Unreleased Christine McVie Song Unveiled On What Would Have Been Her 80th Birthday

15 July 2023 | 10:33 am | Mary Varvaris

“I dearly wish that she could have lived to see this re-release as she would have been delighted.”

Fleetwood Mac @ RAC Arena

Fleetwood Mac @ RAC Arena (Credit: Linda Dunjey)

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Rhino Records have shared a previously unreleased Christine McVie song, Little Darlin’, on what would have been the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s 80th birthday.

The groovy, funk-inspired track comes from the recording sessions of her 2004 solo album, In The Meantime. You can listen to the song below.

It would’ve been Christine McVie’s 80th birthday on Wednesday (12 July). In addition to releasing Little Darlin’, Rhino Records have revealed plans to reissue In The Meantime and McVie’s self-titled 1984 debut solo album. Her nephew, Dan Perfect, is overseeing the project.

“When my aunt Christine McVie died unexpectedly last year, plans were already afoot for the re-release of this solo album, which is perhaps her most personal and intimate project,” Perfect said in a statement, per Rolling Stone.

He added, “Chris and I had been working for some time on remixing the original tracks in Dolby Atmos, and Chris was excited and intrigued by this process, which was bringing fresh life and contemporaneity to the songs… I dearly wish that she could have lived to see this re-release as she would have been delighted.”

Here, you can pre-order your copy of In The Meantime and McVie’s self-titled album on vinyl or CD.

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Christine McVie passed away on 30 November 2022, at 79, following a “short illness”.

Her family posted a statement to Facebook that read: "On behalf of Christine McVie's family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death.

"She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie."

McVie was known for penning numerous Fleetwood Mac hits, including Everywhere, Songbird, You Make Loving Fun and Little Lies. 

She joined the band in 1970 and was still with the group when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998, but departed soon after. She returned to Fleetwood Mac in 2014 with the band's most recognisable lineup reunited. 

The band paid tribute to McVie following the news that she had passed not long after, writing on Twitter: "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 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."