Christine McVie: Remembering the Songbird of Fleetwood Mac

16 July 2024, 14:20 | Updated: 16 July 2024, 15:16

Christine McVie, the soulful keyboardist and vocalist of Fleetwood Mac, was much more than just a band member – she was the heart and soul of their sound.

Christine brought a unique blend of blues and rock to the band, crafting timeless hits like ‘Don’t Stop’ and ‘Songbird’.

Her voice, warm and inviting, became a defining element of Fleetwood Mac’s identity. Beyond her musical talent, Christine was known for her down-to-earth personality and genuine love for creating music.

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She joined the band during its early years and remained a steady presence through the highs and lows. Her contributions helped shape Fleetwood Mac into one of the most iconic bands of all time.

Christine McVie’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable melodies and heartfelt lyrics, reminding us all of the magic she brought to the world of music.

1. Where and when was Christine McVie born?

   

   Christine McVie was born on 12 July 1943 in the village of Bouth, in the Lake District of England.

   Her parents were Cyril Percy Absell Perfect and Beatrice Edith Maud Perfect. Her father, Cyril, was a concert violinist and music lecturer, while her mother, Beatrice, was a medium and faith healer.

   Christine had one older brother named John Perfect.

2. How did she get her start in music and when did she join Fleetwood Mac?

   

   Christine McVie’s start in music began at a young age, thanks to her father’s influence. She studied classical piano from the age of four but shifted her interest to rock and roll when she was in her teens.

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   Christine joined a local band called Sounds of Blue in the mid-1960s, which eventually led to her being part of the blues band Chicken Shack. She gained recognition with Chicken Shack, particularly for her soulful rendition of 'I'd Rather Go Blind.'

   Christine joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, initially as a session musician. Her talent and chemistry with the band quickly earned her a permanent spot alongside Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, while Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined a few years later.

3. Which songs did she write?

   

   Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster]

   Christine McVie wrote many beloved songs for Fleetwood Mac.

   Some of her most famous contributions include 'Don't Stop,' 'You Make Loving Fun,' 'Songbird,' 'Little Lies,' and 'Everywhere'.

4. What did she do outside of Fleetwood Mac?

   Outside of Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie pursued a solo career, releasing several albums.

   Her first solo album, Christine Perfect, came out in 1970, showcasing her talent as a solo artist. Later, she released another solo album simply titled Christine McVie in 1984, which included hits like 'Got a Hold on Me.'

   Apart from her solo work, Christine also took a break from the music industry in the late 1990s, moving to the English countryside to focus on her personal life and enjoy a quieter lifestyle.

   During this period, she indulged in her love for cooking, gardening, and restoring her centuries-old mansion.

   Christine returned to Fleetwood Mac in 2014, rejoining the band for tours and new projects, much to the delight of fans worldwide.

5. Was she married and did she have kids?

   

   Christine McVie was married twice but did not have any children. Her first marriage was to John McVie, the bassist for Fleetwood Mac, in 1968.

   Their marriage lasted until 1976, and despite their divorce, they continued to work together in the band.

   In 1986, Christine married Eduardo Quintela, a Portuguese keyboardist and songwriter. They collaborated on some musical projects together, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2003.

   Speaking about never having kids, she told the Guardian: "There were never any children [for me]. There was always a career in the way. It was a case of one or the other, and Stevie and I both made the same decision to keep our careers going. Neither of us regrets it.”

6. When did she pass away?

   

   Christine McVie passed away on November 30, 2022, after a brief illness, aged 79.

   Mick Fleetwood said: “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 ‘songbird’… reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us.”

   Stevie Nicks shared a poignant handwritten note on social media, expressing her grief and love for Christine. She wrote: “A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away. 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 in 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…”