Mike Campbell recently joined Guitar Player and shared some details on touring with Fleetwood Mac during the act’s last tour. He recalled how it was working with Christine McVie and why the late rocker was one of a kind.
Campbell played with the band a few years ago, and calling that particular tour Fleetwood Mac’s ‘last’ seems about right, as Mick Fleetwood recently almost shut the door for any possible reunion without Christine. Fleetwood’s bond with his late bandmate was undoubtedly unique, so it’s not surprising that he doesn’t want to tour without McVie. In fact, one can understand Mick’s statements better after reading Campbell’s words.
The late rocker’s presence seemed to be essential for any Fleetwood Mac show since she was pretty lovely, polite, and always looked happy to see you. Mike discussed that the other band members were also friendly, but McVie’s presence was undoubtedly one of a kind and made touring even better.
He also pointed out how Christine came from a blues tradition, so her musical knowledge made their collaboration even more delightful. It seems like, even though she was not as much on the fronts of Fleetwood Mac as her bandmate Stevie Nicks, Christine was an essential driving and creative force for her band due to her character and unique songwriting skills.
The rocker recalled touring with Fleetwood Mac and playing alongside McVie:
“Oh god, yeah, Christine… I really loved her. She was such a sweet soul. Of all the people on that tour, she was just the kindest. Everybody was kind, but she was just so sweet all the time, always cheerful and happy to see you and just happy to play together and so jovial all the time.
And she could really play. She came from a blues background, so she understood the essence of that music, which I really appreciated, and she’s a great songwriter – her songs were the hits, you know? I just tried to work on her songs and make them sound true to the way she recorded them and just respect where they were coming from. I’m very sad she left us. It’s a great loss for a lot of people, but god bless her. She was really one of a kind.”
For Mike, playing alongside McVie was memorable as the late musician was a kind and special person besides being a talented songwriter. Christine’s personality made touring even better, and her musical talents undoubtedly helped Fleetwood Mac to form the band’s essential sound.
