Steve Harley, Cockney Rebel Frontman, Passes Away at 73

Steve Harley, frontman of the British rock group Cockney Rebel, has died at the age of 73. His most well-known song is 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)', which reached the top of the charts in 1975. The English musician was still touring until last December, but cancelled subsequent concert dates to undergo cancer treatment. His family stated that Harley 'passed away peacefully at home', adding: 'We know he will be greatly missed by people all over the world'. Harley, born in London on February 27, 1951, lived in Ipswich, on the border of Essex and Suffolk with his wife Dorothy, with whom he had two children, Kerr and Greta. His family was by his side at the time of farewell. Cockney Rebel were active from 1972 to 1977, then again for two brief reunion periods before a definitive return in 1996, although for most of that time they were effectively a solo project of Harley. Along with 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)' the band had other hits, including 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft' and a cover of the Beatles' 'Here Comes the Sun'. The original Cockney Rebel band consisted of Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and guitarist Nick Jones. Their debut studio album, 'The Human Menagerie', was released in 1973.