Chris Rea dead at 74: Tributes pour in for ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ singer
Chris Rea, the singer behind the iconic festive hit ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has died aged 74.
A statement released by his family on December 22nd said: “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.”
Despite the festive season and the aptness for his best-known hit, Rea’s work spanned decades within the rock and blues sphere.
Hailing from Middlesbrough, the singer released over 25 albums. His most acclaimed were his tenth and 11th records, respectively, The Road to Hell and Auberge. Released in 1989 and 1991, both albums shot to number one in the UK. They contributed to Rea selling over 40 million records throughout the world.
The singer sadly developed serious health issues from an early age, beginning with stomach ulcers and pancreatic cancer in the 1990s, which he subsequently recovered from after undergoing major abdominal surgery.
Rea also suffered a stroke in 2016, but managed to recover from this too by quitting drinking and smoking, which allowed him to return to performing in his final years.
Tributes are beginning to pour in for the star from throughout the music industry.
Novelist Tony Parsons took to X to say: “Top man, Chris Rea. Hugely underrated songwriter. Rest well, Chris.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan also announced the news to his followers on the platform, saying: “Chris Rea, who wrote and sang one of the most famous festive songs in history, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has died just three days before Christmas, aged 74.”
Rea’s beloved Middlesbrough FC also paid tribute on X, saying of the star: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Rea. A Teesside icon. Rest in peace, Chris.”
Noting some of the singer’s health struggles in recent years, author Martin Knight also said: “R.I.P. Chris Rea. Solid musician who overcame pancreatic cancer & debilitating strokes. Wife, Joan, he has been with since 1968. Impeccable timing having given us the most atmospheric Christmas song – ‘Driving Home For Christmas’. Saw him last on ‘Gone Fishing’ with Bob & Paul,” referring to the TV show hosted by comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.
TV personality Lizzie Cundy, who worked with Rea on his festive tune, said on the platform: “I’m so sad to hear Chris Rea has died. I was lucky enough to star in his music video [for] ‘Driving Home for Christmas’. I loved every minute and was an honour to work with him and be in his iconic music video. He will always be an inspiration and legend to me. Rest in peace Chris.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.