Christine's death certificate

[Mr Scarrott]

This appears to be legit. It's tough to read.

https://theblast.com/471571/fleetwood-mac-christine-mcvie-cause-of-death-massive-stroke-cancer-diagnosis/

[sleepless child]

It really is tough to read. To hear she had Cancer, which I suspected, but of course we had no proof till now. And it had spread so much they don't know the origins of it. Plus the massive stroke. Just too awful.

[bombaysaffires]

it also lists renal (kidney) failure.

Ischemic strokes can be caused by very small blockages in blood vessels in the brain that are often associated with smoking (among other causes). This happened to my dad, who was a lifelong smoker. I am so against smoking but it's a really hard addiction to break... my dad tried everything under the sun, and even when he could quit for a one or two year stretch it always pulled him back.

It does seem odd that she'd be riddled with cancer and have not detected it via some sort of diagnostic imaging... even if she didn't suspect she had cancer, she did mention her back issues (scoliosis) and one would think some sort of imaging would have been done at some point for that problem if not in an ongoing way at least at one point in time such that the cancer, in what would appear to be many different organs, would have shown up at some point. Who knows. :shrug:

It suggests she may have had the stroke, been found and rushed to hospital, and just never recovered. If she went peacefully then that at least is a blessing in all this. :angel: As I type this I am looking at her wardrobe road case, which I bought at the auction of her stuff. It still smells of her perfume.:angel:

[SteveMacD]

The renal failure would also explain the back pain.

[jmn3]

Poor Chris - I really hope she didn’t suffer a lot of pain in her last days. I’m still dumbfounded that she’s not here anymore. I learned of her death while I was driving home from burying one of my oldest and closest friends and it still just feels like one big cloudy dream for the last four months.

I’m so appreciative of the nearly ten year second (or third?) act we got from a Chris starting in 2013. 2018 aside, the On With the Show Tour and the entire BuckVie album/tour were a completely unexpected treat and thankfully we got it when we did.

:(

[Penguin Emeritus]

ugh i had suspected it was some awful cancer that had spread everywhere. cancer sucks.

But she knew she was dying before she had the stroke.

reading the cause of death stuff made me cry again. it's like it hit me again that she's gone.

--Lis

[bombaysaffires]

she knew she wasn't up for any more tours when she told BBC Radio that the band was done, her health and John's health weren't good (whether or not she knew what she had at that point) and still Mick and company made her walk it back. :mad:

[HomerMcvie]

she knew she wasn't up for any more tours when she told BBC Radio that the band was done, her health and John's health weren't good (whether or not she knew what she had at that point) and still Mick and company made her walk it back. :mad:
Mick is SCUM, and Stevie's not far behind him.

I was adopted at birth, and my birth father died with cancer in his spine. When I read that Christine had been having back pain forever, I seriously wondered if that was the case. I have previously mentioned to physicians in the past, since I was adopted, when they have asked of my history, that my birth father died with cancer in his spine. They informed me that it never starts there. That it spreads from another organ or something nearby.

[Wdm6789]

Her estate was worth over $50 million. Could someone explain the UK tax liability thing though?

[Mr Scarrott]

Her estate was worth over $50 million. Could someone explain the UK tax liability thing though?

The bulk of Christine's UK estate would be taxed at 40%- anything over the value of £325,000. Obviously we can't know if there were any other tax issues outstanding at the time of her death which needed to be resolved.

Some guidance is here:

https://www.agespace.org/finance/inheritance-tax/thresholds-rates

[Wdm6789]

The bulk of Christine's UK estate would be taxed at 40%- anything over the value of £325,000. Obviously we can't know if there were any other tax issues outstanding at the time of her death which needed to be resolved.

Some guidance is here:

https://www.agespace.org/finance/inheritance-tax/thresholds-rates

It said most of her assets were in the US, but she did have some money in the UK. I would assume to mitigate the hefty tax bill. 31 million euros is a lot lol.

[sue]

Her estate was worth over $50 million. Could someone explain the UK tax liability thing though?

My understanding of UK taxes at death…
Upto £325000 no Inheritance tax.
Over £325000 tax of 40% applied.
So in £50,000000 million almost 40% paid on the lot, really.
Although my estate is a tad smaller than Christine’s…I think that’s it..
Basically Over £325000 you lose almost half of it in tax.
I am sure there are legal ways trusts, funds money and gifts that can help to avoid paying that much….

[jbrownsjr]

Poor Chris - I really hope she didn’t suffer a lot of pain in her last days. I’m still dumbfounded that she’s not here anymore. I learned of her death while I was driving home from burying one of my oldest and closest friends and it still just feels like one big cloudy dream for the last four months.

I’m so appreciative of the nearly ten year second (or third?) act we got from a Chris starting in 2013. 2018 aside, the On With the Show Tour and the entire BuckVie album/tour were a completely unexpected treat and thankfully we got it when we did.

:(

Wow, that's rough. We got your back. It's been crazy and surreal for sure. :distress:

[Wdm6789]

It’s really cool that Christine came back for her final years. She did 3 tours and an album. It’s just such a shame what happened in 2018. The 2018-2019 should have been the Rumous farewell tour.

Also, Christine’s final live performance was in February of 2020 in England at the Peter Green tribute concert thing. It’s kind of poetic that Christine’s final performance was back to her old English blues roots.

[Macfan4life]

My mother passed of a major stroke too. There were life support issues and it took a few days for her to officially pass. There could have been a similar situation which explains how this all surprised everyone.
I respect her family's request to not reveal her cause of death so I feel guilty even talking about. I would only add maybe like my mom it was quick and over. I watched my cousins in agony watching their parents in nursing homes for years with dementia or watch them die slowly with cancer. When its time go to sometimes something quick is the way to go. But sadly we dont get that choice.

Gosh her last 8 years were nothing short of amazing especially at her age.

"Miss me but let me go"

[sleepless child]

I wonder if the family were waiting for the autopsy report and that is why cause of death wasn't said at first. She could have had the cancer and not told anyone, or even not known herself. If it had spread that much, it must have been there for awhile. My mom was stage 4 Ovarian when she found out and lasted one year. Even though she was having some symptoms she never said anything for a long time. This just breaks my heart for her. It all seemed to have come on so fast. She had done her Songbird reissue and some press and the next thing you know she has passed. She probably had the stroke at home and was on life support. I still wonder why Stevie was told to wait to come. Sounds like she wasn't really wanted there. I thought I read that John was at her side. I'm so glad to hear this and hope it's true. I bid on a few of her things at the auction, now I wish I had bid enough to win something.

[Macfan4life]

I wonder if the family were waiting for the autopsy report and that is why cause of death wasn't said at first. She could have had the cancer and not told anyone, or even not known herself. If it had spread that much, it must have been there for awhile. My mom was stage 4 Ovarian when she found out and lasted one year. Even though she was having some symptoms she never said anything for a long time. This just breaks my heart for her. It all seemed to have come on so fast. She had done her Songbird reissue and some press and the next thing you know she has passed. She probably had the stroke at home and was on life support. I still wonder why Stevie was told to wait to come. Sounds like she wasn't really wanted there. I thought I read that John was at her side. I'm so glad to hear this and hope it's true. I bid on a few of her things at the auction, now I wish I had bid enough to win something.
Which could mean there could have been life support issues. The few family gather and then say goodbye. When my mother had her stroke, she had not much brain activity but had life support machine that her family decided when to let go. You are correct she may or may not have known about the cancer. But I bet she knew.

[bombaysaffires]

I wonder if the family were waiting for the autopsy report and that is why cause of death wasn't said at first. She could have had the cancer and not told anyone, or even not known herself. If it had spread that much, it must have been there for awhile. My mom was stage 4 Ovarian when she found out and lasted one year. Even though she was having some symptoms she never said anything for a long time. This just breaks my heart for her. It all seemed to have come on so fast. She had done her Songbird reissue and some press and the next thing you know she has passed. She probably had the stroke at home and was on life support. I still wonder why Stevie was told to wait to come. Sounds like she wasn't really wanted there. I thought I read that John was at her side. I'm so glad to hear this and hope it's true. I bid on a few of her things at the auction, now I wish I had bid enough to win something.

Because Stevie likely brings a circus with her. I always think of Chrissie Hynde's comment when they toured together that "it's like traveling with Liz Taylor".

Also, Stevie draws the press, even when not trying. So if she flew in, and anyone saw her at the airport or wherever, someone would alert the press. And someone would surely see her at the hospital, no matter how hard they tried. And to make sure she DIDN"T get seen would require the family and the hospital etc to put in a lot of effort...which I'm sure the family had no desire to provide nor the ability given their emotional state. It sounds like the stroke was unexpected and I'm sure there was a lot of scrambling and phone calls etc and who needs a big star making it more of a cluster. Not that that would be Stevie's intent, but it would be what would happen. And for what gain, really? To make Stevie feel better? That's nice and all, but this was private and family only, as it should have been. I don't doubt Stevie's sincere feelings, but.... this was not about her in the least. And her presence would have been a totally unnecessary distraction and strain on resources.

[sue]

My mother passed of a major stroke too. There were life support issues and it took a few days for her to officially pass. There could have been a similar situation which explains how this all surprised everyone.
I respect her family's request to not reveal her cause of death so I feel guilty even talking about. I would only add maybe like my mom it was quick and over. I watched my cousins in agony watching their parents in nursing homes for years with dementia or watch them die slowly with cancer. When its time go to sometimes something quick is the way to go. But sadly we dont get that choice.

Gosh her last 8 years were nothing short of amazing especially at her age.

"Miss me but let me go"

My dear dear husband had dementia for 7 years and spent the last 4 in a nursing home, before he died peacefully.
My mother in law had an enormous stroke and died almost instantly…although this was a shock for everyone at the time…
I can say definitely which was better for everyone.

[bombaysaffires]

This appears to be legit. It's tough to read.

https://theblast.com/471571/fleetwood-mac-christine-mcvie-cause-of-death-massive-stroke-cancer-diagnosis/

Info regarding the residence listed for her.

Really interesting article about the prestigious building and neighborhood.
https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/where-the-highest-fliers-love-to-live-6619836.html
Eaton Square and Cadogan Square have long been among the most prestigious addresses in London, the jewels in the crown of the ancient Grosvenor and Cadogan estates respectively.Eaton Square was built by the Duke of Westminster along with Belgrave Square and Chester Square in the 19th century and is named after Eaton Hall, the Grosvenor family seat in Cheshire. It is "the most prestigious Belgravia address", according to Charlie Willis, of estate agents Strutt & Parker, and notable past residents include Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin and former Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax.

Highlighted table they included about her bldg:

EATON SQUARE, SW1

Where? In the heart of Belgravia and part Duke of Westminster's London estate.

Why? Huge houses and lavish flats in the most prestigious garden square in London.

How much? Houses cost £20 to £30million

What the agents say: Brian D'Arcy Clark, Savills: "Eaton Square is probably the best known square in London, an address that is instantly recognisable anywhere in the world."[/I]


Additional info:

https://themovemarket.com/tools/propertyprices/flat-3-69-eaton-place-london-sw1x-8df
Property summary
Flat 3, 69 Eaton Place is a leasehold flat - it is ranked as the 4th most expensive property in SW1X 8DF, with a valuation of £8,057,000.
Since it last sold in September 2017 for £7,500,000, its value has increased by £557,000.

[AliP]

Likely lung cancer as that causes debilitating back pain. I would suspect she knew, if they at the very least, got an Xray or CT scan. My mother in law was diagnosed with lung cancer and had horrible back pain as well. It quickly spread to her brain. She only lived 5 months after diagnosis.

It could be that Christine was doing chemo and caused the stroke or it had spread to her brain as well. In any event, RIP Christine.

[Penguin Emeritus]

This just breaks my heart for her. It all seemed to have come on so fast. She had done her Songbird reissue and some press and the next thing you know she has passed. She probably had the stroke at home and was on life support. I still wonder why Stevie was told to wait to come. Sounds like she wasn't really wanted there. I thought I read that John was at her side. I'm so glad to hear this and hope it's true. I bid on a few of her things at the auction, now I wish I had bid enough to win something.

Yes he was there, and before the stroke. I don't think she knew very long about the cancer, or how advanced it was. It happened pretty quickly, but she definitely knew she was dying. In a way it almost worked out for the best because she already had loved ones around her at the time of the stroke.

--Lis

[Penguin Emeritus]

Because Stevie likely brings a circus with her. I always think of Chrissie Hynde's comment when they toured together that "it's like traveling with Liz Taylor".

Also, Stevie draws the press, even when not trying. So if she flew in, and anyone saw her at the airport or wherever, someone would alert the press. And someone would surely see her at the hospital, no matter how hard they tried. And to make sure she DIDN"T get seen would require the family and the hospital etc to put in a lot of effort...which I'm sure the family had no desire to provide nor the ability given their emotional state. It sounds like the stroke was unexpected and I'm sure there was a lot of scrambling and phone calls etc and who needs a big star making it more of a cluster. Not that that would be Stevie's intent, but it would be what would happen. And for what gain, really? To make Stevie feel better? That's nice and all, but this was private and family only, as it should have been. I don't doubt Stevie's sincere feelings, but.... this was not about her in the least. And her presence would have been a totally unnecessary distraction and strain on resources.


Bingo.

--Lis

[bombaysaffires]

Yes he was there, and before the stroke. I don't think she knew very long about the cancer, or how advanced it was. It happened pretty quickly, but she definitely knew she was dying. In a way it almost worked out for the best because she already had loved ones around her at the time of the stroke.

--Lis

Makes me wonder was this part of the motivation to downsize and sell off possessions and do things like the auction? I would imagine that would have taken about a year to plan and catalog all the items and get them to LA for sale and all that.... so maybe that was already in the works simply given her age and not specifically due to health...?

[bombaysaffires]

Yes he was there, and before the stroke. I don't think she knew very long about the cancer, or how advanced it was. It happened pretty quickly, but she definitely knew she was dying. In a way it almost worked out for the best because she already had loved ones around her at the time of the stroke.

--Lis

Makes his showing up for the auction 3 days later all the more heartbreaking.

[Penguin Emeritus]

Makes me wonder was this part of the motivation to downsize and sell off possessions and do things like the auction? I would imagine that would have taken about a year to plan and catalog all the items and get them to LA for sale and all that.... so maybe that was already in the works simply given her age and not specifically due to health...?

Yes i think she was sort of just downsizing for the auction and was really into the curating of the items and supporting the charity etc. Don't think she knew she was dying at that time, esp not at beginning of the process.

That absolutely ripped my heart out when i heard John went there to auction. i actually emailed the auction house itself to verify that it was true. it had been something that was so important to chris. he is an amazingly strong individual.

--Lis

[sleepless child]

I think I feel the most heartbreak for John right now. I don't think his health is that great and to lose Chris who he stayed close to even after their marriage.

Given the 2019 tour without Lindsey, It probably is for the best that Fleetwood Mac is officially over. If I were John, it would be hard to forgive Stevie and Mick for that last tour. I think they all new it was John's last and maybe Chris too.

I will never, ever understand Stevie for doing that. It hurt the band, their legacy and the fan base. And for what? Jealousy, hurt feelings? It's so beyond the norm. I'm so thankful that John got well and Chris came back and the band got to tour and I got to see them one last time. And the Fleetwood Mac album without Stevie. At least we got some new Chris music with Lindsey and Mick and John. I have followed this band since 1975 and it's amazing the journey they have travelled through the years. So crazy at times. Who would have thought?

[SteveMacD]

Given the 2019 tour without Lindsey, It probably is for the best that Fleetwood Mac is officially over. If I were John, it would be hard to forgive Stevie and Mick for that last tour.
John and Mick were hanging out after Christine died. Also, he went to see Stevie last year. She dedicated “Landslide” to him. I think he was mostly neutral on Lindsey.

I’m curious if Mick was there with the family, too?

[bwboy]

Given the 2019 tour without Lindsey, It probably is for the best that Fleetwood Mac is officially over. If I were John, it would be hard to forgive Stevie and Mick for that last tour. I think they all new it was John's last and maybe Chris too.

I will never, ever understand Stevie for doing that. It hurt the band, their legacy and the fan base. And for what? Jealousy, hurt feelings? It's so beyond the norm. I'm so thankful that John got well and Chris came back and the band got to tour and I got to see them one last time. And the Fleetwood Mac album without Stevie. At least we got some new Chris music with Lindsey and Mick and John. I have followed this band since 1975 and it's amazing the journey they have travelled through the years. So crazy at times. Who would have thought?

John didn’t have to tour with them. If he was that unhappy about the line up change, he could have refused. All he had to do was tell his doctor he didn’t feel up to touring after his cancer battle, and he would have been medically excused. Again, if John didn’t want to tour, he wouldn’t have. He did, and I’m glad that he got to tour with Christine one more time.

I think it’s important to point out that our feelings about what the band members do don’t matter. If you’re still angry after five years that Lindsey was fired, go for it. We know he went to one of Stevie’s shows not that long ago, so clearly John isn’t holding any grudges at all.

[Penguin Emeritus]

John and Mick were hanging out after Christine died. Also, he went to see Stevie last year. She dedicated “Landslide” to him. I think he was mostly neutral on Lindsey.

I’m curious if Mick was there with the family, too?


No, he wasn't. It was an extremely small group.


I'm not sure I'd say John and Mick were 'hanging out' after Chris died... They were grieving together. :(


End of life care is not a glamorous time. I would imagine the people that you would want with you would be those that you are truly the closest to, whom you know adore you and that you trust 100%...both to protect your privacy, and to do what's best for you if you cannot do or speak for yourself.

She had enough time to make her choices about who she wanted there and what she wanted done.

I think it's very admirable that for 4 months we heard not a peep about a cause of death, because the people with her didn't say a word. It only came out because of these court papers. If her wishes were to keep things private, as I'm assuming they were, then she chose the right people to have around her. But at some point, things such as court papers were out of their control.

--Lis

[aleuzzi]

News reports of the official cause of her death are brining back a lot of the pain, the grief feels fresh for me tonight as I type this. And to add to this the rather seedy reporting of her finances/taxes (which I think should NOT be shared with the world)—that leaves me even sadder. Is that what is left? Discussions of money? It all feels so...diminishing. Knowing how and why she died is one thing. Learning there’s an outstanding tax bill is another...

[SteveMacD]

I'm not sure I'd say John and Mick were 'hanging out' after Chris died... They were grieving together. :(

Point being that they were together after Christine died, which was in response to the idea that John would never forgive Mick and Stevie for what happened in 2018.

[Penguin Emeritus]

Point being that they were together after Christine died, which was in response to the idea that John would never forgive Mick and Stevie for what happened in 2018.

Well that's true. I don't think John was holding any grudges about that.

--Lis

[HomerMcvie]

Well that's true. I don't think John was holding any grudges about that.

--Lis

EVEN THOUGH Stevie ruined the legacy of the band.

[SteveMacD]

EVEN THOUGH Stevie ruined the legacy of the band.

I suspect John holds significantly more bitterness about the Munich military brats dosing Peter Green than Lindsey getting sacked.

[aleuzzi]

I suspect John holds significantly more bitterness about the Munich military brats dosing Peter Green than Lindsey getting sacked.

True statement!

Also, John was not pleased when Bob Welch left. Even when the band became a huge success, he felt ambivalent about what they then were. In 1977, when RS profiled the band, John was interviewed on his yacht/boat, where he was living at the time. He said he was perfectly happy with how the band was faring BEFORE 1975.

[jbrownsjr]

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/christine-mcvie-fleetwood-mac-keyboardist-184908413.html

[HomerMcvie]

True statement!

Also, John was not pleased when Bob Welch left. Even when the band became a huge success, he felt ambivalent about what they then were. In 1977, when RS profiled the band, John was interviewed on his yacht/boat, where he was living at the time. He said he was perfectly happy with how the band was faring BEFORE 1975.
That says a lot about who he is. Stevie and Mick are the polar opposites of that.

[bwboy]

That says a lot about who he is. Stevie and Mick are the polar opposites of that.

Homer, consider letting go of the need to mention your hatred of Mick and Stevie in every response you make. It makes your posts less repetitious when you don’t post the same thing every time.

[bombaysaffires]

Point being that they were together after Christine died, which was in response to the idea that John would never forgive Mick and Stevie for what happened in 2018.

I would suspect that John (and all the Brits) understood that Stevie and Lindsey had a complicated relationship that pre-dates joining FM, and they have seen that dynamic play out for DECADES now. So while they may have opinions and feelings about tampering with the band's lineup so late in the game, they would also understand (better than most other bands) the challenges of working with an ex and how the old baggage never really goes away. So John I would think would likely have looked at what happened as being between Stevie and Lindsey and he wasn't going to wade into the middle of that sh*tshow....He probably took a pragmatic approach like, ok how do we meet our obligations to do all these shows we've signed contracts to do so we don't get sued and so I still get paid...:eek: :shocked:

[jbrownsjr]

I would suspect that John (and all the Brits) understood that Stevie and Lindsey had a complicated relationship that pre-dates joining FM, and they have seen that dynamic play out for DECADES now. So while they may have opinions and feelings about tampering with the band's lineup so late in the game, they would also understand (better than most other bands) the challenges of working with an ex and how the old baggage never really goes away. So John I would think would likely have looked at as what happened was between Stevie and Lindsey and he wasn't going to wade into the middle of that sh*tshow....He probably took a pragmatic approach like, ok how do we meet our obligations to do all these shows we've signed contracts to do so we don't get sued and so I still get paid...:eek: :shocked:

Couldn't agree more. He wasn't overly fond of their drama to begin with, let alone later in the years.

[David]

News reports of the official cause of her death are brining back a lot of the pain, the grief feels fresh for me tonight as I type this. And to add to this the rather seedy reporting of her finances/taxes (which I think should NOT be shared with the world)—that leaves me even sadder. Is that what is left? Discussions of money? It all feels so...diminishing. Knowing how and why she died is one thing. Learning there’s an outstanding tax bill is another...

What year did Chris sell her songs to the Man? Maybe her tax bill is a result of that — maybe her accountant fully expected to have to settle up.

[HomerMcvie]

Homer, consider letting go of the need to mention your hatred of Mick and Stevie in every response you make. It makes your posts less repetitious when you don’t post the same thing every time.

When you start paying my mortgage, you can start telling me what to do. Until that happens, STFU.

[David]

Also, Christine’s final live performance was in February of 2020 in England at the Peter Green tribute concert thing. It’s kind of poetic that Christine’s final performance was back to her old English blues roots.
Yeah, that was really something, especially looking at it in retrospect. She played and sang “Stop Messin’ Round,” yes? And wasn’t that the track that Chris put her piano on for the very first time on a Fleetwood Mac album? It’s almost a bit spooky.

[bombaysaffires]

What year did Chris sell her songs to the Man? Maybe her tax bill is a result of that — maybe her accountant fully expected to have to settle up.

someone in the uk explained it better in either this thread or in the Christine forum thread... but over a certain amount ..s something like £320,000 the UK gov't taxes estates/inheritances at 40% or almost half. So the estate is facing a tax bill for the inheritance unless they can do whatever they need to do to protect that money or else have to pay that huge portion to the taxman. That's why there are taxes listed and the amount is so high.

[David]

someone in the uk explained it better in either this thread or in the Christine forum thread... but over a certain amount ..s something like £320,000 the UK gov't taxes estates/inheritances at 40% or almost half. So the estate is facing a tax bill for the inheritance unless they can do whatever they need to do to protect that money or else have to pay that huge portion to the taxman. That's why there are taxes listed and the amount is so high.
That makes sense to me. Chris realized a huge capital gain when she sold her song rights. Of course, so did the others, so they’d better have planned for it.

[Penguin Emeritus]

Couldn't agree more. He wasn't overly fond of their drama to begin with, let alone later in the years.

This is true. Even in one of his Q&A's he mentioned wanting to 'say goodbye' a few times on the last tour. I would guess he was referring to S/L drama. That had to have gotten so tedious.

Also in the 2019 BBC documentary about Chris, when they asked what she'd missed when she was gone, and she dryly said 'apparently not much' and described how she'd heard L/S had been tearing each other limb from limb...who do you think told her all that?? I'd guess it had to have been john, and maybe mick as well.

i think by that point the Brits knew things were not gonna change or improve.

--Lis

[Penguin Emeritus]

Yeah, that was really something, especially looking at it in retrospect. She played and sang “Stop Messin’ Round,” yes? And wasn’t that the track that Chris put her piano on for the very first time on a Fleetwood Mac album? It’s almost a bit spooky.

was it really? I thought she played for the 1st time on Love That Burns. but I could be wrong on that. she was such a great blues pianist.

--Lis

[Mr Scarrott]

Christine played on both "Love that burns" and on "Stop messin' around" on the 2nd Mac album "Mr Wonderful". There is piano on a couple more of Peter's songs on that album that will be Christine too. Jeremy played piano on one or two of his tracks, I think.

[SteveMacD]

True statement!

Also, John was not pleased when Bob Welch left. Even when the band became a huge success, he felt ambivalent about what they then were. In 1977, when RS profiled the band, John was interviewed on his yacht/boat, where he was living at the time. He said he was perfectly happy with how the band was faring BEFORE 1975.

The story had become “the struggling band,” which just wasn’t accurate. They had fourteen roadies and got a $250,000 advance ($1,397,955.39 in 2023 dollars) to make the 1975 album when Bob was still in the band. They weren’t setting the world on fire, but they were hardly struggling.

[bwboy]

When you start paying my mortgage, you can start telling me what to do. Until that happens, STFU.

As Bart often says: “Don’t have a cow, Homer!”

[jbrownsjr]

The story had become “the struggling band,” which just wasn’t accurate. They had fourteen roadies and got a $250,000 advance ($1,397,955.39 in 2023 dollars) to make the 1975 album when Bob was still in the band. They weren’t setting the world on fire, but they were hardly struggling.

Exactly, they just weren't filthy rich like some other acts. Even Genesis wasn't doing well during that time. By Lamb, which didn't sell well, Phil said he had sent all his money home, and there wasn't much left after a tour. Lots of work, and not huge payoffs.

[Ulpian]

someone in the uk explained it better in either this thread or in the Christine forum thread... but over a certain amount ..s something like £320,000 the UK gov't taxes estates/inheritances at 40% or almost half. So the estate is facing a tax bill for the inheritance unless they can do whatever they need to do to protect that money or else have to pay that huge portion to the taxman. That's why there are taxes listed and the amount is so high.

The money can’t be “protected” if it formed part of her personal estate when she died. If Christine was English/U.K. domiciled for tax purposes on death, which I’d say she was, the bill is due regardless of where her assets were on death. I can’t see any way around paying the liability if it’s on stocks/cash/real property, and I do this for a living…

Suspect she needs both US and English probate. That’s why the US court is involved. They need to be able to access liquidity to pay, and by the sound of it Christine’s wealth was mostly held in the US. They may be petitioning the court there to ask it to allow monies to be freed up so that the tax in the U.K. (due on her worldwide estate) can be paid.

[Penguin Emeritus]

The story had become “the struggling band,” which just wasn’t accurate. They had fourteen roadies and got a $250,000 advance ($1,397,955.39 in 2023 dollars) to make the 1975 album when Bob was still in the band. They weren’t setting the world on fire, but they were hardly struggling.

wow, i hadn't known they got such a big advance at that time.

you learn something new every day here. :-)

--Lis

[bombaysaffires]

The bulk of Christine's UK estate would be taxed at 40%- anything over the value of £325,000. Obviously we can't know if there were any other tax issues outstanding at the time of her death which needed to be resolved.

Some guidance is here:

https://www.agespace.org/finance/inheritance-tax/thresholds-rates

Here's the earlier post by someone regarding inheritance taxes.

[sleepless child]

John didn’t have to tour with them. If he was that unhappy about the line up change, he could have refused. All he had to do was tell his doctor he didn’t feel up to touring after his cancer battle, and he would have been medically excused. Again, if John didn’t want to tour, he wouldn’t have. He did, and I’m glad that he got to tour with Christine one more time.

I think it’s important to point out that our feelings about what the band members do don’t matter. If you’re still angry after five years that Lindsey was fired, go for it. We know he went to one of Stevie’s shows not that long ago, so clearly John isn’t holding any grudges at all.
I wouldn't say I'm "angry", I just still don't get the why. You are at the end of your career, we know there will be no more FM albums and how many more times could they have toured? I just think it spoiled their legacy. I'm not saying John is mad at Mick or Stevie, I said if I were him I would have been mad at everything that went down, now with Christine gone. I feel like what Stevie did was all for nothing. I know Mick said he and John sat together wondering what they were going to do now that Chris is gone. I know John and Mick will always be close. But for some weird reason, I think of John now. What he thinks of everything that went down. I would love a book from him

[HomerMcvie]

But for some weird reason, I think of John now. What he thinks of everything that went down. I would love a book from him

John has WAY too much class for a tell all book.

[jbrownsjr]

I wouldn't say I'm "angry", I just still don't get the why. You are at the end of your career, we know there will be no more FM albums and how many more times could they have toured? I just think it spoiled their legacy. I'm not saying John is mad at Mick or Stevie, I said if I were him I would have been mad at everything that went down, now with Christine gone. I feel like what Stevie did was all for nothing. I know Mick said he and John sat together wondering what they were going to do now that Chris is gone. I know John and Mick will always be close. But for some weird reason, I think of John now. What he thinks of everything that went down. I would love a book from him

You are entitled to your point of view. I understand completely how you feel.

[sue]

John has WAY too much class for a tell all book.

I also think John would not see the point.
He has enough money… does not have a huge ego..
He is getting old and it would just be too much trouble.
And he is a man who holds his own counsel….

[HomerMcvie]

I also think John would not see the point.
He has enough money… does not have a huge ego..
He is getting old and it would just be too much trouble.
And he is a man who holds his own counsel….

He's a humble man. One of my favorite things about him is that he used to ride back to the hotel with the crew. No limo for him, and "his" limo savings went to his bank account. No nonsense, John.

[Penguin Emeritus]

I also think John would not see the point.
He has enough money… does not have a huge ego..
He is getting old and it would just be too much trouble.
And he is a man who holds his own counsel….

I think those amazing Q&A's were the closest we'll ever get to a book from him. and even then he was so careful with how he answered some questions. it's like he never wanted to say anything that would piss anyone off or get anyone in trouble. definitely not the type to kiss and tell.

personally i'd love a book of his photographs of fm that he's taken from the beginning. he said he had tons in boxes etc. that would be so amazing, just a chronological collection of candid shots or whatever. silly man wondered if there would be any interest. I also think of chris and all the photos she must have had. ugh it makes me sad... i wonder who has all her stuff now?:(

--Lis

[bombaysaffires]

I think those amazing Q&A's were the closest we'll ever get to a book from him. and even then he was so careful with how he answered some questions. it's like he never wanted to say anything that would piss anyone off or get anyone in trouble. definitely not the type to kiss and tell.

personally i'd love a book of his photographs of fm that he's taken from the beginning. he said he had tons in boxes etc. that would be so amazing, just a chronological collection of candid shots or whatever. silly man wondered if there would be any interest. I also think of chris and all the photos she must have had. ugh it makes me sad... i wonder who has all her stuff now?:(

--Lis

News reports said she left everything to her brother and his family.

her executor though was her manager, so.....

[Penguin Emeritus]

News reports said she left everything to her brother and his family.

her executor though was her manager, so.....

yeah i know, i saw that. so now her brother has a houseful of old mac memorabilia and pictures that any of us would go crazy over...i wonder if john took any of it. although i'm sure he has just as much, if not more, than she did.

--Lis

[Karlie]

I think those amazing Q&A's were the closest we'll ever get to a book from him. and even then he was so careful with how he answered some questions. it's like he never wanted to say anything that would piss anyone off or get anyone in trouble. definitely not the type to kiss and tell.

personally i'd love a book of his photographs of fm that he's taken from the beginning. he said he had tons in boxes etc. that would be so amazing, just a chronological collection of candid shots or whatever. silly man wondered if there would be any interest. I also think of chris and all the photos she must have had. ugh it makes me sad... i wonder who has all her stuff now?:(

--Lis

I remember hearing that his daughter is a documentary filmmaker or something like that? Can't imagine him ever wanting to do this, but it would be cool if she worked with him on a film project focused around those photos and stories behind them.

[Penguin Emeritus]

I remember hearing that his daughter is a documentary filmmaker or something like that? Can't imagine him ever wanting to do this, but it would be cool if she worked with him on a film project focused around those photos and stories behind them.

i don't think he'd ever do it either... but yes that would be amazing. i wonder if she still does the film thing. although i'd be happy w a simple book.

all the photos out there, most of us have seen a thousand times. imagine a whole book of new pics. i'd have to take a day off from work lol

--Lis

[Villavic]

I think it's the first time I read she was named Anne Christine. Not even Mick mentions it in her book, when he introduces her brief bio. He also said she was from Birmingham; probably she grew up there cause the certificate indicates Ulverston as birth place and that's no so close to Birmingham (165 miles).

[aleuzzi]

I think it's the first time I read she was named Anne Christine. Not even Mick mentions it in her book, when he introduces her brief bio. He also said she was from Birmingham; probably she grew up there cause the certificate indicates Ulverston as birth place and that's no so close to Birmingham (165 miles).

I always thought her name was Christine Anne Perfect.

In terms of birth, Christine's family did not move to Birmingham until she was five or six years old. That's what the "Songbird" BBC documentary said, anyway. Christine herself says "I'm basically a Brummie" because she lived most of her young life in the midlands--though she was born in Cumbria.

[Penguin Emeritus]

I think it's the first time I read she was named Anne Christine. Not even Mick mentions it in her book, when he introduces her brief bio. He also said she was from Birmingham; probably she grew up there cause the certificate indicates Ulverston as birth place and that's no so close to Birmingham (165 miles).

I doubt Mick even knew. It's not like she was going around saying 'My first name is Anne on my birth certificate.' :-) On other legal documents (divorce etc) she's listed as Anne Christine also. Her parents must have had a reason for switching it up..maybe Anne was sort of a family name that they felt they had to use, but they liked Christine better..? probably nobody ever called her Anne in her life.

--Lis

[anusha]

Reading this topic, like with many others, shows how the Stevie/Lindsey dynamic can overtake any other topic in FM. It sounds like Chris had enough time to at least organize her affairs somewhat, and hopefully she did not suffer at the end. It does seem like the final turn in her health came quickly and unexpectedly, but I’m glad that her family and especially that John was there.

Clearly, if she wanted other people there, including Stevie, the family would’ve known. But, end of life is a hard time, not only for the person who is transitioning, but for everyone around them, and Stevie, even if well-meaning, tends to take all the oxygen out of the room and that’s the last thing a grieving family needs.

As Lis noted, I’m sure John has long made his peace with the craziness and drama that Stevie and Lindsey brought to the band. It’s probably why he distanced himself from all things band related when they weren’t recording or on tour going back to Rumours. Clearly he and Chris made the pragmatic decision to play those gigs in 2018–2019, since they probably knew they didn’t have a lot of tours left in them. Neither of them strikes me as especially sentimental about a particular lineup of FM, and even if they were, they decided that playing with a version of FM in stadiums was better than not playing at all. So as much as many fans (including me) do hold it against Stevie and Mick that we didn’t get a last Rumours lineup tour, John and Chris were probably more able to accept it.

As for the FM memorabilia, and especially the photos that John and Chris have. I do hope that an archivist or someone is able to get access to those. It would be great to even see some of them the way that Richard Dashut had been posting on Tumblr. Ideally, maybe a small gallery would get a hold of them to do some kind of a show with a digital component so that more fans could see them I’ll put that thought out into the universe for sure.

[Penguin Emeritus]

Reading this topic, like with many others, shows how the Stevie/Lindsey dynamic can overtake any other topic in FM. It sounds like Chris had enough time to at least organize her affairs somewhat, and hopefully she did not suffer at the end. It does seem like the final turn in her health came quickly and unexpectedly, but IÂ’m glad that her family and especially that John was there.

Clearly, if she wanted other people there, including Stevie, the family wouldÂ’ve known. But, end of life is a hard time, not only for the person who is transitioning, but for everyone around them, and Stevie, even if well-meaning, tends to take all the oxygen out of the room and thatÂ’s the last thing a grieving family needs...

As for the FM memorabilia, and especially the photos that John and Chris have. I do hope that an archivist or someone is able to get access to those. It would be great to even see some of them the way that Richard Dashut had been posting on Tumblr.

Yes, fortunately she did have time to plan what she wanted. Having no children or current spouse, she trusted her older brother and John to be there with her and carry out her wishes. They were her people.
And honestly I think they were her favorite people in the world. They'd known her forever and I'm sure were fiercely protective in terms of what was going on around her, which must have been a reassuring feeling for Chris. They knew the end was coming and were there to love on her and keep things going until it came.

Much as she loved all the members of FM, those final weeks were not the time for a Mac reunion. As Anusha said, that time of transitioning is hard, and for a person as private as Chris was, she probably felt more comfortable and in control just keeping things simple. How many people can you really trust 100%?! I think for all of us, it's a small number, and for a famous person, it's even smaller.

The stroke was obviously a surprise but at least she wasn't alone. And if those court papers hadn't come out, we never would have known the cause of death. They would have taken that secret with them to their graves if that's what she had asked them to do. She knew who to trust. ♥

And as far as those old photos go, I hope one day some of them will see the light of day. That would be a gift for those of us who loved them for all these years. But I have a feeling those old pics might be seen as too personal to ever be shared..:(

--Lis