‘Songbird’ rejoins classic lineup at Garden
by Jed Gottlieb
Boston Herald
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| Boston Herald - Oct 11, 2014 |
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend tour as The Who and I’m fine with that. I’ll listen to and enjoy Pink Floyd without Roger Waters. The Queen + Adam Lambert collaboration doesn’t bug me, provided they never bill themselves as just “Queen.”
But for me, Fleetwood Mac is Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Christine McVie. And the fact that this lineup came together eight years into the band’s history isn’t lost on me.
Last night at the TD Garden, after a 16-year absence, Christine McVie returned to Boston as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
“Welcome back, Chris,” Nicks shouted to cheers. “Where have you been?”
The Mac devoted a big chunk of the night to Christine’s return.
After opening with “The Chain” (the obvious, perfect choice), a clear-voiced Christine hit into “You Make Loving Fun.” Immediately, the crowd roared.
“Our Songbird,” as Mick called her, opens up the band’s set list.
The band did a pair of her tunes from “Tango in the Night” — an absurdly polished album. But the craft of “Everywhere” and “Little Lies” shine through any then-state-of-the-art-now-dated production.
Of course she delivered her early classics — “Say You Love Me,” “Over My Head,” “Don’t Stop” — and closed the night with a wonderfully tender reading of “Songbird.” Again: obvious, perfect.
But it must be noted that Nicks’ twirls got an ovation equal to Christine’s introduction. For so many Nicks Chicks, this is Stevie’s band.
While her voice strains or falls flat at moments, its husky warmth overcomes any little flubs. Her voice — on “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” “Gold Dust Woman” — may be the band’s defining quality.
If not Nicks’ vocals, then Buckingham’s character personifies the band with his wild energy and bold affectations. Last night, he exploded across the entire stage.
In excellent shape — vocally, physically, psychically — Buckingham added dynamism to the set. With Mick, he led the charge through dark songs like “The Chain” and “Tusk.” He captivated a sold-out Garden alone on stage with his guitar for “Big Love.” There are certain times, like between 8:15 and 10:45 last night, I think he’s the greatest guitarist not named Jimi, Jimmy or Eddie.
But let’s not play favorites. Fleetwood Mac seems genuinely happy to be back together. Let’s be happy for them. It’s so easy when the music is this great.
Source:
Boston Herald
THE CHAIN
BIG LOVE
LANDSLIDE
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| Photo: TD Garden |
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