The music world is in mourning following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Chris Rea at the age of 74. The musician, known for his gravelly voice and blues-infused rock, passed away in hospital after a short illness, his family confirmed in a statement.
The Humble Origins of a Christmas Classic
In a poignant final television interview from 2020, Rea shared the surprisingly difficult personal circumstances that surrounded the creation of his timeless festive anthem, 'Driving Home For Christmas'. The artist revealed he was 'on the dole' – receiving Jobseeker's Allowance – and had just been banned from driving when the song's iconic melody and lyrics came to him.
Speaking on 'Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing', Rea explained the chain of events. His manager had recently left him, compounding his professional uncertainty. After his driving ban was imposed, his then-girlfriend and future wife, Joan, had to drive a Mini to London to collect him. It was during that journey home that the concept for the song was born.
A Bittersweet Legacy and Health Battles
Despite the song's massive annual success, Rea admitted to complex feelings about his pop stardom. When asked how he felt hearing the track each year, he wistfully referenced a holiday in the Maldives it afforded him, but added, 'I'm not a very good pop star I wish I was.' He expressed admiration for peers like Sting, stating he wished he could emulate their career trajectory.
Away from the music, Rea faced profound health challenges, which he discussed openly. In 1994, at the height of his success, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He underwent major surgery where surgeons removed his pancreas, duodenum, gall bladder, and part of his liver. The procedure left him a Type 1 diabetic, requiring 34 pills daily, and he later suffered kidney failure.
He recalled the moment a nurse told him he did not have the most severe Grade 3 cancer, news that made his wife Joan burst into tears. Rea joked about the aftermath, saying, 'She got all the money, all the rights to the songs, she won't give me them back.'
A Final Farewell
The family's statement, released via the Press Association, read: '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.'
In a hauntingly timely post, Rea's Instagram account shared an image of a snowy motorway just hours before his death was announced. The caption, echoing his most famous work, read: 'Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories.'
Chris Rea, a musician who loved Christmas and ensured his own celebrations were marked with a large tree and fine wines, leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience and a song that has become the soundtrack to the holidays for millions.
