Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley dies – singer’s ‘devastated’ family pays tribute

Steve Harley, best known for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died at the age of 73.

The English singer and songwriter, best known for the 1970s hit Make Me Smile, was receiving treatment for cancer.

“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side,” his wife, Dorothy, and children, Kerr and Greta said in a statement.

“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 beloved 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.

“Steve took enormous comfort from all of his fans’ well wishes during his battle, and we know he would want to thank you all deeply for your love and support throughout his career, and during his battle to the end.”

Harley’s family said they knew the singer would be “desperately missed by countless friends, family and devoted fans all over the world”.

Sir Rod Stewart said he was “absolutely devastated” as he paid tribute to the musician, who he had “loved” and “admired”.

Harley helped to write a number of songs for Sir Rod, who covered Harley’s song, A Friend For Life, on his 2015 studio album Another Country.

Along with Make Me Smile, which went to number one in the UK charts in 1975, Cockney Rebel’s hits include Here Comes The Sun, Mr Raffles (Man, It Was Mean), Love’s A Prima Donna and Judy Teen.

Earlier this year, Harley was forced to say he could not commit to any concerts in 2024 due to ill health.

He had previously cancelled shows scheduled for spring and autumn of this year.

In a Facebook post in December, when announcing his cancer diagnosis, he said cancelling the shows were “heartbreaking” and gave an update on his treatment.

He also thanked fans for their support and “touching messages”, adding: “It means more than I can tell.”

Scottish musician Midge Ure hailed Harley as a “true ‘working musician'” in a tribute this afternoon.

Ure, who produced Harley’s 1982 track I Can’t Even Touch You, said in a social media post: “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.”

Lead singer of Culture Club, Boy George, said he cried following Harley’s death.

“Amazing songwriter. One of my heroes,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.