Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie has died aged 79, her family said in a statement, adding she was a “revered musician who was loved universally”.
The singer-songwriter was responsible for huge hits such as Songbird, Don't Stop, and Little Lies, and died after a short illness.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from musician Stevie Nicks, who described her as "my best friend in the whole world," while Mic Fleetwood said "part of my heart has flown away".
The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever.
In a statement, Christine's bandmates said: "There are no words to described 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."
The songwriter died peacefully at hospital, her family said.
In a tribute, her loved ones wrote: "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.
The family's tribute finished: "RIP Christine McVie."
Christine left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998, but in 2014 she returned.
Despite its tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the best-known rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, comprising Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
Perhaps their best known album Rumours, released in 1977, became one of the best-selling albums of all time and included hits such as Second Hand News and You Make Loving Fun.
In addition to several multi-platinum tracks, the record sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
Christine’s father, Cyril Perfect, was a concert violinist and music lecturer in St Peter’s College of Education in Saltley, Birmingham.
She started playing piano at the age of four and later became a singer on the blues scene, joining Kidderminster-based Stan Webb in the band Chicken Shack.
Christine went on to join Fleetwood Mac, having married the band’s bass player John McVie in 1970, with the pair divorcing in 1976.
She married keyboardist Eddy Quintela in 1986, and they divorced in 2003.
She was among the eight members of the band who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
In 2017, she appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, revealing that she had retreated from the world and developed agoraphobia after she quit the band and moved from California to Kent.
Her death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green died at the age of 73.
Tributes have been paid to the musician, who also penned You Make Loving Fun and Oh Daddy.
Fellow Fleetwood Mac member Stevie Knicks said she had not known McVie was ill until Saturday night, and had wanted to visit her in London.
A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away,” she wrote, in a post on Instagram.
“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 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…It’s all I can do now.”
Nicks then shared lyrics to the song Hallelujah by Haim, handwritten, adding: “See you on the other side my love. Don’t forget me. Always, Stevie.”
Mick Fleetwood paid tribute to his late bandmate, and said he will miss "everything" about her.
He wrote on Twitter: "This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that ‘song bird,’ reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us.
“Part of my heart has flown away today.. I will miss everything about you Christine McVie.
“Memories abound.. they fly to me. Mick Fleetwood.”
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Sheryl Crow said the “world feels weird” without Christine McVie, as she paid tribute to the Fleetwood Mac star. “I am so sad to hear of Christine McVie going on to heaven,” the US musician wrote on Twitter. “The world feels weird without her here. What a legend and an icon and an amazing human being. RIP.” |
The Charlatans' Tim Burgess shared a music video from the band on Twitter, and wrote: "Ah man, farewell Christine McVie x"
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said he was "devastated" by the news, adding: "What a wonderful legacy she leaves, with a back catalogue of the finest music. In Cumbria we have always been so proud of her."
Mike Scott, a member of The Waterboys, wrote on Twitter, in reference to Christine's maiden name: "Farewell Christine McVie who was also perfect."
