Stevie Nicks Says There “No Reason” To Continue Fleetwood Mac Without Christine McVie
via Nicki Swift / Youtube
Fleetwood Mac, the legendary band known for their timeless hits, has faced a crossroads following the passing of Christine McVie in November 2022. Stevie Nicks, one of the band’s iconic members, has recently expressed her sentiments on the future of Fleetwood Mac, emphasizing the irreplaceable role McVie played in the group’s dynamic.
A Musical Soul Mate and Best Friend
In a recent interview with Vulture, Stevie Nicks shared heartfelt words about Christine McVie, describing her as a “soul mate” and “best friend.” Nicks revealed that McVie was not only a musical collaborator but also someone she spent more time with than any other friend outside of Fleetwood Mac. Their deep connection extended far beyond the stage.
“Without her, what is it?” she recently told Vulture. “You know what I mean? She was like my soul mate, my musical soul mate, and my best friend that I spent more time with than any of my other best friends outside of Fleetwood Mac. Christine was my best friend.”
The Void Left Behind
Nicks pondered the idea of Fleetwood Mac continuing without McVie and questioned what the band would be without her presence. She spoke of the unique connection they shared, particularly highlighting the moments when she would look over to her right and find McVie behind the Hammond organ. With her absence, Nicks felt a profound void that made it difficult to envision Fleetwood Mac moving forward.
“Who am I going to look over to on the right and have them not be there behind that Hammond organ?” she continued. “When she died, I figured we really can’t go any further with this. There’s no reason to.”
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A History of Change
The band has experienced periods without McVie in the past. She temporarily left Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and returned in 2014. During this absence, the group found it challenging to recreate McVie’s signature songs, leading to a shift in their musical style towards a harder rock sound. This illustrates the significant influence McVie had on Fleetwood Mac’s overall sound and identity.
“We couldn’t recreate those songs. So we became a much more hard-rock band,” she said.
Mick Fleetwood’s Perspective
Stevie Nicks isn’t the only member of Fleetwood Mac expressing uncertainty about the band’s future. Drummer Mick Fleetwood, speaking at the Grammys, acknowledged the immense impact of McVie’s loss. He mentioned that, in his view, a line has been drawn with her passing. While he leans towards the idea of Fleetwood Mac concluding their journey, he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the music industry.
“I think right now, I truly think the line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris,” he said at the Grammys (via the Los Angeles Times), though he did leave the door slightly open. “I’d say we’re done, but then we’ve all said that before. It’s sort of unthinkable right now.”
A Crossroads for Fleetwood Mac
The passing of Christine McVie has undoubtedly left Fleetwood Mac at a crossroads. Stevie Nicks, along with other members like Mick Fleetwood, is grappling with the idea of continuing without McVie’s influential presence. Her departure marks a significant chapter in the band’s history, prompting reflection on their future path. The legacy of Fleetwood Mac, forever intertwined with Christine McVie’s contributions, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
