Cockney Rebel musician Steve Harley dies aged 73

17 Mar 2024

Get The Music Scoop With Roisin O'Connor's Free Weekly Newsletter. Sign Up For Now Hear This

"Free Now Hear This Email Alert Available"

Sadly, Steve Harley, a talented musician, has passed away at the age of 73 due to cancer.

The vocal performer, who sang with Cockney Rebel, was on a concert tour until January but had to call off some shows last month due to being diagnosed with cancer.

Greta, the daughter of the deceased, reported that he passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning, while surrounded by his family.

According to her words, we are aware that individuals globally will greatly feel his absence.

No matter how you may refer to him, his essence was comprised of fundamental traits. He possessed an intense fervor, graciousness, and magnanimity. Additionally, he had an abundance of other positive qualities.

One of his most famous tunes was "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)," which reached the top spot in February 1975. This single was the initial one to come out as "Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel" instead of "Cockney Rebel."

It was in July of 1974 when the first Cockney Rebel group broke up, prompting Harley to form a fresh set of members for the band later that same year. "Make Me Smile" was a track that expressed Harley's emotions towards their separation.

On 13th February, the team of the musician shared in a social media post that Harley had wished for a better health in the upcoming year. However, he won't be able to perform at any concerts in 2024 due to his ongoing cancer treatment.

Steve is looking forward to a completely new year ahead. He is grateful for all the nice things you've said and the positive vibes you've sent his way. Best regards from the SH team.

Cockney Rebel found achievement in the middle of the seventies for their amazing rock tunes that celebrated their origins in London. Prior to their one and only number one hit, they had reached the Top 10 with the songs “Judy Teen” and “Mr Soft” in 1974.

Harley formed the initial group consisting of Jean-Paul Crocker, Stuart Elliott on drums, Paul Jeffreys on bass, and Nick Jones playing guitar.

Get ready to experience endless entertainment with Amazon Music! You can now enjoy 70 million songs and podcasts without worrying about any annoying ads. With an Amazon Music subscription, you have exclusive access to a wide range of content that's sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So why wait? Sign up today and start enjoying all the benefits of unlimited, ad-free music and podcasts on Amazon Music!

Experience endless streaming of 70 million tunes and podcasts without pesky advertisements thanks to Amazon Music.

Join immediately to enjoy a complimentary thirty-day test-run.

Jeffreys and his spouse Rachael tragically lost their lives in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 en route to their honeymoon.

In the 1970s, the musician gained popularity with his glam rock music style.

Back in 1986, Harley lent his voice to sing the lead track on the original soundtrack for the Phantom of the Opera. Later on, he tried out for the role of the Phantom in the timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and landed the part.

The artist had a short time performing by themselves before rejoining the band in April of 1990 due to the triumph of Harley's tour in 1989.

Harley had a gig from 1999 until 2008, at BBC 2 where he hosted Sounds of the 70s radio program. At this time, the show is managed by Tony Blackburn.

On social media, admirers conveyed their sympathy for his passing by describing him as an "exceptional musician with a knack for storytelling" and an "outstanding live entertainer".

. The track 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)' has been frequently played on British radio stations.

Someone else commented: "My condolences to the late Steve Harley, who created one of the most outstanding pop songs ever produced."

The Performing Rights Society verified that "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" is one of the songs that receives the most airtime on British radio. Additionally, more than 120 artists have covered the song by recording their own versions.

Harley penned a poignant homage to DJ Steve Wright in one of his last social media updates.

In a segment of ‘This Morning’ that aired in 2020, Harley made an appearance.

The announcement about Steve Wright's passing has deeply affected me. We were acquainted since the beginning of the 1960s.

Steve was able to balance being a regular neighbor and a highly skilled professional effortlessly. His ability to do so was remarkable. I extend my sincere condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

The '70s superstar was recognized for his huge and daring charisma and stated during an interview with The Independent back in 2005, "I never intended to come across as conceited, just truthful."

He discussed his past health issues and disclosed that he had contracted polio at the age of two. He also mentioned that his stay in the hospital for a prolonged period of time sparked his passion for writing.

He was hospitalized for three and a half years from the age of three to sixteen. There were two times where he was in the hospital for almost a year each time.

"I ended up being alone because of that," he stated regarding the incident.

During his peak, he avoided talking about his sickness. However, he recently opened up in his musical composition titled "The Final Banquet".

When I underwent surgery, I let out a loud, instinctual cry. The pain was unimaginable and even with a lot of morphine, it did not subside. During this period, my life revolved around a notebook and pen. All I had were written words.

Harley resided in the northern region of Essex alongside his spouse, Dorothy, who he wedded in the month of February back in 1981. They are blessed with two offspring, Kerr and Greta.