- Several of Fleetwood Mac’s best hits were written by the singer-songwriter Christine McVie, who passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness, according to a statement her family put on her verified Instagram account. She was 79.
- “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you of Christine McVie’s passing on behalf of Christine’s family. Following a brief illness, she died peacefully this morning, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, in the hospital, according to the announcement. She was accompanied by her family.
- “We humbly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this terribly difficult time,” the statement said, “and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of a wonderful human being, acclaimed musician, and who was loved globally.”
- A note from Fleetwood Mac honouring McVie was also put on her account.
- There aren’t enough words to express how heartbroken we are to hear of Christine McVie’s demise, the band said in a statement. She was absolutely unique, exceptional, and incredibly gifted. In addition to being the finest friend someone could have, she was the best musician anyone could have in their band.
- McVie, a musician with classical training, was born in Greenodd, England, to a music teacher father. In the late 1960s, she joined the British band Chicken Shack and went by the stage name Christine Perfect.
- While the band was being headed by guitarist and founder Peter Green, she joined Fleetwood Mac after being married to its bassist, John McVie.
- She stated to The Guardian in June 2022, “Chicken Shack used to open for [Fleetwood Mac].” It was wonderful and exhilarating as I got to know John and fell in love with him. Fleetwood Mac were amazing and hilarious.
- Before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the group in 1974 and the band immediately rose to super fame, the group had a number of member changes. Several of their hit songs, including “Don’t Stop,” “Over My Head,” “You Make Loving Fun,” and “Say You Love Me,” were written by McVie or featured her singing.
- Due to the breakdown of the McVies’ marriage and the romance between Buckingham and Nicks, Fleetwood Mac experienced considerable volatility. In 1987, Buckingham made the decision to quit the band and go solo, and Nicks did the same in 1990.
- McVie also went solo, and earlier this year, “Songbird (A Solo Collection),” a collection of her solo work, was released.
- The band did ultimately re-join despite their interpersonal issues because their musical synergy was apparent.
- “I simply wanted to enjoy being in the English countryside and avoid travelling by car. I liked being free to wander the streets in Kent without anyone knowing who I was. Following her 16-year break from Fleetwood Mac, McVie said to The Guardian, “Of course, I started to miss it. “I phoned Mick and inquired about his thoughts towards my re-joining the group. We held a band meeting over the phone once he got in touch with everyone, and they all yelled, “Come back!” I had renewed energy and wanted to write once more.
- In 1998, Fleetwood Mac was given a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday, tributes to McVie flooded social media.
- Fleetwood Mac stated in their statement, “We were very happy to live a life with her. “Both individually and collectively, we genuinely loved Christine and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have. She is going to be sorely missed.
- Nicks, meanwhile, posted a picture of herself with McVie and a handwritten note to her bandmate on Instagram. “A few hours earlier, I learned that my best buddy, who I had known since January 1, 1975, had died. It wasn’t until late Saturday night that I even learned she was unwell.
- The Haim song “Hallelujah,” a folk ballad about friendship and grief, has been “swirling about” in Nicks’ mind ever since she found out about McVie’s sickness, she claimed. “I’m singing it to her right now because I thought I would get to sing it to her someday,” the singer said.
- Christine was a treasure, Heart’s Ann Wilson said CNN in a statement. Stylish, soulful, and a wonderful songwriter. My all-time favourite sensual, ethereal song is “Over My Head.” Good luck, dear soul!
- The rock group Garbage paid respects by writing: “Gutted to read of Christine McVie’s demise. Simply devastated. Songbird always.
- The Eagles expressed their “great sadness” over McVie’s demise on Facebook, describing her as a “vibrant, soulful spirit” and her music as “a gift to the world.”
- They added in a statement, “We had the highest regard and admiration for Christine. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family, bandmates, and throngs of admirers.