One of the unintended consequences of AGMP’s excellent January Blues Festival 2026 at the 229 London, was that that my musical knowledge of the historic aspects of the UK Blues scene has been so enhanced! Man of the World’s gig did just that, attuning me to the Blues Side of Fleetwood Mac. Peter Green’s timeless music and guitar playing has profoundly influenced and stayed with musicians and the public. Who doesn’t know for example 'Black Magic Woman' written by Green way back in 1968? Still fresh in sound today!

So too are Man of the World, an energetic and talented band comprising Remi Harris on lead guitar, David Small on vocals, conga's and harmonica, Shane Dixon on drums and Tom Moore on bass. They are all long-time friends - and so it showed on stage tonight - all so comfortable with each other’s space and musicality. Indeed, Harris with his 59 Gibson re-issue (his guitar collecting lender and patron on tonight's merch stand rightly believes in his skilful style of playing!) lovingly reincarnated Green’s licks, guitar grooves and moves. Small was also anything but small in style. Tall, with almost brooding vocals one minute, he would then strut across the stage the next, smiling and having fun. Suffice to say the dynamic between the duo was there to see and enjoy. Meanwhile, not over drumming, Dixon carefully watched his fellow bandmates, crafting the drumbeat, while Moore laid down a confident bassline, both providing the solidity to Harris’ shining intensity.

Indeed, the popular, likeable and aforementioned 'Black Magic Woman', was a great collective sing along song, mood opener, inspired by Green's ex-girlfriend Sandra Elston, whom he nicknamed “Magic Mamma”. Segueing into 'Stop Messin' Round', also recorded that same year, this evening's upbeat, classic Blues Rock tone was set. There was also some musical latitude too, such as Duster Bennett's thoughtful 'Jumping At Shadows', and I also really loved Willie Cobb's 'You Don’t Love Me', albeit better know for its classic cover byJay Swan. Smiling along and enjoying having my Blues soul amplified, their set continued with an instrumental, before a cover of Little Willie John's 'Need Your Love So Bad'.

They closed out the first half of their set with an extended version of Green’s 1970 composition 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)', its deep lyrics reflecting Peter’s personal struggle after he left Fleetwood Mac, with its somewhat mystical lyrics, thoughtfully sung by Swan. Kicking off the second half with two instrumentals, 'You Got Me Baby?' was also sandwiched in between wall to wall timeless Fleetwood Classics, namely 'Albatross', 'Long Grey Mare', 'Rattlesnake Shake', 'Man of The World' and 'Oh Well (Part 1)'.

Ending with an encore of Elmore James‘ classic 'Shake Your Moneymaker', the whole set was led with fresh enthusiasm by Harris's fret work and sung with power, tonality, tenderness and emotion by Swan. Indeed, the older Fleetwood aficionados, their kids, the younger fraternity in the crowd, as well as myself (there to plug a significant hole in my live music experience), all deservedly showed their appreciation to this youthful, likeable band, whose loving musical tribute is done so well. A big thank you also to the delightful, supportive Evie Gibson from AGMP who provided me with an advanced handwritten setlist in order that I could prepare for what delights were in store!

This evening, Man of The World had a tall performance to put in, particularly without support, and they succeeded! For those who want to sample how the late great Peter Green and The Blues Side of Fleetwood Mac musically shaped the Blues scene not only in the 60’s but right up to contemporary times and beyond, then please go see Man of the World!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester