Fleetwood Mac - The Dance (1997)

With each passing year bringing another high-profile rock reunion, prompted as often by balloon mortgage payments as any real artistic hunger, old fans could be excused for greeting 1997's announcement that the big Mac was back with skepticism: at their commercial zenith, Fleetwood Mac had offered superb transatlantic pop-rock with the added spice of a remarkable back-story, but the band's long decline and underwhelming later personnel shifts didn't bode well.

Such guarded expectations make the musical punch of The Dance all the more impressive, and enable the meticulously produced concert special to genuinely surprise. The band's musicianship–-the one constant between the original, late '60s English blues band and its platinum '70s lineup featuring guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks–-is in peak form, buttressed by a discreet auxiliary of additional musicians. Even with the hired guns, though, it's the rock-solid rhythm section of founders Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, and Buckingham's impassioned playing that strike sparks. Always a dynamic guitarist, Buckingham brings feverish intensity to both group classics and solo turns such as "Go Insane."

Both familiar hits and new songs (including the solid "Temporary One" and "Bleed to Love Her") further confirm that this isn't a rote exercise-–the band sounds fully engaged. Buckingham, Nicks, and the elegant Christine McVie retain their vocal charm (although Nicks has clearly lost her upper register). And the sense of old wounds healed, and older affections acknowledged, gives true poignancy to the set's high mark, a brilliant live version of "Silver Springs," a truly haunting Rumours-era B-side that proves deeply moving. --Sam Sutherland Amazon.com essential video

The "Mac" is Back, and Better Than Ever

After a long period apart (aside from a one-shot reunion for Bill Clinton's 1992 inauguration), the "Rumors" era line-up of Fleetwood Mac -- Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham -- reunited in 1997 and the results are breathtaking and magical. This is a group of muscians who simply get better and better with age. The opening number, "The Bridge," brings all the pieces together for a stunning beginning, with the impeccable rhythym section of John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, the incredible guitar playing of Lindsay Buckingham (just watch him pluck the notes from his guitar, why the man is not mentioned in lists of guitar greats is a mystery to me), and the harmonizing of Christine Mcvie, Stevie Nick, and Buckingham. All are in top form, although the voices of Nicks and Buckingham are not what they once were, but they still put every ounce of heart and soul into their performances.

The band performs its classic numbers, mixing in a few new songs as well, and each of the singers (McVie, Nicks and Buckingham) perform their signature songs.

But it's Lindsay Buckingham who simply steals the show (with Mick Fleetwood right behind him, joyously playing his drums). He performs with passion and incredible musicianship, whether it's his mind-bogling guitar solo on "Big Love" to his performance of "Go Insane" and "I'm So Afraid."

Stevie Nicks also has her moments as well, particularly the emotional "Landslide" and "Silver Springs," and the interaction on-stage between Buckingham and Nicks is intense, even if it's the two just exchanging a look.

"The Dance" on DVD includes many songs not on the CD release and is well worth the purchase for that reason. This is an early-era DVD -- one of the first, really, so for the 21st century viewer, this is not something that is going to look very good on your 52-inch high-def television. It's full-screen, non-anamorphic and looks slightly better than the VHS version. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is very good, though, and surround sound is used extensively, with a lot of activity in the rear channels.

There are no extras, this being an early DVD, but there is an option to enable on-screen lyrics which is a nice touch if you're like me and want to know what exactly is being sung.

Fleetwood Mac continued in early 2003 with "Say You Will" and followed that album with a tour (without Christine McVie, unfortunately) and The Mac was still in fine form, even better than they were in 1997.

It would be nice to see a remastered, updated version of this DVD, with perhaps some interviews with the band to get their perspective on the reunion. Until that happens, this will have to do. Sit back, turn up the sound, and be prepared to be blown away. June 8, 2008

Fleetwood Mac "The Dance"

This is an amazing DVD. The CD is great but the DVD is amazing. If
you are a Fleetwood Mac fan this is an absolute must have! May 19, 2008

I watched this 52 times in two days!!!!

I have always had the "Rumours" album but I never paid any attention to them until I ran across the DVD of "The Dance." I have watched this DVD 52 times in two days and am nowhere near tired of it. Fleetwood Mac is now my favorite group. Come back, Christine McVie! You're the best! April 6, 2008

The Many Faces !

Of course I'm Speaking about Mick Fleetwood. He definitely is a man of many facial expressions while taking his percussion to the ultimate playing experience. Not only is Mick fantastic on the drums, Lindsey Buckingham is one of the best guitar players of today. Watching the way his playing almost becomes magical is astounding. And of course you cannot and would not forget that distintive voice of Stevie Nicks, along with Christine McVie, make the great sounds of this vintage group awesome. If you like the music of Fleetwood Mac, you will love this dvd !!! March 11, 2008

better than expected

I really enjoyed the dance and had to listen hard not to hear Christine McVie's soulful melodic part in the band and enjoyed the memories, the harmony, the smiles that came to me often. People who rant about things, internal problems seem to forget all is human and the music and love of the songs, melodies, words and memories should be the reason for buying a cd or dvd anyway. Of course there are stinkers with every group one time or another but the good very far outweighs the other. cabaniss1....anne February 8, 2008

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