Steve Harley, frontman of rock group Cockney Rebel, has died

Steve Harley, best known for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel, has died at the age of 73, his family has said.

The English singer and songwriter was receiving treatment for cancer.

"We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side," his family said in a statement on his Facebook page.

Image: Pic: PA

"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.

"Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance."

Harley's family said they knew the singer would be "desperately missed by people all over the world".

The band is famous for hits including Make Me Smile, which went to number one in the UK charts in 1975, and Here Comes The Sun.

Earlier this year, Harley was forced to say he could not commit to any concerts in 2024 due to ill health.

He had previously cancelled shows scheduled for spring and autumn of this year.

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In a Facebook post at Christmas, he said cancelling the shows were "heartbreaking" and gave an update on hs treatment.

Image: Steve Harley in 1974. Pic: David Stevens/ANL/Shutterstock

He also thanked fans for their support and "touching messages", adding: "It means more than I can tell."

Singer-songwriter Mike Batt, who worked with Harley on many songs, described the musician as a "dear pal" and "lovely guy".

The pair worked together on tracks including Ballerina (Prima Donna) released in 1983 and they were joined by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson for the 1988 charity single Whatever You Believe.

"Oh no! My dear pal, Steve Harley has died," Batt posted on X.

"I just found out on Twitter. I was just writing about him yesterday in my autobiography.

"What a talent. What a character. What a lovely guy. My condolences to Dorothy and all. RIP, mate. Will write more soon."

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Born in southeast London in 1951, due to a childhood illness, he spent almost four years in hospital between his childhood to his teenage days.

He joined the Daily Express as a trainee accountant aged 17 before working as a journalist for several regional newspapers including the East London Advertiser.

Cockney Rebel began in the early 1970s in London. The original line-up was made up of Harley, Jean-Paul Crocker, drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys and guitarist Nick Jones.

They released their debut studio album, The Human Menagerie, in 1973 and followed it up with 1994's The Psychomodo which went to number eight in the UK charts.

Harley also enjoyed a solo career before the band regrouped in 1990.

He also presented the BBC Radio 2 show Sounds of the 70s for several years, before it was dropped from the station's schedule in 2008.

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