RIP: CHRIS REA – LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER DIES AGED 74

Chris Rea, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist behind some of Britain’s most enduring songs, has died at the age of 74.

The news was confirmed yesterday by his family, with a spokesperson speaking on behalf of his wife and two children. In a statement, they said:
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.”

They added:
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

Born in Middlesbrough on 4 March 1951, Chris Rea went on to become one of the UK’s most distinctive and respected musicians, known for his gravelly vocals, soulful songwriting and instantly recognisable slide guitar style. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he released over 25 studio albums, sold millions of records worldwide and created songs that became permanent fixtures of British popular culture.

Rea released his debut album in 1978, quickly establishing himself as a songwriter of depth and emotional honesty. Early success came with the hit single ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’, which earned him international attention and set the tone for a career rooted in storytelling, atmosphere and melodic craftsmanship.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Chris Rea enjoyed his most successful commercial period. He scored a string of classic hits including ‘On the Beach’, ‘Josephine’ and ‘The Road to Hell (Part 2)’, blending blues, pop and soul influences into a sound that was uniquely his own. His albums ‘The Road to Hell’ (1989) and ‘Auberge’ (1991) both topped the UK Albums Chart, cementing his status as one of the era’s most reliable hitmakers.

However, it is the festive favourite ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ that ensured Chris Rea’s place in music history. Originally recorded in 1986, and famously intended for Van Morrison, the song grew steadily in popularity over the years before becoming one of the most-played Christmas tracks of all time. For many listeners, the song’s warm sense of nostalgia, longing and quiet hope perfectly captures the emotional pull of the festive season.

Credit:instagram.com/chrisreamusic

In a recent interview given just last week, Rea revealed the unusual circumstances surrounding the song’s creation. He explained that he was actually under a driving ban at the time he wrote it.

“It’s a frustrating song, but it’s also hopeful and comforting,” he said.
“It’s funny, because I’d just been banned from driving when I wrote it. But I was feeling good at the time too, and people say they can hear that infectious feel-good mood when they hear it.”

Chris Rea’s path to music was far from conventional. One of seven children born to an Italian father and an Irish mother, his early working life was spent in the family ice cream business. He taught himself to play guitar, developing the distinctive slide style that would later define his sound. Despite his natural talent, he did not pursue music seriously until his early 20s, when he joined the band Magdalene, formed by future Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale.

Rea also faced significant health challenges throughout his life. In 1994, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery to remove his pancreas, gallbladder and part of his liver. Despite ongoing health issues, he continued to write, record and perform whenever possible. In 2016, he suffered a stroke, and a year later he collapsed on stage during a performance in Oxford, prompting concern from fans worldwide.

Despite these struggles, Chris Rea remained deeply committed to his music, often choosing artistic freedom over commercial trends. His later work was praised for its authenticity and blues-driven honesty, earning him a loyal fanbase that spanned generations.

Chris Rea is survived by his wife Joan, whom he began dating in the late 1960s, and their daughters Josephine and Julia. His music, reflective, atmospheric and deeply human, will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.