Steve Harley, the celebrated lead singer of Cockney Rebel, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73, his family confirmed. The band’s iconic track “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” reached the pinnacle of the British charts in 1975.
Steve Harley had been battling cancer, as reported by the BBC. His official website revealed that his ongoing treatments made it impossible for him to commit to a planned concert tour in 2024.
In a heartfelt statement on his Facebook page, his family shared, “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved husband and father has left us. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones. His absence will be felt deeply across the globe, and we kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”
Cockney Rebel, a band that emerged in the early 1970s in London, was initially formed by Steve Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and guitarist Nick Jones, as noted by the BBC.
The song “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” enjoyed a nine-week run on the British charts, securing the number one spot for two weeks in late February and early March of 1975.
The band achieved significant success with four top 10 hits in the UK, including “Judy Teen” which reached No. 5, “Mr. Soft” at No. 8, and “Here Comes the Sun,” which climbed to No. 10.