The Hi-Fi Melbourne

Presented by Andrew McManus

Supported by Josh Owen Band

Fleetwood Mac, one of the most influential and iconic bands in music history, celebrated 40 years in 2007.  In 1967, when they were an all male group, Fleetwood Mac was recognized as one of the world’s finest Blues Rock acts featuring guitar legend Peter Green and a long list of other amazing band members. During the 60’s and 70’s, the group thrived and released dozens of chart-topping singles including their first #1 hit, Albatross. This exceptional reputation continued to grow for nearly a decade until the band changed gears with the addition of  Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green met while performing together in the legendary group, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.  With some free studio-time provided to Peter Green by Mayall, the legendary trio came together for their recording sessions, which produced five songs including the one that sparked the name, “Fleetwood Mac,” after the seminal rock rhythm section.  From 1967 to 1970, the Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green formed the core of Fleetwood Mac and also featured legendary guitarists such as Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan.

Now in 2009, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of the first record, “Fleetwood Mac,” drummer and founding member, Mick Fleetwood is giving fans the opportunity to experience the sound an energy of original band again through the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band.  The new Blues band brings together the people who created music and those who were influenced by it to produce a show of unparalleled energy and a true vibe of the ‘60s.  The band doesn’t focus on nostalgia as much as it celebrates the passion that is still alive today.

At the front of the group, there is former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and veteran Bluesman Rick Vito who adds his personal touch while staying true to the styling of early Fleetwood Mac frontmen like Peter Green.  As a young musician in Pennsylvania, Vito grew up seeing the original Fleetwood Mac playing in small clubs on their early US tours.  Nearly two decades later, he joined the band himself and created a long-standing musical partnership with Mick Fleetwood.  Mick has often commented that, “Peter Green is, in my opinion, the best and most unique Blues Guitarist of all time – Rick Vito is the only person I’ve played with who can truly capture that voice and keep up with the sound.”

After growing up in Northern California’s Bay area and touring throughout the 70’s playing with funk and show-bands, Bassist, Lenny Castellanos moved to Maui to play with Fulton Tashombe.  On Maui Lenny has shared the stage and opened for artists such as Earl Klugh and David Benoit.  Today he still plays with Tashombe, and also in Mick Fleetwood’s Island Rumours Band.  When it came time to assemble the Blues band – Lenny was a natural choice for Mick. As Mick points out “I’ve played with John McVie for 40 years, any bassist who plays with me has big shoes to fill” – Lenny Castellanos does a great job filling those shoes.

Mark Johnstone ties everything together on the keys, bringing a youthful energy to the group.  Mark was born in Rhode Island but made his way to Maui in 2001 after attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. A true Jack-of-all-Trades, Mark plays keys guitar, harmonica, bass, drums, sax and sings – he’s shared the stage with legends and new stars alike including Willie Nelson, Derek Trucks, G. Love and Rob Wasserman to name a few.  In 2008 he met Mick Fleetwood on Maui and was invited to join the Blues band for their St. Louis debut.

The iconic Mick Fleetwood leads the band, providing a backbone with his unmistakable powerhouse percussion style.  Born in England, Mick left home at 16 to move to London to become a professional drummer.  After his friend, Peter Green, was invited to join John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to replace Eric Clapton, Mick was asked to join on the drums.  Together with Bluesbreakers bassist John McVie, Green and Fleetwood later formed Fleetwood Mac and began a 40 year history and one of the most celebrated bands in the music world.