Steve Harley of the British glam-rock band Cockney Rebel, who released the hit no. 1 in the UK “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)”. He was 73 years old.
The musician’s death was confirmed by his family on Sunday, who shared a statement on the official Harley and Cockney Rebel Facebook page.
While the cause of death has not been released at this time, the late rocker announced in a statement on his website and social media in mid-February that he was canceling all tour dates for the foreseeable future “due to ongoing cancer treatment. ”
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Steve Harley performs at the SEC Armadillo on March 5, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns
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In a statement released alongside family photos, Harley’s family wrote: “We are saddened to announce that Steve, our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, has passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.”
“The song of the birds from his forest that he loved so much sang for him. His home is filled with the sounds and laughter of his four beloved grandchildren,” the statement continued. “Stepan. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever you know him, his heart exuded only the essential elements. Passion, kindness, generosity and more, in abundance.”
His family added: “Steve has received immense comfort from the well-wishes of his fans during his battle, and we know he would like to thank you all deeply for your love and support throughout his career, and throughout his battle to the end.”
“We know he will be sorely missed by countless friends, family and devoted fans around the world, and we respectfully ask that you allow us to grieve in privacy,” the statement concluded.
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Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel perform at the Crystal Palace Garden Party in London on 7 June 1975.
Dick Barnatt/Redferns
Harley is best known for co-founding the British glam-rock group Cockney Rebel, which spawned the cult hit no. 1 in the UK, “Makes Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)”.
According to his official biography, Harley was born on February 27, 1951 in London, and became particularly interested in music and poetry while bedridden and treated for polio during his childhood.
While pursuing a career as a journalist, Harley began performing folk music around London in the early 70s, where he met fellow musician John Crocker. After playing together for a while, the two left the folk-rock scene and co-founded Cockney Rebel in 1972.
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Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel perform at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on June 7, 1975.
Michael Putland/Getty
After signing a record deal with EMI, the group released their debut album A human menagerie to praise in 1973, spawning a hit across Europe with the lead single “Sebastian”.
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After the release of their second album, in 1974 Psychomodo, the Cockney Rebel line-up changed to become Harley’s solo project. Billed as Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, the singer-songwriter released four more albums, including 1975’s The best years of our liveswhich featured “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me).”
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Steve Harley at the 2006 Sony Radio Academy Awards in London.
Richard Lewis/WireImage
The song was Harley’s first major chart success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and across Europe, while cracking the Hot 100 in the U.S. The song has since been covered over 100 times, including by artists such as Duran Duran and Erasure has appeared on film soundtracks such as those from 1997 The full Monty and in 1998 Velvet gold mine.
The group’s other hits included “Judy Teen,” “Mr. Raffles (Man, It Was Mean)” and a cover of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.”
After the release in 1976 A timeless struggle and Love is prima donnaHarley spent much of the 80s raising his two children with his wife, and continued to tour and appear in theater productions in later years.
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