LONDON, Dec. 1 (US): Christine McPhee, whose songwriting and signature hits helped make British-American group Fleetwood Mac one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, died Wednesday. She was 79 years old.
In a statement posted on the singer’s Facebook page, her family said that McPhee died in hospital after a short struggle with illness.
“We would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an amazing human being and respected musician who was universally loved. RIP Christine McVie,” the family said in the statement.
Fleetwood Mac, in a separate statement, said there were “no words” to describe the band’s grief over McVeigh’s death. Fleetwood Mac members including Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood posted the statement on social media.
“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life,” the band’s statement read. “Individually and collectively, we cherish Christine deeply and thank her for the wonderful memories we have.”
Fleetwood Mac’s Honoree Christine McPhee performs during MusiCares’ 2018 Person of the Year tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, Reuters reports.
Born Christine Perfect in the North West of England on July 12, 1943, McPhee began making music while in art school and was playing with a band called Chicken Shack before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and marrying bassist, John McPhee.
Two of Christine McPhee’s singles, “Over My Head” and “Say You Love Me,” were the first to see the group, which started out as blues outfits, on US radio stations.
The band moved to California and added two new members – Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Their 1977 album “Rumours,” recorded as John and Christine McPhee were divorcing, sold over 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
McPhee left Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and has stayed out of the public eye despite releasing a solo album in 2004. She rejoined the band for the 2014 tour.
EAE