“I didn't, but I wanted to mention that because it brings him closer.” After three other dedications, she offered the song’s title: “This song is called ‘Landslide,’” and Buckingham played that familiar, sad, rambling guitar line. “This song is my dad’s favorite song, and he said he thought I wrote it about it him,” she offered. She was one of the night’s chattiest members. Then Nicks, who was Buckingham’s girlfriend when he joined the group, came out for the next song. (The first was for a spirited version of the 1979 single “Tusk,” with the marching band part coming from a backing track enhanced by a giant screen projecting images of the ‘70s-era marching band.) After the song, Buckingham got the night’s second standing ovation. This was the first of a trio of acoustic songs that would be the evening’s highlights. Stripping "Big Love" of all of its embellishments, he was able to highlight the lyrics and even enhance the song’s energy. He then broke into a spirited version of the song, lashing at the nylon strings of the acoustic in his distinctive style of flicking downward on the instrument. “It began as a contemplation on alienation, but it became about the power and importance of change," he said. “We lived our lives the way we thought we were supposed to,” he said before noting the significance of the single off the group’s 1987 album, Tango In the Night, which was Buckingham’s last album with Fleetwood Mac before he “took leave.” He mentioned that the lyrics of the song have evolved in meaning for him over the years.
Alone on stage, he again brought up Fleetwood Mac’s history before playing a spare yet energetic version of “Big Love.” Though supplemented by a trio of backing singers, as well as an extra keyboardist and guitarist, the band's most compelling numbers of the night came about when Buckingham picked up an acoustic guitar. “We have been able to evolve but also prevail in the good and bad times.” “I think it's fair to say we are a group of individuals and a band that's seen its ups and downs,” Buckingham offered later that night. Throughout the show, one of the most interesting things was how the band members played with their history and the personal stories that inspired the songs. Later, McVie said, “On a personal note I'd like to thank John, Mick, Stevie, and Lindsey for letting me do this again.” “I feel there are all kinds of things she could say, but I won't go into that,” said Nicks in a clear reference to the band members' tumultuous relationship. She noted the Miami show marked their 67th performance with McVie since she decided to rejoin the group last year. But if there is one thing that can fill an arena besides hits, it is charisma, and this band has that to spare.Īfter “The Chain,” Nicks played up McVie’s return to the Fleetwood Mac fold, which, after her departure in 1998, was something hardly anyone expected to see again.
And though it’s unrealistic to expect this hit machine to play a small theater with proper acoustics, that would be the ideal setting for a band mostly defined by smooth, dreamy songs featuring distinctive voices. It was potently played, but an annoying echo bounced down from the upper level of the arena following each lick of the drum kit.Much of Fleetwood Mac's charm is its knack for creating an enveloping sense of intimacy. But the most egregious problem with the opener came from the its steady, deliberate beat, through no fault of drummer Mick Fleetwood.
Though the voices of McVie and Buckingham have clearly been roughened by time, Nicks’ raspy vocals have only improved with age. On paper, the song - which equally features the band’s trio of singers: McVie, Stevie Nicks, and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham - was a great choice. And thankfully, for many latecomers, Fleetwood Mac hit the stage on Miami time, around 25 minutes past 8 p.m., though thousands were still scrambling to their seats after the band kicked off the show with “The Chain.” So, needless to say, it was a historic reunion the other night at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. Now, all these decades later, the quintet is back together and still playing many songs off that 1977 record for its On With the Show tour. That last Magic City show starring all five members of the group's classic lineup was at the long-gone Miami Stadium for megahit album Rumours. It’s been nearly 38 years since Fleetwood Mac appeared in Miami with Christine McVie, whose smooth vocals and strident keyboards were so essential to the sound of this legendary rock band.
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