Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley dies at the age of 73
Harley was behind tracks like "Make Me Smile" and "Psychomodo"
Last updated 17th Mar 2024
Cockney Rebel lead singer Steve Harley has died "peacefully at home" at the age of 73, according to his family.
The progressive glam rock band topped the charts during the 1970s with their hits "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" and "Judy Teen", which each reached the top 5 in the charts.
Harley's band were at their most prominent in the mid-1970s, forming part of the growing glam rock scene at the time, working alongside contemporaries including Slade and Wizard.
After the group dissolved, Steve continued to release his own music, keeping within the progressive rock genre - with his last single released in 2020.
In a statement, Steve's daughter Greta confirmed that the singer had passed away - and paid tribute to their father and husband.
"We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side," Greta wrote.
"The birdsong from his woodland that he loved so much was singing for him. His home has been filled with the sounds and laughter of his four grandchildren.
"Stephen. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.
"We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world, and we ask that you respectfully allow us privacy to grieve."
These are some of the stars we have lost in 2024 so far:
Glynis Johns
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Derek Draper
Kate Garraway announced on 5th January that her beloved husband Derek Draper had sadly passed away, after suffering a cardiac arrest in early December.
She wrote on Instagram: 'I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications. Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible. Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.' (sic)
David Soul
Actor and singer David Soul sadly died at the age of 80 in early January. He was best known for his role as Detective Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson in the television series Starsky & Hutch, but also had a string of music hits in the 70s.
Christian Oliver
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JPR Williams
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams sadly died at the age of 74 in January. It's understood he passed away in hospital surrounded by his family after short illness battling bacterial meningitis.
Adan Canto
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Georgina Hale
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Annie Nightingale CBE
Annie Nightingale, trailblazing presenter and DJ, sadly died at the age of 83 in January, following a short illness. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, where they described her a "pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many."
Lynne Marta
Footloose, Joe Kidd and Starsky & Hutch actress Lynne Marta sadly passed away at the age of 78 in January, following a short battle with cancer. Marta's friend Chris Saint-Hilaire confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Martin McCallum
British theatre director Martin McCallum, best known for shows such as Cats and Les Miserables, sadly passed away at the age of 73 in January, peacefully and surrounded by his beloved family.
Frank Farian
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Mummy Pat Webb
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Chita Rivera
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Jonnie Irwin
After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020, and it later spreading to his brain, TV presenter Jonnie Irwin sadly passed away at the age of 50 in February. His family released a statement to confirm the sad news, with tributes pouring in from the world of entertainment.
Carl Weathers
American actor Carl Weathers, best known for playing the role of Apollo Creed in the Rocky films franchise, sadly passed away at the age of 76 in February. According to a statement by his family, Carl died peacefully in his sleep.
Aston Barrett
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Ian Lavender
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Michael Jayston
Actor Michael Jayston, best known for roles in Doctor Who and Only Fools and Horses, sadly died in February following a short illness. Michael's agent confirmed the news, saying: "It is with great sadness that I have been asked by his family to share the news Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning (Monday) after a short illness.
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Toby Keith
Country music legend Toby Keith sadly died at the age of 62 in February, following a battle with stomach cancer.
Steve Wright
Legendary broadcaster Steve Wright sadly died at the age of 69 in February. In a statement shared with the BBC, Steve's family said: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright."
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Robin Windsor
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor sadly passed away at the age off 44 in February. Robin appeared on the show between 2010-2012, working with the likes of Deborah Meaden, Lisa Riley, Anita Dobson and Patsy Kensit. Tributes have poured in for Robin from the world of entertainment.
Ewen Macintosh
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John Savident
Actor John Savident, best known for playing the role of Fred Elliott in Coronation Street between 1994 and 2005, sadly passed away at the age of 86 in February. His agent confirmed the news, saying: "We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday. He was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
Chris Nicholl
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Kenneth Mitchell
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Dave Myers
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Cat Janice
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Eric Carmen
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Karl Wallinger
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M Emmet Walsh
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George Gilbey
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Chance Perdomo
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Gerry Conway
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Adrian Schiller
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OJ Simpson
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Mike Pinder
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Brian McCardie
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Richard Tandy
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Bernard Hill
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Kris Hallenga (founder of CoppaFeel!)
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Ian Gelder
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Susan Buckner
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Sam Rubin
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David Sanborn
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Gudrun Ure
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Charlie Colin (Train)
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Richard M Sherman
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Elizabeth MacRae
American actress Elizabeth MacRae, who starred in shows such as General Hospital and Gomer Pyle, sadly passed away at the age of 88 in May.
Colin Gibb (Black Lace)
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Nicholas Ball
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Dr Michael Mosley
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Paul Spencer (Dario G)
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Donald Sutherland
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Bill Cobbs
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Shannen Doherty
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Bob Newhart
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Ray Reardon MBE
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Roberta Taylor
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John Mayall
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Janet Andrewartha
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Sven-Göran Eriksson
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Fatman Scoop
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Sol Bamba
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Herbie Flowers
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'As a studio musician in London in the 60s and 70s he got to know and contribute to the music of Elton John, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Marc Bolin, Cat Stevens, Harry Nilsson, Al Kooper, Melanie and many other popular musicians.'
James Earl Jones
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Tito Jackson
Original member of The Jackson 5, Tito Jackson, sadly died at the age of 70 in September. His three sons announced the sad news in a statement, writing: 'We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their wellbeing.'
Dame Maggie Smith
Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress Dame Maggie Smith sadly passed away at the age of 89 on Friday 27th September. Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed she died peacefully in hospital. They said in a statement: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Kris Kristofferson
Grammy-winning singer and actor Kris Kristofferson sadly died at the age of 88 in late September. The American country star died "peacefully" at home in Maui, according to a statement issued on behalf of his family.
Cissy Houston
Grammy Award-winning singer Cissy Houston - mother of the legendary Whitney Houston - sadly died in early October 2024 surrounded by family in her New Jersey home, at the age of 91, having been under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease. On top of being the mother of the late Whitney Houston, Cissy was famed for her back-up singing for the likes of Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, as well as her vocals featuring on records with names such as Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyonce, and even her daughter, Whitney. Her daughter-in-law said: "Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family. Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives... Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts."
Alex Salmond
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Liam Payne
One Direction singer Liam Payne sadly died at the age of just 31 in October, following a fall from a hotel balcony whilst he was on holiday in Argentina. Following the shock news, tributes poured in for Liam from around the world of entertainment, with his former One Direction band mates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, all posting their own personal tributes.
Geoff Capes
Former strong man and British shot put record holder Geoff Capes sadly died at the age of 75 in October. His family confirmed the news of his death stating: "The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October. Britain's finest shot putter and twice world's strongest man."
Quincy Jones
Music producer Quincy Jones, who was known for his work with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, sadly died at the age of 91 in early November. In a statement, his family said: "Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him."
Trevor Sorbie
Scottish-born stylist Trevor Sorbie, who gained fame with the creation of the wedge cut as well as his TV appearances, sadly died in November, just weeks after revealing he only had little time left after his bowel cancer had spread to his liver.
Timothy West
Actor Timothy West, well known for his roles on TV and theatre as well as his marriage to Prunella Scales, sadly died at the age of 90 in November. His family said he died peacefully in his sleep "with his friends and family at the end."
John Prescott
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott sadly died at the age of 86 following a battle with Alzheimer's. His family announced the sad news in a statement online in November.
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote 40 novels including A Woman Of Substance, sadly died at the age of 91 in November. The author died peacefully at her home following a short illness.