Chris REAChris Rea: Driving Home For Christmas star dies
Singer Chris Rea, known for hits including Driving Home For Christmas, has died at the age of 74 after a short health battle, a spokesperson for his family said "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." Just hours before his death, a social media post was shared on Chris's Instagram page – showing a snowy motorway as motorists made their way home for the festive period.
A highway sign read: "Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories." Speaking on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing, Chris said of his huge single five years ago: "I just thought I'd drive home for Christmas, I was on the dole when I wrote that.
"I'd just been, my manager had just left me, I'd been banned from driving, my now wife Joan, she had to drive down to London, pick me up in the Mini and take me home. And that's when I wrote it." Reflecting on how he felt when he heard the iconic song, he explained: "I think of that lovely little holiday in the Maldives. I'm not a very good pop star I wish I was. I'd like to me, when I look at Sting and people like that, I think 'I wish I was like him.'" He added that he "loved Christmas" and always went all out with a big tree and a "fine assortment" of wines for Christmas.
Chris, born in Middlesbrough, was previously diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before having his pancreas removed in 2001. In 2016, he also suffered from a stroke.
The singer found fame in the Seventies and Eighties with his songs, including Fool (If You Think It's Over), Let's Dance, and the Road To Hell. His debut album, Whatever Happened To Benny Santini? (1978) referenced the stage name which his record label had hoped he would adopt. His track, Fool (If You Think It's Over), saw Chris nominated for a Grammy Award. However, his career started to slow down shortly after.
But his eighth studio album, On The Beach, spawned a hit of the same name and saw Chris' fame across the UK and Europe reach new heights. He later became one of the UK's biggest solo musicians. But in 1986, he once again found a new level of fame thanks to Driving Home For Christmas.
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