The English musician, whose sensuous vocals and passionate lyrics catapulted Fleetwood Mac to worldwide renown, died on Wednesday, according to the band and her family on social media.
She was 79 years old.
There aren’t enough words to explain how heartbroken we are to learn of Christine McVie’s death, and the group tweeted on Wednesday afternoon. She was truly one-of-a-kind, outstanding, and exceptionally gifted.
She was not only the best friend someone could have, but she was also the best musician anyone could have in their band. We had a great time with her, and the band kept going.
“We adored Christine and are glad for our lovely memories. She will be greatly missed.
McVie “passed away softly” at a hospital after a “short illness,” according to a letter from her family on Instagram.
They want everyone to remember Christine as a beautiful 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 “Rumours,” which was released in 1977.
Christine McVie composed some of the most beloved lyrics in the Fleetwood Mac catalogue and the lyrics of international blockbusters such as “Everywhere” and “Don’t Stop”—a song that became synonymous with Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign.
In her words, she conveyed the highs and lows of love in simple yet lyrical language. “You Make Loving Fun,” one of “Rumours'” lyrical highlights and a concert staple, brilliantly portrayed the joyful abandon of romance.
“Songbird,” one of four “Rumours” tunes written by McVie alone, captured a more reflective mood. “For you, the sun will be beaming,” she says over a sombre piano song.
Fleetwood Mac sold millions of records during its commercial peak in the 1970s and climbed to become one of the greatest rock bands. Fans worldwide were captivated by the sublime music and transfixed by the behind-the-scenes drama.
Rumours, a timeless collaborative chronicle of marital breakdown and one of the best-selling albums, arose from the McVies’ breakup and the subsequent split of fellow singer-songwriters.
In early 2014, she returned with the “Rumours”-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 celebrating her “best companion in the whole world since the first day,” Nicks cited the line.”
Christine Perfect was born in 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 essential 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” (1979) and “Mirage,” John and Christine McVie separated in 1978. (1982).
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 honoured her with a lifetime achievement award in 2014.
