Musician Steve Harley has died aged 73 following a short battle with cancer.
The frontman of rock group Cockney Rebel passed away at his home in Suffolk on Sunday morning.
Steve’s daughter Greta confirmed the singer-songwriter had “passed away peacefully” with his family, including wife Dorothy, by his side.
“We know he will be desperately missed by people all over the world,” she added in a statement. "Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance.”
London-born Steve was best known for writing the hit track Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), which topped the charts when it was released in 1975.
In October last year it was announced a series of Steve Harley Acoustic Band shows scheduled for January had been cancelled as the star was recuperating following a medical procedure.
In December Steve revealed he had been “heartbroken” to cancel tour dates as he opened up about his health battle.
“I'm fighting a nasty cancer,” he wrote on his website. “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.”
In February the music star’s social media pages confirmed Steve couldn’t commit to any concert dates in 2024 due to his ongoing health problems.
“Steve is hoping next year will be altogether different,” the message read. “He appreciates all your kind words and good wishes.”
Cockney Rebel enjoyed success in the early 70s and over the years released a series of albums, with 12 singles making it into the UK charts.
Steve also enjoyed success as a solo artist and presented BBC Radio 2 show Sounds of the 70s from 1999 to 2008.
