A TRIBUTE TO STEVE HARLEY

The music world was shocked last week to learn of the passing of the original cockney rebel, Steve Harley

Born in Deptford in 1951, Steve was a true rock and roll icon, touring until late last year. I was lucky enough to chat to Steve a few years ago and it was an absolute pleasure; more recently I saw him play live at the Shepherds Bush Empire in 2022. What a show that was. A true performer, gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to have met him.

Steve’s daughter Greta said today:

“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful Husband and Father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side. 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.”

Watch Steve play his classic song ‘Make Me Smile’ at the Shepherds Bush Empire in 2022 below:

Andy Scott from The Sweet comments:

“I was shocked to hear the sad news that Steve had died. I’d heard he was being treated for Cancer but as he was still performing thought it was under control. I’m in a similar situation so it certainly challenges one’s mortality. He was a very generous supporter of our Rock Against Cancer fundraiser. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, another similarity and I send deepest condolences to his family. The music lives on! RIP”

And finally, Jim Cregan remembers:

It all began with George Ford

I knew bassist George from playing in a band called Ferris Wheel with Linda Lewis. George very kindly recommended me to play guitar on a session with Steve Harley. We had never met before. The sessions took place at AIR London, high above Oxford Circus. I had been warned that Steve might be difficult, but he was delightful and we hit it off right away. It must have gone reasonably well because days later I got a call inviting me to play the Reading Festival with him. The only problem was, we had just two days rehearsal. I made cheat sheets, reminding me how many verses before the chorus etc. It was a beautiful day and my notes were on the corner of the drum riser. Suddenly a gust of wind took them and scattered them out into the crowd. My heart sank. How the hell my memory pulled all that stuff out of my standard-issue Irish brain I will never know.

But Steve was magnificent. He held the audience in raptures. They sang and danced and were his to command. I was so impressed that when he offered me the job immediately after the show, I was delighted to say yes. So a friendship of more than 50 years was born.

Stuart Elliott, George Ford, Duncan Mackay, and I became Cockney Rebel. It was a very creative time, and Steve was most generous by giving us the freedom to make suggestions and create arrangements right there in the studio. He has just enough skill on guitar and piano to create songs and somehow, because
of that, he didn’t feel the need to follow any set rules and consequently was absolutely fearless.

That record changed our lives. The guitar solo in “Make me Smile,” put me on the map as a soloist. The record became one of the most played tracks ever, on BBC radio. But the most important factor was the joy, camaraderie, and utter foolishness that we shared. For a long, long time, we could do no wrong. And
it was brilliant

For me, there was just one small problem. I have always been a songwriter and Steve really didn’t need a collaborator so that part of my expression had to take a backseat. So when Rod Stewart offered me a job which included songwriting, I felt I had to take it.

One of the most difficult days of my life was telling Steve I was leaving. We drove up to Kenwood House in Hampstead and walked around the gardens for most of the afternoon. In his usual generous way, he supported the huge opportunity that lay before me. We were both so sad to bring our adventures to a halt but change is always round the corner for us all. He could not have been more understanding and I loved him for that.

The irony is that later, Steve and I collaborated on a song that Rod Stewart sang on one of his albums. I helped put Rod and Steve together for a few other songs as well, writing lyrics together and they both became good friends.

I would go to Steve and Dorothy’s house in the country and write with him. I had to squeeze an idea in-between watching the horse racing. Quite a challenge. When he moved to Los Angeles, I was already there, staying in a hotel for several months while trying to find a house to buy. He suggested I stayed with him and it became a magnificent party house where any visiting musicians were welcome. Eventually, I had to go back on the road with Rod as we had finished the album.

Steve returned to UK, but I remained in Los Angeles for several more years until I, too had had enough.

He decided it would be fun, 30 years after our first hits to put the old band together, sadly, without George, who had passed away. We toured Britain playing those songs from so long ago. Kids reborn.

We lived quite a long way from each other, me living in Dorset on the coast, and him in the beautiful Suffolk countryside but we kept in contact, up until a few days before he passed away.

There was no one like him, and most likely there never will be. There have been so many beautiful eulogies for him over the last few days. In the papers and all over social media.

So I will just say this.
I will miss him,
forever.

“A Friend For Life”
Words and Music by S. Harley & J. Cregan. Sung by Rod Stewart