BY Samantha Calderone, Staff Writer
Sept. 29, 1974
University of Scranton had its first big homecoming weekend in four years, with a major concert by Fleetwood Mac.
The legendary band was kicking off its “Heroes Are Hard to Find” tour and closing out the festive weekend with a 7 p.m. show in the college’s John Long Center.
The Scrantonian referred to Fleetwood Mac as “one of the most consistently popular British bands in the United States,” and this performance marked the band’s emergence from a hiatus. The Scrantonian reported that the band members said they had a good time in Scranton.
“They said it felt good to be back on stage and rather enjoyed the audience, feeling good about receiving a warm reception,” the newspaper wrote.
It took some time for the band to warm up, but the crowd was willing “to take the good time Fleetwood Mac offered,” according to the Scrantonian. By the end of the set, the crowd was on its feet, and the band’s encore was a slow, bluesy rendition of Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO When Fleetwood Mac headlined University of Scranton’s homecoming celebration on Sept. 29, 1974, its members included, from left, front: Bob Welch and John and Christine McVie; and back: Mick Fleetwood.
The University of Scranton newspaper, the Aquinas, reported that Homecoming Chairman Bernie Ozarowski called the event “a classic” and a “cherished experience.”
Homecoming festivities began that Friday with a Great Gatsby Lawn Party, followed by a bonfire and pep rally later that night to prepare for the following day’s game.
On Saturday the Tomcats played Rutgers University’s Newark Campus at Memorial Stadium. Prior to the game, a parade entertained the community with floats different clubs and dorms created. The game was followed by a beer bash and dancing.
Then, on Sunday, activities included a club exhibition, an afternoon concert by the University Singers and the finals for a softball tournament. The weekend ended with Fleetwood Mac, with German band Triumvirat making its United States debut as the concert’s opening act.
“This is a chance for the entire university community to get together,” Ozarowski said.
This year, Fleetwood Mac will kick off a new tour to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
