There was a point towards the end of Christmas Day last year when my dad and I entered into a debate we have had a fair few times over the years.
A few drinks down, we began to passionately discuss which incarnation of Fleetwood Mac was the best. I have always been an unashamed fan of the Buckingham-Nicks era Mac that produced the seminal Rumours album, whereas my old man is what you might call a Peter Green purist.
Whichever side of the debate you come down on, most music fans will agree that this legendary super-group are one of the most important and influential bands of the past 50 years. This brings with it a certain pressure for any musician looking to pay homage.
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Rumours of Fleetwood Mac describe themselves as the "world's finest Fleetwood Mac tribute" group and having just enjoyed a spellbinding show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, I am in no position to disagree.
In fact as tribute acts go in general, I have never seen better.
The credibility of this seven-piece, which was actually first formed in Liverpool in 1999, is made immediately clear on the night before a single note has been struck as Mick Fleetwood himself appears on screen to enthusiastically endorse the group.
After this it is time to get the show on the road with note-perfect renditions of Big Love and Warm Ways, the latter performed as a special tribute to Christine McVie who sadly died in November. Not for the last time tonight, vocalist and keyboardist Sophie Worsley does absolute justice to her incredible legacy.
Dreams - which for my money is one of the most perfect songs ever written - comes next and brings a first chance to fully appreciate the graceful vocals of Jess Harwood who is astonishingly authentic as Stevie Nicks. Her flowing dress and ethereal dance moves top the image off perfectly.
It is clear by this stage that these guys are far from a basic tribute act. They are a proper band and they can all play.
Caroline, Tango in the Night and Holding Me follow before the epic The Chain gets the packed venue on its feet. Recreating arguably the most famous bass solo of all time would be a daunting task for anyone but Etienne Girard doesn't break a sweat as he hits each iconic note with aplomb.
Gold Dust Woman is another highlight before the interval brings a close to the first half of a show that has so far paid incredible, authentic tribute to the post-1975 Mac era when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined to create one of the most successful pop-rock bands of all time.
But after the break comes the moment for the Peter Green devotees. Regarded as one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time and a remarkable songwriter, Green was a founding member of the original band and was the genius behind early hits like Albatross and Oh Well.
Both get superb outings here as Dave Goldberg brilliantly steps out from behind his keys to take on the role of the prodigiously gifted Green. Fellow guitarists Scott Poley and James Harrison join in the fun to make sure this is a gig that pleases Mac fans of all eras.
After this the ladies return to the stage and hit after hit from the Buckingham-Nicks era follow. Harwood's vocals are exquisite in Gypsy, Landslide and Rhiannon while the entire audience gets to its feet for Sweet Little Lies, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.
But the most poignantly beautiful moment is still to come as Worsley performs a pitch-perfect version of Christine McVie's hauntingly beautiful Songbird. It is hard to imagine a more fitting memorial to a legendary figure of music that is sadly no longer with us.
Finally it's time to close the show and bring the house down with stirring versions of Don't Stop and the epic Tusk.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac have now performed to nearly one million people across the world and on tonight's evidence they will continue to delight Fleetwood Mac fans for many more years to come.
These guys are serious musicians on a mission to honour and respect the legacy of one of the greatest bands of all time - and they do it brilliantly.
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