Steve Harley dead: Cockney Rebel frontman dies aged 73 after cancer battle – as emotional tributes pour in
ROCK icon Steve Harley – best known for his 1975 hit Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) – has died age 73.
The Cockney Rebel musician passed away “peacefully” at home in Suffolk on Sunday morning following a short battle with cancer, his family said.
He had still been touring but was forced to cancel shows last month to have treatment.
In a statement, Steve’s daughter Greta said her dad will be “desperately missed” by fans all over the world.
She said: “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 a social media post in February, Steve’s management said his ongoing cancer treatment meant he could not commit to any concerts in 2024.
Thanking fans for their support they said Steve was “hoping next year will be altogether different”.
London-based Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel shot to fame in the early 1970s covering a range of styles from pop to prog rock.
They had five albums that made the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart.
The band’s bassist Paul Jeffreys was killed on his honeymoon alongside his wife in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing while onboard Pan Am Flight 103.
The original band was made up of Harley, Jeffreys, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, and guitarist Nick Jones.