EXCLUSIVE: Mick Fleetwood opens up about losing Christine McVie

Mick Fleetwood misses his Fleetwood Mac bandmate, “Desperately”

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mick Fleetwood did not shy away from discussing the grieving process when The Music Universe caught up with him on the Las Vegas Strip last weekend. “I’m doing okay. Coming to Vegas…has been a really healthy distraction from a tragedy for us in Fleetwood Mac,” the legendary drummer said.

Christine McVie died at the hospital on November 30th, at 79 years old after a brief illness. No other details on her passing have been released to the media.

Fleetwood answered a few questions for TMU at the recent John Douglas exhibit at Animazing Gallery inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at Palazzo in Las Vegas. Fleetwood also revealed that McVie was a talented visual artist in her own right.

When asked about what she would say about Douglas’ work, Fleetwood said, “Chris would have a lot to say. She was a great craftswoman. She was a great painter, in actual fact.” But unfortunately, McVie never showcased any of her artistic works. But that doesn’t mean Fleetwood Mac fans have not seen her visual talents.

“[She] did a couple album covers back in the day. So she would have a lot to say [about Douglas’ work]. We miss her already, desperately.”

Mick Fleetwood was joined at the art exhibit by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, Kiss drummer Eric Singer, and more. All turned out to support John Douglas, who has been filling in on drums in Aerosmith since Joey Kramer stepped aside to handle personal matters, including the passing of his wife earlier this year.

As for Fleetwood Mac, there is no word yet on when or how the band will pay tribute to the late singer, songwriter, and keyboardist.

Matt Bailey
Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey is a media producer currently located in Washington, DC. He has worked as a writer, producer, and host in a variety of mediums including television news, podcasting, daytime television, and live entertainment. He joined The Music Universe in 2016. Since then, Bailey has traveled across the country to review hundreds of concerts and interview some of music's biggest hitmakers. Bailey truly believes in the unifying power of experiencing live music. To reach him, please email matt@themusicuniverse.com.