Fleetwood Mac's extremely controversial and successful band has long been tormented by ghosts from the past. Following the death of the band's other lead vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie, it's time to review the band's tumultuous history of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll that tore them apart.
Christine McVie, a singer-songwriter-keyboardist, allegedly died on November 30 following a brief illness. She was 79 years old at the time.
Her family said in a statement she died "peacefully" at the hospital in the early morning of Wednesday and asked the fans to give the family some privacy during the "extremely painful time."
It's unknown what the brief illness was, but the band also stated in a statement that there are no words to express their grief at Christine McVie's death.
One of the numerous challenges the 1970s band experienced, according to Radar Online, was the unceremonious departure of their long-time guitarist and vocalist, Lindsey Buckingham, in 2018 - just four years after Christine rejoined with the band for the "On with the Show" tour.
Lindsey was taken by surprise, according to a source who spoke to the magazine at the time.
"He saved the band when it was about to implode over 40 years ago. They've now thrown him out without a second thought."
Insiders also said that Lindsey's resignation was accelerated behind the scenes by his former lover and bandmate, Stevie Nicks. They split up after she left Lindsey for drummer Mick Fleetwood.
Though the band reassembled after a 10-year hiatus, bad blood remained. They pretended to be happy while selling out two world tours, but their ceasefire fell apart quickly.
"Lindsey wanted to create a new album, but Stevie refused to find time in her schedule, claiming that 'albums don't sell anymore.' He considered himself a leader in the band and was furious."
When Stevie insisted on another tour, Lindsey simply refused to go; instead, he requested a vacation from stage appearances and rubbed Stevie's nose in her solo status by stating that he wanted to spend time with his wife and children.
Stevie then issued an ultimatum to the others, saying, "It's my way or the highway." Fearing that Stevie might take her army of admirers with her, Fleetwood Mac instructed Lindsey to go his own way.
Despite announcing her departure from the band in 1998, Christine McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the band the same year.
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