The iconic British singer-songwriter from Middlesborough has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Writer of the massively popular Christmas song Driving Home for Christmas, died in hospital just three days before Christmas Day. A member of his family has shared that he fell ill recently and it ultimately took his life.
“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.” – Family Spokesperson
Chris had a wife, Joan, and two kids, Josephine and Julia. Joan and Chris met when they were sixteen years old in Middlesborough. Over his lengthy musical career Chris Rea released 25-studio albums with The Road to Hell and Auberge topping the charts in the UK. Across the globe and down under many knew him for his Christmas smash hit Driving Home For Christmas. In an interview with none other than UK Comedy Legend Bob Mortimer, Rea had this to say on the Christmas anthem.
“I was on the dole when I wrote that. My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving. My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.” – Chris Rea
