Eddy Quintela, a Portuguese-born songwriter, composer, and keyboardist, was best known for his collaboration with his ex-wife Christine McVie, a member of the legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. Quintela and McVie co-wrote several hit songs for the band, such as “Little Lies”, “Save Me”, and “Nights in Estoril”. Quintela passed away in October 2020, leaving behind a musical legacy that will be remembered by many fans of Fleetwood Mac and beyond.
A Musical Partnership
Quintela and McVie met in 1984, when he was working as a session musician for her solo album. They married in 1986 and moved to Portugal, where they lived in a villa near Estoril, a coastal town famous for its casino and racetrack. Quintela and McVie worked together on several songs for Fleetwood Mac, starting with the 1987 album Tango in the Night. One of their most successful co-written songs was “Little Lies”, which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Quintela and McVie continued to collaborate on the albums Behind the Mask (1990), Time (1995), and The Dance (1997), as well as McVie’s solo album In the Meantime (2004). Their songs often reflected their personal experiences and emotions, such as “Nights in Estoril”, which described their life in Portugal, or “Save Me”, which expressed their hopes for their troubled marriage. Quintela also played keyboards on some of the songs he co-wrote with McVie, adding his distinctive touch to the sound of Fleetwood Mac.
A Sad Farewell
Quintela and McVie divorced in 2003, after 17 years of marriage. They remained friends and respected each other’s work, but they did not collaborate anymore. Quintela stayed in Portugal, where he continued to write and produce music for other artists. He also performed live occasionally, playing his own songs or covers of Fleetwood Mac classics.
Quintela died in October 2020, at the age of 66. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but several local Portuguese publications have reported his passing. His death was mourned by many fans of Fleetwood Mac, who appreciated his contribution to the band’s history and legacy. Quintela was also remembered by his former wife Christine McVie, who said that he was “a wonderful man and a great songwriter” according to RetroPop. She also said that she was “very sad” to hear about his death and that she would “always cherish” their memories together.
Quintela’s music will live on through the songs he co-wrote with McVie, which are still played and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. He will also be remembered as a talented musician, a loving husband, and a loyal friend. Eddy Quintela’s cause of death may remain unknown, but his legacy will not be forgotten.
