Music
17 Mar 24

Steve Harley RIP

Peter Hook, Midge Ure and Clem Burke are among those paying tribute to the former Cockney Rebel leader who has passed away aged 73

The very sad news this weekend is that Steve Harley, who had been ill with cancer, has passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk, England.

Harley shot to fame in the first half of the '70s as the leader of Cockney Rebel, the glam outfit that for a period rivalled David Bowie and T.Rex in the hits stakes with the likes of 'Sebastian', 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft' and 'Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)' making them Top Of The Pops regulars.

Official news of his death came in a statement from his wife, Dorothy, and children, Kerr and Greta. "We are devastated,” they said, "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.”

The singer-songwriter Mike Batt, who worked with Steve Harley on numerous songs, described the musician as a "dear pal" and a "lovely guy".

Batt and Harley collaborated on tracks including 'Ballerina (Prima Donna)' released in 1983. They also worked together on the 1988 charity single 'Whatever You Believe’, for which they were joined by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson.

"Oh no! My dear pal, Steve Harley has died," Batt posted on X. "I just found out on Twitter. I was just writing about him yesterday in my autobiography. What a talent. What a character. What a lovely guy. My condolences to Dorothy and all. RIP, mate. Will write more soon.”

Meanwhile, Scottish superstar Rod Stewart has said he is "absolutely devastated" .

“Words fail me,” he added. "The Cockney Rebel has left us. Loved you and admired you Steve and always will. Sir Rod Stewart."

Rod Stewart covered Harley's song, 'A Friend For Life', which featured on his 2015 studio album Another Country.

Harley also released a killer cover of The Beatles' 'Here Comes The Sun' and collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber after Cockney Rebel broke up.

As well as becoming a greatest hits radio staple, Harley kept on touring and releasing albums, the last one being 2020's deeply personal Uncovered which proved that his songwriting mojo was still in fine working condition.

Steve Harley was born in February 1951, in Deptford in London. He gave a memorable interview to Hot Press in the 1990s, in which he said that the first Cockney Rebel were ahead of their time.

“I made my one rules,” ” he told Paul O’Mahony. “‘Psychomodo’ segueing into ‘Sling It’ – it was just crackers. The lyrics were quite interesting. I had something to say.”

Here are some of the other tributes that have been pouring in:

Steve Harley was the man who with ‘Sebastian’ introduced me to proper music, on holiday in 1973 in Prestatyn… I was counting the hour down on Radio Luxembourg for the power play. Cockney Rebel were my favourites & Steve my favourite songwriter. You made me smile! God bless. RIP.

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) March 17, 2024

Steve Harley was a true ‘working musician’ He toured until he could tour no more, playing his songs for fans old and new. My thoughts go out to Dorothy and his family at this very sad time. Our songs live on longer than we ever can🙏

— midge ure💙 (@midgeure1) March 17, 2024

More terribly sad news. I met Steve a few times. A great fella. He told me a brilliant story about going for an Italian meal with Bowie and Bolan. Steve Harley R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Cq7emE2QSi

— Marc Riley ⚽️🍺🐳 (@marcrileydj) March 17, 2024

Truly saddened to hear of Steve Harley's passing. I'll never forget the night he invited me and a couple of mates to join him for pints in the Stormont Hotel after a gig. He regaled us with stories, joined in the craic and bought his round! A real talent and a gentleman. pic.twitter.com/INJa4j5Ac6

— johnny hero (@herobelfast) March 17, 2024