"Got a Hold on Me" single released 40 years ago

[Macfan4life]

Originally Posted by Villavic

I understand you knew it was Chris just by hearing her voice, I mean before the DJ announced who (she or band) was. Did you think it could be a Fleetwood Mac song?

No, I knew it was not Fleetwood Mac. I knew they were apart and solo albums were in full effect. Stevie's solo album was still releasing singles so I knew she was far too busy in 1983 to spend time recording with Fleetwood Mac. I knew it was solo right away. There is an American Top 40 Chart from March 1984 that had Got A Hold On Me entering the chart one spot ahead of Nightbird.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

No, I knew it was not Fleetwood Mac. I knew they were apart and solo albums were in full effect. Stevie's solo album was still releasing singles so I knew she was far too busy in 1983 to spend time recording with Fleetwood Mac. I knew it was solo right away. There is an American Top 40 Chart from March 1984 that had Got A Hold On Me entering the chart one spot ahead of Nightbird.

There was a lot of build up for Christine's album on MTV. We knew it was coming. We just didn't know when that single and video was going to drop. So it was super shock!!

[Macfan4life]

I found a newspaper review of her concert in Ft Lauderdale, FL from June 1984. Its not the first review that I read claiming that people missed out by not attending this incredible concert. It was a bit baffling the hit maker from Fleetwood Mac had a hit solo record but did not pack the house.

A fatigued McVie is still in fine voice
June 2, 1984
A nonstop tour schedule of one-night stands since April 15 has left singer-songwriter Christine McVie more than a mite weary. Her lack of energy was evident in concert Thursday night at Sunrise Musical Theatre, and was the only deterrent to an otherwise fine performance.

McVie was in good voice, right on the mark with her distinctive smoky, sleepy, blues singing style. She was backed by an excellent five-piece band, most of whose members also accompanied her on her recently released solo album, titled Christine McVie. Her repertoire was a well-chosen selection of her solo songs, as well as those she has recorded in her 13-year career with Fleetwood Mac.

McVie’s reputation as a laid-back performer seems to have preceded her throughout her first tour apart from the legendary band. Sunrise Theatre was less than half full, as has been the case at many of McVie’s other stops. This was unfortunate, not only for McVie and band, but also for those who missed the show, an enjoyable and musically proficient package of ballads, rockabilly and basic rock ‘n’ roll.

McVie is more than aware that the tour hasn’t been a big draw.

“Being on solo tour is less and more than I expected,” she said after the show. “Actually, I expected more people, but I’m happy with the response from the people that did come out.”

Those who did made up for their small numbers with a warm reception, which became warmer and louder as McVie seemed to pick up on their positive vibes and opened up, if just a little.

Accompanying herself on electric and acoustic piano, McVie sang most of the songs from the Christine McVie album, including its two singles — “Got a Hold on Me,” which became a hit soon after its release, and “Love Will Show Us How,” now rising on the charts. Also memorable were her album cuts “Ask Anybody,” a haunting ballad that clearly displays the soulful emotion of McVie’s voice, and “So Excited,” a rollicking rockabilly-style number.

For the most part, the songs from McVie’s solo album sounded better than the Fleetwood Mac hits she sang — “Hold Me,” “Over My Head,” “You Make Loving Fun” and “Don’t Stop.” “Don’t Stop,” especially, sounded rather empty without Stevie Nicks’ high accompanying vocals.

McVie’s back-up band nearly made up for her subdued manner with an energetic, rhythmic performance. Lead guitarist Todd Sharp (especially notable for some hot breaks), guitarist Steve Bruton, bassist George Hawkins, drummer Steve Ferrone and keyboardist Eddy Quintela formed a tight, balanced unit. When the three guitarists performed without McVie on Guitar Bug, a bouncy rocker a la Chuck Berry, the audience responded almost as enthusiastically as it did at McVie’s encore.

McVie, who said she plans to record another solo album after helping Fleetwood Mac complete its new LP, looked smashingly British in red suede boots, a black and white leopard-spotted blouse, black vest and jeans.

Opening the show for McVie was the Baxter Robertson Band, a five-piece Los Angeles-based rock group with a good beat, some promising songs, and a hard-working lead singer-guitarist- saxophone player.

Linda R. Thornton / Miami Herald (FL) / June 2, 1984

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

It was a bit baffling the hit maker from Fleetwood Mac had a hit solo record but did not pack the house.

I think it is the star effect. Stevie is talented, but mostly she is or was a star. Christine was a great artist. It's like Alec Guiness, who was a GREAT actor, but Rock Hudson was a star.

Besides I don't know how much Christine wanted to be a star. I guess she was fine with the kind of popularity she got.

[Macfan4life]

Originally Posted by Villavic

I think it is the star effect. Stevie is talented, but mostly she is or was a star. Christine was a great artist. It's like Alec Guiness, who was a GREAT actor, but Rock Hudson was a star.

Besides I don't know how much Christine wanted to be a star. I guess she was fine with the kind of popularity she got.

No doubt. I think Stevie's insecurities about not being a musician forced her to develop a character on stage. It was shtick and it created a huge following. She was brilliant to do that just like Madonna did in the mid 80s. She developed her own look and persona. Stevie has more talent than Madonna has in her little toe but the concept was the same. Stevie is one of the best song writers and at one point was one hell of a singer. Madonna's insecurities about not having talent to write and sing made her develop a similar shtick that really worked for her. It made her a star. Paul Fishkin also was very smart in marketing a solo Stevie. She would not be taken seriously as some airy fairy with sugary pop songs. They marketed her as a full rock artist. By doing so gave Stevie even more credibility. Sadly as the albums drifted on, she lost that concept. I don't think people expected Christine to sell out arenas. But when a legend comes to town with a hit solo album performing all the Mac's hits you would think would at least fill a small theater. This is what annoyed Lindsey and I am sure got to Chris when the shtick was more powerful than the music.

[bombaysaffires]

Originally Posted by Villavic

I think it is the star effect. Stevie is talented, but mostly she is or was a star. Christine was a great artist. It's like Alec Guiness, who was a GREAT actor, but Rock Hudson was a star.

Besides I don't know how much Christine wanted to be a star. I guess she was fine with the kind of popularity she got.

That's a really key difference between Stevie and all the other members of the band. Sure, Stevie had a more flamboyant stage persona, but she also chased being a "celebrity" in ways the others didn't. She actively chose to hang out with and be seen with other celebrities, to date other big stars, to do all these outside collaborations with other rock stars.... she was tremendous fodder for the gossip columns. The others got mentioned when out doing promo stuff and maybe for showing up at awards ceremonies and such, but when they were off duty they were pretty much gone from the tabloids. Even though Chris dating Dennis got some mentions in the tabloids we were not bombarded with pics of them out to dinner, out shopping, etc. The first I personally recall seeing any pics was in the People mag article about the band as they were gearing up promoting Tusk. Stevie absolutely CRAVED fame, and made it her goal; the others did not. She may be the only one (certainly of the 3 songwriter/singers) whose name is recognized by most people without adding "of Fleetwood Mac" after it. But that's not by accident. She deliberately made herself famous for more than just her music. So when she cries about not being able to go out, or no personal life etc etc etc.... well, be careful what you wish for.