Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie Dies At 79

• UPDATED: Singer-songwriter-keyboardist Christine McVie, a longtime member of Fleetwood Mac, died Wednesday, Nov. 30 after a short illness. She was 79.

McVie’s family released a statement that reads, “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. 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.”

After making guest appearances on two early Fleetwood Mac albums, McVie formally joined the band with then husband John McVie in 1971 and remained through various incarnations, most notably, the 1974 arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and the subsequent success of 1975’s Fleetwood Mac and its monster 1977 follow-up, Rumours. As the New York Times points out, McVie wrote or co-wrote half of the 16 tracks on Fleetwood Mac’s 1988 Greatest Hits anthology, including “Don’t Stop,” “Over My Head,” “Say You Love Me,” “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Little Lies, “Hold Me” and “Everywhere.” McVie left the band 1998 and returned in 2014.

Fleetwood Mac issued a statement that says, “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.”

Mick Fleetwood also posted thoughts that read, in part, “Part of my heart has flown away today… I will miss everything about you, Christine McVie. Memories abound… they fly to me.”

An emotional Stevie Nicks posted a handwritten letter to Twitter that reads, in part, “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. I wanted to get to London, but we were told to wait.” Nicks then quoted these lyrics from HAIM‘s “Hallelujah” – “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.” In closing, Nicks said, “See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me. Always, Stevie.”

McVie and other members of Fleetwood Mac past and present were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. For a more in-depth look at McVie’s long career and her many contributions to the success of Fleetwood Mac, we urge you to read Chris Morris‘ excellent coverage in Variety.

• Benztown has assembled an Audio Tribute to Christine McVie, written by Thomas Green, voiced by MJ Bloch, and produced by Royce Stevenson.

• SuiteRadio has prepared a fully-produced, 23-minute special edition of Long Live Rock in honor of Christine McVie. The self-contained special is hosted by rock personality and Hall of Famer Donna McKenzie, and includes music and reflection on Christine McVie and her contribution to rock and pop music. SuiteRadio CEO Cruze commented, “Anyone who has spent any time learning about Fleetwood Mac knows that Christine was the ‘glue’ that held a volatile group of amazing musicians together and allowed them to create some of the greatest music in rock history. Our special pays tribute to her amazing talent!”

The special is available completely free, with no barter requirement. To get Long Live Rock — Christine McVie, contact SuiteRadio’s Jim Jones at 240-883-2006 or jim@suiteradio.net.

• The Mix Group has also produced a Christine McVie Tribute (Password: songbird).