On Saturday November 19, 2011 Stevie Nicks kicked off her Australian tour in Melbourne. The rainy weather failed to dampen the anticipation and excitement of those at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Brian McFadden was the opening act, performing acoustic versions of a number of his hit songs. He also threw Adele’s “Someone Like You” and NSYNC’s “This I Promise You” into the mix. Forget about what you think about Brian McFadden, he is a gifted musician despite his minor role in boy band Westlife.
Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics was Stevie’s support act, and also one of the people heavily involved in producing her new album. Other than his Eurythmic songs, I was unfamiliar with Dave as a solo performer, but after last night, I am a fan. A gifted guitarist, his band of colourful characters made for an entertaining precursor to the main event.
There was only a short wait for the crew to get the stage ready for Stevie. She came out all guns blazing, belting out “Stand Back” like only she could, followed by “Secret Love”, the first single off her new album. If only the haters could have heard Stevie perform “Secret Love” last night. Clearly the X-Factor production quality was not up to standard that night, as she and the band were near perfection.
Stevie made it clear that this was not a Greatest Hits tour, but a tour to promote the new album. While she threw in some Fleetwood Mac classics like “Rhiannon” and “Dreams” and several of her solo hits, it was the new songs which made this concert all the more special.
Along with every new song she performed, came a story of where she got the inspiration to write them. It was actually two years ago (almost to the day) that Stevie was in Melbourne, touring with Fleetwood Mac. She went to see one of the Twilight movies at the cinema, and oddly enough that was what prompted her to write “Moonlight (A Vampire’s Dream)” and begin working on a new record.
“Soldier’s Angel”, a song from her new album, was an emotional moment of the night. Stevie told a story of how in 2005 she went to visit a military hospital to speak with the injured soldier’s. She arrived there a rock star without a care in the world, and left with a heavy heart after hearing all those stories. As she was leaving an emergency Medi-Vac arrived, there were doctors, nurses, stretchers everywhere. She wrote the song “Soldier’s Angel” as a tribute to those who have fought in the war in the Middle East.
The highlight of the night for me was being there in person to see Stevie perform “Edge of Seventeen.” The percussion, drum and guitar solos at the beginning of the song were beyond amazing.
Another special moment was Stevie and her voice coach performing “Leather and Lace.” It once was a song that was never included in her sets due to it being a duet. Their voices complimented each other nicely, and it made for a beautiful rendition of the Stevie Nicks and Don Henley original.
If you were not fortunate to attend her Melbourne shows, Stevie’s Live in Chicago DVD, filmed in 2008, is currently on sale at JB HiFi for $9.99; and while you’re at it, pick up a copy of her new album In Your Dreams. The DVD is a perfect reflection of the incredible live performer Stevie is, and the CD has some beautiful new songs from her.
Stevie Nicks is everything I wish I was: a singer, a performer, a poet, a writer, talented, successful and an inspiration. I can only hope that Stevie will make the trek back to Australia sometime soon. Seeing her live once is not enough.
Modern Medusa 
Stevie Nicks is awesome! I must get the new album. Also, it’s hard to shake Brian McFadden’s minor boy band role. Although, I’d like to hear him do an acoustic gig. He’s got the right kind of voice to pull off the songs mentioned above.
I was front and centre for both Melbourne shows on a couple of uncharacteristically freezing cold and wet nights. Strangest venues to see a musical legend, but it was a treat for the senses nonetheless. I loved the enthusiasm of the crowd, and was delighted at the number of younger people who shrieked with delight at every song. I am an unashamed Stevie freak of 30 odd years. I’ve seen her live, solo and with Fleetwood Mac countless times…and every show has left me breathless, laughing, crying and exhausted. She is the goddess and high priestess of rock…
What a night. I loved every second of it and the best part is….I have five more shows to go!
I was there on Saturday and again on Sunday doing photography. Your review is spot on! Couldn’t have said it better myself. Brilliant performances!!
she sounded fantastic though the venue sucked. Alcohol should not be allowed into the seated areas: I had a bunch of drunks behind me talking like they were in a pub/not even watching the show I was pissed as I couldnt hear what she was saying. also people around me were getting up and down and moving in and out of their seat….better secruity needed for the $$ you pay. ruined the night.
I’m with you, Mel. Both venues (Music Bowl and Mornington Racecourse) were ridiculous places to see a musical legend of that calibre. At both shows, my husband and I were accosted by drunk crying women or overly amorous drunks who can’t hold their liquor long enough to appreciate the singer and her music. It sounded like a busy food court at times, with no respect for others trying to listen and enjoy. Some people have no consideration for the enjoyment of others. Considering the price of the ticket, you would think that they’d prefer to stay home if they wanted to drink themselves blind.
I don’t know what McManus was thinking with those venues, and I’m sure Stevie agrees. Throughout the second show, she tried to make light of the fact that she was FROZEN to the core from the cold wind. The first show had people sitting in the rain for hours before the show started, drudging through the mud and getting wet and cold. Meanwhile, Rod Laver Arena was completely unoccupied. Choose a different promoter next time, Stevie. I think McManus has outstayed his welcome…