Tribute to Christine McVie

Christine McVie was the vocalist and keyboardist of British-American rock band, Fleetwood Mac and solo artist who also released three solo albums. Fondly remembered for her heartwarming lyrics and incredible music brilliance, she was the talent behind some of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits - Don't Stop, Everywhere and Little Lies.

Early Years

McVie was born in Lancashire and grew up near Birmingham with her violinist and music lecturer father and medium, psychic and faith healer mother.

McVie enjoyed music from a young age having been introduced to the piano at four, studied from the age of 11 and went on to study classical until she was 15. She made the shift to rock and roll after her brother came home one day with a Fats Domino songbook and was hooked!

While studying sculpture for five years, McVie met a number of blues musicians and also sang in her friend's band, Sounds Of Blue.

In 1967, she joined blues band Chicken Shack playing keyboards/piano and background vocals. Staying with the band for two albums, she felt a genuine connection for the blues which audiences also felt and she received a Melody Maker award for female vocalist in 1969 and 1970. In 1969, she left the band following her marriage with Fleetwood Mac bassist, John McVie.

Fleetwood Mac

Founded in London in 1967, Fleetwood Mac sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's most successful band groups. Some of their best-known songs include: Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.

McVie who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 having already contributed to back up vocals, grew to become an integral band member playing keyboardist and another lead vocalist.

In 1974, when Fleetwood Mac was in Los Angeles they were introduced to American duo Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, who both later joined the band. This led to one of the most famous lineups of Fleetwood Mac - the McVies, Nicks and Buckingham. Among the songs McVie wrote for the band during this time included Don't Stop, Little Lies and Songbird.

Later Years

In 1998, McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac and also received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Then later, after almost 30 years with the band, McVie decided it was time to leave and move into a semi-retirement lifestyle in the country in South England, Kent.

"I wanted to restore an ancient house in Kent, and that's what I did. It was a heap - this Tudor building with the beams painted lime green, so hideous. And I had this idea that I'd love the small village life, with the Range Rover and the dogs and baking cookies for the Y.W.C.A. But then it got so boring.'  Christine McVie.

Enjoying time out of the limelight for nearly 15 years, McVie excited fans and released a solo album in 2004. She then briefly rejoined Fleetwood Mac in 2014 prior to their On with the Show tour where she played with them on stage at the O2 Arena in London in 2013.

McVie earned a Gold Badge of Merit Award from Basca In 2014, a Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors and was also honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the UK Americana Awards in 2021. A recipient of two Grammy Awards, Christine McVie was one of the all time greatest singer-songwriters who had one of the best rock voices of all time.

Legacy

Christine McVie passed away on 30 November 2022, at the age of 79. In a statement from her family, they said:

"It is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, following a short illness.

She was in the company of her family."

Fleetwood Mac also paid a heartwarming tribute to their follow band member saying:

"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."

Drummer Mick Fleetwood and singer Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac also shared their own tributes saying:

"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,"

Fleetwood wrote: "Part of my heart has flown away today. I will miss everything about you Christine McVie. Memories abound.. they fly to me."

Christine McView, thank you for sharing your incredible musical talents with the world and for your contribution to music history. May your spirit live on in your music and continue to entertain and inspire generations for many years to come.

Rest in peace.

Remembering Christine McVie in her own words:

"A lot of the old blues artists have influenced me. Then again, I'm sure the Beatles have... the Beach Boys, a lot of the older bands. I listen to Steely Dan an awful lot. Whether they influence me, I don't know, because they seem a lot more sophisticated than I."

"Learn your instrument. Be honest. Don't do anything phoney. There is so much crap floating around. There is plenty of room for a bit of honest writing."

"I think there's a reason to go off and do something and experiment - splinter off and do something different. It keeps the nucleus of Fleetwood Mac fresh."

"I wouldn't think a blues album would be that commercially successful, but I don't really care. I'd do it for the love of blues, not for the money. I've got plenty of money."

"I tend to like the traditional sound: three-part harmonies, guitar, and piano. I mean, a well-played guitar is a joy forever... or something."

"I'm looking more like my dogs every day - it must be the shaggy fringe and the ears."

"I try to say I love you in a million different ways. That's what I aspire to do. That's what I do best."

By Kirsten Jakubenko

Sources:

• https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/fleetwood-mac/christine-mcvie-facts-age-husband-children-net-worth/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_McVie
• https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-11-30/christine-mcvie-death-fleetwood-mac-tribute-statement#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20are%20no%20words%20to,could%20have%20in%20their%20life.
• https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/christine-mcvie-quotes