For the first time in 16 years, all five members of Fleetwood Mac will be touring together. Christine McVie, who retired from the band in 1998, will be joining Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks on a 34-stop tour which arrives in Philadelphia this October. The aptly titled “On With The Show” tour will begin at the end of April. You’ll get a chance to see all of the members of one of rock music’s most beloved bands at the Wells Fargo Center on 10/15.
The legendary Fleetwood Mac currently consists of just one original member, the band’s namesake Mick Fleetwood. The band was formed in 1967, taking its name from Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie. Although McVie is a current member of the band, he didn’t play on their first single or at their first concerts. His wife, Christine McVie would join the band in 1970. Their most famous album, though, is 1977’s Rumours, which features all five of the currently touring members. The album remained at number 1 on the charts for 31 consecutive weeks. To this day, the album as sold over 45 million copies, making it the fourth highest selling album of all time. Renewed interest in the album came from a 2011 episode of Glee entitled “Rumours” which featured six songs from the hugely successful album. As a result of the episode, the album reentered the Billboard 200 chart at number 11, and accounted for an impressive number of online sales.
But despite the renewed interest, and several successful tours, something was missing. At one point, Nicks even noted that she would be unwilling to carry on with the band unless Christine McVie returned. But the band did continue on, with their most recent tour just this past year. That’s why fans were so elated to see that Christine McVie would be joining the lineup for Fleetwood Mac’s “On With The Show” tour.
McVie’s last tour with the band was 1998’s “The Dance Tour.” That same year, Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1998, the legends also won a BRIT Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Music.” But that same year, Christine McVie decided to leave the group, annoucing that she was retiring from touring. For the band’s 2003 album, Say You Will, McVie did provide some backup vocals and keyboards, but the lead vocals were left to Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
During last year’s tour, the remaining four members of the band were joined by McVie for a performance of “Don’t Stop.” The long-missed member was met with a standing ovation. She said, “It was so comfortable being back onstage with them as if no time had passed, and then we all started talking and it feels like the time is right. I’m really happy.” In January of this year, it was announced that Christine McVie would be rejoining the band. In a joint statement, the band said, “As far as we’re concerned, she’s never really left. We are overjoyed to have Christine back on stage with us.” For fans of Fleetwood Mac, this will definitely be an evening to remember, an evening 16 years in the making.
A special presale for Fleetwood Mac’s “On With The Show” tour begins Thursday, April 3rd at 10am. Tickets officially go on sale on Monday, April 7th.
Fleetwood Mac @ Wells Fargo Center
Wednesday, October 15
Show @ 8:00 PM
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