New Rumours keep Fleetwood playing

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007 | 7:37 a.m.

For 40 years Mick Fleetwood has been the heartbeat of Fleetwood Mac.

When guitarist Peter Green formed the band in 1967, he named it for the rhythm section - drummer Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.

The band switched styles from blues to rock 'n' roll and finely honed pop songs. It changed personnel and the personnel famously changed partners.

Green is gone. McVie left and returned. Stevie Nicks is a sometimes member. She, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie were there in the group's heyday in the 1970s.

But Fleetwood remained the constant.

The band still performs.

But Fleetwood wanted a musical outlet in his new home on Maui, Hawaii.

So, he put together Island Rumours, an eight-piece ensemble featuring Hawaiian musicians plus former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Rick Vito.

"I love to play, in some shape or form," Fleetwood says. "I wanted to get in some musical situation so I could get out here and play in Hawaii.

"In truth, I went from there to a far more interesting premise. There's so much talent here. We went out and put all the elements together. I am looking forward to showing this band in a touring setting. I believe that will happen. We're a very entertaining band, and Vegas, I think, would warm to the show that I have."