Olivia Hernandez ‘29
Staff Writer
Over fall break, I took a stroll downtown to the Hanover Theater to watch Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band based out of New Jersey. Named eponymously after the rock group’s 12th album, I was unsure of what to expect going into this event. However, I was extremely excited to enjoy my favorite band and their discography among similar Mac fans. As a WCHC DJ and host of Lighten Up with Liv (Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00, for any interested individuals), my listeners know to anticipate at least two to four songs by frequent radio flyers Fleetwood Mac and/or Stevie Nicks.
When I entered the theater, I was immediately struck by dim lights and the hum of soft rock, with the projection of a misty forest showcased on the white screen atop the stage. As the show began, I carefully analyzed the individual performances of the performers donning the famous rockers. Lead vocalist, Kathy Phillips, perfectly captured the whimsical nature of Stevie Nicks, controlling the audience’s stare with her graceful spinning and shawl-twirling turns. Her Lindsey Buckingham counterpart was portrayed by guitarist and vocalist Scott McDonald. His back-and-forth with Phillips, particularly during their performances of “Go Your Own Way” and the angry, bittersweet “Silver Springs,” embodied the chemistry between Buckingham and Nicks. However, McDonald’s guitar solos throughout the evening, including his standout duet with bassist Randy Artiglere. The latter of the duo was meant to replicate the unique and stylistic individuality of John McVie; I have to say, his bass performance was one of the highlights of the night – my mother and I could not get enough of his solo riffs. Artiglere’s duets with McDonald throughout the show were also another excellent feature of the evening, highlighting their melodic command of each of their instruments. However, the glue of this tribute band was drummer Tom Nelson. Portraying Fleetwood Mac drummer and founder, Mick Fleetwood, Nelson’s drumming skills were superb, showcased in a second-act solo lasting nearly 10 minutes. My mother and I were astonished by his skills, in awe of the intensity and brash bang of the drumsticks onto his set. The final key to Tusk’s tribute members was Kim Williams, depicting the keyboard abilities of Fleetwood Mac’s vocalist, Christine McVie. Her spotlight performance of “Songbird” prior to intermission was beautiful yet heartbreaking; Williams’ keyboard abilities and emotional vocals brought life to the sentimental composition of the song. I was uncertain of how Williams would compare to McVie’s talent, yet I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by her performance. Ultimately, each member was spectacular in their unique takes on the particular artistry of Fleetwood Mac.
The variety within the discography played at the show was spectacular. I loved how Tusk incorporated the majority of my Fleetwood Mac favs: within the first three songs, the punchy vibrations of “Little Lies” started to play. Ask my guest – I hit her arm the moment I recognized the song due to my excitement over the music. What can I say? I love “Little Lies.” I also appreciated how their use of the overhead projector and strobe lights evoked certain emotions from the crowd; when “Landslide” began to play, the wintry mountaintops projected and slow melody transported the audience into a nostalgic, bittersweet moment. Ambience and setting was continuously used throughout the show, which made the show more enjoyable beyond the melodic tunes of Fleetwood Mac’s hits.
The encore, “Edge of Seventeen,” was a spectacular surprise to guests; as we were exiting the theater, my guest grabbed my arm and pulled me back to watch the performance. The projector showcased a “white-winged dove” as Phillips fiercely sang to the exalted crowd. After the band was definitively finished with their show, my mother and I walked out of the theater with smiles on our faces. We continued humming away to the lingering songs in our minds with a pep in our step, blasting more of Fleetwood Mac’s discography on our car ride home. Overall, this show was wonderful – if you’re a Fleetwood Mac fan looking to relive the glory days of the band, I recommend seeing Tusk!
Image courtesy of Tusk.
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