An iconic opening rumble pounds from Mick Fleetwood’s kick drum, ringing the ears of patrons filling the sold out seats of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, December 17th. Immediately recognizable, the band broke into “The Chain,” kicking off a concert to remember. By beginning the show with this specific tune Fleetwood Mac, directly referencing the former disjuncture between band members. By opening with it, the band is sending a simple message: we’re stronger than ever.
Shortly after “The Chain” concluded, Stevie Nicks gave a long held “She’s back!” for Christine McVie, as the crowd erupted with excitement. The following song would be a heartfelt tribute to McVie’s long awaited return to Fleetwood Mac, as they played “You Make Loving Fun,” which McVie wrote herself. The recently mended British-American rock band instantly drew in folks’ attention getting them off their feet to boogie.
Tracks “Tusk,” and “Big Love,” both written by lead guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, are technically genius and were performed with equivalent energy and enthusiasm. The Philips Arena crowd was treated to an outstanding “World Turning” encore, in which the band left halfway through the song to make way for a gut-busting, five minute long drum solo from Mick Fleetwood. During the solo, he also included a fun, crowd responding, scat sing-along. Once the other band members returned to the stage, they didn’t miss a beat and finished in excellent fashion.
Many classic songs from Fleetwood Mac’s repertoire were performed, but the music seemed to take a side seat to something of paramount importance. All things considered, Fleetwood Mac played the show people came to see, but the band gave their music more meaning and context with the asides given during songs breaks. This insight is something you can only catch in a live showing, and given the longevity of success Fleetwood Mac has been privileged they were simply giving thanks to those who helped them along the way.
Stevie Nicks recalled nights opening for Jimi Hendrix, Chicago, and Santana, acknowledging she was just happy to be on the show bill. Similarly, before starting “Gypsy,” Nicks harkened back to the feeling she had standing on the floor of the Velvet Underground clothing store in San Francisco, confident that something good was about to happen to her and her band. Some individuals might knock them on their age and how they ‘aren’t the same as they used to be,’ but hearing this timeless band talk about the personal meaning behind their songs will certainly leave a lasting impact on me.
Setlist 12.17.2014
The Chain
You Make Loving Fun
Dreams
Second Hand News
Rhiannon
Everywhere
I Know I’m Not Wrong
Tusk
Sisters of the Moon
Say You Love Me
Seven Wonders
Big Love
Landslide
Never Going Back Again
Over My Head
Gypsy
Little Lies
Gold Dust Woman
I’m So Afraid
Go Your Own Way
Encore:
World Turning
Don’t Stop
Silver Springs
Encore 2:
Songbird