from Pamela Williams
from Dennis Tommasulo
Stevie looked wonderful and relaxed as the hit the first notes of "Enchanted". One could see that being off the road for some time did wonders for her energy level and her voice. She had at one point 11 people on stage with her including many veterans of solo Stevie Nicks tours including Carlos Rios on Guitar, Brett Tuggle on Keyboards and guitars. Al Ortiz on bass, Scott Plunkett on Piano, Waddy Watchtel on lead guitar, Sharona Celani, Jana Anderson, and on 3 or 4 songs for the first time in over a decade Lori Perry Nicks on backup vocals.
Stevie Said hello to the crowd after a rousing version of "Enchanted" and broke into her usual solo show opener "Outside The Rain into Dreams". Other numbers performed included "Stand Back" a staple of both her solo sets and Fleetwood Mac shows, Gold Dust Woman, Rhiannon, (with a beautiful intro by Scott Plunket on piano) Sorcerer, and All the Kings Horses [*actually "Fall from Grace"]. Stevie mentioned that she wanted to do a few songs she hadn't done in a while and one of those gems was "If Anyone Falls" a song not heard live in a long time.
For Stevie's hit duet "Stop Draggin My Heart Around" Waddy Watchtel ably took the male vocal made famous by Tom Petty, but I do believe the song was in a different key than the original. Another gem not heard in a while was "How Still My Love" which sounded wonderful with the 3 Lady Backup Singers. Stevie also sang a most beautiful version of "Landslide" with harmony from the ladies. It was interesting to note during "Landslide" that a song that Lindsay Buckingham usually performs alone acoustically required both Brett Tuggle and Waddy Watchtel to cover the part usually handled by Lindsay. A clear testament to the talent Buckingham has that is rarely mentioned. The harmony on this song was extraordinary, to say the least.
As is her custom, a long drum/percussion solo preceeded the finale "Edge Of Seventeen" with the crowd filling in the front of the stage for what has become Stevie's Traditional slow trek across the stage shaking hands and accepting gifts and flowers from her adoring fans. For her encore Stevie sang a cover of Tom Petty's "I Need To Know" which has floated in and out of her set for years, and the finale "Beauty and the Beast" was by far the most moving song I've ever seen Stevie sing. Her voice was amazingly strong, her emotion clearly seen and heard, and the audience totally quiet and mesmerized by this incredible display of her raw emotion. I've seen Stevie Live now for the 36th time and I was moved to tears, it was that strong a performance .
The show also included a large high quality screen behind the band that showed old clips, psychedelic colors and occasionally live video footage of the band. One thing of note old black and white clips of the movie version of "Beauty and the Beast" during her finale, but for me personally, other than a fleeting glance I was too mesmerized by Stevies performance to watch some old movie clips.
Stevie May be approaching her 57th Birthday in a few weeks but this old lady can still rock, and she proved that she can still sing with anyone, I look forward to not only the 2nd Las Vegas show I am attending on Friday, but also the 2 nights I'm scheduled to see her this summer on her tour with Don Henley.
from Jim O in Lincoln, Ne
Carly Pryor in LaGrange, GA
Rhonda Gould in Texas City Texas
The highlight for me, was "Beauty and the Beast", Stevie entered the stage like a graceful Queen with all her elegance and beauty of form. Her graceful manner of movement and the emotion in her voice carried me to tears as she slowly danced and flowed with grace and favor. It had a visual effect and feel as if she had royalty bestowed upon her. I have never see anything as beautiful as this performance. Her black velvet robe was so fitting for the song, Stevie looked beautiful and full of class.
Stevie was everything these four nights, she was a Rock legend, she was class, and she was full of beauty and style, but most importantly she sounded awesome and strong, and had a blast on stage. She really appreciated all our enthusiasm as we we on our feet dancing with her. She gave her fans, and Caesars four fantastic shows. I would have to say, it was four of the most exciting nights of my life.
I was also able to meet Sharon and Carlos before one of the shows at Caesars. They both were so kind and posed with us for a photo. It added another memory to the Nicks-Vegas adventure. Sharon was so sweet and beautiful, no wonder Stevie loves her!! And Carlos, what a wonderful guitarist!
After returning home this week, I have to say WOW,but i'm also a little sad that its all over. Seeing Stevie for four nights was so upbeat and now I miss it. But I have some great memories of the event and trip to Vegas.
But most of all, out of four-thousand plus people I got to hug Stevie and say to her up close...STEVIE YOU ROCK AND I LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!! , and she smiled her beautiful smile.
Steve Baeck in Los Angeles, California
For me, the highlights were definitely the songs I hadn't heard live before:
How Still My Love, Beauty and the Beast, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around.
What really strikes me is that her voice is in better shape than it's ever been. How many people are better singers in their 50s than they were in their 20s? I'm really impressed. She uses her lower register a lot and hits those notes dead-on; and she belts more than she ever has (but tastefully, not just to be flashy). I've never really thought of her as a belter.
She's also such an incredibly gracious performer. She can't say "Thank you"
enough; and it comes off as so genuine.
Mick was in the audience with what looked like a dozen children, grandchildren, and godchildren, and it just seemed so supportive and nice.
I flew in from L.A. with my ex. We've been seeing her together since Fleetwood Mac's Behind the Mask tour. As long as she keeps performing, we'll keep attending!
Leigh Barrett in Eugene, OR
I believe Mick was in the audience, and it would have been great to meet him – I’m putting a radio special (I volunteer on a public station in Oregon) together on the history of the Mac and each one’s personal journey from the very beginning – would have been great to connect and perhaps add some new stuff.
Apart from that, Saturday's concert was amazing - she seems to have rediscovered her passion and her energy, and the past 2 times I've seen her where she seemed to be singing off the prompter are duly forgotten.
My one constructively critical note is that so little effort was made with the visual side: the stage could have been decorated, and also, having chatted her way through the Landslide intro -talking about how she had gone through hours and hours of videos and home movies - to then show nothing, was disappointing.
Maybe next time, Stevie will hire a director to take care of the visuals.... and the merchandising – sorry, just not worth spending $20 on that.
Overall, I can't wait to hear that show again, and I hope she releases a DVD of the event - it's been a long time!
SummerFireDreams
Mack Hicks
Laura S. in Portland, Oregon
Richard & Henry (next generation fan)
This was my son's first professional concert (other than Broadway shows) and watching him during the show tells a thousand stellar reviews. He was transfixed on Stevie, the stage, and the videos. He has been a Stevie fan (how could he not be in my household) for years and said that the concert was great. I thought so too.
It was very interesting to see the Stevie die-hard fans mix it up with the Vegas regulars...I overheard some woman state that she thought that Stevie used to be in 'Heart', however, she was corrected by a woman wearing a black chiffon ensemble...Overall, it was nice to attend a concert in a comfortable venue. The acoustics were great and the seats were very roomy for this tall guy...and the bar service was great, too.
The show was similar to the Enchanted tour, but Stevie's voice seems stronger today. I expected the show to be slightly longer...but the huge stage and video props make up for the seemingly shorter set. Stevie's wardrobe was superior and excellent. I especially loved the final song's wardrobe and hair style: Stevie looked like a really glamorous star when she wore her hair up. She, of course, is a classy and talented artist! I am grateful that I was able to share Stevie with my son last Friday night. It will be a night we both remember for a long time.
Susanna Stevens
Kim Marsh
Hunter Sinuhe inOakland, CA.
Joyce Mayer
Rachael
Christine Garcia, Albuquerque
Rebecca (B'ham, AL)
Michelle Tyler
When the house lights finally came down, the crowd was ready to go. Stevie made her entrance to a standing ovation. The adoration of this rock and roll legend was evident in the 4000-plus seat venue.
Stevie was in good form, with her vocals clear and strong. it was obvious that she was there to have a good time and several times told the crowd "thank you" for coming. Her trademark twirls missing, she did 'float' around the stage to the estactic applause of the crowd anytime she made a gesture.
The wardrobe was beautiful and Stevie was able to make quick changes while the band either did a keyboard solo, drum or percussion break.
The set list was mostly made up of 'greatest hits', with the few rare songs like Sorcerer, Fall from Grace, If Anyone Falls, among others tossed in for great effect.
The band was superb and under the skilled and tastefully restrained Waddy Wachtel, provided the fabric on which Stevie was to paint a glorious masterpiece for the 100 minute show.
At the beginning of Edge of Seventeen, a few of us were allowed down to the stage. I was one of those lucky few. Stevie was escorted across the massive stage close enough for some of us (me included) to get a hug, a hand shake or even a kiss!
I had come to the show with my manager (I'm a musician) and he had never seen Stevie live. Although I knew what to expect, he really did not. After the first couple of songs he was won over and at the conclusion of the evening, with the dramatic and moving, Beauty and The Beast, he was almost in tears. Now, that is a testimony!
Laura in Fremont,CA
From Christie and Jan
Got ready then headed across the street. Had a little difficulty finding our way around...we definetly looked like tourists walking around in circles!!!! Ran into a friend of our's, we've seen at many shows, Tori and had dinner with her. We were first in line at the venue doors....ready for them to open!!!! 7pm doors open, we did our usual "before concert" ritual: bathroom and water trips. Then on to our seats. We didn't think we were going to have a good view of Stevie
as our seats were wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy over in the corner (section 6), but how it angled to the side of the stage, there were no seats in front of us, even though we were in 5th row. We saw our friend, Mike, and talked with him for a while. then headed to our seats for the start of the show. Lights dimmed, crowd to their feet, fast-beat "Dreams" intro and Bootylicious played, then here came Stevie!!!!
She looked amazing!!!! I won't go down the setlist, I'll just write about the highlights I noticed.
Stevie was very energetic during "StandBack"...alot of twirls, not just at the end but even in the middle of the song. She'd twirl toward Carlos then she'd twirl back to Waddy. She was truly having a great time....and so was the crowd. Except for a few people behind who told security to get us to sit down so they could see. Well needless to say security left us alone after Jan told them to tell those people they could see better if they stood up because we weren't sitting. LOL Sit at a Stevie concert.....I don't think so...NOT US!!!!!!
Stevie dedicated "Landslide" to her mom. She said that usually her dad is at the show, but this time he couldn't make it, "so Mom, this is your night". She also mentioned that Barbara won $50 at the slots...and she laughed. We later saw Barbara and Chris (after the show) and mentioned what Stevie had said. Barbara paused a moment then said "Well, it was more like $42". And she just laughed.
I absolutely loved "If Anyone Falls". 6 huge pillars dropped from the ceiling. And the screen showed Stevie and Brad's ballet dance, but an ocean was the backdrop so it appeared they were dancing across the sea. Toward the end of the song, Stevie and the backup singers did an acupella verse. It was AWESOME!!!! Lori Nicks was radiant onstage...since Jan and I were "late bloomers", we've never seen Lori perform with Stevie. So that was a special treat!!!!!
"How Still My Love" was another special surprise. I love this song LIVE!!!!!
As soon as that song ended, people from the back of the venue started flying past us, so we headed toward the stage, too. We made it, but we were like 4 people deep, so we knew chances of shaking Stevie's hand was slim. And we were right. But that was OK. As many times as we've been on front row, shaken Stevie's hands, and have even met her twice....we were not disappointed...we were just happy to be there!!!!
She rocked on "I Need to Know". Then they started setting the stage for "Beauty and the Beast". Stevie's blue and gold "Timespace" cape was draped across Scott's piano along with a 4 light candlealbra. Flowing curtains were also dropped from the ceiling. Then out walked Stevie in this beautiful black coat with a high collar....her hair was pulled up. She was breathtaking!!!! As the song started, the screen behind her started playing the old "Beauty and Beast" video that Stevie has so many times talked about. Stevie did alot of hand gestures and different poses during this song...making it a true emotional "performance". The crowd was mesmerized!!!!!
After the show, we met up with Mike and his friend Peter. And we all hung out on the steps of the venue talking. Paul Stanley from KISS came out -- it was kinda shocking to see him leaving a Stevie Nicks concert -- and he was standing just a few feet away from me. Alot of people noticed him and quickly ran up to him for pictures and autographs....we didn't.
Band members and road crew finally started to leave. We waved to Sharon, Carlos, and Jana and told them "Great show". Brett walked out and since we've talked to him soooo many times before, we quickly ran up to him and he gave us both hugs and just stood around and talked. He said there would be 10 shows with Henley then Stevie would do a few solo shows. We hugged and said goodbyes to him. Cory Buckingham and Steve Rinkov came out and we talked with them for several minutes. Cory wanted to clear up that the rumor of Lindsey being at any of the shows were simply untrue, but did tell us that Mick would be at the Sat show. She got a kick out of us asking her if she's ate any funnel cakes lately. LOL
We hung out with Mike and Peter til wee hours of the night....morning. Then went back to our hotel and took a "nap". LOL Saturday was our only "full day" in Vegas so we thought we'd make the best of it. We went back to Caesar's to eat breakfast...stood in line forever just to get inside the buffet restaurant. Since it was sooooooooo HOT, we definitely did not want to walk the strip, so we got the car and drove up and down the strip snapping pictures. We went back to the hotel to take a nap before the show.
To be continued....
Patty Markle - Dallas, TX
We arrived on Friday and since our tickets were for Saturday we went straight to Ceasers to check the place out. I kept thinking as we were walking through this visually stunning hotel, how appropriate it was that our lady who rises only once in a million years was playing here. The architecture, the statues of Gods and Goddesses, the beautiful water fountains, ripe for wishing, the art and ambiance were perfect for a classy Stevie Nicks concert. The Coliseum was simply gorgeous and the acoustics were unlike anything I've ever heard before. Everything was dripping with class and style.
I've got to mention that Ticketmaster (formally known as Ticketmonster) was uncharacteristically kind when they upgraded my 1st balcony tickets for sixth row tickets when they became available several weeks later. We were two rows closer than Mick Fleetwood and his family, but he was one aisle over from us, putting him right in the center. Oh how I wanted to ask him for his autograph. Two things prevented me from asking. 1. Everybody else was and I felt sorry for him. 2. All I carried with me in case I met someone I could get an autograph from was my "Enchanted" set. I thought and thought about it and just couldn't come up with an appropriate page to ask him to sign. Brief eye contact with my hands in a prayerful position and a briefly bowed head showed him my respect without bugging him, I hope.
The concert was everything people have already said and so much more. Stevie's voice was absolutely gorgeous. Her time off the road and spent focusing on pulling off this Vegas gig served her well. She hit notes she hasn't hit in years. Her voice was lush, filled with passion and she gave it her all. Given the short amount of time she had to prepare for this event, I can see why some things were different than what she had discussed in an earlier interview. She demonstrated that she could pack a Vegas venue, fill up the stage with her band and leave fans with the feeling that they had just experienced something very special and magical. I enjoyed the visual effects on the screen behind her. My favorite song and visual effect was the whole "Beauty and the Beast" presentation. I wanted to watch the movie but I couldn't take my eyes off of her. My God she was so beautiful and her heart and soul were literally poured out for all of us to grab a piece of, shower it with our own love and then give it back to her. I felt honored that she trusted us enough to do that. This woman took a risk to do that song and it paid off in spades. I also enjoyed Landslide with the harmony added. It was a very nice touch and something I've never heard from Stevie before.
I'm not sure if this is one for the history books or not, but Waddy Wachtel was wearing a jacket, at least during the first part of the show. I love Waddy so much and when I see him, I expect to see the denim vest that he has worn for the past 30 years. He was wearing a beautiful jacket on Saturday night. I enjoyed seeing all the same faces with Stevie's band. Brett, Carlos, Al, and Scott were simply wonderful and I appreciate their continued support of Stevie. I was sad to hear that Scott was spending the summer with another touring band, the audience booed to show they didn't like the news either and then gave him a great round of applause. The drummers were fantastic and I look forward to learning more about them as Stevie tours this summer. I found it more fascinating to watch Mick Fleetwood during drum solos though. I just kept wondering what was going through his head.
And now for my favorite part about this show. Lori Nicks. You could have picked me up off the floor and placed me back in Dallas in 1984 watching the Wild Heart Tour and I wouldn't have known the difference. That sound that comes from only Lori and Sharon together is so perfect. You could hear it the most on "If Anyone Falls" and "Beauty and the Beast". Concerts never sound like albums but these songs did. Jana has a beautiful voice too and I don't want to discount her at all, but when Lori took the stage, I couldn't stop watching her and Sharon. Lori was beautiful, her voice was in perfect shape and clearly this woman has spent some time working out because she was stunning. Somehow I find it incredibly comforting that Lori and Sharon have never left Stevie's side. I hope they know how much the fans appreciate their dedication over all these years and that we honestly do love them as much as we do Stevie. I've missed Lori touring and am praying that maybe, just maybe she will join Stevie on a few shows this summer, (like in Dallas - where it all began!). Lori, if you are reading this, I have a 14 year old daughter as well and trust me, a little break would be fantastic for both of you. I KNOW you need it. I'm sure Jessi does as well.
Finally, while I have had the honor of meeting Stevie before, I have never been able to make it to the right spot during Edge of 17 to shake her hand or give her a gift. I did make it on Saturday night and it felt wonderful to touch her hand and look her square in the eye to tell her that I loved her. Security told us to toss gifts on the stage, so I tossed a pink envelope with cards for everyone inside. She was gracious as always and really tried to reach every hand she possibly could. She loves us too and never takes us for granted. Thank you for that Stevie. Thank you for that and so much more.
From Jon and HB (UK)
The next day on to Las Vegas, The city was pumping, down onto the Strip to find a hotel hoping to stay in Caesars palace no joy the place was full, managed to find a room close by, time for a quick swim then change for the Concert, My friend looked great.
We found our seats, drunk some Wine and waited like little children then there She was Stevie Nicks someone I had waited 25 years to see, From the very beginning the journey was worth it, Stevie moved like the wind dancing trough my hair and sounding just like the angels you hear in the in your dreams.
We watched and listened to every word, taken back by the pure Poetry and beauty of this person, was I watching something very special? I think so, Stevie can make time stand still, this will not happen for me again.
Finishing with Beauty and the Beast, I could feel myself crying inside, the words and power of this song are so very BEAUTIFUL! and yet so very SAD! I was moved, touched and so very full of all the emotions only PURE LOVE can help you see.
Leaving the concert we retired to our hotel room, watching the lights of Las Vegas from the 24th floor of our hotel room this finished a perfect day for us, we talked for hours about what we had just experienced I was touched in such a profound way, thank you to the person standing next to me Su and thank you Stevie.
Back into the car for a very long drive up to San Francisco and the flight back to the UK, once again thank you so very much.
Scott Ellison, San Diego, California
The Forum at Ceasar's Palace, was as intimate as a well appointed high school gym.Every seat in every section was a 'good' seat. with two short 'orchestra' sections, and a balcony that put the audience in a suberb sightline, I could see that this was a well planned venue.
As the soundtrack drew to it's end,down house lights,fade the music to silence,a band assembled quietly,then,the band picked up the opening for "Enchanted', and we were off ! Spotlight up!; on a most stately young lady, as she strode confidently to center stage, to her mic, and greeted us with her vocal magicianship.Leading into 'Outside The Rain', band and singer flowed like a musical river.
Ms. Nicks then took us along the musical path she had forged for the evening.
We followed her to familiar respites that spoke of where we've been, with classic visits to 'Rhiannon", Gold Dust Woman'; and following, more attentively now, stopped by places although newer, seemingly familiar, with 'Sorcerer'. For myself, it was a retrospective moment, as the two acoustic guitars sang along faithfully, and carried through the late spring evening.
'Stand Back' had us stand up, in the restless throes of our rock&roll beginnings,dancing in place, but wild with energy,and, suddenly, around the campfire, wondering about this gifted woman, and the uncertainty all of us face, with 'Landslide'.
'If Anyone Falls' would have been a great musical 'old friend' to revisit on it's own merit, but we were in fact joined by a sorely missed friend, for it's rendering, in the person of Ms. Lori Nicks. I don't give in to emotion readily, but i will admit that i felt like, the family is whole again. the energy was just electric, yet beyond that.For that magical moment, i would have crawled on broken glass from San Diego,in a traffic jam.
Ms. Nicks vocals were sharp, and clear. She has not,in my opinion, recieved enough attention from 'critics' [i've been keeping on the high road here, so i won't go into what i think of critics, except to allude to an old adage about 'those who can do.......'], as a premiere vocal interpreter. so i will. She can take you along with her on the strength of how she tells the story, an attibute that sets all the great singers above the others.she will let you feel the music, as most others are content to let you hear the music.
This was demonstrated by her beautiful offering of 'Beauty And The Beast'.It closed the evening on such a note as is given by a fine wooden instument.the tone lingers far after the final note is struck.
The band is superb, again, driven by Waddy Watchel. He is a consumate musical director, and knows how to get the sound that Ms. Nicks expects.with Carlos Rios adding his considerable skill, as he did with the 'Say You Will' tour, Brett Tuggle 'takin' us to church' with the sweet Hammond organ, as well as journeyman work on guitar, and the talented Al Ortiz on bass, the upcoming tour will be one of the best. I had the chance to speak with Mr. Rios, and Mr. Ortiz[i really meant what i said about your very fine work on the demos, thanks again] after the show, and i feel secure in knowing the caliber of talent that Ms. Nicks has in support. there is also the energy of another artist, and the support he may have , that will put this band on a new level of excellence.
Thank you, Ms. Nicks, for so much great music. Selfishly, i hope to hear some of the very fine material contained in the 'Street Angel' collection, live sometime, but, I am not the selector. And i will enjoy whichever journey we take, at the next gathering.
Also, 'hi' to Joe, and his beautiful wife, new friends from New Jersey, and fellow homestaters. I know you will have a safe trip home, "by the time you climb the mountain, and turn around", she will be in your town. Best of everything to you both.
Larry in San Diego
From the opening song through the final notes of the second encore, the show was a food for the soul. Stevie has always been a rocker and the Caesars Palace event clearly illustrates why she is considered the reigning Queen of Rock & Roll. The lighting was dramatic. The props (from lace chandeliers to giant columns) were used sparingly and always enhanced the mood created by select songs. The giant video screen served as a backdrop and was utilized to full effect.
The images ranged from still shots to 70's psychedelic to animated digital art to movie clips.
During many of the harder rock songs, they combined live images of Stevie with psychedelic patterns for a true "flashback" to those classic 70's rock group performances. Fans loved every minute of it.
My highlights of the evening... "If Anyone Falls In Love", "Sorcerer", "Fall From Grace", "Outside The Rain", and the Tom Petty classic "I Need To Know".
Sadly missing (I know she can't sing everything) were "Rooms On Fire" and "I Can't Wait" - two Stevie classics... and a few more from Trouble In Shangri-La. The best album ever produced (in my book).
Hopefully she will add to the mix while planning her tour with Don Henley. We can't get enough of her, can we!
Her costume changes were minimal and always tasteful. I did notice what appeared to be the beautiful gold and blue long coat from the Operation Desert Storm-era photo shoots draped across the piano.
The three gifted back-up singers were flawless. Many arrangements enable the four voices to soar in harmonies so tight you would swear you were hearing angels sing. There really is no group dynamac quite like it in the music industry today. The talented musicians were at their peak performance. Kudos to the crew!
Stevie's mother was in the audience on Friday night... as noted with the dedication of "Landslide". At Saturday's performance she dedicated the song to Caesars Palace for enabling the "Dreams" event to become a reality. Now that is class! I was lucky enough to hold Stevie's hand for a few brief seconds during the traditional "Edge of Seventeen" meet and greet... and for fans everywhere, I thanked her for sharing her gift of music with us. We are truly blessed.
From Christie and Jan
Show starts. Crowd literally went WILD!!!!!! There were alot of FANS at this show!!!! Stevie and the band seemed to realize that as well. And they gave it up!!!!! Every song Stevie just poured it all out!!!! Several times we looked over at Jessi and she was just singing along and watching every move her aunt made.
"Stand Back" ROCKED the house!!!!! Stevie even did a high kick at the end of the song....YES folks we got a high kick....something we haven't seen since TISL. At the end of the song, the crowd literally gave Stevie a standing ovation...she seemed taken back by it. The clapping went on for several minutes, Stevie just had to stand there, it was soo loud, she couldn't go on with the show.
Again, "If Anyone Falls", the song, the backdrop, the video, the acupella verse...that song has become high on my list now!!!!!!
We noticed when Lori walked out onstage, Jessi was crying. We've come to the conclusion this must have been the first time Jessi has ever seen her mom onstage. A very emotional moment. When Stevie introduced the band, before she got to Lori, she looked out across the crowd, and said "Miss Jessica Nicks, I want you to take a look at what your mom gave up to have you". Jessi was definitely crying then and her friend gave her a big hug. Lori was a little shaken, too.
As soon as "How Still My Love" started.....we RAN to the stage. Nobody was going to stop us!!!! We planted ourselves at the bottom of the steps. There was a huge crowd around us....security seemed to be taken back by the mass crowd as the sat on the steps in front of us. And what a blast from the past as we noticed Blair and Sally (whom we met a few years ago) were standing beside us at the stage. Sally told us it was Blair's 17th birthday -- so what a thrill for her to be on the "edge of seventeen" standing at the edge of the stage during "Edge of 17". LOL When Stevie got close to us, of course there were about 1000 hands flapping all around in the air, Stevie reached out and grabbed my hand with her right hand and held it as her left hand reached across the rest of the crowd, touching others. Stevie then gave Blair a big hug. What a nice birthday present!!!!! I had hoped we would have met a mutual friend, since Sally and Blair were there....but I didn't ask but realized probably she didn't go to Vegas. We were surprised by a little pink floral note at last year's Atlanta show, so I was hoping maybe Vegas. But bummer. Maybe one day that chance meeting will happen. *** fingers crossed ***
"Beauty and the Beast" was more stunning that the night before. We got a closer look this time....Stevie was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!! She gave an awesome performance...it was a true "performance". Raw emotion in every word!!!!!!
It was really sad to see the show end. We hung out with Kiki and Deb (and their husbands) outside the venue. Just literally had a blast with them all night!!!!
We talked with Sharon and Brett....but there was a mob of people around them so we made sure it was short and sweet...seeing how we've done this sooo many times before. Al and his girlfriend walked out and next thing we notice Al is taking pictures of Kiki and Deb in front of Stevie's poster. We then told Kiki "Your suppose to ask Al if you can take HIS picture not him take YOUR picture"....everyone just laughed, including Al and his girlfriend, who then took the camera and told us all to get in close and she take our picture with Al. They were both truly sweet and very friendly...we talked for several minutes. Al even asked what other shows we'd be at, so he could look for us. He told us he had 2 days off then Tuesday they would be back in L.A. for rehearsals for the Stevie/Don tour. They gave us hugs and kisses and off they went. His girlfriend looks alot like LeeAnn Rhines. Lori finally came out, she appeared to be in a hurry, so we didn't ask for autographs or
pictures....we did mention that we noticed Jessi crying when she walked out onstage and she said she saw her too and had to look away or she would have lost it...we then told her how much we've missed her and hope she'll perform with Stevie again.
We continued to hang out with Kiki and Deb, but it was getting extremely late and we had an early flight, so we hugged and said our goodbyes, then took the trek to our hotel. We slept maybe 2hrs then off we were to the airport. I think we added up we slept maybe 10 hours in 3 days. We were exhausted!!!!!! And after we landed in Atlanta, I still had a 3hr drive home. UGH!!!!!!!!!!! But we always agree: No matter how many sleepless nights or how many miles traveled.....Stevie is worth it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As long as Stevie continues to perform....we'll continue to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Til next time....
Andre Barron - Studio City, CA
from Nancy
Stevie vocally; clear and pristine as she could be. It is difficult for performers to recreate a clear and great "studio sound", but this band had no problems except with what appeared to be a key change or rhythm change for just a moment. Visually the show was so enjoyable with costume changes and a backdrop of lights colors and fantasy. Just great !!! I got a sense that Stevie was pleased to be in her own skin and happy within herself. It read clear and this is not a theater you could cheat in. You can see Stevie, you are beautiful inside and out. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for her fans and a deep appreciation for the audience and their enjoyment. You could feel it and it showed.
I have seen /experienced many concerts and I must say I walked away with an overall since of, "WOW !!!". I must say at the beginning & a few chords of Landslide I started to cry and as I looked over to my sister and brother,( brother who treated us both for Mothers Day gifts), who were also enjoying the concert; my sis handed me a Kleenex as she had already begun to tear up too Another highlight of the evening was the Edge OF Seventeen, not only vocally but the guitar work was just off the charts. Great musicians and great music.
Stevie,thank you and look me up when you are back in Scottsdale. I would love to just do girl talk and be friends. Let's go to Bucks and chat.
from Mike
Enchanted
She put in all the required hits, but slipped in some oldies-but-goodies too. I was very happy with the song selection. She was absolutely beautiful (and for those who are concerned about it, very slim and trim too). Vocally, she was amazing, and I can't remember when her voice has sounded so powerful. Anyone who thought she might be have been losing range on the Say You Will tour should have seen this. The way she carried "snoooooooow" at the end of "Landslide" was unbelievable.....like I have never heard her do it before. On the first night, when "Beauty and the Beast" started, my main thought was that it was an appropriate song for a final encore and a nice change from "Has Anyone Ever Written" which I love but which has become a somewhat predictable ending. Well, once she sang "Beauty" you could have knocked me over with a feather. I've seen Stevie perform too many times to count, but the power in her voice for this was something I never expected. I know we all love Stevie, but if you didn't see these shows, and this song.....you need to upgrade your love and respect about 100%. As I watched these performances, I couldn't help but wonder if she deliberately holds back when she is with the Mac because nothing I have seen her do with them could hold a candle this incredible performance.
I suppose my favorite moment was getting to touch Stevie during "Edge of 17" on Friday night. As she reached for my hand I yelled "Hi Stevie" and she looked right at me and said "Hello." Just as with all the other times I have touched her, I was completely amazed by how silky soft her hands are. The other highlights are too numerous to mention.....the video effects on the giant backdrop were great (dueling unicorns during "Rhiannon," giant flying doves during "Edge," and the timeless clips of Stevie herself). "Stand Back" rocked as always. "If Anyone Falls" is truly a lost treasure, and I loved how they sang one chorus acapella at the end. It was great having Lori back, although she only performed on a few of the numbers. Stevie's mom was in the audience on Friday and Saturday. I saw her brother on Saturday, and I know Jessie was in the audience Saturday because Stevie said she wanted her to see what her mother gave up. I could go on and on but I have to stop myself somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if Caesar's asked her back....the city really seemed to get excited about this gig, and it was very well received by everyone I was aware of. That other singer they have in the Colosseum (what's her name again.....LOL) ought to be jealous.
Tracy in Scottsdale
This was the 4th time I've seen her and it was as good as the first!! Thank you Stevie for giving me the most incredible memory in my life of 42 years!!
|