“…We are DJs, so for us we want to make people dance and for the audience to be as much a part of the show as us. Put away your phone, dance and lose yourself in the music…”
If you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets to see Fleetwood Mac in the US then there’s a handy alternative coming to Sheffield this weekend. Having toured the world in their own right, Fleetmac Wood bring their Rumours Rave to Bungalows & Bears this Sunday 27th May. Playing reinterpretations, originals and remixes of Mick & Stevie’s band to an audience of glammed up fans, it’s the perfect homage to the real deal. We spoke to the duo behind this project to find out more about what goes down at a Fleetmac Wood party.
We’re very excited to see you heading back to Sheffield again this bank holiday weekend at Bungalows & Bears! Can you tell us a little about the concept of Fleetmac Wood?
It’s a remix project and a party that celebrates the back catalogue of Fleetwood Mac and solo projects. It’s a 4 hour rave that happens to be only Fleetwood Mac. We don’t just put on a greatest hits CD, it’s more of a clubbing experience where you’ll hear remixes of the hits, but also some lesser known tracks. The deeper you dig into their musical history, the more incredible music you find!
What differs between a Fleetwood Mac show and a Fleetmac Wood show? And what’s similar?
There’s no comparison to seeing the actual band. We are not a substitute at all and we highly recommend you see them when they tour next year. At a big arena show, everyone is transfixed on the band. We are DJs, so for us we want to make people dance and for the audience to be as much a part of the show as us. Put away your phone, dance and lose yourself in the music.
Are any of the members of Fleetwood Mac aware of your project?
I had the pleasure of interviewing the very charming Mick Fleetwood on the phone and I explained the project. He seemed amused.
Who else would you say are your biggest influences?
The Rolling Stones are also an obsession and we just launched our Sympathy for the Disco project. We both have DJ’d for many years and love many genres of dance music. Our approach for the edits and remixes is pretty fluid and balearic. Whatever works for the mood of the song, disco, house, techno, rave. We change tempos and styles throughout the night to make it more of a journey. Inspiration wise – I love the energetic, genre-defying mixes from DJs like Optimo or the Glimmers. Caribou is another favourite to see live. Melodic synth music from any era and a healthy dose of the 70’s and 80’s.
“…We change tempos and styles throughout the night to make it more of a journey…”
The world was shocked recently to discover the sacking of Lindsey Buckingham from FWM. What was your reaction?
We were very surprised as they held ‘The Chain’ together for so long. Whatever works for them individually and makes them the happiest. They have given us the gift of their amazing music and that is more than enough. We would be happy to see any of them perform live. It was surprising to hear so many negative comments from Fleetwood Mac fans online. This band has always been an evolution, with a lot of difficult interpersonal relationships to navigate.
What can people expect from your show at Bungalows this weekend?
We’ll be playing a remix or edit of every track from the Rumours album and lots more and as this weekend is Stevie’s 70th, we’ll be tipping our top-hat to her and twirling even more chiffon than usual.And finally, perhaps a hard question – what’s your favourite FWM album?
Rumours is the gate-way drug to Fleetwood Mac addiction but Tango in the Night is an amazing album full of dance-floor friendly tracks.
Tickets for the Fleetmac Wood Rumours Rave at Bungalows & Bears on Sunday are available for £8 here or on the door.
