Fleetwood Mac in Concert
Date: May 7, 2003
Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
The Review
Traffic was backed up for miles as we approached the "Schott", the scene of Fleetwood Mac's first return to the concert road since 1997. The energy in the air was almost magical as the fans quickly filled the venue.
Before the show began I watched the crowds as Stevie Wanna-bes converged, fan club members met and mingled, and the crew prepared their final touches. I want to say hi to Vickie - it was a pleasure to meet you - and thanks for giving me the heads up that Stevie would be performing my favorite song of all time. :)
8:23 PM - lights down - and the band hits the stage. "The Chain" is always a great opening number for them - and this time was no exception. The crowd went wild, and a 2+ hour ride was just beginning. After welcoming the Columbus fans to the show, Stevie launched into "Dreams".
The band doesn't take long to introduce music from their latest album "Say You Will", as Lindsey performs the best live rendition of "Peacekeeper" that I've heard so far. As a treat to long-time fans of Fleetwood Mac, Mick begins with a rousing drum intro into "Eyes of the World". Stevie smiles at the crowd as she begins the 2nd song from their new album, "Say You Will". Oh yeah - this should be a hit single.
Lindsey mellows the crowd a bit with the acoustic "Never Going Back Again" as the crowd sings along word-for-word. There seemed to be some discussion on stage between Stevie and the keyboardist as the song ends. Then Stevie takes the mic and goes into the crowd favorite "Rhiannon" - without the slow piano intro. Stevie remains center stage for "Gypsy", as the screens behind her show images from the "Gypsy" video.
Stevie leaves the stage for a bit and Lindsey launches into "Come". The mellow beginning may have thrown fans unfamiliar with the new track, as people started to sit down. They were quickly back on their feet with the chorus. This is a great song for showcasing Lindsey's unmatchable guitar playing. The people around me stood staring in amazement at his quick finger picking style at the end. I'm not sure how he can keep playing after this song. It was amazing live, and one of the highpoints of the show.
Stevie comes back on stage for the new "Running Through the Garden". This is her best song so far. She looks completely comfortable and at home on stage. She sounds incredible. I think any pre-show nerves have left her completely. This should be a single.
The band takes a break, leaving Lindsey on the stage by himself. He introduces the song "Big Love". There was a glitch towards the end of the song. After the guitar tech got things fixed Lindsey says to the crowd "Let's pick this up somewhere toward the middle" and launches back into it as if never stopped at all. If you have never seen Lindsey Buckingham - you must see him on this tour.
The acoustic set continues as Stevie joins him on stage for "Landslide". The two of them looked like they were having fun with the song. Or maybe they were just laughing at all the people in the crowd singing badly off-key. :) Lindsay follows with "Say Goodbye", a haunting new song with Stevie performing the backing vocals.
The band returns full force for "What's the World Coming To", followed by Stevie's "Destiny Rules". She just rocks on the new songs. Stevie then takes a minute to talk about the song she's about to sing. An old song from way back that she never thought she would perform live. "Beautiful Child" has been my favorite song for years and years, and her beautiful singing did bring tears to my eyes. Hearing that song alone was worth the ticket price!! It was incredible. She then brings the crowd to their feet with "Gold Dust Woman".
Lindsey then wows the crowd with "I'm So Afraid". The mellower mood continues with "Silver Spring". That mood doesn't last long as Mick pounds out the intro to "Tusk", and once again the crowd goes wild. My only complaint from the show: the video clips of the USC marching band playing on the screen. C'mon guys - you're at Ohio State. Home of the "Best Damn Band in the Land". LOL. Actually - I'm not a Buckeye fan - so my complaint isn't real. I just thought it was funny. The crowd didn't seem to mind at all either.
Mick plays a mini-solo, getting the crowd really into the beat, and the band launches into "Stand Back". This has the crowd dancing and singing along. There is no rest for the crowd as the beginning notes of "Go Your Own Way" begin. The band looks like they're having fun, and are pleased with how the show has gone so far. They should be.
The is the first "Good-night" of the evening as the band leaves the stage. After 2 minutes of the crowd screaming for more the band returns with "World Turning". I must admit - I did really miss Christine McVie on this song. Mick Fleetwood breaks out his full solo - complete with drum vest. The crowd is still entertained by the mixture of music and humor.
They introduce the band, and launch into "Don't Stop". I can't believe the show is nearly over. Time has flown by. They wave good-bye and leave the stage.
I have wondered what the final song would be. I've always loved Christine's "Songbird". The band is back and the mystery is over. They return with "Goodbye Baby". This was sweetly played and sung. Stevie has a way of conveying such emotion. A great ending to an unbelievable show.
10:46 and the band takes their final bows and offer their final thanks.
Fleetwood Mac is back (again), and rocking the house (again). The band and crew have obviously worked hard to make this first show of the tour as best as can be. A few glitches here and there - but all quickly worked out. Overall I think this was a great show for fans of Fleetwood Mac. Although there are a couple of new songs I would have loved to have heard live - there weren't any that I'd take out of the show. It was a great blend of past hits and lesser known tracks, and new music. The set list proved how diverse this band can be. Lindsey's guitar playing was unbelievable. As respected as he is - I still think he is way underappreciated for his talents.
What more can I say? GO SEE THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! The tour has only just begun.
The Review
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