'One-of-a-kind' Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie dies aged 79 after short illness
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie has died following a short illness at the age of 79, her family have confirmed.
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.
Some of their greatest hits include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.
A statement from her family said: "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 remaining members of the band include Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Campbell, and Neil Finn.
Nick shared a personal tribute to McVie, describing her as "my best friend in the whole world”.
The US singer and fellow Fleetwood Mac member 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.”
A statement from the band said 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 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.”
Stars issuing tributes to McVie included Sheryl Crow, who said the “world feels weird” without 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.”
Fleetwood Mac was one of the best-known rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, originally 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.
Singer-songwriter and keyboardist McVie penned Songbird, one of the band’s most famous tracks, as well as You Make Loving Fun, Oh Daddy and Little Lies.
In 1970, McVie released her first solo album, Christine Perfect, after her maiden name. In an interview this year, she told Uncut magazine: “There’s maybe a couple of good songs on it.”
McVie left the band in 1998 after almost three decades but rejoined in 2014 when a one-off appearance at the O2 reignited her love of performing.McVie released a follow-up solo album – titled Christine McVie – 14 years after her first, before releasing another album In The Meantime in 2004.
In June this year, the singer-songwriter released another album titled Songbird, a collection of songs drawn from two of her previous solo albums.
She was among the eight members of the band who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
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