Nearly two years after her death at age 79, Christine McVie is being honoured with a comprehensive biography that sheds light on her pivotal role in Fleetwood Mac and her understated personal journey.
“Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie”, authored by British writer Lesley-Ann Jones, delves into the life of the Birmingham-born musician. The book, out on 19 November from Hachette Books, explores McVie’s transformation from an art student to an integral member of Fleetwood Mac. It is named after Songbird, McVie’s signature track from the band’s 1977 Rumours album. Though never a major hit, the song became a staple in their live performances, frequently closing concerts with its haunting piano melody.
An Anchor for Fleetwood Mac
McVie’s influence extended beyond her songwriting prowess. Tracks like Don’t Stop and You Make Loving Fun were pivotal to Fleetwood Mac’s success. Her quiet authority helped anchor the often tumultuous band. Both Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood have since declared that Fleetwood Mac cannot exist without her.
Jones, a former Fleet Street journalist known for biographies of Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, combines her own interviews with McVie and meticulous research to paint a detailed portrait of the keyboardist and singer.
Early Aspirations in Art
Before music claimed her career, McVie planned to teach sculpture, inspired by her father Cyril’s artistic background and love for music. Her interest in ancient Egyptian and Greek art led her to pursue this field, partly because she believed it would provide stable employment.
“There was this idea in the back of my mind that if I chose a relatively unusual subject, I would always work,” she once said.
However, a chance introduction to art students dabbling in blues music changed her path. Joining the band Chicken Shack in 1966 was the first step toward her eventual induction into Fleetwood Mac.
Love, Loss, and Fleetwood Mac
The soap opera-like dynamics of Fleetwood Mac are legendary, and McVie’s life was no exception. Her six-year marriage to bassist John McVie inspired some of the heart-wrenching songs on Rumours, though the relationship faltered under the pressures of life on the road.
“In hindsight, I sometimes wonder whether I’d have been happier sticking to my plan—becoming a mum, supporting John, and staying in the background,” McVie reflected in a 1999 interview.
She later acknowledged that the band’s gruelling lifestyle, combined with John’s struggles with alcohol, exacerbated the strain on their marriage. “John is not the most pleasant of people when he’s drunk,” she remarked. “I was seeing more Hyde than Jekyll.”
A Bond with Stevie Nicks
When Mick Fleetwood suggested bringing Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks into the band, McVie initially hesitated, wary of sharing the stage with another woman. However, her concerns evaporated when she met Nicks, whose warmth and charm won her over instantly.
“It was critical that I got on with Stevie because I’d never played with another girl,” McVie said in a BBC Four documentary. “But I liked her instantly. There was no competition—we were completely different on stage and in our songwriting.”
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The pair forged a pact early on to ensure they were treated as equals in the male-dominated music industry. Nicks often spoke of her admiration for McVie, recalling in a 2020 interview that she was “awestruck” upon meeting her future bandmate.
Retreat and Reflection
In 1998, McVie decided to leave Fleetwood Mac and embrace a quieter life in her English manor in Kent. Tired of the chaos of touring, she sought peace and solitude. However, the isolation soon became overwhelming, and she found herself turning to television, fantasy novels, and alcohol for comfort.
A fall down the stairs proved a wake-up call, prompting McVie to reevaluate her lifestyle. Living alone, she realised the dangers of her seclusion and made changes to reconnect with herself and her surroundings.
A Legacy Remembered
“Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie” offers a touching tribute to an artist whose contributions often flew under the radar. While the book avoids scandal, it provides a nuanced view of McVie’s love life, her artistry, and the complexities of her role in one of the most famous bands in music history.
As Fleetwood Mac fans revisit her work, McVie’s music and influence remain as compelling as ever, ensuring her legacy endures for generations to come.
