The Nicks Fix - Stevie Nicks Fan Reviews

Stevie Nicks 2007 - FAN REVIEWS

5/20/07 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, California

Michelle Tyler
Los Angeles was ready to welcome its favorite Rock Goddess, to the Greek Theatre Sunday, May 20. After a long absence from the venerable outdoor venue, the hills were alive with the anticipation of the return of Stevie Nicks and her Crystal Visions Tour. The capacity crowd roared its approval of the entertaining and musicial genius of Chris Issak and band as the nights' opening act. Issak 's set was peppered with clever theatrics and musical muscle. His voice is an amazing instrument which alternately purred and growled throughout his 40 minute show. At one point, Issak launched himself into the audience for a run through the crowd all the way to the back of the theatre--never missing a beat as he wailed on the guitar. After his set, Issak stuck around and signed autographs and merchandise for all his many old and new fans. After a short intermission to change out the stage set up, the night air was penetrated with the heavy sounds of percussion. Reverberating off the hillsides, it filled the venue with anticipation. Quickly the audience scampered back to their seats from the food and beverage kiosks. Stevie Nicks entered stage center between two Percussionists. Wearing her signature platform boots, draped in swirling black chiffon and long gloves, the opening riffs of "Stand Back"meshed with the thunderous reaction of the audience. Nicks, ably commanded the stage from the first opening lines of the song, working it like the legendary performer she is. Her voice was in good shape this night, and she received numerous ovations after almost every signature line of lyrics. The theater was filled with mostly "40 somethings" who seemed to savor every song like they were hearing it for the first time as well as a few younger people who were clearly in awe of Nicks. Moving from one song to the next, the set flowed nicely with standard hits like "Dreams","Rhiannon", "Gold Dust Woman", and "Edge of 17" garnering the most reaction from the crowd. During the poetic and introspective "Landslide", the focus shifted to the larger than life projections of Stevie depicting her life and her family in moments that were both touching and sweet. It was during the rockers, "Fall From Grace" and "Sorcerer" that the audience was treated to the still strong raw vocal power Nicks commands. From the 2001 album, 'Trouble in Shangri-la", Ms. Nicks showed she still can write and rock with the best of them. The 10 piece band was in good form and clearly enjoyed playing the show in Los Angeles, which to many in the band, is home base. LA rocker, Waddy Wachtel handled the lead guitar duties like the musical veteran he is, shredding the guitar at one moment and then carefully adding subtle nuances to the more subdued pieces. Guitarist Carlos Rios, who has been with Nicks for years was steady and capable in his playing. Rythmn section bassist, Al Ortiz, Drummer Jimmy Paxton and Lenny Castro were a force to be reckoned with, while keyboardists Cornell Thigpen and Ricky Peterson's piano, synth and organ added the texture and showcased their virtuosity. Nicks long time vocalists Sharon Celani, Lori Nicks and Jana Anderson delivered balanced and in tune harmonies that never stepped on Nicks' lead vocals. The set list read like a Who's Who of the best of Nicks. Although it would have been nice to have heard her perform her much beloved "Silver Springs" or "Gypsy" among others, it was a balanced and well crafted set, appealing to the casual as well as the fans who have followed her for years. The finales of the night brought a change of wardrobe and a change of attitude. Nicks clearly had fun with the Led Zeppelin classic,"Rock and Roll" and was playful and engaging. Almost as if in a study of contrasts, she ended the night with the more serious and haunting "Beauty and The Beast". Candles flickering on the grand piano, and images of the classic black and white silent film "la Belle et la Bete" as a backdrop, Nicks molded the notes into a crescendo that filled the venue with her special magic. The Enchantress had done it again. We were all under her spell.

Carrie
This was my 8th time seeing Stevie Nicks and it was as exciting as the first time! She always shines on stage! She is just memorizing to watch and captivating to hear. I loved her version of “Gold Dust Women”, the ending was great! It was fun to hear her sing “If Anyone falls”, that was the first time I’ve heard her sing that live, and “How Still My love “(one of my favorites from Bella Donna) was great. I knew it was going to be a great show the moment it started out with “Stand Back” and she came out shaking the famous cape. It was really neat to see all the pictures of her dad and family while she sang “Landslide”. She has mentioned in past shows that her dad always felt that song was about him. The pictures made the song even more beautiful. My best friend and I had a blast! We couldn’t sit down; we just wanted to dance all night! Her voice in the closing song “Beauty and the Beast” just took my breath away! The power that comes through her voice sends chills through me. I will keep seeing Stevie as long as she is performing on stage! In my eyes (and I’m sure many others) she is truly a class act!

Elaine Upton
I absolutely loved seeing Stevie for the first time live at the Greek! Such surreal moments - me singing along with Stevie, especially on Sorcerer. She inspired me as a teen and now I too am a singer songwriter as well. Yes Stevie, live music should be supported! Just being there beats any video, any download, any virtual reality. The lovely backup girls are lush, lush, lush. The sound system was fantastic. Stevie's voice haunting as ever. My name is Elaine Upton and you can hear me on CDBaby and visit me on myspace. I think of Stevie as my fairy godmother of rock. I just love you Stevie, we may never meet, but you have surely sprinkled gold dust on me. Here's the cherry on top, my 20 year old daughter is a huge fan as well! Peace and love to you.

Willie
Saw both shows in LA. What's not to love. I've lost count of how many Stevie shows I've been to, but must say Stevie gets better as the years pass. I think the power's in the boots. I have noticed over the past few years the emergence of Stevie's gay audience. Especially Sunday night my section was like being at a Pride Festival. Stevie is officially the gay rock diva icon. I know the set doesn't change much, but a sampling of the dance version of Plants of the Universe would be great. See you Friday night!

Gloria
This was my first time seeing Stevie solo in a while, so I was really looking forward to it. Had great upgraded seats dead center in the 5th row so I could see facial expression very well! Chris Isaak was great. But it was really awesome to see Stevie again. She looked and sounded great. The audience was on its feet for many of the songs and that made it even more fun. I sang along to each and every song. Landslide was a real highlight with the screen behind Stevie and the images of her and her family. But I loved how she kept the pace up throughout the night with the rockers. Songs like Enchanted, I Need To Know, Rhiannon (of course!) and Led Zeppelin's Rock And Roll kept us all nice and warm on this cool evening. Thanks Stevie for a great night of entertainment. You are the BOMB!

Matthew
OK so I havent seen Stevie live since her Trouble in Shangri-La tour but once again...she did NOT disappoint. The set list, though short, was awesome. I LIVE for her version of "I Need to Know" and her high kick at the end of Stand Back was still as high as ever. Her finale being "Beauty and the Beast" my all time favorite song. I knew this going in and prepared myself for the tears to flow.It didnt help that before that I was up front for "the walk" and she indeed shook my hand and even looked shock at the tattoo on my forearm. (Its the "S" dragon from Shangri-La) When she took the staged for Beauty and the Beast in a GOWN of all things I could have died. Her hair neatly in a bun (how strange was that to see)she blew me away. At the end of line one I was already a wreck and the tears didnt stop until the final bow. At such a small venue it was like a personal concert. She didn't talk much but thats OK. Goldust Woman still delivered and always will. It was truly a spectacular show...and she proved that more women should cover Zeppelin. :)

Pam
My daughter and I attended sundays show, it was awesome. Stevie looked great and sounded amazing. I'm a huge fan and have been since my high school days in the 70's. Stevie Nicks is timeless. Thank you for all the wonderful years of music.

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