A recently reunited Fleetwood Mac brought their “On With The Show” tour to Sprint Center. (Photo property of Warner Bros. Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
I was eight-years-old when my dad introduced me to Fleetwood Mac.
When I first heard their 1997 live album, The Dance, I became an instant fan and as time went on…they became my Beatles.
I have seen Fleetwood Mac twice as a foursome in 2009 and 2013 (both shows were respectively at Kansas City’s Sprint Center), but I wished that Christine McVie would come out of retirement and perform with Fleetwood Mac once again.
Last year, my wish came true when Christine McVie confirmed that she would rejoin the iconic band for a new album and a multi-continent tour. McVie’s return marks a new chapter in the 40+ years of the Rumours line-up of the band.
For longtime fans that wished for the return of McVie, they will not be disappointed with the On With The Show tour. While the 71-year-old singer-songwriter has been absent for 16 years, her golden voice is still intact as she beautifully lead the band on several of her signature songs: “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere,” “Say You Love Me” and “Over My Head.”
The interaction between McVie and Stevie Nicks throughout the show delighted concertgoers. Fans smiled when they sang to each other on “You Make Loving Fun” and attempted to duplicate their line dancing during the latter half of “Tusk.” As for Nicks, her voice was just as strong and robust as the last time I saw her perform with the group two years ago.
Her storytelling continued to enchant the crowd as she delivered powerful interpretations of “Rhiannon, “Landslide” and “Silver Springs” which brought fans to their feet. However, she transformed “Gold Dust Woman” into a show-stopping number where she unleashed her inner wild child during a five-minute dance solo that delighted longtime fans, but polarized several audience members.
Meanwhile, Lindsey Buckingham shined brighter than ever with his outstanding guitar solos. The “Tusk” singer-guitarist spent a bulk of the night onstage with his strumming that sent fans into a frenzy. After hearing his impeccable solos on “Big Love,” “I’m So Afraid” and “Go Your Own Way,” I strongly believe that not only is he is one of the Top 20 guitarists of all-time, but also Buckingham sounds better than half of the singer-guitarists in today’s music market!
Finally, the two founders (and the glue of the group): Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, continued to held court in the middle of stage. While McVie delivered his signature sounds, Fleetwood continued to steal the show with his astonishing drumming, which included a three-minute repeat after me session during “World Turning.”
Final thoughts & grade: Before he exited the stage, Fleetwood proudly proclaimed: “FLEETWOOD MAC IS BACK!” I proudly echo his exact testament! On With The Show is a fantastic tour that satisfies the wishes of two distinctive groups: the hardcore fans and the next generation that is just discovering them. Congratulations, Fleetwood Mac on nearly completing the North America set of the tour! Europe and Australia, you are in for a real treat! A
