Christine McVie, influential Fleetwood Mac musician, dead at 79

Songbird Christine McVie, a longtime member of Fleetwood Mac responsible for some of the band’s biggest hits — including “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Loving Fun,” and “Everywhere” — has died in her native England. She was 79.

Her death was confirmed on her social media accounts Wednesday. “On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death,” a Facebook post read.

“She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family,” the statement posted continued.

”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.”

McVie was a singer, songwriter and keyboardist for the iconic British-American rock band, whose greatest hits include “Over My Head,” “Rhiannon,” and “Dreams” from their 1970s albums “Fleetwood Mac” and “Rumours.”

“There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” the group said in a statement posted on Twitter. “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,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers added. “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.”

Remaining Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Steve Nicks paid tribute to McVie in a handwritten note posted on Instagram.

“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away,” Nicks wrote. She went on to say she didn’t get a chance to see McVie before she died and dedicated the HAIM song “Hallelujah” to her former bandmate.

She wrote out the lyrics, “I had a best friend/But she has come to pass/One I wish I could see now.”

Born Christine Anne Perfect in Bouth, Lancashire, England, McVie launched her recording career with the British blues band Chicken Shack before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970. She married the band’s bass guitarist John McVie in 1968 and changed her name professionally.

McVie wrote and sang lead on the top 5 songs “Over My Head,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere,” “Little Lies,” and “Don’t Stop,” which President Bill Clinton used as his campaign song.

Known for its numerous personnel changes and scandalous behind-the-scenes stories, Fleetwood Mac evolved from a 1960s London blues band into a California pop-rock powerhouse in 1974 with the addition of Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

McVie always stood out as a prolific songwriter whose songs, “Say You Love Me” and “Songbird,” would go on to be covered by the likes of country artists such as Stephanie Winslow and Willie Nelson.

The soulful singer left Fleetwood Mac several times through the years to record as a solo artist. In 1984, she scored a chart-topper on her own with “Got A Hold On Me” from her second solo album.

After re-joining the group several times, she returned permanently in 2014.