Fleetwood Mac’s 1997 reunion album and concert, The Dance, remains a pivotal moment for fans. Capturing the magic of the Rumours-era lineup back on stage, it was a carefully curated performance that showcased the band’s enduring catalog. Many tracks from The Dance became instant classics in their live renditions, with “Everywhere” being a standout example of a song revitalized for a new era. However, for some fans, there remained a lingering question: why wasn’t “Little Lies” included in this meticulously planned setlist?
While the original forum post mentions rehearsals for “Poor Little Lies,” its absence from the final tracklist and subsequent tour setlists is notable. “Little Lies,” a significant hit from the Tango in the Night album, seemed like a natural fit for The Dance. Imagine a version of “Little Lies” imbued with the live energy and matured musicality that defined The Dance performances. The album demonstrated the band’s ability to breathe new life into familiar songs, as brilliantly evidenced by the updated arrangement of “Everywhere.” This success only amplifies the question of what a Dance-era “Little Lies” could have been.
The effort and intention behind The Dance are undeniable. It wasn’t just a reunion; it was a statement. The band consciously revisited their iconic songs, crafting arrangements that honored the past while feeling fresh and relevant. This level of dedication is precisely what many fans yearn for in Fleetwood Mac’s more recent tours. The subtle yet impactful changes made to songs like “Rhiannon” and “Say You Love Me” for The Dance proved how even minor tweaks could reignite a song’s spark for both the band and the audience.
This thoughtful approach opens up exciting possibilities for other Fleetwood Mac gems. An acoustic rendition of “Gypsy,” a fan-requested favorite, could be stunning. An updated “Little Lies,” shedding its 80s pop sheen for a more Buckingham Nicks-esque vibe, would be fascinating. Even deeper cuts like “Sisters of the Moon” could be transformed into the rock anthem it always hinted at. And for a truly bold move, a Lindsey Buckingham interpretation of “Albatross,” a song deeply embedded in Fleetwood Mac’s history, would be a revelation.
The Dance set a high bar, showcasing what Fleetwood Mac could achieve when they channeled their creativity and focused on reimagining their timeless music for the stage. While “Little Lies” remains a “what if” in The Dance songbook, the album itself stands as a testament to the power of revisiting and revitalizing even the most beloved songs in a band’s repertoire.
