Back in the U.S.S.R.

Press, 4 August 1977, Page 13

Back in the U.S.S.R.

United States President Carter talks about differences with the Soviet Union, but things can’t be all that bad when Russian Embassy officials stay up until the early hours of the morning drinking vodka with members of Fleetwood Mac. And anyone who saw those Russians clutching their Fleetwood Mac albums to be autographed, clustered around sexy lead singer Stevie Nicks like bees to honeysuckle, could

sense there was hope for the future on detente. Some soviet officials said that they had recommended to Moscow that the group, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, John and Chris McVie be invited to perform in the Soviet Union. Last Tuesday, the group performed in a steamy auditorium packed with 22,000 screaming fans. More than 30 Russian Embassy personnel attended the concert.

One Soviet Embassy official challenged singer Christine McVie to a vodka guzzle. The two were still standing after several glasses of the white ligtening were downed, and even better friends by the time they switched to Dom Perignon champagne to celebrate the singer’s birthday. On Wednesday morning the group’s lawyer, Michael Shapiro, met with an official and came away optimistic about a trip to Russia, perhaps next year. “I think they were genuinely impressed with the cleanliness, demeanour, and charm of the group.’’ said Shapiro. “But this would not be just another rock concert. We’re not going there to rip off roubles. We proposed that the proceeds from the concert go to U.N.E.S.C.O. and they liked that idea,’ 4 he said.