A favourite performer at Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion, Steve Harley, the talented frontman of British rock band Cockney Rebel, has sadly died at the age of 73.
His best known hit was ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’ which went to number one in the charts in 1975. This timeless anthem is still on radio playlists.
Steve was born in London in 1951, forming Cockney Rebel in the early 1970s He had still been touring with his band until recently, but had to cancel some dates to undergo treatment for cancer. His family today (Sunday 17th March) said Steve had passed away peacefully at home.
London-born, Steve lived on the Essex-Suffolk border with his wife Dorothy, with whom he had two children, Kerr and Greta. His family were by his side when he died.
In a statement, his family said: ‘We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side. 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 grandchildren.
Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.’
Ultravox frontman Midge Ure, who produced Harley’s 1982 track ‘I Can’t Even Touch You’, today paid tribute to Steve, saying he was a true working musician. “He toured until he could tour no more, playing his songs for fans old and new,” Midge wrote on social media. “Our songs live on longer than we ever can.’
Lytham St Anne’s News extends its deepest, heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family and many friends at this most sad time.
A Lytham St Anne’s News video of Steve at Lytham’s Lowther may be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=1237389156741958&external_log_id=98bdd539-4a18-4b5a-9540-4b0500e671af&q=steve%20harley%20lytham
