- Steve Harley dies at 73
- Undergoing cancer treatment
- Tributes flow worldwide
The lead singer of the ensemble had been undergoing cancer treatment.
At 73, Steve Harley, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Cockney Rebel, passed away.
The English songwriter and vocalist was undergoing cancer treatment.
“With his family by his side, we are devastated to announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful husband and father,” his wife Dorothy and children Kerr and Greta said in a statement.
“The melodies emanating from his woodland, which he so cherished, were performing for him.” The laughter and noises of his four grandchildren have permeated his residence.
Steve and Stephen. Dad. The grander. Steve Harley, however. Regardless of his persona, his heart solely emanated fundamental components. Generosity, compassion, and passion. And considerably more abundantly.
The singer would be “desperately missed by people all over the world,” according to Harley’s family.
Prominent singles by Cockney Rebel include Here Comes The Sun and Make Me Smile, which peaked at number one in the United Kingdom’s rankings in 1975.
Harley announced earlier this year that, due to frail health, he could not participate in any concerts in 2024.
He had previously cancelled spring and fall performances for this year.
When he announced his cancer diagnosis in December via Facebook, he described the cancellation of the performances as “heartbreaking” and provided an update on his treatment.
“It means more than I can express,” he further stated in response to supporters’ “touching messages” and appreciation for their support.
This afternoon, Scottish musician Midge Ure paid tribute to Harley by describing him as a “true working musician.”
Ure, who produced I Can’t Even Touch You, a 1982 track by Steve Harley, wrote on social media: “Steve Harley was a true ‘working musician.'”
“Until he was unable to continue touring, he performed his songs for both old and new fans.”
“My deepest condolences are extended to Dorothy and his family during this great sorrow. “Our songs endure beyond our mortal existence.”
In paying tribute, television host Lorraine Kelly said she “adored his music” and recalled witnessing the band as a teenager.
Conversely, singer-songwriter Mike Batt, with whom Harley collaborated on several compositions, characterised the artist as a “beautiful gentleman” and “dear friend.”
The duo collaborated on several tracks, including the 1983 release Ballerina (Prima Donna), and for the 1988 charity single Whatever You Believe, they were joined by Yes lead vocalist Jon Anderson.
“Oh no! “My dear friend Steve Harley has passed away,” Batt wrote on X.
“I recently discovered the information on Twitter. Yesterday, I was writing about him in my autobiography.
“What a talent you possess!” Splendid character. What a handsome gentleman. I extend my deepest condolences to Dorothy and everyone else. “Rest in peace, mate.”
Born in south-east London in 1951, he was hospitalised for nearly four years as a child due to polio.
At seventeen, he began his professional career as a trainee accountant at the Daily Express. Subsequently, he pursued journalistic opportunities with various regional newspapers, including the East London Advertiser.
Harley Harley founded Cockney Rebel in London during the early 1970s, following several years of performing at folk clubs in the city.
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The band released their debut studio album, The Human Menagerie, 1973 following a series of lineup alterations. They then succeeded it with The Psychomodo, which peaked at number eight on the UK charts in 1994.
The band reformed and adopted the name Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. They released a series of albums under this guise, including the number-four-charting The Best Years Of Our Lives in 1975.
According to the Official Charts, their most significant success, Make Me Smile, has sold approximately 1.5 million copies and has been covered over 120 times, including by Robbie Williams and Duran Duran, in addition to appearing in films such as The Full Monty.
Harley also maintained a solo career beginning in 1977, contributing to the works of other musicians, including his companion, Sir Rod Stewart.
