Steve Harley dies aged 73 just one month after Cockney Rebel frontman was forced to cancel tour
Steve Harley died at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning
PA
Musician Steve Harley has died of cancer at the age of 73.
He died at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning, just one month after his team announced he was pausing his tour to undergo treatment.
A statement from his daughter Greta 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.
“Stephen. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.
“We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world, and we ask that you respectfully allow us privacy to grieve.”
The English singer was the frontman of the band Cockney Rebel, with the rock band gaining success in the 1970s.
Steve Harley died at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning
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Fans of the music legend took to social media to pay tribute to the performer.
"Brilliant musician and great story teller. Fab live performer and regular at Kenney Jones’s Rock ‘n’ Horsepower festivals," said one.
Another said: "RIP Steve Harley. Cockney Rebel had some fantastic singles and those first couple of albums were brilliant."
A third added: "It’s been a very sad week in Music, First Karl Wallinger, then Eric Carmen and now Steve Harley!
Steve Harley was best known for as the frontman of Cockney Rebel
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"RIP Steve, thank you for Making Me Smile. One of The Greatest Songs Ever written and sung."
Meanwhile a fourth person stated: "RIP Steve Harley. Cockney Rebel, the first gig I ever went to when I was a young teen."
Over the years Cockney Rebel had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart.
The group's first single, Sebastian, was an instant hit in Europe - though it failed to make it into the UK charts.
Their popularity then grew with the release of their first album in 1973, building up a loyal following in London.
Cockney Rebel became best known for the 1975 single Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), which became a UK number one single in February 1975.
The band's biggest selling hit sold over one million copies globally.
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