Famous names across the music industry have paid tribute to Christine McVie on Thursday, after news broke that the Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter had died aged 79.
Her bandmates led the celebrations of McVie’s life. “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” they said in a group statement.
“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.”
Her bandmate and close friend Stevie Nicks posted a handwritten note to Instagram. “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. “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 … See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me.”
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Mick Fleetwood wrote that McVie had “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. Part of my heart has flown away today.”
US band Haim, whose song Hallelujah was quoted by Nicks in her tribute to McVie, wrote, “We write this with tears in our eyes and all over our faces. The sisterhood Stevie and Christine had was so vital to us growing up. Seeing two strong women support each other in our favorite band has had such a huge impact on us throughout our lives … she has been a constant inspiration.”
Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, who toured with McVie as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and 2019, wrote on his website: “I’m so sad to lose Christine McVie. She was a unique and soulful musician, supremely gifted songwriter and a warm and wonderful friend, and I am so grateful to have shared some hours in her beautiful presence.”
Canadian musician Ron Sexsmith described the news as “terribly heartbreaking” and said: “She wrote my favourite Fleetwood Mac songs and I also loved her solo work. Enormous loss.”
“What joy and depth she brought; what stories,” wrote Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp.
The British band Garbage tweeted that they were “gutted” to learn of her passing, while the Doors called her a “rock n’ roll icon” who “helped shape the sound of the ’70s”.
Sheryl Crow also reacted on Twitter: “I am so sad to hear of Christine McVie going on to heaven. The world feels weird without her here. What a legend and an icon and an amazing human being.”
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love wrote that he was “shocked and saddened by Christine McVie’s passing. We’ll miss you Christine.” Questlove called her “one of the nicest humans ever”, while Bryan Adams wrote, “RIP Christine McVie. Thanks for the music.”
Outside of music, the British comics artist John Allison celebrated McVie’s lesser-known artistic side, sharing her hand-drawn artwork for Fleetwood Mac’s 1970 album Kiln House.
RIP Christine McVie. One of my favourite songwriters but also a very gifted illustrator. Her gatefold illustration for Kiln House (1970) is beautiful. pic.twitter.com/fv9ZdsAtT1
— John Allison (@badmachinery) November 30, 2022