For a band built on history and heartbreak, Fleetwood Mac has never really gone out of style. Decades after its biggest hits first climbed the charts, the group’s music continues to find new audiences. For tribute band Little Lies, that enduring appeal has become the foundation of something entirely their own.
Little Lies first came together in late fall 2023, almost by accident. The original members had gathered for an annual dinner tied to a previous project, reflecting on years spent playing Top 40 covers. Somewhere between conversations and celebrations, the idea surfaced: What if they tried something different?
“We were all just friends playing music together and having fun, making a little cash on the weekends,” the band said. “When we toyed around with becoming a tribute band, our lead singer, Sara Achorn, suggested Fleetwood Mac.”
At the time, the lineup included Sara Achorn, Adam Joe, Art Papa, David Lockeretz and Mike “Looch” Carlucci. The group has since expanded, adding Cate Rodgerson, Brendan Hodge and Sound Engineer Mike Young. What began as a casual pivot quickly turned into a full-scale project.
Choosing Fleetwood Mac as their focus came naturally. Achorn, the band’s lead vocalist, had long been compared to Stevie Nicks, particularly on standout tracks like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stand Back.” Around the same time, Fleetwood Mac’s catalog was seeing a major resurgence, reentering charts and streaming rotations decades after its peak.
“Their band members were so raw and all going through complicated romantic relationships with each other, which made the music so real and people really connected with that,” they said.
Early rehearsals were intense. While the group had already been covering some Fleetwood Mac material, building a full tribute required a deeper level of precision. They worked to strike a careful balance, staying true to the original recordings without slipping into imitation.
“It was never about costumes or gimmicks,” they said. “It was about the music and the energy.”
Those early sessions paid off quickly. The band began filming rehearsals and sharing clips with local venues — a move that helped them gain traction almost immediately. Within a few months, their first year of shows were fully booked.
Part of what sets Little Lies apart is their approach to Fleetwood Mac’s expansive catalog. Rather than focusing solely on the band’s biggest hits, the group pulls from multiple eras, including earlier periods shaped by musicians like Peter Green and Bob Welch. The result is a setlist that shifts depending on the venue — more ballads for theater audiences, more high-energy selections for general admission crowds.
That flexibility keeps performances fresh, both for audiences and the band itself.
“We love that people can come see us multiple times and have a different experience,” they said.
Maintaining authenticity while still carving out a unique identity is still an ongoing process. The group focuses on preserving what they call the “irreplaceable” elements of Fleetwood Mac’s sound — the harmonies, the emotional weight — while allowing room for experimentation in a live setting. Collaboration plays a key role, with musical director Adam Joe helping guide arrangements while encouraging input from the rest of the band.
That sense of shared ownership extends beyond rehearsals. Preparing for a show often involves dividing responsibilities, from technical setup to performance details. Offstage, the band emphasizes connection, often traveling together, sharing meals and supporting one another before stepping in front of an audience. Those relationships carry into their performances and extend to the crowd.
Fans frequently approach the band with personal stories tied to the music, a reminder of Fleetwood Mac’s emotional reach. Others go further, traveling across state lines to attend multiple shows. For Little Lies, those moments have become some of the most meaningful.
“It’s incredible that people feel comfortable sharing those parts of their lives with us,” they said. “And seeing familiar faces when you’re far from home — that’s something special.”
While tribute acts often face scrutiny over how closely they resemble the original artists, Little Lies has taken a different approach. Instead of focusing on visual imitation or recreating the exact sound, the band prioritizes atmosphere.
“We want people to close their eyes and feel transported,” they said. “It’s about capturing the vibe, not recreating a snapshot.”
Looking ahead, the band is focused on growth. A run of shows across New England, including stops at venues like Soundcheck Studios and festivals such as Strangecreek, mark the next phase of that expansion. They’re also hoping to branch into radio and television appearances, continuing to build their audience beyond the live stage.
For a group that started as a casual idea over dinner, the trajectory has been swift. But in many ways, it mirrors the music they’ve chosen to celebrate — rooted in collaboration, emotion and connection.
Tickets to their current New England tour are available on their website.
