Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie has died at the age of 79, her family has said. A statement on Facebook said, “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 the hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time. 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.”
The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever. Their best-known songs include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere. The band paid tribute to the singer-songwriter in a statement following news of her death. “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.
The statement on Twitter continued: “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.”
View this post on Instagram
Despite its tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the best-known rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, comprising Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Originally known as Christine Perfect, her maiden name, she started with the blues band Chicken Shack. They had a hit with a cover of Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind, featuring McVie on lead vocals. After marrying John McVie in 1968, she left the band a year later and joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970.
After the lineup kept changing, in 1974, Nicks and Buckingham joined, an era McVie called “pretty sensational.” The 1975 album, called Fleetwood Mac, featured hits written by McVie: Over My Head and Say You Love Me. McVie also released solo albums, the second of which, in 1984, called Christine McVie, featured the hits Got a Hold on Me and Love Will Show Us How.
She took a hiatus from the band in 1998. In 2014 she returned, and the band’s most recognizable lineup toured together, followed by an album with Buckingham in 2017 called Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie. McVie’s death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green died at 73.
Tributes started pouring in online from within the music industry. The official Twitter account for the band Garbage tweeted: “Gutted to learn about the passing of Christine McVie. Just gutted. Songbird forever.” Musician Tim Burgess also tweeted: “ah man, farewell Christine McVie.” Christine McVie was a shining light whose lyrics touched the lives of millions. Please keep Christine’s family and loved ones in your prayers during this challenging time.
Read Previous Post
