Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Dead at 79
Photo via Christine McVie’s Official Facebook
Christine McVie, English musician, co-lead vocalist and keyboardist for Fleetwood Mac, has died. She was 79.
McVie’s passing was initially confirmed in a statement issued by the artist’s family and shared across social media. Shortly after, her Fleetwood Mac bandmate Stevie Nicks wrote on behalf of the band and offered, “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was a one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure.”
Nicks continued, “She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We are so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherish Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be missed.”
McVie began her musical career beside the blues group Chicken Shack in 1967, releasing her debut self-written track, “It’s Okay With Me Baby.” The musician contributed to two studio albums before leaving the band and wedding Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie in ‘68.
McVie delivered her first solo album Christine Perfect, and after joining Fleetwood Mac as an official member in 1970, she rereleased the LP as The Legendary Christine Perfect Album. She contributed backing vocals to Fleetwood Mac’s LP, Kiln House, and painted the cover art.
The musician became an integral member of the legendary group, adding lead vocals and keyboards, beginning with 1971’s Future Games. By 1974, she had moved to the U.S. and began sharing a physical space with Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, who also joined the group.
Together the band delivered hits like “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me.” Eventually, they issued their seminal LP, Rumors, in 1977. Following the supporting tour, the artist’s marriage with John McVie ended, and the group’s 1979 double album Tusk dropped soon thereafter.
After delivering her second solo release and dropping the numbers like “Get a Hold of Me,” “Love Will Show Us How,” and “I’m The One,” McVie rejoined Fleetwood Mac to record Tango in the Night, which included the hit song “Little Lies.”
Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Shortly after, McVie reportedly developed a phobia of flying, contributing to her decision to leave the band due to the vigorous touring requirements.
In mid-2004, McVie shared In the Meantime, her third solo release, recorded in her converted barn in Kent, U.K. The musician did not participate in Fleetwood Mac’s final 2009 U.K. performance and again stayed back when the group went on tour in 2012.
McVie returned to the stage with her old bandmates in 2013, performing with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band in Maui, Hawaii, which marked her first time playing live in over 15 years. A handful of tours and gigs followed, granting super fans an opportunity to see Fleetwood Mac return to their glory.
McVie died in the hospital today, Nov. 30, at the age of 79.
