Rock star Steve Harley, known for his hit song Make Me Smile, has passed away at 73 after being treated for cancer. With his band Cockney Rebel, he achieved a number one single in 1975.
The rock star Steve Harley, whose song Make Me Smile was a number one in 1975, was being treated for cancer.
The renowned artist’s most famous track, “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” topped the charts in 1975.
Despite ongoing tours, he halted performances to undergo cancer treatment.
In a statement, his family announced his peaceful passing at home, expressing awareness of the global grief his departure would evoke.
Born in London, Harley resided near the Essex-Suffolk border with his wife Dorothy and their two children, Kerr and Greta. They were present at his bedside during his final moments.
Dorothy, Kerr, and Greta penned a statement expressing, “No matter by what name you knew him, his essence radiated fundamental virtues: passion, kindness, generosity, and much more, abundantly.” They added, “The woodland he cherished echoed with birdsong, a tribute to his love. His home reverberated with the joyous sounds and laughter of his four grandchildren.”
Members of the music community, including singer-songwriter Mike Batt, paid tribute to Harley. Batt, who collaborated with Harley on numerous songs, fondly remembered him as a “cherished friend” and a “wonderful individual.” “Such remarkable talent, such a unique personality,” he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “My heartfelt sympathies go out to Dorothy and all who knew him. Rest in peace, my friend.”
The pair collaborated on songs like “Ballerina (Prima Donna)” in 1983 and the charity single “Whatever You Believe” in 1988, alongside Yes lead singer Jon Anderson.
Midge Ure, the frontman of Ultravox and producer of Harley’s 1982 track “I Can’t Even Touch You,” described him as a genuine “working musician.”
“He continued touring tirelessly, sharing his music with both longtime fans and new audiences,” Ure expressed on social media. “The legacy of our songs transcends our own lifetimes.”
The original lineup of the band included Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, Stuart Elliott on drums, Paul Jeffreys on bass, and Nick Jones on guitar.
Their first studio album, titled The Human Menagerie, debuted in 1973. Another notable track is “Here Comes The Sun,” released in 1976.
Harley hosted Sounds of the 70s on BBC Radio 2 from 1999 to 2008.
Helen Thomas, the head of Radio 2, expressed the station’s sadness upon hearing the news. She extended condolences to Harley’s family and noted that presenters were honoring him on air.
In December, Harley shared on his official website that he was battling a severe form of cancer and undergoing treatment.
He described the first half of 2023 as “magical” as he embarked on a European tour with his bandmates, expressing that he truly comes alive while on the road. However, the latter part of the year was marked by heartbreak as the band had to cancel live performances due to his diagnosis.
Despite the challenges, he remains resilient, stating that the battle against cancer is underway, thankfully not impacting his ability to sing and play music most nights. Unfortunately, a recent update on his website stated that due to ongoing cancer treatment, Steve won’t be able to commit to any concert engagements in 2024.
This talented musician has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his unique voice and style will be truly missed. With hit songs like ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’, Steve Harley’s influence on rock and pop music will continue to resonate for years to come. His passion for music resonated with fans around the world, and his legacy will live on through his timeless tracks. Let’s take a moment to remember the incredible talent and the joy that Steve Harley brought to our lives. Rest in peace, Steve Harley.
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