“This is the 61st show of a long trip we’ve been on since last September” announces Stevie Nicks, who still sounds as great as she did 40 years ago. It’s hard to believe Fleetwood Mac has endured such bitterness during their years of feuds as they are so composed onstage. You’d expect awkwardness and tension given all the affairs but it’s like a well-oiled machine up there; they’re so rehearsed and know the set like the back of their hand since they’ve been on the road for seven months.
It’s no secret that Fleetwood Mac had major problems when recording ‘Rumours’ but thank god they finished it; because it clearly worked in our favour. It’s definitely their greatest album and we’re graced with classic ‘Rumours’ tracks all night.
There are shredding drums, thumping feet and heads banging as ‘The Chain’ sets the tone for the night. It’s one big party and there isn’t a single person without a smile on their face. ‘Dreams’ adds to the party – a crowd favourite with everyone on their feet with arms wrapped around each other. It brings everyone together in the giant Wembley Stadium, it’s a sea of dancing mums, dancing couples, dancing teens, everyone of all ages dancing with arms flailing, singing every word with such happiness. Even the couple who came prepared with matching raincoats and binoculars are up on their feet. There’s a girl who hasn’t stopped sobbing since Fleetwood Mac walked on stage; she’s just happy to be sharing the same air as them.
Followed by ‘Little Lies’, both hits sound just as good as when they came out, over 40 years ago. Yes, Nicks sounds a little raspy but hey, if you took cocaine as heavily as she did for so long then your voice would too. She still sounds effortlessly amazing and fills out the whole stadium easily.
It’s unbelievable Fleetwood Mac is still touring, and still together at all, given their lifetime of drama but the crowd is so grateful and it’s apparent when ‘Everywhere’ begins. Not a bum on a seat, the flailing arms continue with the inclusion of screams and ahhh’s. There are good vibes all round and everyone is dancing and having the best time; pure elation. Hippy-carefree vibes elude from the stage – it’s all smiles and hands permanently pitched in the air. As the night proceeds, everyone is on their feet and when Rhiannon begins things take a different turn as Nicks emerges in a glittery cloak. Looking glimmering and gothic, she belts out husky notes and the crowd lap it up. Impressive guitar riffs continue and the band is met with wooo’s from the ale-drinking dads and trilby-wearing mums.
Mic Fleetwood takes the limelight with his incredible drum solo during the heavier, upbeat World Turning. There’s tension, punchy fills, heavy kicks and amazement from the crowd as people remember Fleetwood is 71. He takes over the stage and has the attention of the whole stadium – it’s impressive, to say the least.
Since Lindsey Buckingham’s frosty departure led to Crowded House’s Neil Finn entering the band, it’s only natural that ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ should be performed. The crowd erupts and it’s an emotional but joyful few minutes with the addition of a verse sung by Nicks. Like every other song, it’s like the crowd is one big, happy family pouring their hearts out and singing with love from the bottom of their hearts – it’s euphoric.
From elated superfans ecstatically dancing to emotional fans singing with hands on their hearts, the heart-warming ‘Landslide’ begins. Everyone is singing the lyrics back to Stevie and it’s touching. For the first time during the gig, you see a softer, wholesome, down-to-earth side to the band. It’s magical and so beautiful – the crowd definitely weren’t expecting it either.
A shimmering gold backdrop appears and the intro to ‘You Make Loving Fun’ starts and we’re back to the upbeat stuff. It’s very cinematic with the gold elements and everyone’s up on their feet again. It’s angelic and glittering – the prettiest the stage has looked all night.
Now, obviously, by this point of the evening, everyone is getting a tiny bit restless waiting for one song, in particular, the song they are most famous for. It seems some people in the crowd have paid £90+ just to hear this certain song as they haven’t stood from their seats yet. Of course, the second “Loving you isn’t the right thing to do…” begins everyone is on their feet, dancing and whooping, hands in their air and singing their hearts out. Looking around, there isn’t a single person without a giant smile spread across their face; it’s a beautiful moment perfectly showing how music brings people together. No one has a care in the world, it’s one huge party of nostalgia and exhilaration.
There’s an encore including a cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Free Falling’ and ‘Don’t Stop’ before the band ends the mammoth gig with Albatross. By this point, everyone has had their fill and the crowd filters out as Albatross plays. Fleetwood Mac boasted an impressive 21 song setlist and kept the party going from start to finish, a truly magical evening.
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