The image is iconic: Christine McVie, the ethereal voice and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, captivating audiences with her soulful melodies. But behind the glamorous facade lay a tumultuous journey marked by excess, addiction, and a profound sense of loneliness.

In my new biography, “Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie,” I delve into the life and career of this legendary musician, exploring the dark underbelly of fame and the devastating impact of rock and roll excess on her personal life.

McVie, a talented musician who initially pursued a career as an art teacher, found herself thrust into the limelight with the meteoric rise of Fleetwood Mac. The band’s 1977 album, “Rumours,” a raw and emotionally charged reflection of their personal and professional turmoil, became a global phenomenon.

“A Curse of Success”: Fleetwood Mac Star Christine McVie’s Tragic Descent Into Rock and Roll Excess

However,...