‘One of a kind’ Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie dies at 79
KEY POINTS
- Christine McVie’s family said she passed away peacefully in the hospital. She was 79 years old.
- She was a member of Fleetwood Mac, which became one of the most famous rock bands of the 1970s and 80s.
- McVie’s death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green passed away at the age of 73.
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie has died after a short illness at the age of 79, her family has confirmed.
The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful bands in history.
Their best known songs include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.
Her family said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of Christina’s death. She passed away peacefully in the hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, after a short illness.
“She was in the company of her family.
“We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to hold Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible person and revered musician who was loved by all.”
Despite their turbulent history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the most famous rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, with members including Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
Perhaps their most famous album, Rumors, released in 1977, became one of the best-selling albums of all time and included hits like Second Hand News and You Make Loving Fun.
In addition to several multi-platinum tracks, the record has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
From left: John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Neil Finn, Mick Fleetwood and Mike Campbell of Fleetwood Mac on stage during the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. Source: Getty / Denise Trussello
The group said in a statement on Twitter: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one of a kind, special and immensely talented.
“She was the best musician that could be in a band and the best friend that could ever be.
“We are so lucky to have lived our lives with her.
“Individually and together, we have deeply cherished Kristin and are grateful for the amazing memories we have. We will miss her greatly.”
Singer-songwriter and keyboardist McVie wrote Songbird, one of the band’s most famous tracks, as well as You Make Loving Fun, Oh Daddy and Little Lies.
She was among the eight members of the group who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
In 2017, she appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, revealing that she became withdrawn from the world and developed agoraphobia after she left the group and moved from California to Kent.
McVie’s death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green passed away at the age of 73.