[The Nicks Fix]

Tom Petty with Stevie Nicks 2006 - FAN REVIEWS

6/09/06 Verizon Amphitheatre Charlotte, N.C.




Chris
I have to say i was so excited to see Stevie with TPHB!!! She looked great and sounded great!! I was so happy to here Insider live, they did a great job on that one! She was so funny when she forgot some of the words to stop dragging my heart around, she Damn it i'm nervious! She did have her high hill boots on!! No black tennis shoes like on her last couple of tours... I know she has had problems with her ankle, but it was great to see those boots again!! I have to agree that when she was playing the tambourine on Don't come around here no more... when the strobes were going wild so was she!!! It looked so cool!!! And the downside was i had no clue you could bring cameras!!!!!! And no Needles and Pins.... I thought for sure they would do that song!! So good to see her having fun with her rock and roll buddies!!!

I love you Stevie Nicks... Rock on!


Stevie Nicole and MoM Candy Lowman
WOW, I took my 8yr old daughter (Stevie Nicole) to her 1st Tom Petty show. She has been to see Stevie Nicks 4 times and was about to bust a gut until Stevie came out!!! I must say Tom Petty was awsome! My daughter (me too) really enjoyed singing along to "Free Falling" and "Learning to Fly". I have never seen Tom Petty live and really enjoyed the way he worked the audience. Now on to Stevie, what do I say... she was amazing and really seemed to enjoy herself...SHE WORE HER BOOTS!!!! And those really cool pants she wore last July on her Gold Dust Tour. She looked amazing, she sounded amazing, we had a fabulous time! Thank you Stevie for yet another magical evening!!! Stevie (my daughter has seen her since she was 5yrs old and can't wait until the next go "round. Don't keep us waiting to long!!!

Rock On Stevie.........


Rick
Just getting home from the sold out Tom Petty show at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA with Stevie as his special guest. I don't think anyone knew she was going to be there unless they read it on the website but after about six songs into his set, she was introduced as his "special friend " and the place went wild when she came out. She looked amazing and sounded great. She sang Stop Draggin My Heart Around and I Need to Know then left the stage, when she returned they sang The Insider which I had not heard for years. She then stood off to the side dancing with her tambourine and singing background vocals on several songs and just really seemed to be enjoying the night. After 30 years of going to concerts and seeing Stevie over 20 times, I hate to admit that I only bought the tickets just to see Stevie, but after tonight I'm a new Tom Petty fan.....This one goes out to my friend Nikki...........
Marlene
Well, Stevie and I had a lot of fun at the Tom Petty concert in Charlotte last night. Of course, Stevie was onstage whereas I was in the crowd (2nd row), but I think Stevie was her own audience-of-one onstage. She seemed as much a fan of the band as the audience was, and she entertained herself with the music in a quiet unobtrusive manner when she wasn't centerstage. Even when she was in front, for three duets w/ Tom (Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, I Need to Know, Insider), she behaved like a gracious guest rather than a star, and toned down her own presence while giving a compelling performance and being very much herself.

Tom and the Heartbreakers went through nine songs before Stevie came onstage. I had never seen Tom Petty in concert before, but I really like his music, and I got absorbed by the show even though I was constantly checking the stage door for signs of Stevie. Tom introduced the band, and talked about some of them being little boys growing up together in Gainesville. Most of his comments were really low-key and mellow; you get the impression that they could just have easily been performing a few numbers in their parents' garages as staging a full-on rock concert at a major venue. Anyway, Tom finished off the band introduction by saying something like, "And here's our soul sister Stevie Nicks." No pomp, no fanfare, no built up anticipation---just a fond acknowledgement that Stevie happened to be there, as though she were just milling about around the stage and they thought it would be pretty neat if she came on for a few tunes. Stevie seemed delighted to be there, but she looked a little anxious before she came out, which seems to be just a part of who she is as a performer/artist. She apparently flubbed the lines in the first chorus of Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, and although it wasn't all that obvious a mistake, she seemed a tad embarrassed. During the musical interlude between the verses, she said something to Tom about being really nervous, and she made an illustrative shaking motion with her hand. After the song, she told the audience that performing w/ Tom still made her so nervous that she forgot the lyrics to the song, that he had that effect on her. It was cute; I hope she didn't feel too bad in front of Tom's audience.

I thought "I Need to Know" was terrific---very high octane on the energy with that one. Then Stevie left, and Tom casually mentioned that Stevie would be back, that she would be coming back out a couple of times during the show. He said this in the same laid back tone that he said most things, and again, I had the image that Stevie was just going to go wander around a bit and then mosey onto the stage again whenever the mood struck. Stevie, on the other hand, seemed very prepared, alert, and ready to go when her turns came around. I thought this was an interesting contrast between Tom and Stevie. At the same time, they seem very equally matched creatively, despite their different personalities and styles. They just act like really good buddies.

Back to the show: Stevie came on again for "Insider," and her voice was wonderful. The audience hooted its appeciation for her several times. I recommend getting ahold of some video of this if you possibly can; it will be worth the effort. So, after "Insider," Stevie made her way over to the side of the stage, with a plain, non-beaded and ribbon-bedecked microphone, and sang back up for "Learning to Fly" and "Don't Come Around Here No More." These were the parts where she entertained herself over in her own little corner when she wasn't singing on the chorus. She also encouraged the crowd to participate in the songs.

Stevie came on once more for "American Girl," at the end of the show, and then did the group farewell and bows with the band. Tom thanked the audience for coming, etc., and Stevie simply said "Thank you" as she passed one of the microphones on her way offstage. She waved and smiled, but she didn't act as though the audience was hers---no extended waving and blowing of kisses as she does in some of her own shows. I thought her attitude was very respectful. That's the new thing that I took away from seeing her this time (there's always something new), and I was happy to see another aspect of her as a person and performer. I don't want to diminish the whole show by focusing on Stevie, but she is the reason I drove from Atlanta to go to this concert. Nevertheless, I'm really happy I saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and I think other Stevie fans in the audience really got a lot out of the whole show, too. Once again, I feel like I've been led to good things by going to see Stevie perform.


Jim
Was so Awesome to see her with Tom. Nice to see her smile and enjoy herself. She sounded wonderful. It was my wife's first time to see Stevie and she cant wait until she can see her on tour.
Peace, Love and Dreams
Jeremy Botswick
Last night I was at the nearly sold out Tom Petty concert at Charlotte, NC. It was a great show, Tom and the Heart Breakers were awesome. They came out at 9 o'clock and opened with Listen To Her Heart and then Free Fallen. He played all of his greatest hits plus a few new songs and two covers, including Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well". Tom introduced Stevie half way thru the show as their soul sister. She came out with great applause and looking amazing. She wore the same outfit as she did during Edge of Seventeen on her Gold Dust Tour and on the Today Show. Stevie's performance on Stop Draggin My Heart Around and I Need To Know was amazing. She told everyone how honored Tom asked her to tour with them and how nervous she was. She left the stage and Tom and the band did a few acoustic songs. Stevie came back out wearing a black dress with a pink shaw and they gave us a surprise performance of Insider, a song they said, haven't done in 25 years. Stevie remained on stage and sang back up and tambourine for Learning To Fly and Don't Come Around Here No More. Stevie came back on stage during the encore to close the show by singing back up for American Girl, she changed once again. I guess thats why she has been called the Rock and Roll Dolly Parton. She wore the same outfit she did for "Rock and Roll", the black rhinestone pants and top hat with the huge feather. Over all, the show was great, this was the first time I've seen Tom and the Heartbreakers. Stevie added a lot to the show and was received very well by the audience. I have seen Stevie many times, and her stage presents is always amazing. Hopefully Stevie will continue to be as active as she has been. I look forward to more SOLO tours!
Rod Kyanko
I attended the first show of Petty's tour in Charlotte. It was awesome...the best part about it was when Stevie came out. She looked more beautiful than ever. I Need To Know blew me away. the only thing missing from the show was some more front stage action with Stevie But it was great to see her on stage at all. Incredidble!
Lauren
Let me just start out by saying that this concert was GREAT!!!! Tom was amazing but the greatest part of all was when Stevie took the stage. She came on around 10 or so at the end of the band intros. Tom introduced everyone in the band and while this was going on I noticed flashlights guiding someone from backstage so I knew Stevie's entrance was not too far away. Soon he announced something to the effect of "and a dear old friend of mine....Ms. STEVIE NICKS!" and the crowd went wild. They started off with Stop Draggin' My Heart Around. Stevie was wearing a black top and a peachy cream colored skirt. I think she was wearing her boots too, I couldn't tell that well because I was on the lawn. She had amazing energy, looked great, sounded great, and was really happy. At the end of the song she made a comment about forgetting some words even though she had been singing the song forever. Next, they sang I Need To Know. Stevie's energy was great she was rocking out hard and the crowd LOVED it. Stevie left stage for a break and Tom said she would return later in the set. When Stevie came back, they sang Insider. She had on the newer Gold Dust Woman shawl. The harmonies were so beautiful. Stevie sang up high and it gave me chills. It was just great. I can't really put into words how great it really was. Next they sang Learning to Fly and Don't Come Around Here No More. Stevie mainly did a back up style vocal to these too songs. She moved more to the right part of the stage with her mic all decorated and whatnot and rocking the tambourine when needed. After Don't Come Around Here No More, Stevie left. The concert went on and included 2 encores, and then a final 3rd encore where Stevie joined Tom for American Girl. It was amazing. She was wearing black sparkly pants, black top, and had the black top hat with the huge feather commonly seen during Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You on the solo shows. There was some major tambourine action on this song. Overall this was a great concert to go to, a true once in a lifetime experience to see these two greats together again!
Brett Grant
Opening night in the Queen City
ATTENTION ALL STEVIE FANS - DO NOT MISS ONE OF THESE SHOWS!!! Tom Petty is still Rockin-A-Little, actually he is Rocking A LOT after all these years. This is the show everyone is going to be talking about this summer!! Tom and the Heartbreakers are as fresh as they were 20 years ago. After singing for about 50 mins Tom introduced his band members, he then introduced the bands "Soul Sister" Stevie Nicks - the crowd went CRAZY when she walked out on stage. Stevie looked so adorable with her white dress and signature black jacket on. She said she was actually a little nervous as she continued to look at Tom in awe. You could feel the energy of their friendship. They sang "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" to perfection, and then "I Need to Know" - where Stevie sang lead (WOW how cool is that huh????) She then went off stage and came back later in the show and they sang one of my alllllll time favorites duets "INSIDER" - LOVED IT!!!!!!!! The harmonies were outstanding! Stevie then became part of the band and sang some background vocals on a few of Tom's songs and then came out at the end for the encore - "American Girl". Stevie you will always be our American Girl!!!!!!!!
Rick Slade
What an evening! Stevie was incredible, magical, mystical, beautiful...

This was truly a concert of Rock Legends. Tom Petty with special guest, Stevie Nicks. Tom started the evening and when introducing the Heartbreakers, he introduced Stevie as his soul sister. The crowd showed tremendous love for her and the journey began.

The first song with the two of them was "Stop Dragging My Heart Around." They sang it with so much energy. Her voice was flawless and the admiration of the fans was obvious.

The next song was, "I Need to Know." Let's just say, "She is still and always will be the Queen of Rock." Come on Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, let's get Stevie in there as a solo act. She absolutely rocked the house with her distinctive vocals and presence.

She made several other appearances throughout the evening and one of the most memorable was when the two of them sang a song they recorded in the 80's, "Insider." The live version of this song that I heard tonight should be released to the public. Sales and radio airplay would be guaranteed.

Stevie did backup vocals for many of Tom's songs and one of the highlights of the evening was when she played the tamborine with the energy that only she can deliver during a light show. She truly looked like a white-winged dove as strobe lights made her movements appear magical. She was truly a vision to behold.

If you have the opportunity to see one of the remaining seven shows where she will be Tom's special guest, don't miss it. You will be watching two rock legends at their best.

I love you always Stevie,
Rick Slade


Karen Shumaker
Unbelievable. I saw a whole new performer. I am just so honored that I was able to be there tonight to experience Stevie. I have seen her perform both solo and with FWM, and thought I knew the artist. I am dead wrong and stand corrected. Teaming with Tom Petty, she enhanced the stage graceously and never deterred the sptolight from Tom's show. It was clear this was his moment, and yet, she magically enhanced the concert and made it into the best rock concert ever. I know this will never happen again. Stevie, THANK YOU for one hell of a show. You are magnificant!
Sara Kate
For a while I actually thought I wasn’t going to make it to this show. I couldn’t get time off work, I don’t have a car, it was impractical… I tried to be mature about it. But I’ve never missed a Stevie show, and I guess I couldn’t start now. Somehow, Friday afternoon found me leaving my farm at noon and driving four hours through the blazing Carolina summer heat, in a borrowed car with the muffler held on with a coat hanger. Playing Rock A Little at a volume previously reserved for ambulance sirens helped to pass the time until I met up with my friend Elise and we switched to singing TISL excitedly as we stood in line at Will Call.

Fortunately for us, the Heartbreakers were quite leisurely in taking the stage. They didn’t come out until about 8:45 – but oh boy, it was worth the wait. Tom came out in a velvet jacket, collared shirt, and vest – a lot of clothes for a muggy summer night! He and the guys were glowing with that special opening night energy, and the excitement was in the air.

Without wasting time, they leapt right into Listen to Her Heart. I was amazed at how tight the band was. I’ve never heard them sound better. The second song, You Don’t Know How It Feels, was a huge crowd pleaser. Tom happily greeted the audience, who happily screamed back, and the momentum kept building with Won’t Back Down, and then Free Fallin’. The songs were flying by. I was a little disappointed to hear them launch into FF without Stevie on stage, as I’d cherished a hope that they might do it together, but really, I wasn’t about to complain. The thirteen-year-olds in front of me held up their lighters.

After Free Fallin’, Tom announced the upcoming album and asked if we’d mind hearing a couple new songs. Of course we didn’t. So he played a new one called Saving Grace. It was hard to get a good feel for it live, but it seemed promising. Nonetheless, unfamiliar songs always lose some people’s attention, so he reeled them back in with Mary Jane’s Last Dance. Everyone cheered wildly. Tom took advantage of this enthusiasm to announce that now they wanted to do a couple older songs that had influenced them back when they were kids. The first was a song I didn’t know but would imagine is called something like “M-A-N Man” because that’s what the chorus said repeatedly.

Then, without pausing or saying a word, Mike ripped into a very familiar guitar lick. My jaw hit the floor. I knew what it was, but it was so unexpected that I could hardly place it. I turned to Elise and screamed, “This is Oh Well! Peter Green! Holy crap!” Her mouth fell open too.

It rocked. Indescribably. They were note-for-note true to the original – yet it was Tom Petty! Covering Fleetwood Mac! This should happen more often, I thought. I was scanning the stage for Stevie – would she appear mid-song? But the song came to a wailing, smoking conclusion, without any sign of her. But I didn’t have time to be impatient because next came the Traveling Wilburys’ Handle with Care, dedicated to “all Wilburys near and far, wherever they may be traveling tonight.”

At the end of that, Tom began band introductions: first Benmont, then Ron, Steve, and Mike, and last but not least, Stevie! She strode onto the stage confidently, smiling, and made her way to her microphone as the band kicked into SDMHA and the crowd went wild. She was wearing a layered handkerchief skirt and black top and looked lovelier than ever. Everyone around me was practically frothing at the mouth, shouting, “Stevie! Stevie!” and “Petty! Petty!” I hollered at the top of my lungs.

Stevie was on fire. She took her standard duet pose – her back to the audience, singing over her right shoulder so we could see her profile, staring Tom down. All that was missing was the Silver-Springs-video-stalking-across-the-stage. The energy bounced back and forth between them. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed all these years of hearing SDMHA with Waddy, but this was a whole new ballgame. I’ve never heard the song rock so hard. And both of their voices sounded so good! I don’t think I’ve ever heard Stevie in finer form. As the song ended she giggled and said, “Tom still makes me so nervous that I forget the lyrics to this song that I’ve been singing for 10 or 15 years!” I didn’t notice her mess up, though. Perhaps due to the massive amounts of adrenaline surging through my veins.

I could hardly imagine what they’d do next. I was too excited even to guess. At this point they could’ve sung Pop Goes the Weasel and I would have been ecstatic. So when they launched into I Need to Know, I was over the moon – especially when Stevie took the lead vocal. Again, I’d never heard the song sound stronger.

After this, Stevie left the stage. Tom took center stage again and played a concert-only tune called Melinda, followed by another new song perhaps entitled Took A Long Time to Get Back Here or something along those lines.

At this point I had taken a desperately speedy bathroom break, and as I came charging down the sidewalk still arranging my skirt, I heard Tom bringing Stevie back out on stage. He was saying something like, “We’re going to do one of the very first songs we ever sang together, from an album of mine called Hard Promises,” as I climbed over the rows in front of me to get back to my seat. “Insider! Insider!” I shouted to Elise. “Oh my god, Insider!”

This was my favorite part of the whole show. The audience got quiet and the magic that has always infused that song spread throughout the stadium. What a joy to hear this song on a night when their voices were both so strong and rich; they blended together exquisitely. Her voice was rich, lush, burgundy velvet, Tom’s a silver thread weaving through it. I was overcome.

And to my delight, Stevie didn’t leave when it was over. She stepped to a side microphone and sang backup and played the tambourine on a softer, somewhat acoustic version of Learning to Fly, followed by Don’t Come Around Here No More. By the time they began Refugee, she had stepped back in the shadows, and stayed hidden during Running Down a Dream, the final number.

Tom and the band waved goodnight and left the stage. The crowed shrieked belligerently. Of course, a few minutes later we were rewarded with a rollicking rendition of You Wreck Me. Then came Gloria. All this time I was hoping Stevie would come back out, of course, but trying not to be disappointed if she didn’t. But I was rewarded when she reappeared on the last number. She had donned her lovely top hat and plume, and although the outfit didn’t suit the mood of American Girl quite as much as HAEWAFY, it still made me smile. She and Tom were grinning at each other as they sang and it made me happy to watch.

As the band joined hands for their final bow, the guys grabbed Stevie and pulled her into the line. They were all laughing and jostling each other around, hand in hand. They all grinned from ear to ear as they bowed and said goodnight. Stevie managed a quick “goodnight!” before she was jostled happily off the stage. It made me glad to see them having so much fun. I never dared to dream of such a show – especially in Charlotte, where nothing special ever comes! - but wow, it was better than I ever could have hoped for.


Kim
The show was awesome! Stevie and Tom were great together! Tom did all his greats.. Except Breakdown, I was wondering why..?? That's one of my favorites!

There was nothing with Stevie as far as merchandise.

I seen the security guy. I asked if he would allow me to give the flowers to her, so he radio'd the front row supervisor who came over and he said he'd talk with Tom's security but he couldn't promise anything. I said ok and thanks.. (I didn't see Chris at all). Well, they let me lay them up there on the stage but it was stage left, way too far.. She wasn't going to do her usual walk and sweep the stage (of course i understand why, it's Tom's show). So she didn't get them and I was told her and Tom both jetted out of there right after. So we headed out.

It was great, we had a lot of fun.. I was impressed with Tom and Stevie both, the venue was packed..

Oh, I didn't try bringing a camera in, yet I found out cameras "were allowed".. Geez, had I known, I would have brought my digital. Ah'well.. Oh yeah, they were filming it, but not for a dvd release.. :(

ps: she wore black of course with a pink chiffon layer on the skirt. I didn't see what shoes.. eh, sigh...


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