Mick Fleetwood Honors Fleetwood Mac Bandmate Christine McVie On Posthumous 80th Birthday

Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood has paid tribute to his late bandmate, Christine McVie, on what would have been her 80th birthday.

McVie, a member of the 'classic' Fleetwood Mac lineup for decades, passed away in November of 2022 after suffering a massive stroke following a cancer diagnosis. McVie's Fleetwood Mac bandmates, including Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, penned tributes upon her death.

Mick Fleetwood also penned a tribute to the singer and keyboardist. Fleetwood had been a co-founder of the band alongside Peter Green. McVie's former husband, John, was also part of Fleetwood Mac's early lineup. Christine would join the band at the dawn of the seventies.

Fleetwood, 76, took to his Instagram following the death of McVie to pen a tribute to his longtime bandmate.

He wrote, "This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight.. and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that 'song bird' reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today.. I will miss everything about you Christine McVie Memories abound.. they fly to me," Fleetwood concluded along with two hearts and a rainbow emoji. (per The Blast)

A statement announcing McVie's death was posted to Fleetwood Mac and McVie's social media accounts, respectively.

The band wrote, "There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could ever have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed," the band concluded.

Fleetwood took to Instagram to honor McVie once more for her posthumous birthday.

He posted three photos of the duo together, including a photo posing with a Halloween scarecrow!

In his birthday tribute, Fleetwood wrote, "For Christine, Here we are thinking of you on your heavenly birthday! For me, although missing you on this celebration of your 80th birthday... I like so many have the greatest memories in plenty! And most of all, your songs are lighting up the world on this your birthday," Fleetwood continued. "Chris, Happy Birthday. You are loved and dearly missed," Fleetwood concluded.

Fleetwood then posted a ukelele tribute to McVie. He collaborated with Jake Shimabuko, whom he calls a "Ukelele virtuoso," on a rendition of McVie's beloved "Songbird."

The piano ballad appears on Fleetwood Mac's landmark LP, "Rumours" (1977).

Buckingham also honored his late bandmate with an Instagram birthday tribute.

Using lyrics from the duo's 2017 track "Red Sun" in the caption, the "Holiday Road" singer posted a vintage photo of the longtime collaborators singing together, circa the 1980s.