I wouldn’t have predicted that my grief over Christine McVie’s death would be this large. Certainly, her music has meant so much to me over the decades. But that’s not necessarily a surprise. I’m sure there are people who dislike Fleetwood Mac but I’ve never known any of them. Even if you weren’t into their music, you could still listen to McVie’s singing voice and marvel at its singularity.
Here are three thoughts that I’ve had over the last twenty-four hours:
My big sister, Mary, was 13 years older than me. And she was my introduction to Fleetwood Mac. I connect so much of my love of 1970s music to Mary’s record collection and favorite radio stations. She was only 27 when she died in a Montana house fire. My grief at her death has never left me. It’s changed shape and size but it’s still ever-present. Christine McVie’s death has me thinking of my big sister and her death. I’m mourning both women today.
McVie’s music was so extraordinary that it had me believing that revolution was coming when Bill Clinton used “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)” as his campaign theme song back in 1992. Yep, McVie’s words and music had me believing that a corporate Democrat was going to be something more than a corporate Democrat. Yeesh.
Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors was released in 1977. Yep, Rumors is 45 years old! I sound like an ancient grandpa asshole but I just don’t think much of today’s pop and rock music will still be relevant in 50 years. I’ve had this discussion with my fellow ancient grandpa assholes. Which musicians of last 10 years will still be filling stadiums and arenas in 2068? Taylor Swift is our best bet. I like Swift’s music (“Out of the Woods” is my favorite song of hers) but I seriously doubt tens of thousands of fans will fill a stadium for her a half-century from now. Here’s the thing: McVie and Fleetwood Mac have been vital at every stage of my life. I’ve loved them from childhood until now—from cassette to CD to Spotify. They’ve always been on my Most Played lists. I know my love for McVie is nostalgic but it’s not only that. The music also feels contemporary to me. It speaks to my emotions right now.
It seems that those who suffer loss, especially at an early age, have more empathy for others. And you and your writing overflow with empathy and vulnerability. My condolences on the tragic loss of your sister. I too have an older sister (12 years between us — she is now 76), who influenced me with her taste in music (60's folk), books and art.
Thank You Sherman, though I was into music from Hendrix, Pink Floyd etc., there has always been a spot for Fleetwood Mac, before Christine and with her. Rumors ranks up there with Dark Side of the Moon, and Electric Ladyland, as one of the greatest albums of the 70's and beyond. And I definitely resemble that ancient grandpa asshole remark.