Lindsey Buckingham 4.25.22 Keswick Theatre

Words & Photos by Rod Snyder

After a few years layoff due to Covid and a health scare, Lindsey Buckingham made his way to the small suburb of Glenside, just outside of Philadelphia on April 25. It was a sold-out show, and the fans were eagerly awaiting for him to take to the stage. The band is touring in support of their current album titled “Simply Lindsey Buckingham”.

The band came on at 7:30 and played for 2 hours, with no intermission. They played songs from his solo catalog, and of course some Fleetwood Mac material. The show is cut into three sections: the first 6 songs are with the full band, then a four-song acoustic set, featuring just Lindsey on vocals and guitar, then the rest of the show was with the full band. While the show featured a good helping of Fleetwood Mac songs, the song that stole the show was “I’m So Afraid” from their self-titled “Fleetwood Mac”. Lindsey stepped to the edge of the stage, and like a man possessed, proceeded to absolutely blow everyone’s mind for the next 3-4 minutes. At times, when he hit some of the high notes, he would accentuate each high by standing on his tippy toes, as if to give it an extra ‘umph’! This live version really puts the album version to shame, and it had everyone standing and cheering at the end. After hearing this, you wonder why his name doesn’t pop up more as one of the great guitarists out there. He has such an original tone and unique way of playing, and is very underrated IMO.

His current band consists of long time guitarist Neale Heywood, who missed the last tour in 2018, due to scheduling conflicts. Buckingham noted that it was great to have him back in the fold. Drummer Michael Urbano, who’s new to the band, definitely does not play like it. He has only been on this leg of the tour, but he kept a solid beat. In addition, on the song “Tusk”, he really beat the hell out of his tom tom’s! Rounding out the four-piece band is long time member Michael Kianka on keys – he supplied some great keyboard work, textures and samples on the songs.

The band wrap up their U.S. dates on April 30, then head across the pond for the U.K. leg of the tour.

Setlist:

Not Too late

In Our Own Time

Soul Drifter

Stars Are Crazy

I Must Go

Doing What I can

ACOUSTIC SET: (Solo Lindsey)

Shut Us Down

Trouble

Never Going Back