them.It was great seeing them again.Stevie was awesome. Her voice can still send shivers down my spine.Great Show!

Rated "5" by Dr DJ Steve-O

In one word... Unbelievable!

I, like most of the crowd, was really into every song they played... new and old. One of the greatest bands of all time (but you all knew that already) put on a show to remember. The solos were great and very fun to watch. I thought Lindsey was having a heart attack, he was so into his guitar solos! Very rarely have I ever gotten goose bumps hearing a bad live... last night was one of those times. It's really sad to think that this, my first chance to see them (I am a young fan), could have very well been my last. Anyone reading this from a city that The Mac is coming to needs to go buy a ticket and go!

Rated "5" by Jim C.

I went to see the Thursday show in Rosemont and I thought that it was great. This one was a bit better. There seemed to be added something from each of the members.

Stevie added some extra something at the end of Rhiannon which was excellent. She had her signature scream during Gold Dust Woman. Stevie delivered an incredible version of Beautiful Child. And the whole bank just rocked on Go Your Own Way. I have never heard it sound better.

I was with different people than on Thursday. They were the same people that went with me to the Dance 6 years ago. We all agreed that the band is even better than they were then. They sounded awesome. They get better with age.

Highlights are

- Lindsey's guitar playing on Go Your Own Way and So Afraid.
- Eyes of the World - what a great new intro to the song.
- Beautiful Child - strong vocals by Stevie and great drums throughout
- Second Hand News - the crowd loved it.
- Landslide - this was the best performance of this song I had seen. And I must say that it is rare to see a band perform their song that is a classic. I do not know how else to describe this song. Shame on all the people who put the Dixie Chick's version into the top 10 and not Fleetwood Mac's live version.
- Stevie's platform boots. She wore them at least during Go Your Own Way, World Turning, Don't Stop and Goodbye Baby. It was like watching the videos from the old days.

All in all -an incredible show from so very talented individuals. As Mick said at the end, The Mac is back. And I say thank you for that because they are better than ever.

Rated "4" by Shelley

They sounded good. They did play all of the old hits, which was great. The crowd sang along with them on "Don't Stop" and that was fun. Some of Lindsey's guitar solo's seemed a bit much. But all in all it was a nice time with a nice crowd.


 


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