Steve Harley, Cockney Rebel frontman, dies aged 73

Steve Harley, the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died aged 73.

The English singer and songwriter, best known for his 1975 song Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), had been receiving treatment for cancer. He died at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning.

In a statement, his family 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.

“Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.”

Harley’s family said they knew the singer would be “desperately missed by people all over the world”.

Last October Harley announced the cancellation of Steve Harley Acoustic Band shows that were scheduled to take place in January 2024 due to his cancer treatment. At Christmas he posted a message on his website that said cancelling tour dates was “heartbreaking” but that he was fighting a “nasty” cancer.

He said: “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. And the full rock band in Holland and Belgium, and Denmark … out there, on the road, that’s where I come alive.

“The second half, well … cancelling live dates is heartbreaking. I’m aware of the stress and financial strain it can place on you.

“But I’m fighting a nasty cancer. My oncologist is pleased with the treatment’s effects so far. 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.”

In February, Harley’s team said the singer hoped he would be better next year. The musician, who was from London, lived in Essex with his wife, Dorothy, with whom he had two children.

Cockney Rebel rose to prominence in the early 1970s for their glam rock music. The original band was made up of Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys and guitarist Nick Jones.

Harley branched out as a solo artist before the band regrouped in 1990 after the success of Harley’s 1989 tour.

Harley also presented the BBC Radio 2 show Sounds of the 70s from 1999 to 2008. The show is now hosted by Johnnie Walker.

Fans paid tribute to the musician on social media on Sunday. “Brilliant musician and great story teller,” one said. Another added: “Cockney Rebel were fantastic and a lot of punk/new wave artists that came later seem to bear their influence.”