Christine Mcvie, Fleetwood Mac singer and a ‘revered’ musician

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.

Their best-known songs 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 30, 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.”

Despite a tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the bestknown rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, and included Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John Mcvie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

Rumours, released in 1977 and perhaps their best known album, became one of the best-selling albums and included hits such as

Second Hand News and You Make Loving Fun.

In addition to several multi-platinum tracks, the record sold more than 40m copies worldwide.

A statement from the band on Twitter said: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine Mcvie. She was truly one-of-akind, 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 in music. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we shared with her. She will be so very missed.”

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.

She was among the eight members of the band who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2017, she appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, revealing that she had retreated from the world and developed agoraphobia after she quit the band to move to Kent.

Mcvie’s death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green died at the age of 73.

ON SONG: Christine Mcvie enjoyed global success.