1970s star dies after cancer fight

Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley has died “peacefully at home” at the age of 73.

The rock band were best known for their hit Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), which went to No 1 in the UK in 1975.

In December, Harley said he was “fighting a nasty cancer” for which he was receiving treatment, but “thankfully” he could still sing most evenings.

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 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.”

In a post on his official website on Christmas Eve, Harley wished his fans a “happy, healthy new year” as he revealed his 2023 has been a “tale of two halves”.

He said the first half had been “often magical” as he got to play on stage in Europe with his band members, saying “out there, on the road, that’s where I come alive”.

He added the latter half had been “heartbreaking” as they had to cancel live show dates.

He added: “I’m fighting a nasty cancer. My oncologist is pleased with the treatment’s effects so far. It’s tiresome, and tiring. But the fight is on.

“And thankfully the cursed intruder is not affecting the voice.”

Harley was born in Deptford, south London in 1951, and due to polio, he spent almost four years in hospital from childhood to his teenage days.

He first worked as a trainee accountant and then a journalist for several regional publications.

The singer turned his hand to music, performing in London folk clubs in the early 1970s and later forming Cockney Rebel.

Their released their debut studio album, The Human Menagerie, in 1973 and followed it up with 1994’s The Psychomodo which went to No 8 in the UK charts.

COME UP AND SEE ME: Steve Harley, left, in his heyday and in 2004 with the Cockney Rebel at the Eastleigh Festival.