Former President Bill Clinton, along with many others, has paid respects to the late Christine McVie after the Fleetwood Mac singer passed away on Wednesday (November 30) at the age of 79 after a “brief illness”.
“Don’t Stop” as an election campaign song
Alongside his message of sadness and gratitude, Clinton on Thursday (December 1) recalled working with Fleetwood Mac in 1992 after the band allowed the then-presidential candidate to use 1977’s “Don’t Stop” for his political campaign .
“I am saddened by the death of Christine McVie. ‘Don’t Stop’ was my campaign song of ’92 – it perfectly captured the spirit of a nation yearning for better days,” Clinton tweeted. “I’m grateful to Christine and Fleetwood Mac for entrusting us with such a meaningful song. I will miss her.”
In his post, Clinton also embedded video of a “When Music Makes History” clip showing footage of himself, his ex-wife Hillary and daughter Chelsea stopping at rallies across the country with Fleetwood in the background -Mac track is running.
The video notes that the use of a campaign song for presidential elections dates back to the 1800s. Clinton’s choice of song was a clever move to win over the Boomer generation, who fondly remembered the hit, which peaked at number three on the pop charts in 1977.
I’m saddened by the passing of Christine McVie. “Don’t Stop” was my ’92 campaign theme song – it perfectly captured the mood of a nation eager for better days. I’m grateful to Christine & Fleetwood Mac for entrusting us with such a meaningful song. I want miss here. pic.twitter.com/UPUvpDWRZB
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 1, 2022
Fleetwood Mac’s reunion for Clinton in 1993
The clip also shows how Fleetwood Mac (who had disbanded in 1987) reunited in 1993, when Clinton won the presidential election, and played “Don’t Stop” at the presidential inauguration ceremony. Clinton used the song repeatedly at conventions and performances throughout his tenure. Our ten best songs from McVie together with Fleedwod Mac are here.
Fleetwood Mac’s gathering for Clinton’s inauguration ceremony in 1993:
Clinton joined many others who have paid tribute to McVie over the past few days, including his former bandmates Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks.
Listen to the album “Rumours” (1977) on which “Don’t Stop” was first released: