A Mac with everything to go

FLEETWOOD Mac demanded a five-star visit with all the rock 'n' roll trimmings before they flew into Australia.

The Mac, one of the most successful music acts ever, has upped the ante on luxury living while on tour.

Promoters have agreed to Mac demands for their own 737 jet, a limousine for each band member and antique furniture flown in from a Bel Air mansion.

Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks stayed in Hawaii for two weeks to acclimatise to Pacific time zones.

"I have to stop for a minute and thank all the gods of rock and roll that it can be done, one more time, in this fashion," Nicks said.

"As I sit on that plane and watch those limousines come out on to the airfield, I ask: 'Oh my God, where is Robert Plant, where is Jimmy Page?

"It's like the old days. It's huge. It's as close to the 1970s as you can get.

"It's very fun and it's very dramatic."

Nicks, 55, has weathered alcoholism and cocaine and anti-depressant addictions.

She says the new, sober Mac has earned its five-star lifestyle.

Lindsey Buckingham (guitar), John McVie (bass) and Mick Fleetwood (drums) bring their own furniture on tour.

Nicks insists on taking her furniture from a Bel Air mansion the band rented while recording their latest album, Say You Will.

"I lived with that furniture for almost a year, so it feels like home," Nicks says.

Other Mac dressing rooms are personally decorated by Buckingham's niece.

Nicks, an inspiration to two generations of female performers, takes her role seriously.

She is flattered to get calls for advice from Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch and Natalie Maines, of the Dixie Chicks.

"I have a strong ego and I'm possessive of my songs, my performance and what I've done."

Fleetwood Mac will perform in Sydney on March 7.