Stuart Earp praises Fleetwood Mac tribute group as they return to Oxford

It has been 14 years since Rumours of Fleetwood Mac last played in Oxford, and that was 14 years too long for their fans at the New Theatre for their December gig.

There can’t be many homes that haven’t got a Rumours LP/CD stashed away somewhere, with an estimated 40 million sold, and the eight-strong tribute band did the originals proud as they reeled off a string of favourites over a stunning two-and-a-half hour gig.

Sticking strictly to the script, they avoided the temptation to do their own thing (musical masturbation, I think they call it) and by the end of the night, they had everyone on their feet with thumping versions of the ever-popular The Chain, theme tune to BBC’s motorsport coverage, and Tusk.

There had been plenty to enjoy before that as Louise Rogan, pictured below — a shoe-in for Stevie Nicks — and Amanda Kostadinov (Christine Perfect) went through their repertoire, which included a moving Songbird.

Lead guitarists Alan Hughes (Lindsey Buckingham) and Ben Hughes (Danny Kirwan), plus drummers Allan Cosgrove (Mick Fleetwood) and Paul Walsham, and bass player James Harrison (John McVie) rattled off classics like Don’t Stop, Gold Dust Woman and You make Lovin’ Fun.

But it was when keyboard player/guitarist Dave Goldberg (Peter Green) emerged from behind his keyboards to play some of Mac’s early anthems that the fun really started. Cue stomping versions of Oh Well, Green Manalishi and more, followed by a perfect Albatross and Man of the World.

Goldberg’s vocals were probably better than Green’s, and the Hughes’s guitar playing immaculate — sheer joy.

Fleetwood Mac are on a world tour at the moment with tickets costing up to £150. For £30, this lot are just as good and, dare I say it, probably far better value.