Rock musician Steve Harley dies aged 73 after brief battle with cancer – after Cockney Rebel star paused tour to undergo treatment
Rock musician Steve Harley has died at the age of 73.
The English singer and songwriter was best known as the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel.
He died at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning after a short battle with cancer – having paused his current tour last month to undergo treatment.
In February, his official social media page said: ‘Due to ongoing cancer treatment, Steve cannot commit to any concerts in 2024.
‘Steve hopes that next year will be very different. He appreciates all your kind words and good wishes. Team SH.”
Rock musician Steve Harley has died at the age of 73 (seen in 2020)
The English singer and songwriter was best known as the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel (seen in 1974)
His best-known song was ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’, which he wrote and released in 1975.
After he announced a break from his tour, his fans quickly sent him well wishes in the mail.
One wrote: ‘All the best with your treatment Steve, we hope for a full recovery.’
Another commented: ‘I hope you feel better soon and sending love to you and yours.’
A third wrote: ‘Sending positive thoughts your way. Best wishes to you and your family.’
Cockney Rebel was a rock band that achieved success in London in the early 1970s.
Their music spanned a range of styles from pop to progressive rock.
Over the years they had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart.
The original band consisted of Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys and guitarist Nick Jones.
He died at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning after a short battle with cancer – after pausing his current tour last month to undergo treatment
Cockney Rebel was a rock band that achieved success in London in the early 1970s. Their music spanned a range of styles from pop to progressive rock
Over the years they had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart (seen in 1974)
He enjoyed a brief stint as a solo artist before the band regrouped in April 1990 following the success of Harley’s 1989 tour.
From 1999 to 2008, Harley presented the BBC 2 radio show Sounds of the 70s. Tony Blackburn has since hosted the show since 2017.
Following his death on Sunday, it was announced that fans took to social media to express their grief.
One wrote: ‘RiP….Steve Harley…another one.’
A second wrote: ‘Brilliant musician and great storyteller. Fantastic live performer and regular at Kenney Jones’ Rock ‘n’ Horsepower festivals.’
A third aptly wrote: ‘And God said, ‘Come up and see me, make me smile.’ So he did. Rest in peace.’
His best-known song was ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’, which he wrote and released in 1975.
He enjoyed a brief stint as a solo artist before the band regrouped in April 1990 following the success of Harley’s 1989 tour.