A blissful opening hour of punchy self-confidence is undermined by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham's strange stage intimacy – they need Christine McVie to make it all gel
★★★★/5 Stars
Fleetwood Mac – review
O2 Arena, London
by Michael Hann
The Guardian
★★★★/5 Stars
O2 Arena, London
by Michael Hann
The Guardian
Those who have watched just a small selection of the many documentaries about Fleetwood Mac will know their two singer-songwriters, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, don't have a lot to do with each other. In one, Nicks said she'd never even been to her ex's house. But the narrative of the group insists they must forever be remembered as the tragic, star-crossed lovers, and so they are last on stage at the O2, strolling on hand in hand; during Sara they coo choruses to each other, then embrace and slow dance as the song comes to an end.
What makes this forced intimacy even odder is that without the third songwriter, Christine McVie – who seems likely to make a cameo appearance at their next two O2 shows – the dichotomy between the pair's writing is so stark. Buckingham's songs, for all their melodic beauty, are often harsh and angry, and his between-songs banter could have been scripted by a therapist; Nicks's are soft and pillowy, a Laurel Canyon prefiguring of goth, and her chat is rambling and charming.
Nevertheless, for the opening hour, it's blissful – an opening of trio of Second Hand News, The Chain and Dreams is jaw-dropping in its self-confidence. Nicks may no longer be able to reach the high notes of Rhiannon, but the song's construction is sturdy enough to survive the removal of its ornaments. And a one-two punch from the extraordinary 1979 album Tusk is simply jaw-dropping: Not That Funny echoes around the vast room like an invitation to step outside, and Tusk itself is eerie and uneasy and wonderful.
But there's a distinct and rather long sag as the main set winds down – looking down from the top tier, one can see mobile phones being checked on the floor as I'm So Afraid meanders on – and the relief that greets Don't Stop is palpable. It's a victory in the end, but it's a set that would be so much stronger at half an hour shorter.
Excellent article! Christine is on par with any woman who has ever graced a rock stage! She's right up there with the great Female icons of Pop/Rock. And she is the gel between B&Nicks. I think it took awhile to really appreciate just how great she is!
ReplyDeleteHaving been at the 02 last night to witness the bands second night, I can honestly say that they were without doubt genuine and excellent. Christine McVie coming on the stage was a thing to remember on a night that saw not only Stevie Nicks give her usual hearty performance, but the guitar solos by Buckinham and the immense drum solo by Mick Fleetwood made it a total night to remember. They were just superb.
ReplyDeleteI was there too...I had no desire to check my phone!!!! Breath taking from beginning to end...I would have been delighted if it had been half an hour longer, not shorter!!! Christie McVie's fantastic appearance was the icing on an already delectable cake...words cannot describe the stunning guitar solos which just rocked every seat in the stadium...pure brilliance from the whole band.
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