You would think after more than 25 years of making music, Stevie Nick's popularity would have drifted over the years, but from the reaction of the crowd last Saturday night, her popularity is as strong as ever.  After a brilliant opening by Vanessa Carlton at the Chronicle Pavilion in Concord, it was apparent to see why Stevie keeps her fans close, as she and her nine-member band rocked through nearly a two-hour set that included hits from her solo career as well as her time in Fleetwood Mac.

With her blond hair and a continuous costume changes, mostly black sparkly outfits, Steve's presence leaves her looking timeless.  Nicks blended hits from her marriage with Fleetwood Mac such as "Dreams" and "Rhiannon".  With an unexpected cover of Bonnie Raitt's "Circle Dance" and Led Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll".

   

But it was her solo career that packed the most power, including "Stand Back" and "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" with long time friend and guitarist Waddy Wachtel covered Tom Petty on the vocal duet with Stevie.

   

The audience screamed everytime she twirled in place or returned from a costume change.  Fans screamed out "I love you, Stevie."  Near the end of the show, several dozen fans ran down to the front of the stage, gathering for a Nick's tradition.  As her nine piece band and two back-up singers carried out the end of "Edge of Seventeen" Stevie slowly worked her way across the stage greeting her fans as she went.

   

Stevie brings her past to song and her emotions to the surface and perhaps that is why she touches me so personally--and everyone in the audience simultaneously.  Her songs have the uncanny sense that she seen into the life of every woman (and man)--ever since "Bella Donna."  I have written about so many artists in the past, but this show meant the world to me for this unreasonable, irreplaceable connection I feel between her music and my own experiences in life.  (If it is true that we all get a soundtrack to go with our lives, I know mine already).

   

This summer's Gold Dust Tour ends Saturday, August 6 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  With the right juggling of my budget, I might just be able to...oh well, Rock on Stevie - thanks for another great concert

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