One of the most influential members of the Cockney Rebels, Steve Harley, passed away when he was 73 years old.
The author of “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” was struck with cancer. Early on Sunday, he passed away at his home in Suffolk.
According to a family statement, “We are heartbroken to announce that our wonderful husband and father have quietly passed away at home, surrounded by his family.”
There were songbirds singing in his favourite forest. His four children make his house a noisy and laughing place.
He had simple morals, whatever you want to call him. fervour, friendliness, and charity. They are much more expansive in nature.
People all over the world will “desperately miss” Harley, according to his family.
The Steve Harley Acoustic Band had to postpone their October 2024 shows due to cancer treatment.
He said on his website around Christmas that “2023 has not exactly been an annus horribilis for me, as the first half was often magical, with some great nights on stage with Barry, Oli, and David.” Thanks to the complete rock band in Holland, Belgium, and Denmark, I manage to make ends meet while on tour.
Cancelling a live second-half date stings. I understand the cost and difficulty.
I have terrible cancer, though. According to my oncologist, the treatment is going well. The treatment is quite exhausting. There is ongoing fighting in the region. Thankfully, the cursed guest has no effect on the voice. I sing and play most nights.
In February, Harley’s management announced that, while the singer was unable to reveal any dates for 2024, he wanted to make a full recovery. The couple’s daughters, Kerr and Greta, and their London-based musician husband, Dorothy, resided near the Essex-Suffolk boundary.
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Steve Harley, who was hospitalised for nearly four years after contracting polio, was born in East London in 1951. At seventeen, he began writing for the Daily Express as a trainee accountant. Since then, he has contributed articles to local publications like the East London Advertiser.
Cockney Rebel, a glam rock star from the early 1970s. Paul Jeffreys, Nick Jones, Stuart Elliott, Jean-Paul Crocker, and Harley created the band.
Their debut album was called The Human Menagerie, and it came out in 1973. They gained popularity in 1976 for their performance of “Here Comes the Sun.”
Harley went solo following his 1989 tour, and the band reformed in 1990.
“Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” its biggest hit, has 120 covers, including those by Robbie Williams and Duran Duran, and has sold 1.5 million copies.
Harley hosted Sounds of the Seventies on BBC Radio 2 from 1999 until 2008. Johnnie Walker, host.
Radio 2 host Helen Thomas claimed that the news had “saddened” everyone. He continued, “Our presenters are paying tribute on air, and we are sending our condolences to his family.”
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Steve Harley was recognised by Mike Batt, who worked with her on the songs Ballerina (Prima Donna) (1983) and Whatever You Believe (1988). Amazing talent. What a personality! Batt posted something on X. What a kind person this is.
Ultravox frontman Midge Ure referred to Steve Harley as a “real ‘working musician'” after the release of I Can’t Even Touch You in 1982. According to Ure, “He performed his songs for both new and old fans while on tour until he was unable to do so.” “Our music endures beyond us.”
“His remarkable career bestrode the musical landscape: from Bowie to Bush, Wakeman to Brightman, Batt to Bolan.” simply working together. He regularly composes catchy pop songs. “Raise your beverage.”
Television host Lorraine Kelly “loved his music” when she was a teenager and saw the band perform live.”Wonderful work! She cried.
Steve Harley fans sympathise with you. “Amazing storyteller and musician!” exclaimed one individual. “Many later-arriving punk/new wave artists seem to be influenced by them,” said another. The Cockney Rebellion was excellent.
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