A BALDING, pony-tailed grandad dressed in black velvet breeches, long stockings and red suede shoes "playing" an electronic drumming waistcoat.

No, not a novelty act. This was genius Mick Fleetwood in action during the encore of a blistering night of fantastic music.

And the sell-out audience of now "respectable" hippy types, many pushing towards the pension, showed their screaming adulation of the band which has had a rocky 30-odd years.

But last night they put the troubles behind them and, with Lindsey Buckingham on guitar and Stevie Nicks with her distinctive voice, proved why they are still respected and up there with the best.

Mick Fleetwood, with that manic look in his eyes, drummed himself daft, and the encore with that amazing technological wizadry had the crowds open-mouthed in awe.

Mr Buckingham threw himself and his guitar around the vast stage and Ms Nicks had more costumes changes than Cher.

But the music was pure, from ballads to riotous rock. The oldies, "Go You Own Way", to the newer "Peacemaker" and "Say You Will" proved that good things do improve with age. My one disappointment, they didn't play Albatross!

Fleetwood Mac

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