Buffalo News, January 5, 2007

The sound of Fleetwood Mac has morphed so drastically over the 40 years of the group's existence that one would be forgiven for failing to find a common link between the group's late-'60s incarnation and the late-'70s band that gave us the platinum-powered pop genius of "Rumors," "Tusk" and "Tango in the Night."

Guitarists have come and gone -- legends all, from the mighty Peter Green, to the soulful and refined Bob Welch, through Lindsey Buckingham's baroque folk genius, and the one-two punch of rockers Billy Burnette and Rick Vito -- while the group's sound pursued various avenues, from hard blues to soft rock. One presence has always remained, though: the ecstatic, bug-eyed stare and rock-steady thump of skinsman and co-namesake Mick Fleetwood, whose drumming can be heard on Mac hits as disparate as "The Green Manalishi," "Hypnotized," "Don't Stop" and "Peacekeeper."

While Buckingham concentrates -- temporarily, at least -- on his long-neglected solo career, Fleetwood has packed up his drums, grabbed ahold of both Burnette and Vito, called old friend bassist George Hawkins Jr., and booked a string of solo dates. The group stops for shows next Friday and Jan. 13 in the Avalon Ballroom of Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. Both shows are sold out.

-- Jeff Miers