Concert Review: Fleetwood Mac's "Unleashed" 2009 Tour

Fleetwood Mac visited Atlanta's Phillip Arena presenting their greatest hit tour "Unleashed", their first reunion since the "Say You Will" tour in 2004. With the emotionally charged lyrics and the bands unresolved - thirty-year-old - issues, the night was filled with nostalgia. The foursome, which now tours without the irreplaceable Christine McVie who hasn't worked with Fleetwood Mac since the reunion for "The Dance" in 1997, traveled the span of their rich discography visiting celebrated titles such as "Gold Dust Woman," "Say Your Love Me," "Go Your Own Way," "Rhiannon" and "Don't Stop." The night opened with a well-received "Monday Morning" and it turned explosive with "The Chain" and "Dreams" followed by "I Know I'm Not Wrong" and "Gypsy". Stevie Nicks, or as Mick Fleetwood referred to her during band introductions "The Band's First Lady", commanded the stage with her mystical presence and melodic voice, even getting to twirl across the stage with her shawls during "Stand Back" and "Gold Dust Woman." But it was Lindsey Buckingham who most energized the crowd with his passionate finger picked guitar solos and dominant sound.Nicks and Buckingham entered the stage hand-in-hand making it clear the past was forgiven - at least for the night, but as soon as the show began an invisible line was drawn down the middle of the stage with both Nicks and Buckingham taking their own sides. If one didn't know their tumultuous past, it could suspected it was done out of respect, but when Buckingham performed his solo hit "Go Insane" Nicks left the stage, leaving the crowd to guess if that which was forgiven was actually forgotten, but this didn't serve as a distraction, after all what is Fleetwood Mac without drama.Nicks clad in her rock and roll gypsy style dresses, shawls and boots proven her vocal powerhouse during her performance of "Sarah", a tender rendition during which the night's brief tensions melted away with Nicks and Buckingham sharing a tender hug on stage. An acoustic set with Nicks and Buckingham showcased Buckingham's guitar dominance, which seemed to enchant the audience with songs such as a solo "Big Love" and "Landslide". "Storms" a song the band had never played live before was a nice surprise. During it Mick Fleetwood took center stage with his trademark drawstring pants with dangling balls. He was enthusiastic and entertaining with his corky personality and white haired ponytail. John McVie maintained his calm demeanor and played his bass with his usual class. The night was a delightful trip down Fleetwood Mac's memory lane. The night closed to the lyrically charged "Silver Springs," one final reminder of how the band's emotional history haunts their success.