A Joyous celebration of Fleetwood Mac by Wild Rumours

The first time I heard Fleetwood Mac, I must have been seven years old. I wasn’t expecting to connect with music that had been made, in my eyes, so long ago. Yet, when I heard Fleetwood Mac’s music - songs like "Landslide", "Dreams", and my absolute favorite, "Everywhere" - effortlessly made their way into my playlists. I’m not alone, many other young listeners have been drawn to Fleetwood; but why? 

It is likely Fleetwood Mac still resonates with audiences today because their music has familiar themes of love and resilience which are timeless, and universal. Adding to their appeal is Fleetwood Mac’s modernity in sound. Their clean production and poignant harmonies have come to be one of the trademarks of their style. Alongside this, is Fleetwood Mac’s introspective lyricism, a style that has since become a popular approach to songwriting. 

While this new generation of listeners can’t see Fleetwood Mac live, Seattle teens can certainly come close. So, when I heard about Wild Rumours, a local cover band for Fleetwood Mac and their upcoming performance nearby, I jumped at the opportunity to cover it. And Wild Rumours did not disappoint, hearing these songs live for the first time was nothing short of a thrilling experience. But there was more to it, these musicians were bringing new dimension to my favorite songs. They didn't copy Fleetwood’s already hugely famous music, instead they added in their own Pacific Northwest styles. 

Let me introduce you to these six forces of musical nature. First: Jen Ayers, the band's lead singer as well as a pianist. Ayers, who has performed alongside PNW’s Pearl Jam and REM sings with passion, her vocal versatility and poetic, raw cadence contributing to the soulful 70’s atmosphere of the show. Patrick Porter (Vox, guitar) is a recorded session musician, so it's definitely possible you’ve heard him play before. In both Porter's vocals and guitar, there is a tangible charisma. His bright tones lifted up the other players and mixed in folk style touches like lush harmonies and gentle fingerpicking. Also on the guitar was Kathy Moore (guitar, vox, keys) who amazed the audience with outstanding rock ‘n’ roll solos and punchy vocals that emulated rockstar energy. My jaw dropped when Moore came to the front of the stage, kneeled and with a couple hair flips, shredded her electric guitar. Complementing Moore’s musical style is Richard Davidson on the bass. His velvety and resonant playing combined with Moore's style produced a dynamic contrast. On the drums was Geoff Reading, a master of his craft and the heart beat of Wild Rumours creating cool, nostalgic swells throughout the performance. And finally, tying these elements together: Annastasia Workman(keyboard and vox). Workman's additions to Wild Rumours' sound felt like the finishing touches; soulfully performing Fleetwood's famous tunes on her keys. 

Each member of Wild Rumours is individually spectacular. But when these players get together, they make an electrifying concert experience. They match each other's energy whether it’s through playfully dancing with one another, exchanging smiles, or cheering each other on after solos. Suddenly, the rush of the performance became slowed and one of the most memorable moments from the night unfurled, framed by a minute-long transition in the music with repetitive vocal and instrumental parts. This part, which I was usually inclined to fast forward through, was now a captivating moment of vulnerability between the members. Ayers and Moore sat together on the stage facing one another performing for one another instead of the audience. For that bridge, they became a different type of performers and us a different audience. The tension between the two engrossed the crowd and time began to stand still. 

Even with the absence of choreography, Wild Rumours gives off a grungy vibe with other elements like the with the simplicity of the moody color-changing lighting. For this group, music is at the center of their performance. This focus was refreshing, it let the audience see and fully appreciate the vulnerable moments that felt often behind-the-scenes. These moments made it even easier to see how much fun the band was having, which was absolutely contagious. Their joy translated into playful stage patter and a positive atmosphere, an experience shared by both the band and the audience. At one point, there was a minor rhythmic and melodic misstep, which the band corrected gracefully and quickly– exemplary traits of seasoned performers. Together, this passionate and skilled Seattleite bunch creates the energetic and heartfelt sound that is Wild Rumours. 

Soon, the band made their way through the set list; soon reaching their final song: “Go Your Own Way”. I could feel the real world tugging on my shoulder as the outro was played and the lights began to brighten. I wasn’t ready for it to be just over yet. Thankfully, there was one more song to be sung.

The Kirkland Performance Center, a space that had a punchy and acoustic quality, brought the smaller details of their sound to the forefront as the intro to "Edge of Seventeen” began to play. The crowd buzzed and cheers erupted from the audience.  Everyone tapped their foot to Reading’s drum and Davidson’s bass, played the air guitar with Moore and Porter and sang along with Ayers and Workman. It's without a doubt, that both seven year old and fifteen year old me were awestruck after this unforgettable homage performance. All this to say, if you get the chance to see the Pacific Northwest’s Wild Rumours, don’t miss it.

Lead photo coutesy of Wild Rumors.

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