I can't pick a favorite - "Outside the Rain/Dreams" always has special meaning because it's the beginning....it's the "Once upon a time" of All Time. "Enchanted" was so GREAT to be heard live! "Gold Dust Woman" took me away, as always...and she just seems to be growing stronger, doesn't she? "Gold & Braid" rocked in that one of a kind, paper doll, glitter, gypsy, rainbow and castles of candy, unique Stevie way. No "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" - but there was no Tom, so that's okay. It never sounds quite right when they sing it apart from one another. So, Tom, what are you doing right now that's more important? C'mon! Stevie loved singing "After the Glitter Fades", "Garbo", and "Rose Garden" in L.A., as did we! She was tickled by it, and it was so wonderful to share in that. "Sleeping Angel" was a treat. "Stand Back" kicked and rocked like never before. And then there's "Rhiannon". Alright, if I must choose, it is the best. Everytime. And ever since the Grammy's (or whatever it was) when they cut the kick into it part, I've felt deprived. So this was truly potent. Rhiannon is just a blessing, and inherent in every way. Words can't even follow her. I love "Whole Lotta Trouble", but loved it even more on the Other Side of the Mirror tour, when the girls did the "trouble walk" across the stage. Hey, by the way, it was nice to see Sharon Celani smiling, wasn't it? Made me happy. "Landslide" was lovely. And I love love love "Twisted" - every version. Stevie's songs grow and change, with her and with us. I think that's an important concept and point of fact to keep in mind.... and it is esp. true with live songs. "Edge of Seventeen" got even the dullest blood pumping. At this juncture, however, the rest of the crowd sort of disappeared in my eyes. She carried such strength! I did notice a slip with "the words from a choir and a voice from a poet", which is a peculiar little slip that sends me smiling. 'Cause, you know, "nothing else matters..."
I had a book to give her and was figuring on how and when, exactly, to get up there. There comes a time when one just suddenly knows....and so one flies over chairs and people (making apologies along the way) until one suddenly, magically, gets there. "tada!" Right there, it becomes yet another realm, even higher and greater than the last. And every split second becomes crucial. I couldn't quite get to the stage, for there was a girl and a big tough guy directly in front of me...yet I stood on tippy toes and reached with all my might, handing the book out to her, and holding her hand to get her attention. She saw the book and got it, looking at me. It's Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid", illustrated by Sulamith Wulfing. It's a beautiful book! I asked her, "Do you have this?" and she said, "No." I was happy happy happy to have given it to her. My mission was accomplished....and my heart rose to be able to give her even just a tiny gift. ...a tiny thank you for all the many many times my life has been saved, guided, and lifted by her.
A little history here: I was 9 when I saw her do "Rhiannon" on tv...my mom said, "Look at her!" and I did. That was it..I was captured. (I'm 31 now...but don't care to do the math) The first time I saw her in person was on the Wild Heart tour. I was sitting way far away, but just the same, I could not move for the duration of it. There could have been a fire or anything, and somebody would have had to knock my senses back or drag me out. I'll never forget it. Then there's "Rock A Little", when I got to actually touch her and hold her hand! I was so nervous that time that I got spooked and even put my hand down! I had this feeling, from everyone reaching out to her, it reminded me of "my precious...", Gollum, from The Hobbit....that may sound bizarre, but it was just a feeling... And thank goodness my friend Dawna was there to yell at me and put my arm back up! I turned around to the full moon behind me, then turned back..in slow motion..to the boots, the ruffles and lace, a fragile hand holding mine, and those eyes looking right at me.....it hurt me that she was so far gone...somewhere, elsewhere, not a healthy place, and that's why it does my heart so good to see her healthy and happy now.
At any rate, I think at that time, I managed to say, "I love you!" Next tour I went through many adventures trying to get to the stage, and finding my way to her once again, I simply said, "hi!" This "enchanted" time, because I've gotten over the initial shock of actually touching her hand, it felt as if I was trying to carry on some sort of conversation. Funny. But listen! She received a Hello Kitty, roses, a picture or poster of some kind, and what I believe was a doll....I could only see from stage level....whatever it was, it looked quite serious, with velvet and gold flying out. Her Sulamith book was still on the stage....I was keeping an eye on it. I was happy happy happy to be right there for "I Need To Know". Wow. I also finished off my film while I was up close, so let us cross our fingers...... Oh, meanwhile, this girl came up to the stage....making the drunken claim (over and over) that she's loved Stevie since she was 7 and she's, oh I forget, 26-28 right now. And while Stevie is SINGING she turns and tells us again how much she loves her - I pointed out that "She Is Singing!" I felt like a babysitter suddenly. This girl distracted Stevie, which just wasn't right! Between songs, as the girl wailed and screamed, and turned to inform me of age 7 and 20-something again, I told her, "yeah yeah yeah. We got it. Now shut up." And upon further reflection I added, "Infact, shut the f^%^ up." (so as to add a little emphasis)... I grabbed a chance and moved a little farther away from her. At one point she tried to get on stage, and very quickly I saw security jackets grabbing her down and off & away. Good job guys! I wasn't certain if she was going for Stevie or "the little mermaid". Who knows. And "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For [Us]"... again, words are hard to find. I wish she could have done "It's Late" - would make a nice closing I think. Of course, I'd like for all to stay and talk and sing until the sun comes up.... So, all too soon, it's over.
And my lonely book still sits upon the stage. Stage crew come and gather some things..but they're busy as bees...Things were picked up again and again - but still not the book! Once or twice I thought it was her dad getting the stuff. If it wasn't him, it sure looked like him. I figured a holler of "Hey Jess!" wouldn't hurt....but nothing got his attention and the book was left, with no more returning. It did sort of blend in with the stage floor. I knew that if I didn't get the book back now, it would never reach her. A security guy tried to get someones attention for me, and failing to do so, he jumped up and gave the book back to me. Shoot. But I'm seeing her again at Irvine Friday night....and so I shall try again. I'm in the first row after the pit - so wish me luck! On the way home I realized, "Hey though! Stevie touched this book! She had it!" I should keep it and give her my new copy... hee hee hee. Have I written too much? Okay, I'll save some breath for Friday's review. I shall remain on clouds until we meet again......Thanks Dawna, Curtis, and BJ, for being there with me, and THANK YOU STEVIE!!!!!!!!!!! And thanks to everyone out there, for sharing everything on here. I feel as if I've followed the tour around the country - through tornado warnings, 100+ temps, wildfires, a few fruit loops, and all the magic and love.... What an enchanting ride! Where are all the Vegas people? Hurry home and share with us! God bless everyone, and take care!
The show was very upbeat and so was the crowd. As a vet of over a 100 rock concerts in LA I can tell you it was very surprising to have the usually cynical LA crowd so into it.
When Stevie did the 3 song acostical set in the middle of the show, she made a comment that "This is the only place I can do these songs and you people REALLY know what I'm talking about." Of course those songs were written in LA and San Francisco so, yes, we get it.
Her concert set was tight and clean, her musicians are all great, and she was really cute everytime she said anything; she talked to the crowd a lot. The crowd was enthusiastic (the crowd at the Hollywood Bowl to see Fleetwood Mac was very mellow compared to Stevie's fans). We were standing and dancing for almost the entire show. Her sets were just great. Mick Fleetwood showed up just before Edge of Seventeen, while they were doing a percussion solo; he came out with his giant bongo and danced around while the three of them (Mick with the percussisonist and the drummer) did an energizing drum trio.
I have seen Stevie many, many times before, as I have been a fan for over twenty years now! I'm kind of a veteran in comparison to many of you out there. Believe me, every single time I have seen her has been wonderful for many different reasons. A lot of the excitement now is due to Stevie being so happy and healthy and wonderful. We love to see her happy, don't we?!
I was backstage after the concert (and as many of you who have gone backstage know) Stevie doesn't usually "hang out" backstage - she has her own private thing that she does. But, when she was on her way to her tour bus I did say, "Goodbye Stevie" and she turned around and smiled and said, "Good bye"! and I said, "You were great"! Then they drove away -- onto San Diego.
I love Stevie Nicks! She is the best!
Stevie took to the stage at about 9:30. She had on a black bustier type thing w/ a layered black skirt and the wine colored boots. Stevie is looking more beautiful and happy than ever. She also looks really healthy, weight wise. Both Sharon and Mindy looked awesome. The set was outstanding, especially the large, oriental fan design in the back. The song set was the same as the other shows (no SDMHA). Stevie was extra talkative, and even commented how unusual it was, that we were getting to hear her talk. When she did the acoustic set, she was very detailed in telling the stories behind the songs.
For After The Glitter Fades, she told us how it was written when her and LB first came down here to L.A. and were struggling to make it. She said that it was about them trusting that the music would get them through the hard times. She told us that Garbo, originated from the Buckingham Nicks photo shoot. She said that the place they did it at was sort of castle like ( very Hollywood) and that it really made her think about the lives of those "stars" like Marilyn, Greta, and Marlena. Rose Garden was very touching because she said how she wrote it when she was seventeen and how it was all kind of a premonition of being famous and the price she would pay. Every time she sings the line about not having the gold band on her finger, on her left hand, I cry.
The best surprise came in the middle of the show, when Stevie went back to change. The drummer was playing and out of nowhere, Mr. Mick Fleetwood is on the stage playing along, having a great time. This was really funny because earlier, Stevie had been introducing her drummer, and had said that when she told Mick she wasn't taking him on the road with her, he said " then you had better find a really good one".
During Edge, me, my friend Julie and Amy(from the list), jammed to the front of the stage. We were standing right to the stage in the middle. We waited for Stevie to come on down the line. When she got to us, I held out the scarf I had brought for her (w/ the birds of Rhiannon on it) and she kind of looked confused(maybe because I was wearing her necklace and earrings, that i had bought from the Silver Springs Emporium, and was wearing a dress Bear made me, that was modeled after Stevie's dress she wore in the Harper's Bazaar article) and went to my friend Julie and held her hands for the longest time. She did take the little Yoda doll that Amy gave her. I did touch her hand briefly, but since I was kind of upset about the scarf thing, It really didn't register at the moment.
Stevie seems to be everything that you would want her to be and more. The look on her face when she sings our favorite songs, they take her on a journey, and she takes everyone with her. I am glad that she has become the hottest diva around and if you don't think it's true, you must have missed "the message".
If there is ever a time to see Stevie Nicks this is it. The Fleetwood Mac tour last year was just warming her up. All the spins, kicks, smiles and great, great music were all there. It was just one more of those enchanting nights and this time it wasn't just a "dream"....
I met up with a few AOL peeps there, Michele (Kitty3120) and Craig (FMacRules) Michele had pit seats and I was able to get in there and have a 5th row dead center seat the whole night. It was truly amazing! I thought i had died and gone to heaven!
So Boz was cool, but i wasn't there for that. ANYWAYS.....The lights fade out and the band takes their places and Chris comes out and reads from the dictionary....u know the rest. She comes out and I thought i saw god! LOL SHE WAS BREATHTAKING! OMG Anyhoo, I'm not gonna go thru the songs, u all know them.
Now for the exciting part since i was in the pit it was really easy to get to the stage for the end of Edge. So I was on the right hand side (my right) along with Michele and her friend and we waited as Stevie made her way across. She reached Michele first, who had a really awesome 3 Birds of Rhiannon scarf to give her, but for some reason Stevie didn't take it (sorry Michele). Then it was my turn, I had brought her a Yoda beanie baby and i held it up she grabbed my hands and i said this is for u and she made this "AWwwwww" face and grabbed it and looked at it like she was gonna cry. I about died at that point and the rest is a blur. I'm still numb. I drove home and slept till it was time to get up and get ready to go to the San Diego show.
So the highlights of the show would have to be her Acoustic Electric set. That was brilliant. After the Glitter Fades/Garbo/You Never Promised me a Rose Garden just blew me away. I can't wait till Friday for Irvine. Rock on Stevie!!!!!!!
The Amphitheater was great, the crowd was into it and Stevie Rocked!!
We had fourth row off to stage left, where Stevie walked on and off during her costume changes. Also had the pleasure of sitting next to one of the NicksFix staff, Victoria. She had just seen Stevie in Vegas, and of course, had all sorts of insights and comparisons. It was great sitting next to another rabid Stevie fan, it really added to the excitement.
This was the fourth time I had seen her; ‘89 Other Side of the Mirror, ’90 Behind the Mask and ’91 Timespace. It had been a while and I was really looking forward to this one. Drove down 200 miles to LA, but it was more than worth it. She really looked great and her voice was better than ever. It was wonderful to see her so lucid and into sharing with the crowd. Way to come back, girl!!
I brought her a single rose, but as usual, she didn’t take it. It was my ticket onto the floor. The bouncers were keeping us off the floor, and at first told me to just put it on the stage, but no way! I was going to do whatever it took to meet Stevie. I waited as she came along the stage, made my move after I saw another girl get through.
And then, I was there, waiting for her. Time seemed to stop, I got tunnel vision, it was like the parting of the seas. I felt I was all alone with her. She looked down, smiled at me, and then reached down and touched me with the softest hand, and then … she was gone. The flower was still in my hand. I left it there on stage, and later saw one of the crowd throw it to her as she walked off. She caught it and kept going!!
My dream was fulfilled, I had been touched by an ANGEL… it was a moment I well never forget.
And Victoria was so hyped up about it, I think she was more excited than I was! It was great sharing it with her. Can’t wait for her next album and tour. See ya next time!!!
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