John McVie Net Worth

John McVie’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Fleetwood Mac Legend

John McVie, the legendary bass guitar player and a founding member of the iconic band Fleetwood Mac, has amassed a significant fortune throughout his illustrious career. This article delves into the details of John McVie’s net worth, explores his journey from his early days in the British blues scene to global stardom, and provides insights into the financial aspects of Fleetwood Mac’s enduring success.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

John McVie was born on November 26, 1945, in Ealing, Middlesex, England. His full name is John Graham McVie. Growing up, he attended Walpole Grammar School. He began his musical journey with the trumpet, but soon switched to guitar at age 14. Initially, he learned to play covers of songs by The Shadows. However, when he realized that some of his friends were learning lead guitar, he decided to pursue the bass guitar instead. This shift proved to be a pivotal moment in his musical destiny.

After leaving school at 17, McVie briefly trained to become a tax inspector. However, the allure of music proved too strong, and he abandoned this path to pursue a professional music career.

The Rise of a Bass Guitar Icon: John McVie’s Career

McVie’s professional career began in the back room of a house in Ealing with friends. His first official gig was with a band called the Krewsaders, made up of friends from his neighborhood. They primarily covered songs by The Shadows. In the 1960s, musician John Mayall was putting together a Chicago-style blues band and initially approached Cliff Barton, a bass player from the Cyril Davies All Stars. Barton declined but recommended McVie. McVie auditioned and earned the role of bassist in John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. He worked as a tax inspector for nine months before going full-time with the band. He learned blues under Mayall’s guidance, and remained the band’s bassist for four and a half years. During this period, he was sometimes fired and then rehired.

In 1966, Peter Green joined the band. Soon after, Mick Fleetwood replaced Aynsley Dunbar on drums. Green, Fleetwood, and McVie became close friends and began recording music together. When Mayall gave Green studio time, they recorded tracks like “Curly,” “Rubber Duck,” and “Fleetwood Mac.”

After Green left the Bluesbreakers to form his own band, he named it Fleetwood Mac. Though McVie was hesitant to leave the stability of the Bluesbreakers, he joined Green, particularly because he was not enjoying the Bluesbreakers’ shift towards jazz.

Fleetwood Mac and Global Success

Fleetwood Mac released its self-titled debut album in February 1968, launching them as a major force in the English Blues movement. They gained recognition in the national blues circuit, playing live gigs in clubs and pubs across England. Over the following three years, they achieved several hits in the UK and continental Europe.

The 1970s saw Fleetwood Mac go through line-up changes and experience the tensions of a hectic tour schedule. In 1974, McVie and other members relocated to Los Angeles. The band reached global success in 1975 after the addition of American singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. They released the album “Rumours”, which became a global hit.

In 1981, McVie reunited with the Bluesbreakers for their reunion tour while still in Fleetwood Mac. He was known for being a less public-facing member of the band.

Live Nation Earnings and Financial Insights

In October 2018, the financial arrangements of Fleetwood Mac became public through a lawsuit by Lindsey Buckingham, who was removed from the band’s 2018-2019 Live Nation tour. The lawsuit claimed that each band member would earn $200,000 per show over 60 shows, totaling $12 million. The amount could have reached $14 million based on attendance and added dates. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount three months later. Buckingham stated he was content with the outcome, showing compassion and wisdom.

Personal Life, Health Battles, and Sobriety

John McVie married Christine Perfect in 1968. Their marriage ended in 1976 due to Fleetwood Mac’s success and McVie’s drinking habits. He remarried in 1978 to Julie Ann Reubens, and their daughter, Molly Elizabeth McVie, was born in 1989.

McVie struggled with alcohol. An alcohol-induced seizure in 1987 led him to quit drinking, and he has maintained his sobriety since. In October 2013, McVie was diagnosed with colon cancer. He started treatment and continued playing with Fleetwood Mac on their 2014 tour as his health improved. In 2017, it was reported that his colon cancer was in complete remission.