Christine McVie, the English musician whose amazing vocals and passionate lyrics catapulted Fleetwood Mac to worldwide fame, died on Wednesday, according to the band and her family on social media.
She was 79 years old.
The group tweeted on Wednesday afternoon, “There aren’t enough words to explain how heartbroken we are to hear about Christine McVie’s demise. She was truly one-of-a-kind, outstanding, and exceptionally gifted.”
“She was not only the best friend someone could have but also the best musician anyone could have in their band.” The band added, “We had a fantastic life with her. We sincerely adored Christine, individually and collectively, and are glad for our lovely memories. She will be greatly missed.”
According to her family’s Instagram message, McVie “passed away softly” in a hospital after a “short illness.”
The family has asked for privacy during this extremely sad time. They want everyone to remember Christine as a wonderful human being and a revered musician adored by all.
McVie and John McVie, Fleetwood Mac’s bassist, were previously married. The turmoil in their relationship was one of the driving inspirations behind the band’s phenomenally successful album “Rumors,” which was released in 1977.
Christine McVie composed some of the most beloved lyrics in the Fleetwood Mac catalog, as well as the lyrics of international blockbusters such as “Everywhere,” “Little Lies,” and “Don’t Stop”—a song that became synonymous with Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign.
In her words, she described the highs and lows of love in simple yet lyrical language. “You Make Loving Fun,” one of “Rumors’” lyrical highlights and a concert staple, brilliantly portrayed the joyful abandon of romance.
“Songbird,” one of four “Rumors” tunes written by McVie alone, captured a more introspective mood. “For you, there’ll be no more crying / For you, the sun will be beaming,” she says over a somber piano song.
Fleetwood Mac sold tens of millions of records during its commercial peak in the 1970s and climbed to become one of the greatest rock bands. Fans all over the world were captivated by the sublime music and captivated by the behind-the-scenes drama.
Rumors, a timeless collaborative chronicle of marital breakdown and one of the best-selling albums of all time, arose from the McVies’ breakup and the subsequent split of fellow singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
McVie quit Fleetwood Mac in 1998 following the band’s entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In early 2014, she returned with the “Rumors”-era edition of a band known for frequent lineup changes for an electrified globe tour.
In a handwritten note she shared on Twitter on Wednesday in celebration of her “best companion in the whole world since the first day of 1975,” Nicks cited the line “I had a best friend / But she has come to pass” from the Haim song “Hallelujah.”
Christine Anne Perfect was born on July 12, 1943, in Lancashire, England, and demonstrated a natural ability for the arts of music at a young age. Although she began by playing the piano, she eventually abandoned her classical training and became immersed in rock ‘n’ roll.
She began her musical career in 1967 with the British blues band Chicken Shack. She fell in love with John McVie after a brief romance, they married, and she formally joined his band in 1970.
Christine McVie joined Fleetwood Mac and quickly established herself as an important player, keyboardist, and hypnotic low alto voice. Early McVie tracks include “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me.”
Despite remaining friends and continuing to play in the band on albums such as “Tusk” and “Mirage,” John and Christine McVie separated in 1978.
She was married to Eduardo “Eddy” Quintela from 1986 to 2003.
McVie received two Grammy Awards out of seven nominations, and the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors honored her with a lifetime achievement award in 2014.
