We, along with Fleetwood Mac fans all over the world, are still processing the tragic news of Christine McVie’s passing, as it was announced on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement, Fleetwood Mac stated, “We were so happy to have a life with her.” As a group and as individuals, we genuinely loved Christine and are grateful for the wonderful memories we have. Her absence will be deeply felt.
When McVie spoke to Rolling Stone in June, she was enthusiastic about her new album Songbird (A Solo Collection), but she was very pessimistic about ever touring again with Fleetwood Mac. She added, “I don’t feel physically capable of it.” I have pretty poor health. I’m disabled with a persistent back condition. I don’t know if I could physically do it because I stand up to play the piano. Which statement is that? The flesh is weak, but the mind is willing.
Between 2018 and 2019, McVie’s final tour with Fleetwood Mac took place, with Neil Finn and Mike Campbell filling in for Lindsey Buckingham, who had left the group by that point. Only a year before, McVie had collaborated on an album with Buckingham and toured in support of it. She remarked to Rolling Stone in 2018 that she “had a terrific time with him on the road and creating that record.” “I was astonished to hear the news that Buckingham was leaving the band because it was decided after I returned to London. Life goes on, though, and I wanted to stick with these guys.
McVie developed close to the new band members as a result of the tour’s enormous financial success.