In My Head

A couple of nights ago, late, I was TV surfing and came upon a "Sound Stage - Fleetwood Mac" show. It was a concert from Boston, around 2004, I think. I was captivated with the music, but especially with Stevie Nicks.

As I listened to the concert I was transported back in time to the mid-70's when Fleetwood Mac was everywhere and part of the rather drug-saturated lifestyle. I can remember vividly the songs that I especially liked, for example "Warm Ways", and even earlier songs that came from the band before Buckingham-Nicks, with Danny Kirwan and Bob Welch on guitar. Ah. Good times.

But it was with Stevie and Lindsey that the band soared. Since watching the TV show this week I have burned up my keyboard (PC-style) listening to and reading everything by Stevie and the band. (youtube is a real gift) My life was somewhat music-less for my career decades and somehow I am just now getting back to appreciate performers who were long-ago favorites.

Watching several interviews with Stevie I learned that she battled large with drugs. She won that hard fought campaign. There is something in her affect, rather dead-pan, that is a little disconcerting. Her eyes hold you, unblinking. She comes across as authentic and honest about the good and bad. And the stories she has to tell, plus the ones she isn't telling...yet. Though you can listen to her lyrics and feel the love and loss.

Last night I watched the concert again. I cannot get these songs out of my heard. I was awakened again and again by snippets from "Gypsy", "Landslide", "Get Back", "Gold Dust Woman". I want to DO something to transfer this energy from my head to my hands. For now, it's this journal.

So here she is, 60 years old, singing as beautifully as ever. Really beautifully; looking peaceful; playing with her band mates of 35 years. Thanking the audience for still being there. What a life it has been.