The music world is in mourning following the death of legendary British singer-songwriter Chris Rea. The artist, best known for the perennial festive anthem 'Driving Home For Christmas,' passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed the sad news in a statement, revealing he died peacefully in hospital after a short illness, with his loved ones by his side.
A Life Marked by Musical Hits and Health Struggles
Chris Rea's journey was one of remarkable musical success intertwined with significant health challenges. He first rose to fame in the late 1970s and solidified his place in music history throughout the 1980s with iconic tracks like 'Fool (If You Think It's Over),' 'Let's Dance,' and 'The Road to Hell.'
However, behind the scenes, Rea faced serious medical battles. In 2001, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, leading to the surgical removal of his pancreas. His resilience was tested again in 2016 when he suffered a stroke. The family's statement did not specify the exact cause of his recent passing.
The Accidental Christmas Anthem
While Rea had many hits, none became more culturally embedded than 'Driving Home For Christmas,' released in 1986. In a recent interview just last week with the Daily Express, Rea shared the song's unlikely origin story. He revealed it was initially written for the famous singer Van Morrison and then spent eight years gathering dust.
The track was finally released as the B-side to 'Hello Friend.' Its path to fame was pure chance: a DJ accidentally played the B-side instead of the intended A-side. "I still don't know why or how that mix-up happened," Rea admitted. This fortunate error launched the song on its journey to becoming a modern Christmas staple, gaining more popularity each year, especially in the streaming era.
Rea believed the song's universal theme was key to its success. "It's got a story everyone can relate to," he explained. "You're stuck in traffic, when all you want to do is to get home and be with your loved ones. Everyone in the country is doing the same thing at the same time." He added a personal note, saying, "It's a frustrating song, but it's also hopeful and comforting. It's funny, because I'd just been banned from driving when I wrote it."
Reluctant Performer of a Beloved Classic
Despite the song's massive popularity, Rea famously avoided performing it live for decades. It wasn't until 2014 that his tour crew convinced him to include it in his setlist. The reaction was overwhelming. "The response was nuts," he recalled. "The noise was deafening, and we covered everyone with fake snow." The festive stunt came with a costly surprise: a £12,000 fine for the post-show cleanup. Rea joked, "I was more in the Christmas spirit than the venue was."
The song's enduring appeal was highlighted this very festive season, featuring prominently in a major Marks & Spencer advertisement, introducing it to new generations.
In their statement, Rea's heartbroken family expressed "immense sadness," remembering him as a "beloved" husband, father, and grandfather. Chris Rea leaves behind a rich musical legacy that spans decades. His songs, particularly that one hopeful soundtrack to the holiday commute, will continue to resonate for countless Christmases to come, as millions once again find themselves driving home.
