Steve Harley, lead singer of British glam rock act Cockney Rebel and their 1975 hit “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me),” has died aged 73.
Harley's family confirmed his death in Suffolk, England, on Sunday in a statement (via The guardian), “We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. The song of the birds from his forest that he loved so much was singing for him. His house is filled with the sounds and laughter of his four grandchildren.”
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Harley died just one month later was announced that he would withdraw from the tour in 2024 “due to ongoing cancer treatment”.
London-born Harley joined Cockney Rebel in 1972, with the band's debut LP. The Human Menagerie arriving next year. After 1973 Psychomodo — co-produced by Harley and Alan Parsons — a major line-up reshuffle resulted in the band renaming themselves Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel in 1975, the same year the group released what would become their most enduring song, 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me).”
Although it wasn't a hit in the US – it only reached Number 96 on the stateside Hot 100, the band's only time to touch the US charts – “Make Me Smile” was a number one smash in the UK and in the following decades was covered over 100 times by artists such as Duran Duran (as the B-side to their single “The Reflex”), Erasure, Wedding Present and Suzy Quatro. The track was also featured in movies like Velvet Goldmine and Every possibility.
Harley and Cockney Rebel remained successful across the Atlantic before disbanding (temporarily) in 1977. Harley then embarked on a solo career while also reviving Cockney Rebel from time to time. Harley's last album was in 2020 Uncovereda collection of covers.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Steve Harley”, Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark he tweeted Sunday. “His music was decidedly and persistently unconventional. Deeply distinctive lyrics and vocal turns.”
Ultravox singer Midge Ure He wrote“Steve Harley was a true 'working musician' He toured until he couldn't tour anymore, playing his songs for his fans old and new… Our songs live on longer than we ever can.”
Harley's family added in their statement, “Whoever you know him, his heart exuded only basics. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.”
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