Every girl who grew up in the 80’s wanted to emulate Stevie Nicks; I was no exception. Her flaxen hair, whimsical wardrobe, and her mystical persona spoke to the wild hearts of teenage girls everywhere. The enchanting songstress was greeted by many of those now 40 and 50 something fans when she performed before a sold-out audience inside the Seneca Niagara Casino this past Saturday night.
The evening commenced with a cover of Zeppelin’s “Rock ‘n Roll.” Throughout the tune, a large video screen backdrop featured a back and white montage of photographs shot by Neil Preston. Each picture was a time capsule within itself, paying homage to classic rock artists such as Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, The Who, The Stones, Aerosmith, Janis Joplin and Fleetwood Mac to name but a few.
What followed was a 2 hour set of Nicks classics, interspersed with newer material, which she claimed would be her focus going forward. “No more Greatest Hits Tours, I can’t be performing these same old songs for another 20 years,” she professed to the crowd, “I have to move on.”
However, the greatest crowd reaction and standing ovations came after “Gold Dust Woman,” “Stand Back,” and Rhiannon, respectively. It’s worth noting that pianist Darryl Smith turned in a fantastic prelude to Rhiannon on the keys that left the crowd in awe of the sweet melody. Other highlights of the set included the duet “Leather and Lace,” which she performed with guest vocalist, Steve Real. You would swear you were listening to the original recording, as it was spot on, note for note.
“Landslide” featured another video tribute; this one celebrated her parents and chronicled Stevie’s career. “Your family isn’t your family forever, so love them while you still can,” was her advice.
Nicks took ample time near the end of the show to introduce every member of the band, while professing her heartfelt gratitude for their musical contributions as well as the special influences each has had on her life. She also spent a lot of time recanting how many of the songs she performed that evening came into existence by bringing fans into the moment with her, as far back as 1975 in some cases.
“Edge of 17” brought her to the edge of the stage for some extended crowd interaction, where she plucked several bouquets of flowers and gifts from adoring fans. The show ended with a single encore that featured “Love Is,” a song from the Trouble in Shangri-La record.
Although Nicks appeared to be a bit stiff physically, and her signature spin moves a little more subdued, her sparkling shawls and haunting voice still entranced the crowd with every note she sang, and fans left the venue buzzing about the over all stellar performance she delivered.
Set List:
Rock ‘n Roll (Led Zeppelin cover)
Enchanted
Secret Love
Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)
Moonlight
Gold Dust Woman (Fleetwood Mac song)
Soldier’s Angel
Stand Back
For What it’s Worth
Rhiannon(Fleetwood Mac song)
Leather & Lace
Annabel Lee
Landslide(Fleetwood Mac song)
Ghosts Are Gone
Band intros
Drum solo
Edge of 17
Encore:
Love Is
All Photos by Gus Griesinger.
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
