Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Passes Away at 79
Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie passed away today (Nov. 30) at the age of 79 after a short illness, her family announced today.
“On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness,” reads the statement. “She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.”
Shortly after news of her passing, Fleetwood Mac released a statement, reading: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.”
Fleetwood Mac member Stevie Nicks also honored McVie on Twitter with a handwritten note, along with song lyrics to “Hallelujah” by Haim.
A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away. I didn’t even know she was ill… until late Saturday night,” she wrote. “I wanted to get to London but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I’m singing it to her now.”
Born Christine Perfect on July 12, 1943, she sang lead vocals on the No. 14 U.K. hit “I’d Rather Go Blind” for her band, Chicken Shack’s 1969 cover of American vocalist Etta James’ 1967 R&B number.
She married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie, and professionally took his name. Her first appearances for Fleetwood Mac on record was the band’s sophomore album “Mr. Wonderful” (1968) and on guitarist Peter Green’s last record with the group he founded, “Then Play On” (1969). She joined the group permanently in 1971, lasting through lineups that included guitarists-singers-songwriters Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan and American singer-songwriter-guitarist Bob Welch.
The group’s biggest success happened in 1974 when Lindsey Buckingham and Nicks joined the band. McVie’s voice was the one heard on the band’s breakthrough pop hits, “Over My Head” (No. 20) and “Say You Love Me” (No. 11) in 1975.
Buckingham and Nicks’ personal relationship and the McVies’ marriage both imploded leading up to the band’s biggest album, “Rumours.” McVie’s voice once again soared on the happier songs, “Don’t Stop” (No. 3) and “You Make Loving Fun” (No. 9). “Rumours” received a Grammy as album of the year in 1978.
McVie penned and sang several of the group’s hit singles: “Think About Me” (from 1979’s “Tusk,” No. 20); “Hold Me” (from 1982’s “Mirage,” No. 4); and “Little Lies” (co-written with ex-husband Eddy Quintela from 1987’s “Tango in the Night,” No. 4). Als a hit on that album was “Everywhere,” which was recently featured in a Chevrolet commercial, “EVs for Everyone,” promoting the use of electric vehicles.
McVie found success with her second self-titled 1984 solo effort, with the song “Got A Hold on Me,” No. 10) and “Love Will Show Us How” (No. 30).
After performing “Don’t Stop” at then Presidential candidate Bill Clinton’s inauguration with Fleetwood Mac and a the release of a live album, “The Dance,” McVie retired from the road for 18 years, citing a fear of flying. She returned in 2017.
With her ex-husband and other band members of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Christine McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. McVie was also honored along with Fleetwood Mac as the prestigious MusiCares Person of the Year honor on Jan. 26, 2018, at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Founder Mick Fleetwood honored McVie on Twitter, writing: ““This is a day where my dear sweet friend Christine McVie has taken to flight.. and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that “song bird”… reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today..
I will miss everything about you
Christine McVie
Memories abound.. they fly to me.”
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