Saturday, October 18, 2014

Sometimes not even 80 percent of a band’s classic lineup is enough to recapture the magic

By Patrick Berkery
The Philadelphia Inquirer

That was seen in Fleetwood Mac’s sporadic tours and limited recorded output after longtime singer-songwriter and keyboardist Christine McVie retired in 1998. Now, after 16 years in the English countryside, McVie, 71, is back with the Mac for the “On With the Show” tour, which played a sold-out Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday. The tour returns to the Wells Fargo Center on Oct. 29 and plays Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Jan. 24.

McVie brought a feel-good balance to Stevie Nicks’ witchy ways and Lindsey Buckingham’s tightly coiled guitar heroics, in front of the masterful rhythm section of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie. Christine McVie was in fine voice throughout the 24-song, 21/ 2- hour show.

To paraphrase another titan of 1970s rock, Fleetwood Mac ain’t had that spirit here since, oh, 1998.

There would be no show without Buckingham (clad in the tightest jeans you’re ever likely to see on a 65-year-old) and Nicks (dressed in all black and heels). But with Christine McVie’s return, all was balanced, making it feel like the Mac was truly back.
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9 comments:

  1. Anonymous18 October 2014 at 11:33

    One more thing I could say about the band are their FANS the best rock and rollers around .

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  2. Anonymous18 October 2014 at 12:34

    Christine has re-energized this band!!

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  3. Anonymous18 October 2014 at 13:30

    A legend. I do hope they put together a new album.

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  4. Anonymous18 October 2014 at 16:07

    Saw them in Boston on 10/10. WOW, what a GREAT show. I had a chance to see them a year or so ago but couldn't make it. Glad I waited because there is no better band out there when you have Christine in the mix. So glad to have her back. Hope they keep on touring.

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  5. Anonymous18 October 2014 at 16:22

    They were really awesome touring without Christine too - it allowed more songs from Stevie and Lindsey - and I believe that the "Say You Will" album was one of their best. I still love Christine and what she adds to the band - but if you saw them tour without her, you definitely wouldn't be disappointed in the show....

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  6. Anonymous19 October 2014 at 08:05

    I agree to last post they were still grea,t if anything Chris is a little off key but I think it will come back for her, its been along time away for her.

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  7. Anonymous28 October 2014 at 12:25

    Was there an opening act?

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  8. Timothy Dalton-not that one29 October 2014 at 15:17

    There is no need for an opening act.This band has enough talent to blow any other band away

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  9. Amyk10 November 2014 at 15:07

    The band was really tight as a foursome; you could see exactly where Buckingham Nicks might have ended up had they chosen not to join FM in 1975. I wasn't looking forward to Christine's return; but in the end I enjoyed the performance and had a new appreciation for her songs, her talent, and her presence. Enjoyed your quip referring to the Eagles' Hotel California line; in fact, they don't say ain't--the line is "We haven't had that spirit here since 1969." Close enough though. What an era!

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