[The Nicks Fix]

Stevie Nicks Summer 2005 FAN REVIEWS

7/14/05 Office Depot Center Ft. Lauderdale (Sunrise), FL


Newest reviews posted at the top.


Laura-Lee Podmore
Hi Stevie fans, I just had to write about the show I attended in Fort Lauderdale on July 14th. My friend and I came all the way from Trinidad in the Caribbean just to see Stevie. We had been trying to for years and finally the timing was right...except for Hurricane Emily! She blew through Trinidad the night before my flight was scheduled to leave so I spent the night sweating bullets that it would be cancelled and I would miss the show. Fortunately, the flight was just pushed back and I arrived in Miami at 6 p.m., then went straight to the concert. What can I say....she was more than I ever could have hoped for. We wanted to really see the show, so we bought 3rd row seats, which was an awesome spot to be. When she came onstage, the crowd was going wild, maybe I was screaming the hardest! I couldn't believe that all that power in her voice could come from someone so tiny! But she was amazing, her voice was absolutely perfect. I was hoping that she wouldn't be one of those singers who sound great on CD and not so great live, but MAN!!! she isn't one of those! Her stage presence is riveting, I literally could not take my eyes off her. The highlight of the night was when she bent down to shake hands...I grabbed my friend and ran to the front and.....she took my hand and looked at me and smiled! I could have died and gone to heaven right there. The only downer to the whole thing was that we saw on our tickets and on the website that no cameras were allowed so of course we didn't bring any. Then, later in the show, we saw camera flashes going off all over the place! We were really upset about that because we wanted to take pictures as well but stuck by the rules. At least we have our memories..... She ended the set with Beauty and the Beast, which had some folks crying! My friend and I totally enjoyed the show, we were blown away by her performance. It was worth every penny and then some, the nail biting I went through to get to the show, was all worth it. I feel so honored to have seen the best living, breathing, songwriter/storyteller/performer that has ever graced this planet. Thank you Stevie, for your beautiful music, lyrics and talent. It has touched me in so many ways over the years and I would come and see you sing again in a heartbeat.
Rochelle
We just attended the show at the Office Depot Center in Ft. Lauderdale and I must say it was the best night of my life! My husband bought me tickets in the 2nd row sitting right in front of Waddy Wachtel! He is a great guitar player(sorry he is not better than Lindsey)and I was excited to be able to sit and watch him play. Of course, after the disappointment of not being able to get to the stage at the show in Atlanta to try and shake Stevie's hand because I was in the 7th row, I quickly asked one of the security guards if the 2nd row would be able to go up and he said yes! He also said he would come get me to make sure I got right up there. So the show started with Miss Vanessa Carlton and her piano and I must say she is a great pianist and has a strong voice. I enjoyed her songs, her humor, and her honesty. I will e buying her cd's. After she was done, the crew came out to set up for Stevie and the band. The anticipation was building. I couldn't believe how close I was going to be to my singing idol. I've adored her since I was ten!!!!(My sisters were several years older than me and had the Rumors album)Then, the beautiful lady came out and started performing. I can only say I was Awestruck and was a bit nervous as I didn't know if I would have the nerve to go to the stage to try and shake her hand. I was an emotional wreck! Anyways, the show was phenomenal with Enchanted, Outside the Rain, Dreams(I sang this at my wedding reception) and then to my surprise during Rhiannon the people in the front row went up to the stage and stayed there the rest of the concert. Of course, people in the 2nd and 3rd rows joined. I was awestruck because we were so close to my idol that I couldn't go up right away. It wasn't until she started "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You" that I turned to my husband and said "Would you like to dance?" So, we went up to the stage in front of the piano player and started slow dancing. It was great! Stevie sounded wonderful and I felt like she was there serenading my husband and I as we danced to her singing live to us!!!! Thank you Stevie and thanks to security for not making us sit down. After our dance, we stayed right by the stage while she sang more of our favorites - Landslide, Circle Dance(we loved that song the minute we heard her sing it in Atlanta), Fall from Grace. Then came Edge of Seventeen!!!! I was so nervous and so excited. I was there at the stage during the song and then she came over to our side first and I was able to shake both of her hands! And all's I could say to her was Thank you for all of your beautiful music. Whether she heard me or not I have no clue, but I was in a euphoric/hypnotic state after that because I did get to shake her hand. (Next is to meet her in person!!!) Anyways, she rocked the Led Zeppelin tune Rock and Roll and ending with Beauty and the Beast brought goosebumps. I called my sister on the phone so she could hear with us as she loves that song. Next show I will remember to bring a cmaera phone as there were so many people taking pictures around us. I thought there were no cameras allowed, but I was wrong. Thank you Stevie for such a magical, unforgetttable evening!!! You are the Queen of Rock and Roll!!!
Rob F.
Just one word can describe the show last Thursday at the Office Depot Center in Ft. Lauderdale...WOW!! I have been a Stevie Nicks fan since I was in junior high and have seen her now five times solo (starting with the Rock a Little tour) and twice with Fleetwood Mac (most recently the Say You Will tour). To say that she just keeps improving with age would be an understatement. She sounded perfect, especially on the slower songs like Landslide, Beauty and the Beast, and Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You, where her range was phenomenal. I especially loved the cover of Zepplin's Rock and Roll. Awesome! I had three Stevie virgins with me and they all agreed that she put on a hell of a show. Rock on Stevie!!
Ronnie
"Once in a million years a lady like her rises" guess Stevie Nicks is the life imitating the art. I have not seen one of her shows with this much energy since the 80's. Hair, makeup, nails, and wardrobe. Nothing was overlooked for this summer extravaganza. As for the voice, she must be working closely with a coach, and it shows. The raspy sound that defines Stevie Nicks is polished and haunting. The notes that she decides to belt are that of baseball legend when hit. There have been but a few performers that have the staying power of this woman. To see an artist perform a legendary catalogue such as this is nothing short of amazing. With alcohol, cocaine, and prescription drugs a part of her distant past, Stevie Nicks has taken the best of her life and created a showcase that proves, there is a "path to the rainbows end." Old or young, this show will captivate and astound those that are fortunate enough to see it. A must see show for those who truly enjoy music. And on a more personal note, Stevie thank you for the performances, the wardrobe, the travel, and most of all the songs and the music. I only hope that you know, what you do for the masses, "Every time that you walk in the room"...
David Moore
I went to the show last night in Ft Lauderdale Office Depot Center (not my favorite venue) and it was great – as Stevie’s shows always are. I have seen every Fleetwood Mac and Stevie solo show since 1979. So I have seen about 50 – 60 shows. There were definite highlights last night as well as some things I would have liked to seen differently. However, at 57 she still is one incredible force. The set list was much the same as the other shows – she substituted I need to know for Landslide. She opened with Enchanted and was right on the money. The re-make of Led Zep’s Rock n Roll was a great show stopper not to mention she looked so incredible in top hat, pants and jacket. I would recommend this tour to all.
Ted Alderman
ROCK ON GOLD DUST WOMAN! Having been a fan of Stevie Nicks for decades, and never having seen her in concert, I knew this was the night (July 14, 2005). To say she was unparalleled would be an understatement. She did not miss a note. There were thousands of screaming fans on their feet as she sang "Stand Back" and there were thousands silently listening as she sang songs like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Has anyone ever written anything for you". As our "white wing dove" continued the concert, it kept getting better. Her voice was amazing, she looked fantastic. When she left the stage and the lights went out, there was NO WAY the crowd was leaving. The yelling, screaming, whistling, applause and the desire for thousands of fans of all ages to see and hear more of Stevie was prevalent. She returned to the stage and "belted out" Led Zepplin's "Rock 'n Roll" and if you think anyone was in their seats, think again. The stadium was rockin, and so was Stevie! After a few more songs, and almost 2 hours of performing, it was time so say goodnight. Thank you Stevie for an awesome evening, for the decades of music you have given us from your heart, for a voice that only you possess, and for what you mean to the millions of fans that you have.
Jacqueline I Deuel
The word amazing has been used, outrageous, the best Stevie has even been, at her best, I wish it would have never have ended, cloud nine. Somehow those words still do not invoke what I felt my night of the Gold Dust Tour. My best friend and I got lucky, we managed not only to stand right in front of Stevie as she enthralled us with her musical poetry but we graduated into the “I shook Stevie’s hand club.” I have never had the pleasure of being that close to her, it brought a new meaning to going to one of her concerts. Unlike the last time I went to see Stevie in concert I was on time and so was the concert. Vanessa Carlton has proven not only to be a talented young lady but very charming. I would also add lucky to be the opening act . Any words I can use to describe the energy in that arena and Stevie’s performance would be an understatement. The only thing I can say without exaggeration is that it was three of the shortest hours I have ever spent in my life. The thrill of standing at the foot of the stage having Stevie DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, is for me, in short, amazing. FYI for those of you still holding tickets the set list as a whole is correct but she does vary in the order. At the Fort Lauderdale concert she DID substitute “I Need To Know” with “Landslide.” (the fans did not disappoint me when everyone sang "Landslide" along with her.) She does a few costume changes , that never interrupt the flow of the music. Taku as usual was at the top of his game as well Waddy Wachtel. Just before Stevie steps on stage “Bootylicious” is piped in to get everyone revved up and let me tell you it works! There were people dancing in the aisles. There is just one nice change that they make with that song, for those of you who care the vocals of "Bootylicious" are eliminated. You know, that song really rocks…then. Disappointment is a word that will not be in your vocabulary when you go to this concert. Rock on our Gold Dust Woman and God Bless.
Sheryl
I have been a devout fan of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks for many years. I've seen Stevie perform alone and with Fleetwood Mac on many occasions and was so excited to have the opportunity to see her in South Florida. Stevie was as electric and mystifying as always. Her voice has never been better. Some music just reaches inside of your heart and soul from the start and makes you feel alive, elated, nostalgic and in-love with life.......like your just going to burst from happiness. The music made me feel that way when I was 15 and it's still like that at 40. I could never pick a favorite song. They are beyond words. The band is in top form as well. I especially enjoyed the percussion. Vanessa Carlton was a wonderful opening act. I look forward to the next show as always!
Christy J. Church
Last nights show in Fort Lauderdale was superb. Stevie can still rock down the house and her band and beautiful girls were right on. It was great seeing all the Gang on stage again. The comraderie showed through and their love for what they do made the show wonderful. The crowd didn't react well to the new song by Bonnie but if you open up an ear and listen to it carefully, chills will run up and down your spine and you may get a tear in your eye. Special thanks to Stevie for coming down this way for the Summer Tour and bringing her special magic to Florida. I would go again tonight if she was in town. Much Love,
Amy Kettinger
MAGICAL. This word is always tossed around in the same sentence with our favorite goddess, Stevie,....but after watching her perform several times as both a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac, I would have to say that this show off the gold dust tour was definitely one of the most magical displays of her stage presence and ethereal talent. What struck me the most was how genuinely happy Stevie was throughout the show. Over the years I have watched her perform in various states of mind, and I can only feel ecstatic for her that she seems to be at a place in her life where she is truly filled with peace. This concert was about a lady exuding grace and stage presence. At the age of 57 she displays the vigor and energy of the eternal soul that she is. My favorite part of the performance was when she sang a crowd favorite, "Landslide", accompanied by a video clip that chronicled her life. The clip began with photos of her as an infant and then progressed into video footage of her in the early Fleetwood Mac years, followed by clips that led through the eighties, to current day, and back again to the photos of her youth. The footage was done in sepia tones and set up like an old black and white movie. It makes you realize that we are all enamored with this woman because she is a true legend. She has shown us decades of herself, the beautiful person that she is, and that is why we all feel such a connection to her. She is a true famous beauty, she always was and always will be. I feel priviliged to be able to attend her shows and follow her career. Her open spirit makes her my role model. Stevie's performances have gone from a pure rock show to something like a glance into her own journal. I feel that Stevie, ever humble, knows what she means to each of us, and this concert was the greatest time I've ever seen her give back. It means so much to me as a fan, and all I can say is that it was...MAGICAL. ps...I attended the May 11th Las Vegas show to celebrate my 30th birthday. While there I met a wonderful woman sitting next to me that had traveled from Texas to see the show. I think of her often and wish that we had exchanged e-mail addresses. we were sitting on the very far left of the stage, 2 rows back, and if you happen to read this, please e-mail me at creation@fdn.com because I thought you were a wonderful person!
Carla
Last night my best friend and I saw Stevie at the Office Depot center and I am still on cloud nine.... Stevie never sounded better! Her voice was crystal clear and she looked as beautiful as ever! Her band rocked the crowd... everyone on the floor was standing through her whole concert dancing and singing along. Stevie was so relaxed and her fans surely love her... we were fortunate to get back stage to meet Stevie ( very briefly ). We waited for our turn and watched her meet and greet a very small group of fans. Everyone got there photos taken and talked with her... she was so wonderful and sweet to everyone. After telling her how much we loved her and her music she promised that there was much more to come! I cannot wait! I am her #1 fan and still cant believe I stood right by her and even kissed her cheek! We love you Stevie!!! Keep writing and singing as long as you live!
Ken
Words can not describe the incredible show here in Ft Lauderdale last night. This was my 14th Stevie concert and she has never sounded or looked better. The band was much tighter than the Vegas shows and seemed more comfortable. Althouth the set list held no surpirses this late in the tour, I must say this was by far the best version of Rhiannon I have seen in the last 20 years of concerts. Gold Dust Woman and Fall From Grace were also inspired. But, I must confess, seeing Stevie in pants, with the top hat, singing Rock & Roll was worth the price of admission. Vanessa Carlton was quite chaming and very talented. I can hardly wait till the next tour.........Stevie truly is the High Priestess of Rock. Thank you Stevie for all you do.
Jessica Marshall
Stevie Nicks was absolutely amazing. She had so much energy and I had an amazing experience. Being that I am only 20 this is only my second time seeing her, but I hope it will not be my last. The lights, sound and images used were spectacular and just hearing her voice made all the difference in my night. She performed tonight as if she was performing 30 yrs ago. Absolutely amazing!
Joan
I saw Stevie last night, and she again, put on a fantastic, energetic show as usual. I have been crazy over Stevie since "Rumors", when I was 11 yrs old, in 1976, and here I am at 40 still following her around. Of course there were many similarly-aged fans there as well! First I must say Vanessa Carlton was a pleasant surprise. Usually the opening acts are sleepers, but not Vanessa. Her act was herself playing at the piano, no bells, lights, whistles, just herself, and she really shined. She seemed comfortable with the crowd, and interjected comments along the way. I hope she goes far. Steve really ROCKED tonight, almost a bit too much as my eardrum felt quite stressed out by the end of the show. I would have loved to heard a few more of her older, quieter ballads, but this is not a complaint against Stevie! Though her songs are always right on the money, after a song she would merely say "Thank you" and I was hoping she would talk a bit more with us. Toward the middle of the show, she did seem more comfortable, told a story about how she wrote "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?", and gave a very warm intro of all her band members with some background stories as well. Then she laughed and said, "I'm so chatty tonight", and made the gestures with her hands to show a person chit chatting away. That was TOO precious! I don't even have to mention that singing the oldies along with the crowd (Dreams, Rhiannon, Gold Dust Woman, Landslide, Stand Back, Edge of Seventeen, Enchanted) was endorphin-producing, but the "newer" ones (Fall to Grace, Sorcerer) had about as many people dancing and singing as the others. Of course the coliseum was quiet for the Bonnie Raitt song, Circle Dance, and though she said the first time she heard it she broke down into tears, I don't think it had the same effect on the crowd because all the words were not distinguishable. Besides, I would anyday rather have heard a Stevie song (how about Silver Springs or Sweet Girl?) than a Bonnie Raitt.....Stevie has too many wonderful songs to interject someone else's songs. That goes for the Led Zeppelin song which was nice, but LOUD!) Her ending with Beauty and the Beast was a great ending, lovely background of the black and white movie, and was ALL STEVIE singing, which is always equisite. Overall, it was another spectacular night, and I give credit to her band also. Without sounding like a pre-adolescent schoolgirl (which I was when Rumors came out!), I just have to say STEVIE, YOU ARE TOPS IN YOUR LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!
Lisa Dawn
What an incredibly AMAZING show in Ft. Lauderdale! Stevie has never looked or sounded better. The background visuals on stage were awesome. I've never seen such a mix in the crowd; "generations" of people filled the seats (when they were sitting! ). From "lifers" children, to teens, to grandparents.. I think it's magical that Stevie draws crowds of EVERY generation. My 14 year old son asked if he could go with me, when I asked him if he was sure he would enjoy himself, he said, "MOM, I've grown up on Stevie Nicks". : ) He TRULY had a blast and asked if he can go to every Stevie and Fleetwood Mac show in the future... (oh my gooooosh, what have I done!!! lol). Stevie really interacted with the audience.. she even said she was being very "chattie" : ). That really does make for a more intimate experience. And the crowd was fun; everyone seemed to enjoy the show, some of the more mellower "favorites" were great but Beauty and The Beast was BEYOND words. And then you had the "rockin" side of the show... WOW! It was like going to a music BUFFET.... a little of this, a little of that, and A LOT of magick memories.
anonymous
I would just like say . . . .AMAZING! I have waited for years to see Ms. Nicks and finally had the opportunity, and no words can express my awe of her performance. I read the reviews here, and have only tried to imagine what the experience was like, and now I have my own. I encourage all of you, that read these reviews, to do the same!!!!!! You only imagine that what is in your head will be realized and She, by far, surpassed my wildest dreams. The costuming, the lighting, the instrumentalists and the vocals, oh my goodness - the VOCALS - better than any album or live album I have EVER heard. Although the crowd was rather subdued and I expected more from us ( and believe me I tried to get something going!) Ms. Nicks had a spectacular evening. Vanessa Carlton is a perfect compliment for an opening act. . . and then what can I say - Ms. Nicks weaves her majic spell - the back -up vocalists were spectacular and her ability to surround herself with the finest of musicians only makes her talent that more riveting. If you ever see this Ms. Nicks - Thank You for all that Your songs have inspired in me, I even introduced Your music to my Mom ( she never followed music by artist, but recognized You when I pointed it out) and that was a great bonding experience for us both. I hope that others are as fortunate to have the same fulfilling experience that I have had when music, as inspiring, heartfelt and sincere as Yours is shared between generations. . . the funny being is that I am 37 and you would figure that Mom would have "introduced " You to me . . . . . My best to You and Your colleagues. . . Continued success and as ALL of your fans express "their Love" I do not know You to" love You" but I do know - You, my Dear, have "earned your keep" and will always be held in great regard!! The best to You, Your continuos creativity, drive, happiness to your music and your willingness to share it with your audiences, With sincere appreciation,

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