The late Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks had a strong sisterhood that contributed to Fleetwood Mac’s success. Their friendship went beyond being bandmates; they were kindred spirits who understood one another on a deep level. This understanding carried over into their joint work, where they complemented each other’s strengths and brought out the best in each other. Their mutual admiration for each other’s brilliance was evident in both their relationship and their musical contributions to Fleetwood Mac’s legendary repertoire.
Most importantly, Nicks and McVie complimented one another artistically. They both came from diverse backgrounds and although they joined Fleetwood Mac, they brought different musical influences to the forefront of the band’s distinct sound in equal measure. There was no hierarchy or passengers, and each member played a vital function.
Nicks and McVie, born on opposite sides of the Atlantic, took very different paths to Fleetwood Mac, but the objective was the same. The American began in folk before transitioning to rock with Buckingham Nicks. This drew the notice of Mick Fleetwood, who joined the duo for Fleetwood Mac.
Meanwhile, before joining Fleetwood Mac, McVie pondered abandoning the music industry altogether. She was a member of Chicken Shack, which toured with Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. During this time, she met John McVie and developed a connection with him, finally leading to her becoming a full-time member following a failed solo career.
On Nicks’s first album with the band, Rumours, each member of Fleetwood Mac demonstrated their grandeur to create a historic work. McVie was best known for ‘Songbird‘, which became a career-defining song. Nicks favored ‘Oh Daddy‘, which she dubbed her favorite.
The song in question was composed as a tribute to Mick Fleetwood, albeit he didn’t realize it until years later. On the piano-driven track, she sings about Fleetwood: “Oh Daddy, You soothe me with your smile.” She’s letting me know that you’re the best thing in my life.”
Fleetwood Mac released Rumours on DVD in 2001, with the band analyzing each tune individually. McVie explained the significance of ‘Oh Daddy’, saying, “Mick’s the big daddy for sure. We always call him Big Daddy. I was being a little sarcastic throughout the chorus. How can you believe you are always right? And I couldn’t get the last line. Stevie gave me the final line, ‘And I can’t walk away from you if I tried,’ and I knew I was going to say it.”
Meanwhile, Stevie Nicks highlighted her love for the song, stating, “That is my very favorite Chris song.” And it always has been. I first started as a folk singer with a guitar and a song. Chris, as a skilled pianist, came from a different background. So it’s as if we all have unique strengths.”
‘Oh Daddy‘ is an appropriate song to demonstrate Fleetwood Mac members’ diverse abilities and versatility, as Fleetwood’s contribution is frequently overlooked. Fleetwood lacked his peers’ showmanship on the drums. However, he was the captain of the ship, and without him, the band would have floundered into unsustainable pandemonium.
