What a loss for fans of Fleetwood Mac. Christine McVie passed away at the age of 79 this week. Her family released a statement that said, “She passed away peacefully at 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, 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.
She was born Christine Anne Perfect outside Birmingham, England on July 14th, 1943. Perfect… so fitting for a vocalist, keyboardist and singer who contributed so many hits to the Fleetwood Mac catalog.
She became Christine McVie after marrying Fleetwood Mac bassist, John McVie in 1968. At the time, she played piano and sang for the British Blues Group Chicken Shack and was voted Best Female Vocalist two years in a row by Britain’s top music weekly, Melody Maker.
After leaving Chicken Shack for a solo career, she’d soon abandon it after one album when the acclaimed guitarist Peter Green, who founded Fleetwood Mac, abruptly left. In 1970, she sang backing vocals for and painted the cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Kiln House album and would later join them on tour playing keyboard. McVie continued on with the band as a singer, songwriter, and pianist for their next album, Future Games.
The band moved to America in 1973 and after guitarist Bob Welch left, she replaced him with two American’s who were struggling to find success as a duo at the time, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The three shared songwriting duties, and McVie’s “Over My Head” gave the band their first Top 20 hit in the United States. It was Fleetwood Mac’s first hit song in seven years. McVie had a wildly successful career working with Fleetwood Mac and released several solo albums.
Some of her Top Charting Hits included “Say You Love me” and sang “You Make Loving Fun” and “Don’t Stop” from Rumors and sang “Think About Me” on Tusk. Songs like “Hold Me” and “Songbird” were also Fleetwood Mac songs she was known for.
After the news of McVie’s passing, Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks took to social media to post their tributes.
“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,” Mick Fleetwood.
Stevie Nicks: “A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in this whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away. I didn’t even know she was ill until late Saturday night.
“I wanted to be in London; 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. I always knew I would need these words one day. (‘Hallelujah’ written by the Ladies Haim) It’s all I can do now…
I had a best friend / But she has come to pass / One I wish I could see now
You always remind me that memories will last / These arms reach out
You were there to protect me like a shield / Long hair running with me
Through the field, everywhere / You’ve been with me all along
Why me? / How’d I get this, hallelujah
Why me? / How’d I get this, hallelujah
Why me? /How’d I get this, hallelujah
See you soon on the other side my love. Don’t forget me.
Always,
Stevie
There has been an outpouring on social media from band members and friends dedicated to the late musician.
McVie had made a public appearance as recent as last month and is up for a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for her orchestral version of “Songbird.” You may have noticed her vocals on “Everywhere” on recent Chevrolet commercials.
