The Mark Theatre / Quad Cities

Sunday, June 22, 2003 

By Cecelia Lounges

We were first  introduced  28 years ago to the classic Fleetwood  Mac line-up that all of us are familiar  with  today.  That is when they hit  record  stores  around the world  with  the landmark albums ––“Fleetwood  Mac” and “Rumors.” 

 We rushed in droves to by the albums, one without the other was not complete.  Concert arenas filled to capacity with young women who were all striving  to  achieve the “Stevie  Nicks  look” ––  wearing  chiffon, lace, boots, top hats, and anything witch-like  in  homage to their new female rock ‘n’roll  idol.   

We women all wanted to look and act like her and men…well…they just plain wanted her.   That pretty much remained the case as The Mac returned for an attack on our senses for the first  time in many years and Nicks and her mates all stepped back into the spotlight and back into our lives and memories once again. 

As the lights went down at The Mark, a roar came from the near capacity crowd of 85,000 as they collectively rose to their feet. Though the stage was still  dark, we could see the approach of Fleetwood, McVie, and Nicks hand in hand with Buckingham as they took their respective places about the stage.   

Mick Fleetwood’s drum started things off,  followed  by Buckingham’s guitar.  As the lights on stage slowly  went up, we knew that we were  about to embark on a musical journey that only Fleetwood Mac could take us on as they opened the night with the ever haunting, “The Chain.” 

The experience that followed left few if any disappointed. A back and forth montage of old and new songs from “Dreams” to “Peacekeeper,” (their  newest  single) to “Second  Hand News” to “Say  You  Will” gave a balanced mix of and the Mac then and now. 

Stevie  gave her Siren  call out for all to draw all  closer with  “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” “ Gold   Dust Woman,” and her solo venture “Stand  Back,”  complete with a white chiffon shawl  whirling  around her as she gave fans the long anticipated spins that are all her own.  

Buckingham released a gutsy acoustic rendition of “Big  Love” before slipping into Steve's signature song, “Landslide,”   as she joined him on stage.  A pleasant surprise  to all, she walked behind her ex and placed her hand on his shoulder while he played, giving fans the message that all is forgiven and life does go on. 

Mick Fleetwood delivered the unexpected as always, coming from behind his drum ensemble during “Tusk.”     He was wearing  a vest adorned with electronic drum pads and went into a 10-minute solo.   

John McVie as always  stayed largely in the background, and looked a bit lost with out his old friend and former wife on the keyboards. Christie  McVie’s  absence was felt,  but the band managed to fill the void and give it the old “the show must go on” feel.   Adding to the spectacle was a horseshoe video screen that surrounded the back of the stage along with a tasteful light show. 

Fans at The Mark Theatre were embraced in a  2-1/2 hour time piece along with two encores , which included “Don’t  Stop,” sung by Stevie in Christie’s  absence.  The big Mac seemed relaxed and driven to give all that they had and that they did.  

                          The journey was over and fans couldn't have been more satisfied with the ride.