Steve Harley, frontman of the 70s British rock band Cockney Rebel, passed away on 17 March at 73. The cause of death was not announced, but Harley had recently revealed cancer treatment and cancelled several shows.
Born on 27 February 1951, Harley was introduced to music by his jazz and swing-singing mother. He later discovered Bob Dylan and giants like D.H. Lawrence, which influenced his future career path in music and writing.
Harley pursued journalism in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but his musical passion led him to London nightclubs, where he met his future bandmates and landed their first record deal in 1972.
Harley and his band dominated the UK charts with hits like “Make Me Smile,” a melancholic song with upbeat instrumentation, that reached number one on the British Charts. Other hits included “Judy Teen” and a funky “Here Comes the Sun.”
“Sebastian” from their 1973 debut album “The Human Menagerie” even topped charts in Belgium and the Netherlands. In 1986, Harley and Sarah Brightman sang the title song for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”
Steve Harley’s dedication to his craft was unwavering, even in his later years. He continued to grace the stage, sharing his music and passion with his fans. His last performance was in 2023, showcasing his enduring love for music and his commitment to his audience.
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