Singer-songwriter and keyboardist Christine McVie, known for her association with the rock band Fleetwood Mac, died at 79. She had also revealed that she was in “quite bad health”. And would not be able to tour, months before her death.
Known for her all-time hits such as Everywhere, Songbird, Say You Love Me, and more, the news broke the hearts of many fans worldwide. The news was broken by Christine’s family. The declaration stated,
“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.”
Christine joined Fleetwood Mac all the way back in 1970. It was after she married the band’s bassist, John McVie. She performed with the band for about 30 years before leaving the band. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Her former bandmates also expressed their sadness. They stated that she was ‘a one-of-a-kind’ talent. They expressed,
“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.”
Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac also posted a handwritten note on Twitter in her honor. It went something like this.
“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 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.”
She concluded her letter with lyrics to Haim’s 2020 song ‘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.”
“See you on the other side, my love, Don’t forget me — Always, Stevie,”
Now, to revisit Christine’s final show, we have to spiral down a few years ago. She hadn’t performed live in nearly three years before her death. Her last live performance was on February 25, 2020, at the London Palladium. It was a tribute to the founding Fleetwood Mac singer Peter Green.
The performance was hosted by Mick Fleetwood and featured other rock stars too. Some of them were, Noel Gallagher, David Gilmour, Steven Tyler, Kirk Hammett, and many more. McVie performed Fleetwood Mac’s classic song ‘Stop Messin’ Round’ with assistance from Tyler.
McVie expressed her thoughts on the band while talking with Rolling Stone in June 2022. . She said, “We have a great time with them, but we’ve kind of broke up now, so I hardly ever see them.” She also talked about Stevie and expressed,
“When we were on the last tour, we did a lot. We always sat next to each other on the plane and we got on really well. But since the band broke up, I’ve not been speaking to her at all.”
McVie also talked about her health. She stated that she didn’t feel physically fit for a farewell tour. She proceeded, “I’ve got a chronic back problem which debilitates me. I stand up to play the piano, so I don’t know if I could actually physically do it. What’s that saying? The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Despite all that, she was still looking forward to her time with the band. She also expressed her desire to be in the band. She said she was “quite happy being at home. I don’t know if I ever want to tour again. It’s bloody hard work.” But she also added, “I really can’t say for sure, because I could be wrong.”
Honoring her work, let’s revisit her final live performance.
