Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley dies – singer’s ‘devastated’ household pays tribute

Steve Harley, finest identified for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died on the age of 73.

The English singer and songwriter, finest identified for the Seventies hit Make Me Smile, was receiving therapy for most cancers.

“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side,” his spouse, Dorothy, and youngsters, Kerr and Greta mentioned in a press release.

“The birdsong from his woodland that he loved so much was singing for him. His home has been filled with the sounds and laughter of his four beloved grandchildren.

“Stephen. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever him as, his coronary heart exuded solely core components. Passion, kindness, generosity, and far more, in abundance.

“Steve took enormous comfort from all of his fans’ well wishes during his battle, and we know he would want to thank you all deeply for your love and support throughout his career, and during his battle to the end.”

Harley’s household mentioned they knew the singer can be “desperately missed by countless friends, family and devoted fans all over the world”.

Sir Rod Stewart mentioned he was “absolutely devastated” as he paid tribute to the musician, who he had “loved” and “admired”.

Harley helped to jot down numerous songs for Sir Rod, who lined Harley’s music, A Friend For Life, on his 2015 studio album Another Country.

Along with Make Me Smile, which went to primary within the UK charts in 1975, Cockney Rebel’s hits embrace Here Comes The Sun, Mr Raffles (Man, It Was Mean), Love’s A Prima Donna and Judy Teen.

Earlier this yr, Harley was compelled to say he couldn’t decide to any concert events in 2024 on account of unwell well being.

He had beforehand cancelled exhibits scheduled for spring and autumn of this yr.

In a Facebook submit in December, when asserting his most cancers analysis, he mentioned cancelling the exhibits had been “heartbreaking” and gave an replace on his therapy.

He additionally thanked followers for his or her assist and “touching messages”, including: “It means more than I can tell.”

Scottish musician Midge Ure hailed Harley as a “true ‘working musician'” in a tribute this afternoon.

Ure, who produced Harley’s 1982 monitor I Can’t Even Touch You, mentioned in a social media submit: “Steve Harley was a true ‘working musician’.

“He toured till he may tour no extra, enjoying his songs for followers previous and new.

“My thoughts go out to Dorothy and his family at this very sad time. Our songs live on longer than we ever can.”

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor thanked Harley for the music and “good vibes”. The band lined Cockney Rebel’s most well-known music, Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) and Taylor mentioned they had been “so lucky” to have Harley visitor with them.

“The moment Steve entered was truly chilling, and I still remember it today. An amazing moment.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly additionally mentioned she “loved his music” and recalled watching the band as an adolescent as she paid tribute.

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Mike Batt, who labored with Harley on a number of songs, described the musician as a “dear pal” and “lovely guy”.

The pair labored collectively on tracks together with Ballerina (Prima Donna) launched in 1983 and had been joined by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson for the 1988 charity single Whatever You Believe.

“Oh no! My dear pal, Steve Harley has died,” Batt posted on X.

“I just found out on Twitter. I was just writing about him yesterday in my autobiography.

“What a expertise. What a personality. What a beautiful man. My condolences to Dorothy and all. RIP, mate.”

Born in southeast London in 1951, he spent virtually 4 years in hospital as a toddler after contracting polio.

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He joined the Daily Express as a trainee accountant aged 17 before working as a journalist for several regional newspapers including the East London Advertiser.

Paul Henderson, former editor of the Sunday Mirror who worked with him during this time, described him as a “nice musician” and a “deep-thinking, compassionate man who needed the most effective for his household and associates”.

Cockney Rebel began in the early 1970s in London after Harley spent several years performing at folk clubs in the city.

The band – after undergoing several line-up changes – released their debut studio album, The Human Menagerie, in 1973 and followed it up with 1994’s The Psychomodo which went to number eight in the UK charts.

The band regrouped and altered its title to Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel and it was beneath this moniker they launched a string of albums together with 1975’s The Best Years Of Our Lives, which peaked at quantity 4.

Their largest hit Make Me Smile has bought round 1.5 million copies and has been lined greater than 120 instances, together with by Robbie Williams and Duran Duran, in line with the Official Charts, in addition to being featured in movies together with The Full Monty.

Harley additionally loved a solo profession from 1977 onwards and wrote for different artists, together with his buddy Sir Rod Stewart.

He went on to current the BBC Radio 2 present Sounds Of The 70s from 1999 to 2008.

Helen Thomas, head of BBC Radio 2, mentioned: “All of us at Radio 2 are saddened to hear of the passing of former Sounds Of The 70s presenter, Steve Harley. We send our condolences to his family and our presenters are paying tribute to him on air.”