The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band @ 170 Russell, Melbourne (29/03/2016)
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If you were to ask anyone who has seen Mick Fleetwood perform live what it was like, they'll probably tell you was a moment they'll never forget. Speaking from recollection, I saw Fleetwood Mac in November of 2015 from the nosebleed seats of Rod Laver Arena (worth every cent, I can assure you!) and it remains one of the most cherished nights of my life.
When I read that Mick Fleetwood would be returning to Australia so soon after his last trip for a different kind of show, I leapt at the opportunity to attend. It's not often that you'll be given the chance to see one of music's most prestigious performers play a blues and roots set in a small Melbourne bar. While Fleetwood Mac are one of music's most loved bands, before Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and a little album called 'Rumours' made them a household name, they were one of the most popular blues bands of the times. Fans looking to hear tracks from the golden age wouldn't find 'Rhiannon' or 'Tusk' on tonight's setlist. Instead, we were treated to a rare live insight into the early blues and roots beginnings of Fleetwood Mac. |
Stepping on stage to warmly greet his audience of the night, Mick Fleetwood is a humble and sincere host. The stage is his home, and tonight we're his guests, watching and listening to every note with awe. His performance is striking and resonates through the audience; Fleetwood performs with such tenacity and power, flowing seamlessly through the set with perfection and professionalism. Throughout the set we're treated to some of Fleetwood Mac's earliest Peter Green classics, with highlights being 'Black Magic Woman' and the night's finale, a beautiful rendition of 'Albatross'.
With Rick Vito (Lindsey Buckingham's replacement during the late 1980s, and one of Fleetwood's dearest collaborators and friends) leading front of stage on guitar and vocal duties, Fleetwood is able to command the set from his drum kit and never miss a beat, but Vito well and truly holds his own as a live musician. He rocks across the stage with his catchy hooks and endearing vocals, you simply can't take your eyes off of him. Regardless of this, Vito is not one to place the spotlight on himself; he performs humbly with his fellow bluesmen, giving a genuine performance which as a whole is nothing short of magnificent. What an act of pure class and showmanship!
Growing up, Fleetwood Mac's music was often heard in my family home. They hold a special place in my heart and now that I'm 25, hearing their music performed live has allowed myself to gain a bigger appreciation for the impact they've had on my life. Being lucky enough to watch and listen to some of music's most cherished artists perform in such an intimate venue with genuine passion is a moment I have no doubt that I'll remember for years to come, and a reminder as to why I love music.
Luke Sutton
With Rick Vito (Lindsey Buckingham's replacement during the late 1980s, and one of Fleetwood's dearest collaborators and friends) leading front of stage on guitar and vocal duties, Fleetwood is able to command the set from his drum kit and never miss a beat, but Vito well and truly holds his own as a live musician. He rocks across the stage with his catchy hooks and endearing vocals, you simply can't take your eyes off of him. Regardless of this, Vito is not one to place the spotlight on himself; he performs humbly with his fellow bluesmen, giving a genuine performance which as a whole is nothing short of magnificent. What an act of pure class and showmanship!
Growing up, Fleetwood Mac's music was often heard in my family home. They hold a special place in my heart and now that I'm 25, hearing their music performed live has allowed myself to gain a bigger appreciation for the impact they've had on my life. Being lucky enough to watch and listen to some of music's most cherished artists perform in such an intimate venue with genuine passion is a moment I have no doubt that I'll remember for years to come, and a reminder as to why I love music.
Luke Sutton