The Fleetwood Mac Fest at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood was definitely a night full of highlights.
The event was put on by the musicians fund Sweet Relief (sweetrelief.org), a non-profit that helps musicians make ends meet, assists with hospital bills, and basically takes care of these guys that play the music that we love. Musicians have no health insurance since they’re self-employed so this organization is a much-needed charity organization.
The night started out with he house band opening with “Tusk”, so the night was off to a good start.
Some of the highlights?
Jess and Holly from the band Lucius did a great harmonized version of “I Don’t Wanna Know”, and Elvis Perkins then came out with a great “World Turning”. Jack Dishel was on next and added some fun to the festivities doing Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road”. Most of you know that song as the theme from the movie “Vacation”.
Emily Armstrong performed a great rendition of Stevie Nick’s song “Edge Of Seventeen”, Karen Elson then performed “Rhiannon” which then led to one of the definite highlights of the night: Dhani Harrison (George’s son) beautifully playing “Landslide” with his partner, Mereki taking the vocals.
Doyle Bramhall II made a rare appearance with “Black Magic Woman” also. Most people don’t know that that song was originally done by Fleetwood Mac. Santana just made it famous.
The actor, Will Forte performed “Stop Draggin My Heart Around”, with a beer in hand, accompanied by Karen Elson and Brian Bell. Other actors that performed were Danny Masterson (That 70’s Show), Adam Busch and Bijou Philips, who did a great version of “Second Hand News”
Juliette Lewis also sang a song, “Stand Back” complete with her twisting herself into weird contorted positions on the stage. It was like watching those guys at a carnival who fit themselves into little tiny boxes.
Comedienne and actress Sarah Silverman then came out and did “Go Your Own Way” with Butch Walker who had also performed “Monday Morning” earlier in the show.
Courtney Love was next and she was, well, Courtney Love. She stumbled up to the microphone and attempted a rendition of “Silver Springs” while flashing the audience and cameras so there was no doubt as to what she was or wasn’t wearing under her dress that looked more like a nightgown with slits up the side to show leg.
Mark Ronson and Allison Mosshart came after and performed a great version of “Dreams” and no, Ronson did not break out into his hit “Uptown Funk” at any time. Although that might have been pretty cool.
Perry and Etty Farrell walked out and sang a beautiful “Gold Dust Woman”, which segued into just about everyone from the night coming back out on stage and belting out great high-energy versions of “The Chain” and “Don’t Stop”
All in all, it was a great night. The audience of course was full of die-hard Fleetwood Mac fans and as I left I saw nothing but smiling faces…
