Talented tribute brings rock band to life in Uppermill

IT IS more than just a rumour… Fleetwood Bac are heading to Saddleworth next month to bring one of the world’s most iconic rock bands to life.

A letter ‘M’ away from superstardom and a life of luxury maybe but Fleetwood Bac have carved out their own niche as one of Britain’s leading tribute bands.

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Fleetwood Bac

They’re recognised alongside the Bootleg Beatles and the Counterfeit Stones and even earned a tribute from original group founder, Mick Fleetwood.

Busier than ever, thanks to the enduring popularity of a band formed in London half a century ago next year, the Bac play Uppermill Civic Hall on Friday, May 13.

“There’s been a real demand in the last few years probably based on the fact we are putting on a decent show but mainly Fleetwood Mac has come back into the public consciousness,” says Matt, aka guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

“There is a new generation coming through. In the last few years the percentage of young people in the audience is a lot higher which is great.

“They really know their stuff. Ten years or so ago it was a lot harder to get gigs.”

By his own admission Matt isn’t entirely sure when Fleetwood Bac got together… sometime in the last 12-15 years. But it’s a second re-incarnation of the initial line-up.

“A few people have come and gone,” he explains. “But that’s the beauty of tributes – you can keep changing the members and it keeps it fresh.”

Fleetwood, who formed Mac with Peter Green in 1967, said of Bac: “Keep up the good work. Much Love.”

They met Green while another Mac original, bassist Bob Brunning, who died in 2011, played in a number of their shows.

This year Fleetwood Mac could release a long awaited new album and in 2014 and 2015 completed a 120 gig world tour.

“If they can keep doing it and they are at least 20 years older than us at least, then I guess our act still has legs,” laughs Matt. “But we love doing it and it supports us so we can do other stuff in other bands as well.”

Tickets for Uppermill Civic Hall on Friday, May 13 are available via the website www.gigcartel.com