Cockney Rebel singer Steve Harley dies aged 73
Steve Harley, the songwriter and frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died aged 73 after being treated for cancer.
Harley, whose 1974 record Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) went on to reach number one in the UK charts and became the band’s best-selling hit, had been forced to pause his tour last month over medical reasons.
In February a statement on his official social media account said: “Due to on-going treatment for cancer, Steve cannot commit to any concerts in 2024.
“Steve is hoping next year will be altogether different. He appreciates all your kind words and good wishes.”
Greta, Harley’s daughter, confirmed her father passed away, “peacefully at home, with his family by his side” at the age of 73.
In a statement Greta wrote: “We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side.
“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 grandchildren.
“Stephen. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.
“We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world, and we ask that you respectfully allow us privacy to grieve.”
In December, Harley said he was “fighting a nasty cancer” for which he was receiving treatment, but that “thankfully” he could still sing most evenings.
In a post on his official website on Christmas Eve, Harley wished his fans a “happy, healthy New Year” as he revealed his 2023 has been a “tale of two halves”.
He said the first half had been “often magical” as he got to play on stage in Europe with his band members, saying “out there, on the road, that’s where I come alive”.
However, he said the later half had been “heartbreaking” as they had to cancel live show dates.
He added: “I’m fighting a nasty cancer. My oncologist is pleased with the treatment’s effects so far. It’s tiresome, and tiring. But the fight is on.
“And thankfully the cursed intruder is not affecting the voice. I sing and play most evenings.”
Performed in London folk clubs
Harley was born in Deptford, south London in 1951, and due to a childhood illness, he spent almost four years in hospital between his childhood to his teenage days.
He first worked as a trainee accountant and then a journalist for a number of regional publications.
The singer turned his hand to music and performed in London folk clubs in the early 1970s and later formed Cockney Rebel.
The band 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.
