RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC, THE MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY SATURDAY 30TH MARCH 2024

Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, who introduces the show via screens at the back of the stage, there’s an expectation of something special. And though I’m certain it was the same introduction when I went to see RoFM many years ago, the band has utterly transformed since then. The only familiar face is that of drummer Allan Cosgrove, but thankfully, the performance is as enjoyable and authentic as ever. The rhythm section is suitably solid; bassist Etienne Girard laying down the familiar grooves that lock in with Cosgrove's rhythms. But of course, a lot of the focus is on the vocalists who have the unenviable task of taking on Lindsey, Stevie and Christine. And though it’s impossible to perfectly replicate their distinctive voices, their counterparts have no difficulty in conjuring their spirit.

Guitarist James Harrison is up first with ‘Big Love’, performed here in all its 80s splendour - not the stripped back version that Fleetwood Mac have favoured live over the years. It’s an encouraging start, and one of several numbers featured from the enduringly popular ‘Tango in the Night’ album. The title track itself makes an unexpected appearance, a welcome surprise that showcases the group’s blissful harmonies (and impressive collection of attractive and expensive looking guitars!). It’s not the only left-field choice, the hard-rocking ‘My Little Demon’ from live album ‘The Dance’ is also received warmly, and it’s great to hear RoFM bringing these lesser known tracks to wider notice. 

Newcomer Vivienne Chi makes a striking impression; apparently a temporary fixture while the band’s regular ‘Stevie’ tours the USA with The Classic Rock Show. From the reception she receives, I suspect there will be demand for her to stay. Much like the real Miss Nicks, Chi provides a focus, modelling a beautiful dress that sparkles under the lights, she twirls her way through the likes of ‘Dreams’, ‘Sara’ and ‘Rhiannon’ with all the glamour of the original gypsy. And speaking of ‘Gypsy’, it’s certainly a highlight; the original video is synchronised as a backdrop that’s quite stunning visually. A treat too, to hear ‘Rooms on Fire’, the lone representation of Nicks’ solo career being belted out with such class. 

Pianist Sophie Worsely has a beautiful, clear voice wonderfully suited to Christine McVie’s biggest hits. ‘Songbird’ is as delicate and perfect as ever, while ‘Say You Love Me’, ‘Little Lies’ and ‘Everywhere’ provide some big singalong moments. But perhaps best of all is ‘Oh Daddy’, a track tucked away at the tail-end of ‘Rumours’, it’s undeniably one of McVie’s finest and is performed with real feeling here. It’s quite moving to see images of McVie at the back of the stage; a subtle tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hit-maker who has unbelievably been gone for more than a year. 

The second half opens with a celebration of Fleetwood Mac’s blues rock origins. Perhaps a little confusing for younger fans who only recognise the Rumours line-up, it’s pleasing to see Peter Green getting some love. It’s an opportunity for keyboard player Steve to step into the spotlight and show his considerable vocal prowess. ‘The Green Manalishi’, ‘Black Magic Woman’ and the riff-centre ‘Oh Well’ rock harder than you might remember and send the energy levels stratospheric. There’s a few moments respite with the laid-back ‘Albatross’ (unbelievably Fleetwood Mac’s sole number one single) which is rendered in note perfect form by these talented musicians. 

‘Second Hand News’ provides a transition back to more familiar territory and it’s nothing but hits from here. Whether it’s the heartbreakingly romantic ‘As Long As You Follow’, the storming ‘Go Your Own Way’ or the mysticism of ‘Seven Wonders’, RoFM keep the energy levels high and the performance compelling. Attempting to replicate the work of a band who have endured for more than 50 years in various incarnations is no mean feat, but RoFM seem to have it covered. 

The evening concludes with two encores; first, the uplifting bounce of ‘Don’t Stop’, which inevitably gets everyone on their feet, dancing and clapping. ‘Tusk’ follows; eternally weird, eternally brilliant and surely one of the more bizarre single releases by such a popular band. It’s a spectacular finale with room for an extended drum break from Cosgrove and even a brief trumpet interlude courtesy of the multi-talented Steve! As a celebration of Fleetwood Mac music, it doesn't get much better than this. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac are returning to the Marlowe in July following this sell-out performance; I'm sure I'm not the only one who's already secured a ticket. 

SETLIST 

Big Love/Dreams/Say You Love Me/Tango in the Night/Songbird/The Chain/Sara/My Little Demon/Oh Daddy/Gold Dust Woman/The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)/Albatross/Black Magic Woman/Oh Well/Second Hand News/Gypsy/As Long as You Follow/Rooms on Fire/You Make Loving Fun/Seven Wonders/Landslide/Little Lies/World Turning/Everywhere/Go Your Own Way/Rhiannon/Don’t Stop/Tusk 

BAND MEMBERS

Allan Cosgrove - Drums 

Scott Poley - Guitars

James Harrison - Guitars/Lead Vocals

Vivienne Chi - Lead Vocals

Sophie Worsley - Lead Vocals/Keyboards 

Etienne Girard - Bass Guitar 

Steve - Keyboards/Lead Vocals