Fleetwood Mac Live Review

So far this year I have managed to tick a number of things off my bucket list - one being 'see Ryan Adams live in concert.' Check.

Despite being a huge Ryan Adams fan however, there is one band that pips him to the post in my eyes; Fleetwood Mac - one of the best selling bands of all time. 

Anyone who is unaware of this band, I am sorry, but I have to ask, where have you been hiding for the last forty years? Forming together back in 1967, the story of Fleetwood Mac has been no means plain sailing. The core line up made of Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie has been constantly changing. With  stories of marriages, affairs, break ups, feuds and divorces plaguing the band, it is no wonder the core four have not remained constant over their 40+ year journey. There is one member however that has been present from day 1:  Mick Fleetwood. 

To date this band has released seventeen albums, the most successful one being Rumours (1977), which stayed at the number one spot in the US album charts for 31 weeks, and included 4 Top 10 US singles.

Although tickets to their show were easily the most expensive I have ever had to pay for a gig, it was 100% worth it. With no support act beforehand, Fleetwood Mac hit the stage and delivered a cracking show of their best singles for a solid 2.5hrs.

The evenings music was split out in several sections and included the following singles: The Chain, You Make Loving Fun, Dreams, Second Hand News, Rhiannon, Everywhere, I know i'm not wrong, Tusk, Sisters of the Moon, Say You Love Me, Big Love, Landslide, Never Going Back Again, Over My Head, Gypsy, Little Lies, Gold Dust Woman, I'm So Afraid, Go Your Own Way, World Turning, Don't Stop, Silver Springs and Songbird. 

It should come as no surprise these guys are awesome live. With over 40years behind them, they have had enough time to practice and get it right. Saying that, what impressed me the most was their fabulous stage presence and endurance. Aside from a very cool digital screen behind them which complimented their music entirely, the band kept things simple by ensuring the basics were right - it was obvious they put everything they had into each track. This in itself is phenomenal since they are all aged over 65. So yes, Fleetwood Mac, you've definitely still got it. 

For me the highlights were Stevie Nicks acoustic performance of landslide (a personal fav track of mine), Lindsey Buckingham giving it his all during his rendition of Big Love and finally Mick Fleetwood starting the 1st encore off with an impressive drum intro to 'World Turning.' 

The 20,000 strong crowd was treated to a great night of live music. The majority of the crowd were up on their feet and singing and dancing for the entire set. For me, what was so apparent, is how successful Fleetwood Mac has been in attracting fans of all ages. There were young kids, twenty somethings, and even the oldies - further highlighting why this band so rightly deserves the label of one of the biggest selling bands in all time.  

The reality is, after this tour (from the UK they are due to fly to Aus), who knows what Fleetwood Mac will do next. Have they got another album in them yet? I really hope so, but i'm not willing to place any bets on it just yet. With that in mind I am just so pleased I managed to see them live - and even better, all the core members were present. Without a margin of doubt, I would give this gig 10 out of 10. The overall vibe, stage presence, quality of music, and lighting effects were all flawless. So all I would say is if you do find yourself faced with the opportunity to see this band live, take my advice, buy the tickets. You can bet it will be well worth your time. 

Upcoming tour dates: 

8th June. Genting Arena, Birmingham - UK 

9th June. Genting Arena, Birmingham - UK

12th June. Manchester Arena, Manchester - UK 

14th June. Isle of Wight Festival - UK 

16/17tth June. SSE Hydro, Glasgow - UK

22/24/26/27 June. O2 Arena, London - UK 

30th June. First Direct Arena, Leeds - UK 

1st July. Manchester Arena, Manchester - UK

4th July. Genting Arena, Birmingham - UK 

5th July. First Direct Arena, Leeds - UK 

8th July. SSE HYDRO, Leeds - UK 

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/events

Fleetwood Mac

There is nothing wrong with a bit of old school. I truly love this band. 

Although this Brisith-American rock band first got together in 1967, it has by no means been a smooth and happy ride. This group has gone through everything including number one hits, sell out tours, solo careers, divorces, break ups and fights. 

Despite their rocky track record there is no question however this band is amazing. Their top hits include Rhiannon, Landslide, Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Chains and Tell Me Lies. 

Recently Stevie Nicks announced that Fleetwood Mac would be getting back together once again and touring in 2012. In addition to this, there are rumours that another album will be released. 

To date, Fleetwood Mac have released over twenty albums. "The Dance," being their reunion album, was released in 1997 and their most recent album, "Say You Will," was released in 2003. Although their are many albums, the groups' members have changed constantly over the years. 

John McVie and Mick Fleetwood have been the most constant members in the band, being present for practically the entire Fleetwood Mac journey. The lead vocalists Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks are the next prominant members in the group, however Christine left the band in the 90s and has yet to announce whether she will be re-joining the other members for the tour in 2012. Today Fleetwood Mac consists of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Although they have had their fair share of ups and downs this band is full of great muscians, and would be truely awesome to see live. I will certainly be trying to get tickets to their tour - but a hint to you all - buy tickets as soon as they are released as their 2009 tour tickets sold out in just twelve minutes.   

Tour dates:
8th April. Madison Square Garden - NYC
24th April. Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
24th Sept. The O2 Arena - London
29th Sept. LG Arena - Birmingham
1st Oct. Manchester Arena - Manchester

For more information regarding (all) tour dates and tickets check out: http://nme.seetickets.com/search?q=fleetwood%20mac&browseOrder=Soonest&pageSize=30&pageIndex=1 and http://www.ticketmaster.com/Fleetwood-Mac-tickets/artist/735087