The Nicks Fix - Fleetwood Mac Fan Reviews

Say You Will FAN REVIEWS

7/19/03 Sports Arena San Diego, CA

Newest reviews posted at the top.

Debbie
Hi Debbie here, Saturday at The San Diego Sport Arena was the last night of the Fleetwood Mac’s Southern California shows and I’m really going to miss them. I saw three of their previous shows this past week and while it’s been a busy week it was the greatest ever. I’ve seen many performers from classics like Bob Dylan to new band like No Doubt but none of them are even in the same league as Fleetwood Mac. They are just simply the best. It was worth the trek down to Sand Diego even with the awful traffic; it took twice as long to get there as it should have. Once we got there the air-conditioning wasn’t working in the arena so it got really hot. We got there about a bit before 8PM but by time we parked and bought more T-shirts it was about 8:20. The previous shows started at about 8:30 or later so I thought we had time. But the lights had already went down when we got to the floor and there was a long line in the front to show the usher the tickets. Well I was determined not to miss a minute of the show so while the lights were still down I went into the second row then I climbed over the row of seats in front of me. I hurt both my legs and skinned one of them a little (I was in a really short dress), because the seats were the fold up kind and they folded up on me. But I made it to the crowd up front before the beginning beats of "The Chain" so hurting my legs was a small price to pay. In fact the show ended up being so good not only did I forget about my legs but I also forgot I had to use the restroom. Now that’s a mark of a good show! We ended of being closer to Stevie tonight so at least it’s fair we were two nights near Stevie and two nights near Lindsey. Stevie was the most animated tonight than the last three shows. She had the cutest facial expressions especially on "Stand Back" for the lyric "take me home" she gave a look like ooo that’s naughty I shouldn’t say that – with really wide eyes and her lips pursed together. "Say You Will" was also better because Stevie really embellished she gestures and made me believe every word she said. For the song "Gypsy" she had on a new shawl! It covered the length of her body and was made of red Chinese silk. It was so beautiful. She just wore it for the one song; I would have liked to see it for longer. She also had a new jacket on. When she came out she had on a black embroidered jacket instead of the sparkly one. It was a nice change. Before "Landslide" Stevie told a story about how they played the Sports Arena back in 1970. They were with three other bands and when she saw the arena she new they had arrived and had a future in the business. "Landslide" was really special tonight because Stevie gave such a genuine smile for when she sings "I’m getting older too." It’s like she’s resolute to that fact and has come to graciously except it. After "Landslide" was over Stevie and Lindsey embraced and she strummed his guitar for a few seconds which she doesn’t usually do. I couldn’t tell if they kissed or not because some woman pushed me over to get in front of me to get a better view. By time I regained my balance (I was in high heels) I missed the moment. "Stand Back" was really rockin; Stevie did nine twirls and really screamed at the end, which was so cool. "Gold Dust Woman" was also fabulous because of her intensity, and even twirled once during it. "Beautiful Child" grows on me more and more every time and Stevie sings it with such grace I could tell how much that song means to her. "Riannon" also gets more superior every night; she keeps raising the bar with the level of emotion she puts into it. Britney and Christina can’t hold a candle to Stevie; she’s the ultimate queen of rock! The way she grabs the mic and screams into it is so cool. She has this smoky voice that is so great and gets even better every year. "Riannon" is the perfect showcase for it and with her mystical presence it's one of the highlights of the show. I just wished that the arena was as good as FM. Besides the air-conditioning they were also having trouble with the lights. I noticed the backlights weren’t on for a few of the songs then after "I’m So Afraid" Mick gave the time out signal. Then Stevie came out and said " I word to the wise, we are having technically difficulties, our back lights aren’t working so if they all go out you all with have to be our light." The lights did eventually go back on though I think Lindsey was still in the dark more than usual. The air by the end of the show got really hot. Lindsey usually sweats a bit but last night his whole shirt was soaking wet much more than usual. Even so he didn’t disappoint, he rocked back and forth with such force strumming away on his guitar during "Come" it was such a treat. He’s definitely the greatest guitarist I’ve ever seen! On "Big Love" I thought he put every once of energy he had into it and yet he still had enough steam to bring down the house with "Tusk" and "Go Your Own Way." I don’t know how he gets all of his energy but it’s really inspiring. I’m less then half his age and I don’t think I could exert that amount of energy each night. As for their new songs they seem as a group to sing "What The World Coming To" with the most zeal every time a see them. Speaking of energy Mick is also amazing especially during "World Turning" he looks like he could go on all night and I wish he would. He’s a whole show just himself. I love him! Between Mick, John, Lindsey and Stevie it’s so hard to decide whom to look at, at any given moment because they are all so great in their own special ways. I’m almost glad Christine McVie isn’t on tour too because then it would be an even tougher decision. As for their contact with the audience, at the beginning of the show Stevie waived her index finger at a person to the right of her in the front, I couldn’t see if it was a friend or a groupie. When they were going off after "Don’t Stop" a fan threw a bouquet of flowers right at Stevie, it hit her near her feet. She didn’t look at it or even let it slow her down, but Mick picked up the bouquet and took it. He then thanked the audience for coming. I was so sad when the encores started because this is their last show in Southern California and I’m really going to miss them when they go onto other states. The show went even faster then the previous night. It felt like I had just walked in when the show was over. I don’t know how the time could have passed that fast but it did. They should tape a t.v. special like they did with "The Dance," because four nights of seeing them was just not enough. Not that t.v. can even come close to the magic that being there live brings. There just aren't enough words to describe it. Thanks FM for all the memories and please return to Southern California, ASAP! I would so go to this show again if you do!

Corinna
It is always an honor and a privilege to see FM in concert!!! And like Fine Wine they only seem to get better with age (and they were mesmerizing to begin with). I have been a nonstop fan since I saw them in Munich in 1977 for the Rumours Tour for the first time, and have seen them many many more times since. Their energy is amazing, the band is tight, with a tiny, and I mean tiny, glitch here or there but even though we may see them as Goddesses and Gods, they are only human. I saw the LA show but the San Diego show was extra special. The Band seemed to be in an extra Happy Mood and they certainly could not have made their SD fans any happier than telling us that little piece of trivia of the SD Sports Arena's meaning to them and then dedicating Landslide to us. The Place went crazy, and it was already on fire before that. They did all the songs everyone wanted to hear and then some. 21/2 Hours nonstop is incredible, of course we would have all stayed all day and all night to listen to the MAC. Yes the "MAC is Back", and we are so lucky that they are!!!!! I'd like to think they were really never gone, only on hiatus. I hope So Cal will have the honor to be seeing you all again soon!!!!!!! God Bless you And thank you for having entertained us for the past 28+ years beyond all expectation Best Wishes

Joy Elizabeth Sterling
As expected, Stevie sung her wild heart out & was phenomenal! Her voice was crisp & clear sounding like the angel that she is. Lindsey's eyes sparkled with such joy to be back on stage with the "Mac" ... His talent is so under estimated. Mick held the audience captive with his animated drum solo ... a spectacular performance by the greatest drummer, ever. The magic between all those ex-lovers is still brewing! I am so appreciative for all their music, together, as well as, singularly, have given to this world. Once again, it was a thrill for us to be part of their magic for one evening!

Bobbie Beeman
The moments of this concert will be replayed in my mind, over and over, for the rest of my life. Having seen the show a week before in L.A. (7/11), I was lucky already. Still, I could not have expected it could get better, but it did. My seat was far better (floor, row 15, but nearing the last few songs I was able to make my way up to somewhere near rows 6 or 7). My blood was flowing fast. I was mesmerized by the sounds leading from those microphones and instruments right to my ears and into my wild heart. The band's energy was strong and joyful. The fans that I was surrounded by had an energy that was on the moon. We danced through the entire show. By the end of "The Chain," we were beginning to drip with sweat. Nothing was going to stop us. Finally, I was able to get a better view of John, Mick and Lindsey. I have seen Stevie up close a couple of times, but without Fleetwood Mac. It was a dream to actually see Lindsey's fingers on the guitar and John's on his bass. The crowd just went wild when Lindsey did those possessed guitar solos. Lindsey Buckingham does not get enough credit in this industry for being the Guitar God that he is. This entire show was stellar. Stevie Nicks was reaching down into her soul and I could feel it. If this night would have never ended, I would be the most stoked, dehydrated woman on this earth. I was sending my energy right to the band and they gave it back to me tenfold. Fleetwood Mac is a force in rock and roll, not just of yesterday, but right here and now. If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself. On a few last notes, Laura, "from the Bronx," it was great to meet you and share Goodbye Baby right next to you. John McVie was in the parking lot in a black Mercedes after the show, trying to be incognito as always, but I saw him. I was standing about five or so feet away from the car and I waved at him through the heavily tinted windows (that was me in the black crochet hat!). Someone (related to Lindsey?) opened the door, got in the car and the light in the car came on (John was in plain view with the light on) and I said, "I see you John Mc Vie!" I hollered at him and he put the window down and gave me the thumbs up as he was driven away. Best of all on this night, I was able to meet Sharon Celani, whom I have admired since age 10 or 11. I met her and her Mother after the show. Near the outside stage exit, I thought I saw her walk past and though I was not sure it was her, I walked over to where she was sitting in a vehicle with her Mom and introduced myself. Sharon was really very kind and welcoming. I spoke to her and her Mom for a few moments, thanked her for all the great music through all of the years and told her how much her, Stevie and Lori had meant to me for so long. What a way to end the evening. I look forward to hearing from you, Sharon! Fleetwood Mac, thanks again. All I have to say in closing is, "Say you will, say you will, give me one more chance, to hear sing and to hear you play, I promise that you always can...get me to dance......"

EB
We left to get to the show 45 minutes early so we could people watch in the parking lot and get situated in our seats in time to hear "The Chain", but we hit a huge line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot at Sports Arena. After an hour of waiting to just park the car with no end in sight, we decided to park in a nearby shopping area (risk getting towed) and walk a half mile to the venue. We made it in just in time to hear the opening line of "The Chain". The show started about 20 minutes late which worked out perfect. The wait for parking and the walk was definetely well worth it. I am 26 years old and this was by far the best concert I have ever seen!I never sat down from the moment I found my seat till the very last song. I have never seen so many people standing and dancing for almost every song. Some people would sit when they heard a new song coming such as "Come", but by the end of the song they would be standing and cheering because it would be hard not to after such an inspired performance. The venue was filled people of all ages. There was a lot more younger people there than I would have thought. Stevie looked absolutely incredible. Its amazing that she looks better now than she did 30 years ago! I guess some people really do get better with age. I know from reading past reviews that they don't speak much at concerts, but they did throw in a couple of stories such as how they got their start in Southern California. In 1970, at this very venue, Stevie said she could remember performing as an opening act and being so incredibly nervous; I just thought to myself look how far she has come since then. At one point the lights in the back of the stage went out and Stevie came back and told the audiance if that happens again that "we would need to be light" and the crowd went absolutely crazy! Mick Fleetwood was amazing at the drums and I loved the solo during "World Turning". Lindsay Buckingham was inspiring the entire night because he shows so much passion for each song and you can tell just by looking at him how much he just loves performing. John Mcvie was outstanding playing the bass and all the backups were just perfect. Sharon Celani got a very loud cheer when her name was announced which was great. Anyway, just wanted to say what an amazing time I had at the show and would recommend anyone to go see this show multiple times if you can......The Mac is definetely back!

Kristy
i'm 22 & grew up loving stevie nicks & fleetwood mac so saturday nights concert was surreal it was awesome i took my mom & she said just seeing her perform landslide would've been worth the cost of the tickets right before she started 'landslide' she told a little story about how they'd played the sports arena in 1970 when the were the opening act for 'quicksilver messenger service'? (i'm not sure if that's the right name?) & what an important experience that was for them i was in awe the for the whole set & i eagerly await another stevie nicks tour

Jamie Maletic
Well, this was the last of the four shows I have gone to, and it was just as fun as all the others. If I had one word to describe these concerts, it would have to be "FUN"! Although the set lists are the same, the energy is different at each show. When I had bought tickets for all these shows, I had initially thought that I had gone overboard-but I was happy to be wrong! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! The San Diego show had it's own special moments, like when Stevie spoke about Lindsey and her playing here for the first time with 3 other bands and how she remembered being so nervous. Also, during the show, they had lost power backstage and Stevie came out and said, 'I just want you guys to know that all the lights are out back there and if we need light up here (on stage) you all will have to be our light!' After that the crowd went nuts of course. Stevie was again having such a great time tonight, smiling and laughing all the way through. They totally feed off of the crowd's energy. At the end of the show, Stevie mentioned the lights again, saying, 'Thank you all for coming. We really appreciate you spending tonight with us. You WERE our light!' She's so sweet! If you are contemplating about going to this concert, don't. It's the best money you'll ever spend on a show. If they come back around to So. Cal. again, I'll go again.

Ruth Castillo-Roeder
I guess being in a successful rock band makes one ageless. The Mac entertained the crowd at the Sports Arena. I loved hearing Landslide and Silver Springs and singing it with the other fans! Lindsey's guitar was on fire and Mick's drums never skipped a beat. I was 11-years-old when I became a fan. Since that age, I've gone through stages of disco, hip hop, dance, jazz and country. The one thing that has never changed is listening to FM. After the concert, I realized that 26 years ago, I was a kid who liked a band but didn't know that 26 years later, that I'd be seeing them again. I know this isn't much of a concert review. All I can say is the show is super and I agree with most of the reviews posted. Go see them if you haven't yet. There's nothing better that hearing your favorites live in concert.

Beth Milner
From the first few notes of the opening of "THE CHAIN" I was in tears. The minute they walk on the stage, you being your journey.......... I had not seen the Mac in concert since I was 15 yrs old when they were in Atlanta. I was too young to appreciate it then but before that show was over, I was not the same. I was a Fleetwood Mac fan for life. Tonite's show was even more magical. The whole band was tight, the new music was just astounding performed live. One cannot truly appreciate Lindsey's "COME" unless you see it done live. His guitar burns with it's own "FEVER" and the song and guitar playing get's nasty. At times you begin to wonder if Lindsey is consumed in his own fever. He was so into the audience. If you are lucky to have front row seats, you will get a special treat from him. Stevie, John, and last but not certainly least Mick (and his red shoes), all take you to your seats with their own signature performaces. John's bass slapping in "THE CHAIN" and "COME" will rumble the seats. Mick's screaming drum solo in "WORLD TURNING" is truly amazing. This very ecentric old soul has not let the techno world leave him behind. Yes, the MAC IS BACK Mick. You never left us..... Stevie's "STAND BACK" will get the whole arena to it's feet. Her closing "GOODBYE BABY" will have you in tears. I got to see her in Virginia Beach, VA on her solo tour (we had the moon) Stevie..........."I have changed but you remain ageless"....... Another very powerful show.

Michele
Due to traffic, I arrived late to Fleetwood Mac’s concert at the San Diego Sports Arena on Saturday night. As a consequence, Stevie was already well into Rhiannon, while I was still trying to find my seat. This means I missed some of my favorite tunes, “Second Hand News” and “Never Going Back Again.” I had read the Nicksfix main page before leaving for the concert, so I knew that the single “Say You Will” had hit the Billboard charts and is getting heavy radio rotation. I was SO delighted and had been looking forward to singing along on that tune with super extra gusto. “Come,” “Gypsy” and “Big Love” went off as usual. As they got into position for Landslide, Stevie put a finger up to indicate that she wanted to talk for a minute. She said that she had been telling little stories at the Los Angeles area shows and she wanted to do that tonight as well. “Lindsey and I came down here from San Francisco to play San Diego with our band Fritz. We were on the ticket with 3 other acts, Leon Russell, [blank] and we can’t remember the third act. But we were on that bill and the concert took place right in this very arena, back in 1970. So, this place is very special to us and we want to dedicate this song to you.” During the pause before the end of the song, Stevie held up her hand to Lindsey, who placed his against hers and she mouthed words to him. I think she said something like, “Do you hear that?” Then they finished the song. They hugged, side by side. No temple kiss, but they were talking to one another. After “Gold Dust Woman” when Lindsey was changing guitars, I saw a stagehand come up and start whispering to him. When Lindsey walked center stage, he just stood there blankly as “I’m So Afraid” started. Usually at this point, what he is doing is yelling at Mick in front of the drum kit. Throwing himself backwards and forwards, in time to the music. So, I wondered why he deviated from his usual practice. He walked to his mike and it seemed to me he almost didn’t get the first syllables of the song out. However, once it started, he performed as usual. It made me think of an interview he gave, concerning the goodbye concert they performed for Clinton. Lindsey said that he was not as nervous as Stevie might have been, because he could hide behind his guitar and act like a nut. He mentioned being surprised that Clinton knew the words to “I’m so Afraid,” because it’s just a guitar song and had never been released as a single. I wonder if he treated Clinton and company to the rabid guitar-clawing finale that other audiences get during this song, or was he more sedate? When Stevie came back out, before “Silver Springs,” she said, “Word to the wise. We lost all of our power for a few minutes back stage and if it happens again, I just want you to know that YOU are our light.” Later in the concert, when she was taking her final bows, she again told the audience, “You are the light.” When Lindsey knelt on the edge of the stage for “Go Your Own Way,” letting people play his guitar, I saw one fan reach out and wipe the sweat from his nose. He just smiled. I was watching Mick during his drum solo. Of course, all of the equipment under his vest adds a few pounds, so he’s not as large as he looks during that number. However, I can’t help remembering when he was thin as a rail and how just his lankiness added to the band’s aura. Visually, Mick was like a cross between Abraham Lincoln and the Grim Reaper. He’d be wearing black, or a hat, or a long coat and just his physical look brought mystique. Back then, it would be hard to take any picture of the 5 of them that didn’t look striking, because of the physical contrasts. Indeed, one of my favorite photos is the one where they are all in silhouette (I think it is shown at the end of the Mirage DVD). Mick is on one end. Lindsey has his back to the rest. The women are both in flowing dresses holding hands, as if Christine is pulling Stevie up a small hill. Even when they’re all in shadow, there’s no mistaking Fleetwood Mac! When Stevie returns for the last encore, she is bejeweled. She has all of her rings on, whereas earlier in the show, her hands had been bare. “Don’t Stop” ended normally. Stevie accepted a black and gold shawl from one fan. John is always the first to leave the stage. Sometimes Stevie stays and sometimes she doesn’t. For whatever reason, Lindsey does not leave the stage until after Mick says, “The Mac is back.” He doesn’t necessarily wait for Mick to exit. He just waits for him to say that, before heading off himself.

Michael Goldwitz
Attending this show was a revelation. it was as if the band was its prime instead of near the end. The show was fresh and lively, all the way through. From the first drum beats of "The Chain", the crowd was with the band. The interaction between Lindsey and Stevie was magic with all the dancing around and hand-holding. Mick was wonderful with "World Turning" in his use of the drum vest and his insistent "Are you with me?" Lindsey's guitar work, especially when he went out of control (which was often) made for some of the best moments of the night. Stevie forgot a verse in "Gypsy" but didn't skip a beat. The beginning of "Stand Back" with all the percussion was great. All in all, the show was the best of the many I have seen FM and Stevie do. May they go on forever and as Mick said to end the night "May God Bless".

John
What a great show. Before the show I was wandering around and I hear "John!" I turn around and an acquantance of mine, Tim, was standing there fully dressed like Mick! I mean right the white shirt, vest, pantaloons and even the wooden balls (I didn't check for the red shoes!)! He looked sharp! FM was in top form--the vox all sounded great and the band really seemed to into what they were doing. They did the usual show but they strayed from their usual speeches once or twice. During her dedication of Landslide to San Diego, Stevie mentioned a 4 city tour she and Lindsey did when they were in Fritz back in 1970 or so with Leon Russell et al that made a stop at the very same venue (San Diego Sports Arena) and my aunt started shouting because she had been at that show! My aunt didn't even know that she had seen Lindsey and Stevie live before because she hadn't ever made the connection between Fritz and FM! Later in the show there was apparently some technical problem with the lighting because Stevie came out and said something like "Just so you know, we've lost the back lighting, so if the rest of them go out--you guys are our light!" She then launched into another great performance (I think it was Beautiful Child or Silver Springs). At the end of the show (no more lighting probs had occurred) Stevie told the crowd "You are our light!" What a great thing to say and the show would have been perfect had it not been for a fight that broke out between a couple of grown men (like John McVie's age) a few rows ahead. My Mom got pushed when one of the guys got shoved into a seat. Me and some others had to hold the guys back until security came (they didn't get there fast enough if you ask me). At least I know I'll never forget the show, if only because of the fight I helped break up. As for the age thing, we had three generation of my family there and I saw all kinds of ages there--this was definitely a draw for all ages. Now if I could just get a copy of KGB FM's replay of the concert!

Bill Hansen
I enjoyed my front row seats to the 2nd Anaheim show right in front of Lindsey....then sat on the side for the San Dieo show. The interesting item that came out of the San Diego show was when Stevie talks about how her and Lindsey started out. She said when her first band "Fritz" went on their first tour out of San Francisco in 1970...they had 4 dates...one of them was at the San Diego Sports Arena..site of last nights show..and there were 4 bands on the show...Leon Russell..Quicksilver Messenger Service..Fritz...and she didnt remember the 4th band....and she said how that tour was the most exciting thing that ever happened to her....anyway...just an interesting item...the show last night was terrific...but being in the front row does have its perks...Lindsey signed a 45rpm record sleeve of the Tusk single for me and Stevie blew me a kiss...ahhh...cant wait for the next Cd and tour!!

more reviews coming......

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