Buckingham McVie

We've all been waiting for a new Fleetwood Mac album for 13 years now and a new one with Christine McVie involved for far longer (1987's Tango In The Night is the last with the full Rumours line-up in fact). Sadly, although Christine, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, have all been in the studio together recording new material, Stevie Nicks declined to be involved. Everything from disagreements with Buckingham, writer's block to disillusionment with record sales these days (Stevie's own lame excuse) have been suggested but at the end of the day I guess no one really knows the truth. Thankfully though, Lindsey and Christine got tired waiting for Stevie and have decided to release the album sans Stevie as Buckingham McVie (they could have released it as Fleetwood Mac really given Say You Will was an all-but-one-member album too). The first track, In My World, is classic Lindsey with a nice little sampled grunts that seem to be a homage to his classic Mac track Big Love. Can't wait for the rest of the album, out on 7 June, and hear Lindsey and Christine's wonderful harmonies once again. I have a feeling Stevie may regret her decision not to join in on this one.

Holly Macve at St John On Bethnal Green

Holly Macve
Will Stratton
St John On Bethnal Green, 6 April 2017

I've never actually been to St John On Bethnal Green before but this is my fifth church, at least, I've been to in London for a gig. It makes sense to make use of them in this way, the concerts must provide a much needed stream of revenue for the churches plus the sound and the atmosphere is always fantastic especially for acoustic shows. Of the ones I've been to, St John has to be the least impressive and definitely the gloomiest of them all, something not helped by the drab and slightly creepy grey paintings of the crucifixion behind the altar and around the church. It is quite a contrast to the beautiful stained glass and warm feeling of the Union Chapel but once seated in my pew at the front there was a nicely intimate atmosphere as support act Will Stratton took to the altar-turned-stage.