Chris Rea, the singer and guitarist remembered for hits including the festive classic ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, has died aged 74.
The news was confirmed by his family today (December 22), with a spokesperson for his wife and two children saying: “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,” they added.
The Middlesbrough native released his debut album in 1978 and scored hits with ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’, ‘On The Beach’, ‘Josephine’ and ‘The Road To Hell (Part 2)’, but it is the 1988 hit ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ for which he will be best remembered.
He released over 25 studio albums, two of which – ‘The Road To Hell’ (1989) and ‘Auberge’ (1991) – topped the UK Albums Chart, and his music blended blues, pop and soul.
Rea was born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough, one of seven children to an Italian father and an Irish mother, and his first work came in his family’s ice cream business.
He taught himself to play guitar, developing a distinctive slide guitar style, but he did not pursue a career in music until his early 20s, when he joined the band Magdalene, which had been formed by future Deep Purple singer David Coverdale.
We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Rea.
A Teesside icon. Rest in peace, Chris
pic.twitter.com/LFZHiXqYSX
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 22, 2025
He released his first solo single ‘So Much Love’ in 1974, but it was ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’ that earned him his breakthrough in 1978, picking up a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
His most successful commercial period came in the late ‘80s, releasing a string of six UK top 10 albums. ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ was originally recorded in 1986 and had been intended for Van Morrison to record, but it became a hit for Rea two years later when it was included on the 1988 compilation ‘New Light Through Old Windows’.
Last week, Rea gave an interview in which he revealed he was under a driving ban when he wrote the song. “It’s a frustrating song, but it’s also hopeful and comforting,” he explained.
“It’s funny, because I’d just been banned from driving when I wrote it. But I was feeling good at the time too, and people say they can hear that infectious feel-good mood when they hear it.”
He battled ill health for many years, being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1994 and undergoing surgery to remove his pancreas, gallbladder and part of his liver. He also suffered a stroke in 2016, and collapsed on stage in Oxford a year later.
Rea is survived by his wife Joan, who he began dating in the late ‘60s, and their daughters Josephine and Julia.
The post Chris Rea, guitarist and ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ singer, dies aged 74 appeared first on NME.
Chris Rea, guitarist and ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ singer, dies aged 74
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