This was the third time I have seen this show. And it was as fresh and vibrant and as exciting as it was the first time. The Reals were on top of their game and they certainly honoured the fabulous music of one of the best rock outfits of all time. (Review by Keith Millar)
It is party time - as Durban’s great tribute band, the Reals, are back. They are kicking off the festive season celebrations at the Rhumbelow Theatre with the revival of one of their most popular tribute shows, The Chain: The Fleetwood Mac Story.
The Fleetwood Mac story spans a period of about 50 years. They originally formed as a British Blues group in 1969 and evolved into a great British/American Rock band as additional members joined them.
Although their story is not dissimilar to many of the rock groups of the era, it is possibly a little more excessive. The band was a revolving door as far as members were concerned and there was extreme drug abuse, along with many tangled relationships. Fortunes were made and lost and made again.
But through it all, they were fabulously successful. Just have a look at this portion of their CV. They have sold more than 120 million records worldwide. They have been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have also received the Brit Award for their Outstanding Contribution to Music.
Possibly their best remembered members are Mick Fleetwood (drums), Lindsay Buckingham (guitar), John McVie (bass), Christine McVie (Keyboards) and their iconic lead singer Stevie Nicks. Between them they created some epic music – including the likes of Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Heroes Are Hard To Find, Rhiannon, Little Lies, Don’t Stop, The Chain, Gypsy, Say That You Love Me, Tusk, Seven Wonders, Landslide and Songbird.
The Reals, as mentioned before, were on top of their game. They perform the music with skill and passion, perfectly recreating the sound, feel and drama of Fleetwood Mac.
Their line-up includes Barry Thompson on vocals and lead guitar - and acting as MC. Dawn Selby on keyboards, Trevor Donjeany on bass, and Mali Sewell on drums (Andy Tyrell will take over the drums for the Tina’s Hotel run) Joining them on this occasion is additional guitarist and vocalist Colin Peddie. He originally conceived this show – and is also responsible for the effective lighting design. Also joining them is the versatile Durban singer Marion Loudon. She is pure energy and charisma. If ever you wanted the quintessential rock chick – she is it.
It is difficult to pick highlights in a show so packed with great music but for me the acoustic number Landslide, with Barry Thompson and Marion Loudon as Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, Dawn Selby’s solo rendition of Songbird and the passion and energy of The Chain were the standouts.
The Chain: The Fleetwood Mac Story is well thought-out and structured. The band, with the help of audio-visual material and the occasional input from Thompson take the audience on a journey through the evolving Fleetwood Mac story. But, of course, it is the music that is King, and it rules with aplomb.
Obviously, this show is a must for the many fans of this group. But beyond that it is an excellent music production which would go a long way to lifting the blues and getting everyone into a festive spirit.
Catch this show at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road in Umbilo today or tomorrow and then next week-end from December 17 to 19. After that, they move to the Rhumbelow at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof where The Reals will perform the show from December 21 to 24 and from December 28 to 31.
Tickets R180 (no discounts for this show). Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)
All seating will be at separate tables and the venues will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.
With the current Covid levels the venues will be limiting capacity to 50 % max
For more information, contact 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ - Keith Millar
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