CNN — The Lifelong Friendship of Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks in Fleetwood Mac

Throughout the tumultuous personal journeys of the members of Fleetwood Mac, one bond kept the band together: the friendship between frontwomen Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks. McVie, the band’s only woman for years, became fast friends with Nicks when she joined the lineup in 1975. They were not rivals but sisters, both gifted songwriters responsible for many of the band’s most famous tunes. In the 1980s, they drifted apart due to Nicks’ drug addiction and internal band tensions, but reunited when McVie returned in 2014. Their friendship extended beyond music, as Nicks dedicated songs to McVie and expressed her desire to never lose her as a friend. McVie passed away recently at age 79, leaving behind a long history of friendship and collaboration with Nicks.

The Beginning of an Extraordinary Friendship

The legendary story of Nicks joining Fleetwood Mac is well-known: Drummer Mick Fleetwood wanted guitarist Lindsey Buckingham to join the band, and Buckingham insisted that Nicks, his girlfriend and musician, also be included. McVie, the deciding vote, welcomed Nicks into the band. McVie instantly liked Nicks, as they were both different on stage and had different songwriting styles. Their friendship flourished, providing each other with support in a male-dominated industry. They made a pact to stand up against disrespect from male musicians, recognizing their combined strength.

Their Connection Amidst Band Turmoil

While personal relationships within the band were falling apart, McVie and Nicks leaned on each other. They spent time offstage together during their breakups with significant others. McVie’s songs on the album “Rumours,” such as “You Make Lovin’ Fun” and “Don’t Stop,” likely reflected her attempt to counteract the band’s turmoil. As drug use escalated and tensions grew, McVie distanced herself from the band in the 1980s. Nicks struggled with cocaine addiction and checked into rehab. They grew apart during this time, with McVie feeling excluded from Nicks’ fantasy world. However, their mutual support and sisterhood remained intact.

Reunions and Rekindled Friendship

After a period of solo work, McVie returned to Fleetwood Mac for the 1987 album “Tango in the Night.” Nicks left shortly after, and the band reunification didn’t happen until 1997. Although the reunion was brief, McVie officially quit again in 1998 due to a fear of flying and exhaustion. In the 2010s, McVie considered returning to performing and ultimately rejoined the band in 2014. Their touring experience together reignited their friendship, with McVie wearing a silver chain from Nicks as a symbol of their unbreakable bond. They became even closer over the years and supported each other both on and off stage.

The Final Years

Following the end of their tour in 2019, the band experienced internal conflicts and McVie acknowledged speaking less frequently with Nicks. While a reunion remains uncertain, McVie expressed her satisfaction with being at home and the physical challenges of touring. The news of McVie’s passing deeply affected Nicks, who considered her the best friend since 1975. Nicks shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her grief and promising to never forget McVie’s memory.