Rock musician Steve Harley dies age 73 following short battle with cancer - after Cockney Rebel star paused tour to undergo treatment

Rock musician Steve Harley has died at the age of 73.

The English singer and songwriter was best known for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel.

He died at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning following a short battle with cancer - after pausing his current tour last month to undergo treatment.

His daughter Greta said he had 'passed away peacefully at home', adding: 'We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world.' 

In February, his official social media page said: 'Due to on-going treatment for cancer, Steve cannot commit to any concerts in 2024. Steve is hoping next year will be altogether different. He appreciates all you kind words and good wishes. Team SH.' 

Rock musician Steve Harley has died at the age of 73 (seen in 2020)

The English singer and songwriter was best known for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel (seen in 1974)

His most well-known song was 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)', which he wrote and released in 1975. 

Last October he announced the cancellation of the Steve Harley Acoustic Band shows that were scheduled to take place in January 2024 due to undergoing a medical procedure followed by a 'period of recuperation'. 

Then at Christmas he sent a message on his website as he told how cancelling tour dates was 'heartbreaking' but that he was fighting a 'nasty' cancer.

He said: '2023 has not exactly been an annus horribilis for me, as the first half was often magical, with some great nights on stage with Barry, Oli and David. And the full rock band in Holland and Belgium, and Denmark….out there, on the road, that's where I come alive.

'The second half, well…cancelling Live dates is heartbreaking. I'm aware of the stress and financial strain it can place On you.

'But I'm fighting a nasty cancer. My oncologist is pleased with the treatment's effects so far. It's tiresome, and tiring. But the fight is on. And thankfully the cursed intruder is not affecting the voice. I sing and play most evenings.'

After announcing a break from his tour his fans were quick to send him well wishes under the post.

One penned: 'All the best with your treatment Steve, here's hoping for a full recovery.' 

Another commented: 'Hope you feel better soon, sending love to you and yours.' 

He died at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning following a short battle with cancer - after pausing his current tour last month to undergo treatment

Cockney Rebel were a rock band that gained success in the early 1970s in London. Their music covered a range of styles from pop to progressive rock

Over the years they had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart (seen in 1974)

At Christmas he sent a message on his website as he told how cancelling tour dates was 'heartbreaking' but that he was fighting a 'nasty' cancer

A third wrote: 'Sending positive thoughts your way. Best wishes to you and your family.' 

Cockney Rebel were a rock band that gained success in the early 1970s in London.

Their music covered a range of styles from pop to progressive rock. 

Over the years they had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart.

The original band was made up of Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys and guitarist Nick Jones.

He enjoyed a brief stint as a solo artist before the band regrouped in April 1990 after the success of Harley's 1989 tour. 

From 1999 to 2008, Harley presented the BBC 2 radio show, Sounds of the 70s. Tony Blackburn has since hosted the show since 2017. 

Paul Henderson, former Daily Mail journalist, paid tribute to Harley after his passing was announced.

He said: 'I am stunned by the death of my lovely friend Steve Harley. He was a great musician and singer and in many ways more importantly a deep thinking, compassionate man who wanted the best for his family and friends. That's way he wrote and sung such wonderful songs.

His most well-known song was 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)', which he wrote and released in 1975

He enjoyed a brief stint as a solo artist before the band regrouped in April 1990 after the success of Harley's 1989 tour

Last October he announced the cancellation of the Steve Harley Acoustic Band shows that were scheduled to take place in January 2024 (seen in 2015)

'My dearest memories are of Steve walking into the tiny East London Advertiser newsroom on Mile End Road, where we were cub reporters in the early Seventies, with his guitar slung over his shoulder. Then, he'd play a few tunes and we would have a good laugh.

'He gave up journalism and became a busker on the London Underground while trying to make his way in the world of rock music. Steve, you were always going to surprise us all and made your dreams come true despite your childhood polio which I never once heard you complain about. Your live music and beautiful smile will be deeply missed.'

After his death on Sunday was announced fans took to social media to express their sadness.

One penned: 'R.i.P….Steve Harley…another one.'

A second wrote: 'Brilliant musician and great story teller. Fab live performer and regular at Kenney Jones's Rock 'n' Horsepower festivals.'

A third poignantly penned: 'And God said, 'Come up and see me, make me smile.' So he did. Rest in peace.'