On Nov. 15, Fleetwood Mac cover band Rumours of Fleetwood Mac performed at the Virginia Theatre.
“The challenge as musicians on this gig is to play the songs just as they were recorded,” the band wrote on their website. “These precious songs have been the soundtrack to many peoples lives the world over and we know that you hold them close.”
The show began with a video of Mick Fleetwood, drummer for Fleetwood Mac, introducing the cover band.
“Thank you for your support over the years and your passion for our music,” Fleetwood said. “Perhaps relive a few special memories, safe in the hands of our dear friends.”
The band appeared on stage in all-black outfits, with each member’s style mimicking that of a real Fleetwood Mac band member.
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They began the set with “Big Love” from the band’s 14th studio album, “Tango in the Night.”
Keyboard player Sophie Worsley established the band’s plans for the evening.
“We’re going to celebrate the classic hits of Fleetwood Mac, and we’re also going to pay tribute to Christine McVie, ” Worsley said. “Her legacy lives on.”
McVie, the keyboardist for Fleetwood Mac, passed away in November of last year.
The band performed “Warm Ways,” a song written by McVie, in tribute to the late musician.
As the sweet, mellow tones of “Warm Ways” shifted into the energetic, moody guitar intro to “The Chain,” the crowd livened, clapping to the beat.
Audience members stomped their feet to the rhythm and loud whistles came from all ends of the auditorium.
Sophie Worsley addressed the crowd to introduce “Say That You Love Me.”
“If you thought 15 guitars weren’t enough, we’re going to bring out a mandolin,” Worsley said.
Lead guitarist and vocalist James Harrison was playful with the Champaign-Urbana crowd.
“It’s great to be here,” Harrison said. “I’ve drank lots of champagne, but I’ve never been here.”
He introduced the band’s performance of “Bleed to Love Her” written by Lindsey Buckingham.
“This next song was originally released in the late ’90s, and to me, it’s one of Lindsey’s hidden gems,” Harrison said.
The bass and lead guitars produced a stunning introduction to “Gold Dust Woman.”
Lead vocalist Jess Harwood brought powerful vocals, emulating the nasal inflections in Stevie Nicks’ vocals.
Harwood wore a sheer floor-length dress with wide sleeves, swaying her skirt as she sang.
She picked up a tambourine and danced through the guitar breaks, in true Stevie Nicks fashion.
The band ended the first set with “Silver Springs” and opened the second with “Sara.”
Drummer and founder of the group Allan Cosgrove took the mic to introduce “Black Magic Woman.”
“I’m going to take you back to the late 1960s, to the origins of Fleetwood Mac as a blues band,” Cosgrove said. “Fleetwood Mac was started by a fantastic guitar player called Peter Green.”
As the “Landslide” guitar intro began, an audience member shouted “My favorite!”
Many members of the audience began to sing with the band, swaying their hands in the air.
The otherwise seated crowd arose to dance for “Little Lies,” “Go Your Own Way” and “Don’t Stop.”
Loud whistles and shouts followed their strong rendition of “Rhiannon,” and they closed with “Tusk.”
The English group is currently on tour.
