Christine McVie, whose songwriter and signature vocals helped make British-American group Fleetwood Mac one of the best-selling rock acts of all time, died Wednesday.
She was 79.
McVie died in hospital after a brief illness, her family said in a statement posted on the singer’s Facebook page.
“We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible person and respected musician who was loved around the world. RIP Christine McVie,” the family said in a statement.
Fleetwood Mac said in a separate statement that there were “no words” to describe the group’s sadness at McVie’s death.
Rest in peace @christine_mcvie A big loss for all the fans! Thank you so much for leaving behind a great musical legacy. Condolences to relatives and friends @fleetwoodmac
We love you🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ocLhp0xmom
— FLEETWOOD MAC NEWS (@Nickslive) November 30, 2022
Members of Fleetwood Mac, including Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood, posted a statement on social media.
“She was the best musician the band could have had and the best friend in life,” the band said in a statement. “Individually and together, we deeply respect Christine and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have.”
Born Christine Perfect in North West England on July 12, 1943, McVie started playing music while at art school and played in a band called Chicken Shack before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and marrying its bassist John McVie.
It was Christine McVie’s two songs, “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me,” that first brought the group, which started out as a blues group, to American radio.
The band moved to California and added two new members – Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
Their 1977 album Rumours, recorded during the divorce of John and Christine McVie, sold more than 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The album, which featured vocals from Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks, included hits such as “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow),” “Go Your Own Way,” “The Chain,” “You Make Loving Fun” and ” Gold Dust Woman”, and stayed on the charts for 134 weeks, spending 31 weeks at number one.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and has largely remained out of the public eye despite releasing a solo album in 2004.
She rejoined the band for the 2014 tour.
