Steve Harley performing at Rewind Festival in Perth, Scotland on July 23, 2017.Photo:Lorne Thomson/Redferns
Lorne Thomson/Redferns
Steve Harley of the British glam-rock band Cockney Rebel, which released the U.K. No. 1 hit “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” has died. He was 73.
While a cause of death was not revealed at this time, the late rocker shared in a statement to hiswebsiteand social media in mid-February that he was canceling all tour dates for the foreseeable future “due to on-going treatment for cancer.”
Steve Harley performing at SEC Armadillo on March 5, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland.Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns
“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,” the statement continued. “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.”
His family added, “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,”
Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel performing at Crystal Palace Garden Party in London on June 7, 1975.Dick Barnatt/Redferns
Dick Barnatt/Redferns
Harley is best known for co-founding the British glam-rock outfit Cockney Rebel, which spawned a cult-loved No. 1 hit in the U.K., “Makes Me Smile (Come Up and See Me).”
According to his officialbiography, Harley was born on Feb. 27, 1951 in London and became especially interested in music and poetry while being bedridden and treated for polio during his childhood.
While pursuing a career as a journalist, Harley began performing folk music across London in the early ‘70s, which is where he met fellow musician John Crocker. After a stint busking together, the two departed the folk-rock scene and co-founded Cockney Rebel in 1972.
Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel performing at Crystal Palace Bowl in London on June 7, 1975.Michael Putland/Getty
Michael Putland/Getty
After receiving a record deal with EMI, the group released their debutThe Human Menagerieto acclaim in 1973, spawning a hit across Europe with the lead single “Sebastian.”
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Steve Harley at the 2006 Sony Radio Academy Awards in London.Richard Lewis/WireImage
Richard Lewis/WireImage
Other charting hits from the group included “Judy Teen,” “Mr. Raffles (Man, It Was Mean)” and a cover ofThe Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” among others.
source: people.com
