24TH SHOW: Fleetwood Mac, HP Pavilion, San Jose, Calfornia
Fleetwood Mac returned to San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Wednesday evening, after nearly four years to the date (May 21, 2009 was their last appearance). The legendary supergroup performed a riveting two-and-a-half-hour, 23-song set, which included classics like “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Go Your Own Way.” The band played mainly crowd favorites from its 1970s heyday but treated longtime fans to some deep cuts from Fleetwood Mac’s lesser-known catalog, such as “Eyes of the World” from 1982’s Mirage and “Say Goodbye” from 2003’s Say You Will.
The night started off on a punchy note with the peppy “Second Hand News,” which segued nicely into “The Chain” and “Dreams” — all from the band’s 1977 crowning achievement Rumours.
Stevie Nicks welcomed the crowd and acknowledged how wonderful it was to be back in San Jose, where “it all began.” Nicks was alluding to her strong Bay Area ties, where she and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham first met and started their legendary music career more than 40 years ago. Clearly basking in the moment, Nicks shared her memories of living in the area and even mentioned attending the College of San Mateo (a junior college 15 minutes north of San Jose). After relishing in the warm homecoming, Nicks returned to the task on hand and fired up the crowd. “This party starts now!”
In between Mac favorites, the band played new material from their Extended Play EP, a four-track teaser released back in April. Buckingham’s upbeat “Sad Angel” and Nicks’ “Without You,” a recently-revived demo from the early-1970s Buckingham Nicks recording sessions, proved that the band’s creative energies were still flowing. Both songs fit well into the set.
The band showed that it continues to improve with age, especially Buckingham who played guitar solos with the spirit and frenzy of a rebellious teenager. Founding members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie provided the band’s tight and reliable rhythm section. And despite hurting her knee from a fall last week in Canada, Nicks moved gracefully onstage in flowy, black chiffon, adding her witchy flair and playing the best, ribbon-laced tambourine in town.
Just as entertaining as the band members themselves was the huge projection screen behind the stage, which displayed colorful images of fire, waves, and even a solar eclipse; and scenes from Fleetwood Mac’s 1979 “Tusk” video featuring the USC Marching Band and Stevie Nicks’ recent documentary In Your Dreams. It was all unnecessary, but the visual element added to the wonderful concert spectacle, which the crowd seemed to appreciate.
Buckingham and Nicks played up their onstage chemistry — often holding hands, exchanging flirtatious glances, and kissing each other on the cheek. The former couple may have ended their relationship years ago, but they still put on a good act, ensuring that their fantasy romance lives on with fans. It’s rock and roll, after all.
Stevie Nicks dedicated “Landslide” to the San Jose audience, once again stating her and Buckingham’s fondness for the local area, where the two spent their formative years. “We’ll both probably end up living back here at some point because we just miss it so much.” Buckingham expressed a similar sentiment after performing “Go Your Own Way,” enthusiastically telling the crowd, “San Jose, you are my home! Thank you!”
Fan reaction (via Twitter)
@edrescherphd
#fleetwoodmac Lindsay looks like Art Garfunkel.
@phutmasterflex
Stevie Nicks just acknowledged San Jose as where it all began for Fleetwood Mac. Yes!!!
@Caffegiorno
OMG I am presently breathing the same air as Stevie Nicks
@sloanmkc
oh shit, fleetwood mac is sharing some newly released songs- how are we supposed to sing along.
@JessieMosby
saramichelleevett and I are at the Fleetwood Mac show. I thought there would be more fringe.…
@kylemaples
Fleetwood Mac!! Amazing!!!
@mleeper
Fleetwood Mac concert @ the HP pavilion. I’m for sure bringing the median age down in the crowd. Q
@aten
Irony: Waiting 20 minutes to buy a shirt that says “Go your own way”. @ Fleetwood Mac at HP Pavillion
@iza_loo
Fleetwood Mac. Still rockin
@bsterling
Who knew that this Fleetwood Mac concert would make me all emotional?
@edrescherphd
Sure, he looks a little like Mr Burns, but man does Lindsay wail on that axe! #fleetwoodmac
@pgguevara
@fleetwoodmac “Gypsy” sounds as translucent as ever.
@sara
#fleetwoodmac Stevie Nicks still has it.
@Undressica
Fleetwood Mac is so amazing live! They make me wish I was born in the 70’s! I’m having the time of my life!
@DinaDonnahue
Oh Fleetwood Mac, you treat me so well.
@BSeeprs85
Lindsey Buckingham is currently reminding young musicians they’ve got a while until their great. #fleetwoodmac
@LaceyBugger
@fleetwoodmac I love you even more now! You were amazing!! The Bay is where it all happened; welcome back!
@JohnTheDon88
Fleetwood Mac just blew my fucking mind…apparently Stevie nicks went to CSM
@KiimberlyMC
Just saw @fleetwoodmac in San Jose. Was everything I could have hoped for! What a spiritual experience!
@InkedNPretty
@fleetwoodmac awesome show in San Jose! Stevie will always be amazing!! U guys will forever ROCK!!!
@RonEappleseed
My #FleetwoodMac review of tonight’s show in four words: BEST TOUR IN YEARS.
@misskplotner
Wow what an incredible show! #fleetwoodmac #stevienicks
@cheryl3660
Everyone should see @fleetwoodmac perform at least once. It’s a bucket list requirement.
@LadyBlueBird7
What an honor to see @fleetwoodmac tonight! Music royalty!! Beautiful sound, performance & lyrics. Thank you!!!!!
@LadyBlueBird7
Fleetwood Mac said tonight was very special & emotional for them because their roots are from the Bay Area/San Jose.
@chrissampang
Fleetwood Mac coming home to the Bay Area once more – unforgettable. @dorkydebutante
@katastrophichic
I just watched Lindsey Buckingham make sweet, sweet love to his guitar. #fleetwoodmac
@befferonie
Had an amazing night with @fleetwoodmac tonight! I don’t think anything will ever compare to this experience. #inlove
@ATlove92
The concert was amazing! I cried like three times especially during landslide! Thank you so much @fleetwoodmac! I love you guys so much!
Set list (unchanged since 5/12)
- Second Hand News
- The Chain
- Dreams
- Sad Angel
- Rhiannon
- Not That Funny
- Tusk
- Sisters of the Moon
- Sara
- Big Love
- Landslide
- Never Going Back Again
- Without You
- Gypsy
- Eyes of the World
- Gold Dust Woman
- I’m So Afraid
- Stand Back
- Go Your Own Way
- World Turning (first encore)
- Don’t Stop
- Silver Springs (second encore)
- Say Goodbye
Videos
2. The Chain – partial (courtesy of JR VAN GRONINGEN)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO4xeAwhiuQ]
3. Dreams (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWE6LaIPCg]
3. Dreams – partial (courtesy of Adahmama)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKu1CAndjYg]
4. Sad Angel (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVujPAkjjn0]
5. Rhiannon (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjJCq5EfqQ]
5. Rhiannon (courtesy of JR VAN GRONINGEN)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV_Mnw232LM]
11. Landside – with dedication (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiudY5ILv1s]
12. Never Going Back Again (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVZszUKGvIc]
13. Without You (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl2N74PfN78]
14. Gypsy (courtesy of Shawn Coats)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik9-THa5KOg]
17. Gold Dust Woman (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqVMyYhLQ60]
17. Gold Dust Woman (courtesy of Susie Robles)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu4QN0rtbwQ]
19. Go Your Own Way (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koHcriZF9MI]
20. World Turning (courtesy of gambit37)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_ogUcQF4w]
Stevie’s final words (courtesy of Susie Robles)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffIX3vw6Adg]
Special thanks to Adahmama, gambit37, Shawn Coats, Susie Robles, and JR VAN GRONINGEN for making these clips available.
