Trouble in Shangri-la
FAN REVIEWS
9/4/01
Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater Virginia Beach, VA
this
page last updated
October 3, 2001
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London
It has taken me some time to get around to doing this and have debated
on doing it for a while. Partly, because I hate what the term "Fan"
implies. I would consider myself an enthusiaist of Stevie Nicks' music, but I
do not know her personally and to be "Fanatical" which is where the
term comes from, I rather think, denotes a certain level of mental distrubance.
I have listened to Stevie Nicks' music for years, but it was not until my boyfriend
came into my life that I really began paying attention. He had been hooked by
her "Rooms On Fire," and had been listening ever since. When he came
into my life he brought his enthusiasm about Stevie Nicks' music along with him.
In the beginning I listened out of nicety to him, but soon realized that I had
misappreciated what I had originally taken as a good beat, a great melody, or
some interesting vocals. The depth of the writing was intense, and moved my soul.
Her talent for lyric writing is exceptional and allows for the listeners' mind
to travel to the corners of their own experience and fill out the hollowed details
of her music. It is rare, indeed, the artist who is so capable of reaching an
audience and moving them so unitely with as vague and unsubstantiated boundaries,
serving not so much as a traffic guide for the listener's experience, as so many
artists do, but acting more as as light shed on a particular part of the world
which the artist would like the audience to take a closer, more reflective, discerning
look. For that I am grateful to Stevie Nicks and her talent, it has helped to
open doors for me.
On July 28, 2001
I had the opportunity of seeing Stevie Nicks at the Nissan Pavillion in Bristow,
Virginia. It was my first live performance of hers. I had been informed before
attending that she had not been feeling well and had re-scheduled shows before
the one I was to be attending and so I, with my boyfriend in tow went, to the
concert. It was an amazing time. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, she sounded
wonderful, and I was touched by her music. It was a great night, one that I am
not going to forget for the duration of my life.
I work as a counselor
in HIV prevention in Richmond, Virginia and as such live on an emotional roller
coaster. Lately, I had noticed that I have not been able to express those things
I have been feeling. Like being blocked up emotionally, and I noticed that I was
becoming "harder," more difficult to deal with, less happy, certainly
more bitchy. This is kind of where I was in my life at that moment. For the entirety
of the concert I was able to leave behind the pain and hurt that inevitably accompany
work like mine, and focus on nothing but the music, which was an awesome experience.
For me, the most
important event of the evening was Stevie Nicks performance of "Has Anyone
Ever Written Anything For You." For whatever reason, a power in her lyric
and voice, touched the captor of all the emotions which had been holding back
for so long. Everything let loose, and it was all I could do to manage to maintain
a level of composure in the midst of all the chaos which concerts possess. For
this, I am most grateful, and again, recognize the amazing touch of talent, the
wondrous gift entrusted to the woman known as Stevie Nicks.
Thank you for providing
me the opportunity to express these thoughts. It feels good to be able to say
that she did, not a good job, but a most excellent job at reaching at least one
person, that very special July night. It is in the presence of talent such as
hers when I know, beyond a doubt, that there is a Supreme Being and faith is again
renewed. Peace and love to you who read this, thank you for your time.
Tristian
Stevie was awsome!!!!!!!! I saw her at the Virgina beach Wireless show!!
I'm fourteen years old and without a shadow of a doubt is was the best show I
know I will ever be at. Even if it was a school night and I had to get up this
morning at 5:00 she totally rocked!!!!. I've seen her twice and this was the best
show ever. It was so amazing! I flelt like crying in the begining and then at
the end when she sang Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You and wore that cool
hat with the feathers. Stevie if your reading this THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and I will always remember you don't worry about that.
Carol &
Tina
This was my first concert. It was truly a memorable night sharing my
first experience with a truly remarkable woman. Stevie is every bit the lady with
grace and feeling. This was my girlfriends second concert with her idol. She told
me how personable and generous Stevie was with her music. The crowd nor myself
could contain ourselves. I still have goosebumps. I will never forget the night
for as long as I will live. I have watched every video and concert tape my girlfriend
has of Stevie. But to actually see this wonderful lady in person will live long
in my memory. Thank You Stevie for the memories.
Martie
I just got back to my home in Pennsylvania after seeing Stevie at Virginia
Beach. I had also seen her in Camden earlier this summer and I must say , although
I thought no shows could surpass the one at Camden,,this show truly did! There
was much more twirling and dancing, and definitely more tambourine playing which
really thrilled me! Stevie was noticeably happy to be back on stage where she
belongs. The sky was very black when the show first started but then the clouds
separated so that the moon could welcome and embrace our "moon goddess"
along with her many devoted fans. I was able to get to the stage and waited patiently
to shake Stevie's hand but as she approached me, I was covered by all the other
arms reaching out for Stevie. I stood and watched her slip away from my reach
as she took a piece of my heart with her.
I did get to touch
her high-top sneaker though! LOL. A beautiful girl, dressed in Stevie attire,
stood next to me, also patiently waiting for the handshake. After Stevie passed
by, I asked the girl if she was lucky enough to shake her hand, and she quietly
shook her head NO, with a faint smile , as a tear ran down her face. We both stood
and listened to the final song knowing that our opportunity had just passed us
by. But hopefully we'll both get that opportunity again someday.Until then we
can only dream and remain "hopelessly enchanted" . We love you Stevie.
Clay
Stevie is truly an Amazing Human Being! This is the third time I have
seen her in concert, and I am Astonished at what I saw on stage this time around.
I mean you wouldn't have guessed that she had been ill at all. I am very Blessed
to have witnessed this Phenomenal Rock Goddess perform. I love you STEVIE. Please
take care of yourself,as I look forward to seeing you again and again,and so on.
My only regret is not being able to shake hands with her this time around.One
day if I am lucky enough, I'll get to meet her,and tell her just how much she
has been a part of my life.Keep your head up Beautiful Child.
Judy Hofler
A full moon with a hint of cloud covering , a slight breeze, and an
aura of anticipation was in the entire venue. The magical woman of rock was about
to arrive for us. After her bout of illness, we were her 1st show back on the
road !!!! I knew she had the Doc's okay and she was ready to jam, and jam she
did. I was in the 10th row and she was absolutely awesome. I am 40 yrs old and
have admired her voice for yrs. My only disappointment was she did not sing Bombay
Sapphires BUT ............................ for her encores she put EVERYTHING
she had in " Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You", I was mesmerized.
She was very humble during the set and talkative.....It was great. I wish her
well on the rest of her tour, and If she performs in all the other venues, like
she did in VA BEACH................there will be no disappointments. BUT WE HAD
THE MOON !!! :) love ya Stevie
Toni Eargle
After the postponement of Stevie's July 24th show due do illness, "The
Sister to the Moon" graced Virginia Beach with her astounding presence. It
was indeed a magical evening. I must start by giving props to Jeffery Gaines,
who is quite a talent. His voice is very powerful and his music and lyrics can
be appreciated by all. He indeed writes and sings about real life.
After a brief intermission,
the magic in the air began to swirl about the audience. The chorus to Trouble
in Shangri-la began to play over the sound system and everyone was immediately
on their feet. The goddess herself came onto the stage and began to sing Stop
Draggin My Heart Around and immediately, as if God himself were working the lighting
show, the moon began to rise over the hill of the amphitheater. Stevie commented
on this and everyone turned around, just for a second, to view the beautiful,
almost full moon, covered by pink and red clouds. It was indeed beautiful; however,
it's beauty did pale next to Stevie. Her voice was clear and strong and every
song was more powerful and beautiful than the next. Her stage truly looked like
a scene from Shangri-la with beautiful ivy covered columns and flowing lace. We
were transported to "Stevie Paradise." The band was tight and accompanied
Stevie perfectly. You can feel and hear the bond this band has. As always, Sharon
and Mindy, danced gracefully and sang like "night birds." The encore,
along with the entire concert, was too short, but Ms. Stevie ended the show with
a bang with her appearance during the encore in a stunning top hat with a graceful
plume. The woman cannot look bad. We are blessed to be in such beauty and talent.
I'm sure there were not many dry eyes in the house during "Has Anyone Ever
Written Any Thing For You?" As we know, she writes it all for us.
I dressed in true
Stevie fashion with a custom made skirt from "Brandi's Dream," boots,
corset and gold and burgundy shawl, and to my disappointment, only saw about 5
other women dressed up. I did receive lots of compliments, on my attire and wish
that others would have dressed up also; however, I realize that type of thing
is not for everyone. Just remember, immitation is the truest form of flattery.
In closing, we
waited all summer for Stevie, and she did not let us down. It was indeed worth
the wait and I pray that she will be back around again, very soon.
Shawn Schweitzer
was awesome! she got the fans riled from the beginning the show started
by playing Destinies Childs song, and everyone thought it was her... and they
were on their feet cheering and applauding... then they realized that it was not
stevie and every one was cheering and laughing that they got psyched out. Then
the lights went down and the crowd went nuts! She started with stop dragging my
heart around. Stevie did alot of her old stuff which was wonderful to hear, and
the songs that she did from the new cd sounded great. She really does have this
mysteriously beautiful aura around her that gives her the edge that most stars
dont have. She even commented at the moon that was out last night. it was very
pretty and added to the ambiance of the evening, being an outdoor concert. For
the fact that she had been having throat troubles you really couldnt tell it.
She took it easy on some things that you could tell that she might have really
taken off on otherwise, but she in no way compromised the songs at all. Stevie
YOU ROCK GIRL! The band sounded great, the light show was superb... she gets an
A+ from me. I hope to see her again soon. She really is a star in her own right!
and a beautiful star at that! Thank you Stevie Nicks! the show was awesome!
Dave Stump
I have seen Stevie in nearly every performance she has done within 300
miles over the last 23 years. Her show last night was as good as ever. I feel
that her Trouble in Shangrila CD is definetly one of, if not, her finest work.
She, as in wine, grows finer with age. FANTASTIC show. Heading to Raleigh tonight!!!
Jeffrey Gaines was an excellent lead in and Waddy was Fantastic!
Amy Smith
STEVIE NICKS IN VA BEACH!! It was absolutely phenomenal. She rocked
us all for 2 hours straight. Started out with Stop Dragging My Heart Around, onto
Sorcerer & Stand Back & Everyday & Planets of the Universe & TISL
& Rhiannon & gah, I was so excited to just be there & see her that
I can't even remember it all. She ended with Edge of Seventeen (my ABSOLUTE favorite)
then did an encore of HAEWAFY. I cried, I screamed & I yelled until I couldn't
yell anymore. It was so fantastic. I wish I could see her again today. And Stevie
is ALLLLLL better. She hit every note & didn't shy away from the mic one time.
So my Sistas of RW who, like me, have been plagued by cancellations & postponing,
get ready. She ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary Ruth
Coleman
Stevie's concert last night was not only my first time ever hearing
her live, but it was the first concert I've ever been to. It could not have been
any better. Stevie sounded fantastic, as did the rest of the band, she looked
great and seemed genuinely happy to be there...like the others have said, she
said that we were an "awesome, awesome audience." It was totally awesome.
I can't wait for the FM tour and for Stevie's next tour, I definitely want to
be front row next time. Rock on, Stevie!
Mark Schoberg
Wow! What a great performance. My sister, and I drove a hefty 4 1/2
hours to experience this show that ROCKED. Stevie's voice was in top notch, and
she gave her all for the large crowd. It had to be close to sold out? The song
list had changed a little as I knew, but what mattered was Stevie is back, and
doing what she does best. Giving her fans what they want.
I for one have
attended a good share of Stevie's concerts over her career, and this stop ranked
right up there with one I was fortunate to be at in Daytona Beach. She sold out
Daytona for the very first time on 8/8/96, so I had in my mind O.K. another beach
crowd will add up to another craaaazy show! In my personal opinion the crowd for
this stop needed a little lesson on how to clap+yell. I wondered this when Stevie
said "Are we all still here?"
Hay there were
two young ladies a couple of rows down from me that stood, and danced fanatically
through the entire show. It sure would be nice to be that young again. LOL. They
had spirit!!!
Overall though
what mattered was Stevie gave her all, and then some to a tough crowd. She never
ceases to amaze me, and her voice was well non other then the voice of The Lady
Of Rock. She sang in tip top form, and was blessed with the moon that she loves.
I got what I wanted, and now its off to the Reading PA. show this weekend. Ugh
Hugh. Ill be at the Columbia, MD. show too if I can stay away from Ebay.
If anyone has ever
wanted to see a show of a lifetime? This Stevie tour is the one! Be there, and
when you get there. Let Stevie know your there.
Thank you Stevie
for another wonderful night, and to the band you all are the greatest! See you
all real soon. "Yall Come Back Now Ya Hear."
Tristian
Stevie was awsome!!!!!!!! I'm fourteen years old and without a shadow
of a doubt is was the best show I know I will ever be at. Even if it was a school
night and I had to get up this morning at 5:00 she totally rocked!!!!. I've seen
her twice and this was the best show ever. It was so amazing! I flelt like crying
in the begining and then at the end when she sang Has Anyone Ever Written Anything
For You and wore that cool hat with the feathers. Stevie if your reading this
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I will always remember you don't worry about
that.
Eileen
Wow!! Last night Stevie's Virginia Beach fans were treated to a perfect
evening: timeless music, a cracker-jack band, and a dusky moon watching over us.
The one-hour, forty-minute show felt like twenty minutes, it was so seamless.
And never have I seen a lovelier, more tasteful set--I wanted to stay behind and
live in it! The friends I brought along had never experienced Stevie's brilliance
live; they continually raved, "She's awesome!" Stevie's energy increased
from song to song until it crested with her raucous performance of "Fall
From Grace." Super! Her spirit radiated throughout the audience, the most
responsive I have ever been among. Much love and thanks to Stevie, her band, and
the crowd for a fabulous night. Rock on, Sweet Girl!!
anonymous
Our beautiful and talented Stevie Nicks was once again healthy and back
in fine form at the Va Beach show. What a true blessing it is to be able to experience
yet another tremendous, goose bump raising performance from a living legend! Once
you are a fan of Stevie's you are one for life. My friends Lauren and Louie and
I drove three hours to see the show, our second of the tour. The drive passed
quickly as we talked and listened to favorite Stevie and FM songs. We were so
thankful that Stevie had recovered from the bronchitis that had ground her tour
to a halt. Each time I saw another postponement I knew it had to be very disappointing
for her not to be able to perform for her fans. But as Stevie has shown us through
her varied health battles, ones health is numero uno and she did the right thing
by taking as much time off as she needed. When she took the stage, Stevie seemed
relieved herself and couldn't contain a smile as she started into Stop Draggin
My Heart Around. She was back out on the road and able to SING FOR THE THINGS
MONEY CAN'T BUY. Waddy was a perfect duet partner on this one and the crowd roared
with approval at the opening notes and rarely sat down. The band was full of energy
and the lovely and talented Sharon and Mindy's voices blended with Stevie perfectly.
Everyone knows the set list by now. She did not do Bombay Sapphires but no one
cared, we were just happy she was able to make up this show and would have come
to hear her sing only one song. Stevie performed all her songs with a lot of energy
and passion, one of the things we love most about her. Her voice was strong and
by the beginning of Gold Dust Women she was gaining confidence and beginning to
relax, even wandering away from her mike out towards the crowd on several occassions
during solos by her band. Between songs, she gave us personal insights into the
inspiration for several songs. She was chatty, warm - thanking us for being there,
and even laughed at herself after she introduced her band members as "these
are the men in the life." She is so sweet you just want to give her a big
hug! As all tour, she had on her platform sneakers instead of boots. Of course
she wore her black flowing dress -accompanied by a variety of lacy shawls that
seemed perfect for each song. The veiled full moon impressed Stevie as well as
she commented - "Is that real or a picture?" A perfect addition to her
mesmorizing performance. The older songs, Dreams, Landslide, Rhiannon and Enchanted
were well performed. Enchanted was a great sing along song. Stand Back is always
a crowd pleaser and got the crowd really reved up. Yes, Stevie did a high kick
at the end! But, the new songs are what I really wanted to hear. You can tell
she is very excited and proud of the new songs,it shows in her delivery. She sang
Every Day - a single that deserved a lot more radio airplay than it got .....
I was especially blown away by the harder edged ones- Sorcerer, Planets and Fall
from Grace. They were written with a lot of emotion and it shows when she sings
then. Edge of 17 was glorious, ending with Stevie grasping as many out stretched
hands as she could and receiving gifts and flowers from many. The last song was
Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You -a powerful ballad that was perfectly
sung and a real pleasure to hear. You look around and can see that it touches
everyone in the crowd in some way or another. I am so blessed that my friends
and I were able to experience another memorable performance from Ms. Nicks. She
is a genuine person who loves being a songwriter and singer but who also deeply
cares for her family, friends and FANS. ONCE IN A MILLION YEARS A LADY LIKE HER
RISES. Let's all keep supporting her and her music so she can continue to DANCE
ACROSS THE STAGES OF WORLD.
Beth Townsend
Stevie's show in Virginia Beach was the first ever for me and my best
friend, and hopefully not our last. I'm 20 years old and I've been listening to
Stevie for 12 years. I drove six hours from Virginia Tech (skipped my chemistry
classes!!) to see my immortal queen of rock and roll, and she did not disappoint
at all. The full moon with the mysterious clouds seemed to set the stage especially
for her, and as that thick mix of Trouble In Shangri-La shook the amphitheater
as the lights came up on her I just about went berserk. We were fifth row center
behind the orchestra pit, just close enough to see that she was every bit the
graceful, elegant gypsy that I had seen in the pictures. The set list could not
have pleased me more. I felt it was a tremendous honor and privilege to hear Stevie
sing the songs that have taught me so much about being a strong, sexy, independent
woman who can take care of herself and her man :) Though, I must say it was her
new songs that really got me off. I was so overwhelmed by her performance of Sorcerer;
Stevie's voice is powerful, yet so beautiful and the lyrics blow my mind. Planets
of the Universe rocked especially hard; I let my backbone slip and freaked out
so hard that I almost fell over. Of course Too Far >From Texas left me dumbfounded
because Stevie definitely has a knack for those country songs. And I cannot believe
my luck when she ended the show in her top hat. That just signifies that the enchanting
Stevie Nicks has always had it, and the woman is still workin it at age 53. After
the show my best friend tried to find some words to say, "Oh my God, Stevie
Nicks is the most beautiful... most awesome... this woman's soul..." I too
couldn't find the words to describe, because all I could reply is, "I know
girl... and I definitely agree with you 110%..." AHHHH!!! I LOVE YOU STEVIE!!!
anonymous
Stevie rocked Va beach!! this was my 3rd time seeing her in concert.
She was awesome! She never sounded better, she hit hit every note on time and
on target. you would have never knew she had been sick. What a woman! We had 4th
row orchestra 2 dead center seats. Couldn't have asked for anything more, but
i did get more allot more.... some us in the first few rows got to go up to the
stage, and after edge of seventeen she began to go and take gifts and shake hands
and she got to me and she not only one hand shook she wrapped both her beautiful
hands around mine and smiled at me i was like I LOVE YOU STEVIE!!!...and then
she sang Has anyone ever written anything for you..omg so i cried and they were
tears of joy definitely...It was the best moment of my life!!
Ed Salsberry
It was worth the wait. Stevie was as spellbinding as ever. I was a little
surprised at her choosing to do "I Need To Know" considering the vast
repertoire she has to choose from, even though she has done it on past tours,
but she nonetheless sounded better than ever. The stage design was incredibly
beautiful and totally fitting of the mystery and artistry that Stevie brings to
the stage. When she postponed the original date to play here, I didn't even consider
returning my tickets. As I listened to "Rhiannon", I wondered if Stevie
realized how many women out there are named Rhiannon based on that song. There
are other songs I would have loved to have heard, such as "Rooms On Fire"
and "I Can't Wait". I have to admit that I've had a crush on Stevie
for as long as I can remember, so it's almost impossible for me to be objective
in reviewing this show. I do wish she would have had some "meet and greet"
promotion with the local radio station, but maybe on the next tour when I'm working
in radio somewhere. Thanks Stevie :)
Eddie Peele
I was just in awe during the whole concert. Everybody loves Stevie.
I was sitting in the midst of all ages. Even the wee little kids were singing
right along with her. What a privilege it was to be breathing the same air as
this dear lady. So thankful to be on the same Planet of the Universe with Stevie.
Jeannie Kartis
There are no words to describe last night in Va. Beach except unbelievable.
Stevie is back and with a vengence. We got twirls, swirls, tophats and smiles
all night.
Sheena Kennedy
That was an awesome show. Stevie sounded better than ever. She did all
of my favorite songs. It was so cool to hear the crowd yell whenever she took
the stage, did a favorite song, or did a trademark twirl. It was excellent. Thank
you Stevie for such an awesome night. I will certainly never forget it!
From Erin
I have just raced home to file this review...
Just as she said
herself, she finally made it back to VA Beach and how blessed we were tonight!
Stevie is back and not just rockin' a little- she rocked ALOT! Her performance
was quite memorable! The crowd roared with every trademark twirl. If you have
read previous reviews, you will get the "jist" of her show, but to be
there and experience it, well, it was worth the wait for us.
A few points about
the show struck me...few reviews had mentioned the trememdous light show that
Stevie's crew puts on...and the band was exceptionally tight tonight!!!!! If you
have yet to see Stevie's show...you are going to have the experience of a lifetime
when she does come to your town! I do hope that Stevie will continue to take care
of herself and that she may be blessed with continued health.
Eric
Stevie's back on the road tonight with her astounding performance at
the Virginia Beach Amphitheater--and what a comeback! I have seen her on nearly
every solo and Fleetwood Mac tour since 1977, and I have to say that I spent the
entire evening tonight with goose bumps running up my spine and a huge grin on
my face. To begin with, the setting: a perfect post-Labor Day cool night with
a gentle breeze. Secondly, a huge crowd of true Stevie fans and gracious southerners.
It's been a long time since I have been to any show where the audience was so
inspiring, enthusiastic, jazzed, and LOUD (and obviously grateful that this rescheduled
show wasn't canceled again). In fact, as Stevie closed the show, she yelled into
the mic, "You are an AWESOME audience!"
Thirdly, the band.
My God, they rocked and hit every note perfectly. It was also obvious that they
were happy to be out on the road again. The sound problems I have read about here
before weren't apparent. And lastly--most importantly--Stevie. "The word
cancel is not in my vocabulary," she remarked early on. "And I am so
grateful that you all are here with me tonight!" And the crowd goes wild....
I remarked to my
friends that I can only pray that I have Stevie's energy and the charisma when
I get to be 53 (which ain't all that far off). She smiled incessantly, and we
all knew that it did her heart good to be back on tour again after beating the
bronchitis. And her voice! I've read many reviews posted here that comment on
how she has kept her voice in the lower ranges during this tour. Well, I guess
two weeks of rest did the trick because she was all over the place vocally, hitting
the high notes we all have gotten so used to in Stand Back, Edge of Seventeen,
Rhiannon, and Enchanted. She was also all over the stage, twirling and kicking
and dancing more than I've seen her do since The Wild Heart Tour! Amazing! Over
the years, the one thing that's left me wanting about Stevie's performances is
that she never talked very much. I'm one of the fans who likes to hear the stories,
and Stevie obliged us tonight with several tales and anecdotes. Sorcerer, she
said was written "when she was little afraid of world". Then she went
on to tell the tale of moving to Hollywood with Lindsey, two years out of high
school, and being very afraid of not making it--although she knew the would. And
Planets of the Universe, the painful reflection of her breakup with Lindsey, written
in the two months after Rumours was completed. "This has always been one
of my favorite songs, but I had to rewrite the first couple of versus so that
Lindsay and I wouldn't feel the pain again before I could send it out to you,"
she said. Then she laughed at how Lindsey had said to her recently that she "sure
was talking allot about him on this tour." At one point, between songs, she
pointed to the back of the amphitheater and said, 'Is that the moon back there,
or a picture?" And 25,000 people turned around at the same time to see the
near-full moon rising behind us. And then, at one time, 25,000 voices yelled "It's
the moon!" How perfect! The best, the creme de la creme, and my all-time
personal favorite, is her set-closing rendition of Has Anyone Ever Written Anything
For You? As the beginning piano chords filled the night, she came strolling out
in a black top hat with two white ostrich plumes stuck in the band (from the Vanity
Fair photo shoot a few years ago?) and proceeded to bring the audience to tears.
The magic in that song chokes me up every time I hear it. But especially tonight.
because at 40 years old, I realize that Stevie has been a part of my life for
25 of those years. And in her songs are my life's story--as well as hers. Friends
and lovers and events and places came flooding back to me tonight. And it hit
home with me that we are all survivors when she sang, "...and in your darkest
hour, have you ever heard me sing...." Many times, Stevie. Many times. Thank
you for a great show tonight. And for being a big part of my life for so long.
Thom Kennedy
I have seen Stevie Nicks in concert more than two dozen times, both
as a solo act and with Fleetwood Mac, since my first show during the "Rumours"
tour. A dream came true for me when I had the opportunity to spend time in her
rehearsals and meet her during preparation for her brief "Bella Donna"
tour, when she was rehearsing at the studio where I worked. Tonight was only the
second time I have seen her since I entered recovery, one of the many decisions
I have made as a result of her inspiration.
I have never heard
Stevie sound any better than she did this evening; and the blessing is I will
be able to remember it for years to come. From the moment she came on to the stage
for "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," until the final notes of "Has
Anyone Ever Written Anything For You," she held the entire audience in the
palm of her hand. She was truly in top form, after her much-publicized illness.
After the first number Stevie said, "I told you I would be back. 'Cancel'
was never a conideration." On that note, the entire amphitheatre erupted
in cheers, whistles, and applause, as she began "Enchanted." She had
known our fears and banished them in that moment.
Several times during
the evening the crowd erupted, as Stevie did many of her trademark moves, such
as twirling and waving her scarf-covered arms. And while the years may have mellowed
her somewhat, she could still rock out with the best of them, as shown most splendidly
with "Fall From Grace," amoung several other songs. The obvious enjoyment
she displayed, while performing selections from her most recent CD was truly infectious.
She is very proud of these songs; and in my opinion, it is the best overall CD
she has made since "Bella Donna, twenty years ago."
During the final
encore, "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You," with its slight
accompaniment, it was obvious that Stevie's voice was as powerful and clear as
it has ever been. I have been attending her concerts for over twenty-five years,
and still had tears running down my face at several points during the emotionally-charged
evening.
During the first
portion of the concert, Stevie pointed out the full moon, which was directly behind
the audience, showing through a thin veil of clouds. It was so beautiful that
she questioned whether or not it was real. It was as though the sky had been hung
as a backdrop for this night.
With a band as
tight as any I have seen on the road, Waddy Wachtel was truly as wonderful as
he was the first time I saw him with Stevie at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles
twenty years ago. I have to say that this concert was every bit as excellent as
any I have seen from Stevie in all my years of attendance. As my friend so appropriately
put it, "She is a rock godess." Thank you, Stevie, for once again creating
a memory in the book of my life.
D.R.Roberts
Jr. Portsmouth,VA
A fan for over 25 years! First time I've seen her solo. I just got back.
She was not 100% I would have to say 98.9% she seemed like she was trying to save
voice. The song sets were great not as many in the other shows (I was so excited)
I belive she skipped two or three songs. During the "Edge of Seventeen"
she was not given too many gifts so I was trying to go up . NOT ! The Security
would not let me go up (I was so pissed). But, as I was leaving I ask someone
how could get these gifts to Stevie they pointed me the right way so I gave them
to a man at the alley which lead to where she was (I just hope he gives them to
her). With in the gifts I attached a note to her with my email & home addresses,
maybe I'll hear from her (I wish) . She did two encores "I Need to Know"
& "Has Anyone Written Anything for You?". Yes I'm very Happy to
have seen her & would love again someday.
Angie (Nyte
Byrd)
Absolutely Inspirational performance at Va. Beach Amphitheater. Stevie
looked remarkable and rocked our hearts. We were all a little concerned that she
might not be well enough to visit us, but we were pleasantly surprised.
As usual she glowed
with beauty and grace and her voice sang songs of old and new that touched our
souls. Stevie commented on the beautiful view the scattered clouds gave her of
the moon as she sang Rhiannon to us. The highlight of my evening was being daring
enough to join the crowd at the stage towards the end of the concert. I am only
5'2" and I couldn't see over the stage. As fate would have it.. I was standing
next to a vacant chair pushed right up to the stage. I stood on the chair and
could see above everyone. When Stevie came forward to greet us all... She shook
my hand and my Husbands too!
Stevie is so many
things...... I hope she knows that she has inspired generations, that she has
taught us many things about life, love, loss, and success. I am truly honored
to have listened through her and between her lines. Stevie sings straight from
the heart and like her experiences in life........ Her music, her poetry, and
her beauty will always be timeless....ageless
Thank-You Stevie
for a memorable evening...
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