Is it possible
 

Is it possible that when Stevie and Lindsey joined FM that they had some grooming lessons from the record company? I have been listening to the live BN concerts and they sound great but a bit rough around the edges. In singing and in Lindsey's guitar playing.

During the FM 1975 tour which was 5 months (about) after their last BN gig, they sounded so much smoother and stronger. Stevie's twang was gone and she sang with more lung capacity. I think Lindey was playing and singing much better also. They definitely were around much better musicians and a great vocalist in Chris, but I really wonder if they didn't get some "help" before going out on the road in 1975.

I've honestly noticed that, too. In fact, even on the record I remember hearing intonation issues. I always wondered if I had a bad copy or transfer.

I’d imagine even a pre-1975 Fleetwood Mac had much more experience playing live and on bigger stages than BN ever would have. Without knowing much about that world, I’d assume better sound equipment and instrument setup.

The improvement from those BN live Rhiannon’s to the White Album to the 1975 tour is truly astounding.

I know right? And in just a few short months. Lindsey's guitar playing is what gets me. Way better than those BN shows. Better equipment and the 3 bits helped of course, but I just wonder if he didn't get some lessons somewhere. Even though he says he can't read music.

Fleetwood Mac in those early years with L&S were often part of a larger bill or they were an opening act. I wonder if any of the live improvements were a result of just taking best practices from other bands who had a more refined approach to how to put on a live show.

Even his playing from White album to Tusk gets incredibly better.

I’d wage all of their considerable improvement from ‘74 to ‘75 came from working with such seasoned professionals as Fleetwood-McVie-McVie. That core trio had it down tight years before LB and SN joined. The band rehearsals that took place before, during, and after they recorded their first album together must have helped. Keith Olsen, in his Q-A here, said they’d “rehearsed Say You Love Me to death.”

Lindsey often speaks of what he gave up to join FM. What he doesn’t talk about is how much joining them provided the structure to become a much better player. Stevie’s singing improved, too: having to harmonize with two singers (instead of just one) probably reined her in.

Christine’s vocals improved, too. But the excellent drums-keys-bass foundation had already been laid years before.

ALL of the above is what brought them mega success.

The stars align once in a blue moon.

Lindsey was the key, though. Even though the old goat is what dullards love, Lindsey's VISION is what made them a household name.

Stupid old goat. :woohoo:

Yes, all of this! It's so clear to me listening to B/N live and album.
The brits made them much better.