Fleetwood Mac Concert Review: MTS Centre

Controversy has always been part of the Fleetwood Mac legacy. In the past, sparks have flown over divorces, affairs, infighting and band break ups. Though the band's personal escapades have mellowed with time, the current tour has not been completely devoid of storm clouds. Most recently, the band postponed 3 concerts in Calgary, Edmonton and Sacramento during the May leg of their Unleashed: Hits Tour 2009 due to undisclosed health concerns. Having driven out to Calgary specifically to see their show, only to have the show postponed at the last minute - I awaited their Winnipeg appearance with some apprehension.

But June 6 rolled around, and no cancellation was announced. At 7:45pm, I was in my seat listening to the lulling sound of crickets (in lieu of music) that emanated from the PA. The cricket sounds were relaxing, but given that there was no warm up act, and the band hit the stage a half hour late, the crickets soon became a little grating.

At 8:30pm, the lights went out; the crowd roared and the legendary Rumours line up of the group: Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks (sadly without Christine McVie who stopped touring in '98) took the stage. Though McVie and Fleetwood looked a little long in tooth, Stevie and Lindsey still looked great.

Lindsay kicked off the night with his self-penned song Monday Morning off of Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album. His exuberance was infectious and earned the band an immediate standing ovation. The fans on the floor remained standing for the duration of the show. They kept up the momentum with the instantly recognizable track The Chain culled from their multi-platinum 1977 album Rumours, giving Buckingham a chance to show off both his vocals and lead guitar playing talents.

Next up was Fleetwood Mac's diva in residence Stevie Nicks. Stevie, in the first of her ½ dozen costume changes, looked svelte and demure, attired in black from head to toe that nicely accented her long blonde locks. For her first lead vocal number, she performed the self-penned Rumours hit Dreams. Stevie's voice was strong, though her performance seemed a bit subdued, particularly after Buckingham's high energy histrionics - but the two styles complimented each other and this worked more as a plus than a minus. Though Stevie seemed a bit tired initially, her performance thankfully gained strength as the night progressed. By evenings end, she was the twirling gypsy that Fleetwood Mac fans have come to know and love.

Stevie and Lindsey both told some entertaining tales about their early days and gave background on how some of the their classic songs were written. Although they alluded to their former romantic relationship, the fire that was once so visible onstage between them seems to have smouldered into embers. Thankfully, the songs themselves remained as vibrant and resonant as the day they were written.

In place of former keyboardist/lead vocalist Christine McVie, the band had a competent six piece back group to help flesh out the sound.

Six movable rectangular screens helped set the mood with 60's psychedelia along with twin jumbotrons screens, which spotlighted band members' performances.

Overall, it was Lindsey Buckingham's vocal and instrumental performances, which garnered the biggest response from the crowd. Highlights included Tusk, his solo performance of Big Love, I'm So Afraid, and, of course, the Rumours smash hit Go Your Own Way. Stevies's best performances included Dreams, Sara, an acoustic version of Landslide accompanied by Lindsey and a killer version of Stand Back from Stevie's solo album Wild Heart

Though the set list was strong, the missing Christine McVie songs might have been slightly less conspicuous had they included one or two more of Stevie's solo hits. But perhaps I'm nitpicking.

By the end of the show, the band had the entire crowd on its feet with its set closing Rumours masterpiece Go Your Own Way. Drummer Mick Fleetwood took a solo turn in the spotlight during the first encore in World Turning, which was followed by yet another Rumours mega hit Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. Stevie Nicks closed out the show with a beautiful rendition of Silver Springs.

I had to wait almost a month from the original postponed May 12 Calgary show to finally see the band in Winnipeg. But they were definitely worth the wait and the fuss. Here's hoping the band doesn't "go their own way" for too long after this tour. It'd be great to see them return to the studio and mount another tour in the next year or two. No doubt fans will be ready for another Mac Attack by then. I know that I will!

Setlist

"Monday Morning"

"The Chain"

"Dreams"

"I Know I'm Not Wrong"

"Gypsy" (nice intro to song by Stevie)

"Go Insane"

"Rhiannon"

"Second Hand News"

"Tusk"

"Sara"

"Big Love" (Lindsey Buckingham solo acoustic)

"Landslide" (Stevie Nicks and Buckingham acoustic)

"Never Going Back Again" (Nicks and Buckingham acoustic)

"Storms" (song never performed in previous tours)

"Say That You Love Me" (Nicks and Buckingham take over McVie's lead vocals)

"Gold Dust Woman"

"Oh Well (Part 1)"

"I'm So Afraid"

"Stand Back"

"Go Your Own Way"

First Encore

"World Turning"

"Don't Stop"

Second Encore

"Silver Springs"