Stevie Nicks, at 77, doesn't simply perform; she conjures a world. Her Saturday night concert at Scotiabank Arena wasn't a comeback, but a reaffirmation of a timeless presence, beginning with a spirited cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” – a defiant statement against fading itself.
Backed by a formidable eight-piece band, including the exceptional guitarist Waddy Wachtel, Nicks commanded the stage with a familiar, captivating grace. Though she’s traded high heels for comfort, the essence of Stevie remained: black velvet, flowing chiffon, cascading curls, and those iconic shawls that seemed to hold stories within their folds.
The setlist was a journey through decades of emotion, seamlessly blending solo work with Fleetwood Mac’s legendary catalog. “If Anyone Falls” and “Outside the Rain” gave way to the ethereal beauty of “Dreams,” instantly igniting the arena with a shared wave of nostalgia.
Wachtel’s guitar work shone brightly on tracks like “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and “Stand Back,” expertly filling the space left by Tom Petty, whom Nicks fondly remembered. A poignant tribute to Petty included a performance of his “Free Fallin’,” accompanied by a slideshow of cherished concert memories.
The evening held a deeper resonance, marked by a heartfelt homage to the late Christine McVie. The show culminated in a deeply moving rendition of “Landslide,” accompanied by images of Nicks and McVie, a testament to their enduring friendship and musical partnership.
Nicks acknowledged the postponed August date, a result of a shoulder fracture that kept her grounded for a month. Yet, even while moving gingerly, she offered glimpses of her signature twirl, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience.
Each shawl she draped around her shoulders felt like unveiling a relic, each one an original from the era of its song. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a meticulously crafted experience, a testament to Nicks’ masterful myth-making.
She shared intimate details of her early days with Lindsey Buckingham, recounting the tumultuous beginnings of Buckingham-Nicks and their eventual joining of Fleetwood Mac. The story of “Gypsy” unfolded, a song born from the highs and lows of a nascent relationship.
Nicks revealed a grounding ritual from those early, uncertain times: stripping their mattress to the floor and creating a sanctuary with a beautiful cover, repeating the mantra, “I’m still Stevie.” It was a powerful reminder of the artist’s enduring self-awareness and resilience.
Through it all, Stevie Nicks remained undeniably, beautifully, herself. The concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a reaffirmation of a legend, a captivating journey through a life lived in song.
SET LIST
Not Fade Away
If Anyone Falls
Outside the Rain
Dreams
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around
The Lighthouse
Wild Heart / Bella Donna
Stand Back
Free Fallin’
Gypsy
Gold Dust Woman
Edge of Seventeen
ENCORE
Rhiannon
Landslide
