Live Review: Fleetwood Mac, Angus & Julia Stone

It goes without saying that if you are about to witness a Fleetwood Mac stadium concert you are in for an unforgettable experience, however tonight’s show at Domain Stadium featured something a little different, an uninvited guest in the form of torrential rain, this did not deter the capacity crowd, if anything it made for an even more dramatic, magical energy.

Angus & Julia Stone opened up to warm applause as the stadium started to fill.

After cancelling their 2013 tour due to bass player John McVie being diagnosed with cancer and subsequent treatment, the classic Fleetwood Mac line-up was finally reunited. Key songwriter and voice, Christine McVie, who departed in 1998, has returned and it was something truly special to see all five key members performing as one. They introduced their presence with classic The Chain, showcasing the power of three amazing vocalists operating together.

Stevie Nicks took a moment to joke about the rain saying her limo driver told her earlier, “It never rains in Perth.” Thunder only happens when it rains. “We bring the rain!” she declared. At any moment I was prepared for them to stop the show and leave the stage, but the persistence of the loyal crowd seemed to drive them on, even thanking the audience for staying devoted and attentive.

Lindsey Buckingham stole the show, lavishing  the spotlight and unaffected by the rain, strutting across the front of the stage, radiating impeccable guitar tone and engaging with the front rows. For someone in his twilight years, he looks, sounds and performs like he is in his prime. Visibly affected by the atmosphere, he would bow, beat his chest and howl to the crowd after each performance, what a rush!

Nicks is a presence in herself, a gentle and humble soul, emitting an aura of love and beauty. Performing Landslide as duo with herself and Buckingham was a moving experience, one got the feeling you were experiencing a once in a lifetime moment. It genuinely conveyed the special bond between the two, from starting out as a duo before joining Fleetwood Mac, being involved as lovers, and having played together over a lifetime, they were atuned and flawless.

All the classics were there, Dreams, Rhiannon, Sara, Gypsy, Little Lies. Gold Dust Woman was highlight, seeing Nicks perform her signature spinning hippy dance. The elation didn’t give up as the rain pelted harder, it only seemed to invigorate both performers and crowd. Go Your Own Way sent the stadium into a frenzy, as the security retreated from their posts unable to keep patrons in their seats.

Original member Mick Fleetwood amused the audience with a drum solo and incited crowd reaction with calls to respond before being joined by the rest of the band for an epic version of World Turning.

John McVie whilst visually frail and modest in stage presence, was technically impressive. Fully focussed on his basslines, he didn’t let up putting everything into each song.

Christine McVie ended the evening with Songbird, which signalled their farewell, before 25,000 completely drenched souls sloshed out of the stadium. 

Truly one of the great acts of all time, armed with unmistakably classic songs that were performed with such chemistry and energy that can only come from a group of people with this much relationship depth and history. Together with natural elements inspiring a loss of inhibitions and a sense of freedom and joy, this was truly a show not to be forgotten.

Originally published by X-Press Magazine