Cockney Rebel singer Steve Harley dies aged 73
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Steve Harley, the songwriter and frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died at the age of 73 after being treated for cancer.
Harley, whose 1974 record Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) went to number one in the UK charts and became the band’s best-selling hit, had been forced to pause his tour last month for medical reasons.
Last month, a statement on his official social media account said: “Due to ongoing treatment for cancer, Steve cannot commit to any concerts in 2024. He appreciates all your kind words and good wishes.”
Greta, Harley’s daughter, confirmed that her father had died “peacefully at home with his family by his side”. In a statement, she wrote: “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, he wished his fans a “happy, healthy New Year” as he revealed his 2023 has been a “tale of two halves”.
The singer said the first half had been “often magical” as he got to play on stage in Europe with his band, saying: “Out there, on the road, that’s where I come alive”. The later half had been “heartbreaking” as they had to cancel live show dates.
He added: “I’m fighting a nasty cancer. 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.”
Harley was born in Deptford, south London, in 1951. Because of a childhood illness, he spent almost four years in hospital between his childhood and his teenage days.
He first worked as a trainee accountant and then a journalist for a number of regional publications. Turning his hand to music, he 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 1974’s The Psychomodo, which went to number eight in the UK charts.
