Chris Rea, legendary ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ singer, has died aged 74
Rea passed away earlier today after a short illness.
By Nick Reilly
Chris Rea, the celebrated singer and guitarist remembered for hits including the festive staple ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, has died aged 74.
The news was confirmed by Rea’s family today (December 22), with a statement on behalf of his wife and two children saying: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.”
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family,” they added.
The Middlesbrough singer released his debut album in 1978 and went on to release hits such as ‘Josephine’ and the rock classic ‘The Road To Hell (Part 2)’, but he scored the biggest tune of his career with 1988’s ‘Driving Home For Christmas’.
He released over 25 studio albums in his extensive career and his first solo single came in 1974’s ‘So Much Love’.
In an interview published last week, Rea revealed he was under a driving ban when he wrote the song, which had originally been intended for Van Morrison. “It’s a frustrating song, but it’s also hopeful and comforting,” he explained.
“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.”
Rea had battled ill health for a prolonged period, surviving pancreatic cancer in 1994 after undergoing surgery to remove his pancreas, gallbladder and part of his liver.
He also suffered a stroke in 2016, and collapsed on stage in Oxford just a year later.
Tributes came from his beloved Middlesborough FC who described him as a “Teesside icon”. He is survived by his wife Joan and their daughters Josephine and Julia.