Steve Harley, the iconic frontman of British rock band Cockney Rebel, has passed away at the age of 73. His immortalized anthem, “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” soared to number one on the charts in 1975.
Despite battling cancer, Harley continued to grace stages with his presence until recently, when he chose to prioritize treatment over touring engagements.
In a statement, his family conveyed that Harley departed peacefully at home, acknowledging the profound impact he had on countless individuals worldwide.
“We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world.”
London-born Harley resided on the serene Essex-Suffolk border with his beloved wife, Dorothy, alongside their cherished children, Kerr and Greta. During his final moments, his devoted family remained by his side, providing comfort and solace.
“Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance,” Dorothy, Kerr and Greta wrote in a statement.
“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.”
Tributes have poured in from every corner of the music industry, honoring the indelible legacy of Steve Harley. Singer-songwriter Mike Batt, a collaborator on numerous projects, fondly remembered him as a “dear pal” and a “lovely guy,” highlighting the profound impact Harley had both personally and professionally.
“What a talent. What a character,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “My condolences to Dorothy and all. RIP, mate.”
The duo’s creative synergy extended to memorable tracks like “Ballerina (Prima Donna),” released in 1983, and the 1988 charity single “Whatever You Believe,” where they collaborated with Yes lead singer Jon Anderson.
Reflecting on their partnership, Ultravox frontman Midge Ure, who produced Harley’s 1982 track “I Can’t Even Touch You,” hailed him as a “true ‘working musician’,” underscoring Harley’s dedication and passion for his craft.
“He toured until he could tour no more, playing his songs for fans old and new,” Ure wrote on social media. “Our songs live on longer than we ever can.”
Born in south London in 1951, Steve Harley embarked on his musical journey, forming Cockney Rebel in the early 1970s. The original lineup featured Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and guitarist Nick Jones.
Their debut studio album, “The Human Menagerie,” debuted in 1973, setting the stage for their illustrious career.
Hits like “Here Comes The Sun,” released in 1976, further solidified their place in music history.
Beyond his contributions to the band, Harley shared his passion for music as the presenter of “Sounds of the 70s” on BBC Radio 2 from 1999 to 2008.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, expressed the station’s profound sadness upon hearing the news, extending condolences to Harley’s family and acknowledging the tributes paid by presenters on air.
In a poignant reflection on his official website in December, Harley revealed his battle with cancer, bravely facing the challenges of treatment.
Despite the hardship, he cherished the moments touring in Europe with his band in the first half of 2023, where he felt truly alive. However, the latter half was marred by heartbreak as live shows were canceled due to his diagnosis.
“It’s tiresome, and tiring. But the fight is on,” he wrote. “And thankfully the cursed intruder is not affecting the voice. I sing and play most evenings.”
But a post on his website last month said:
“Due to ongoing treatment for cancer, Steve cannot commit to any concerts in 2024.”