Steve Harley had a big international hit with the song ”Make me smile (come up and see me)” 1975. The song has been heard in several film soundtracks, among others “Allt or nothing” (1997), “Velvet goldmine” (1998) and “Saving Grace” (2000).
Formed in 1972, Cockeny Rebel was more or less a solo project for Harley. He continued to release music both under his own name and as Cockney Rebel over the following decades and toured until 2023 when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Following the news of his death, condolences have poured in from fellow musicians and fans.
Midge Ure, frontman i Ultravox, calling in a post on X Steve Harley for a “true ‘musician'”:
“He toured until he couldn’t tour anymore, playing his songs to fans old and new. Our songs will outlive what we do.”
Songwriter Mike Batt, who, among other things, is behind Art Garfunkel’s “Bright eyes” type in X: “What a talent. What a character. What a wonderful guy.”
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