Chris Rea, the voice behind the festive anthem Driving Home For Christmas, has died aged 74 after a brief illness, just days before the big day.
Christmas Music Legend Passes Away
Middlesbrough-born singer Chris Rea, who wrote the iconic track in 1978, died peacefully in hospital three days before Christmas. A family statement confirmed:
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Lifelong Love Story with Wife Joan
Chris and his wife Joan shared a rare and enduring romance, having met as teenagers in Middlesbrough. Joan was with him when he penned his Christmas classic. The couple stayed inseparable throughout the years, raising two daughters, Josephine and Julia Christina.
From Hardship to Hit Christmas Song
Chris revealed the festive favourite was born during tough times. “I was on the dole when I wrote that,” he said. “My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving. Joan had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home — that’s when I wrote it.”
Notably, he was banned from driving when he created his signature tune.
Health Battles and Career Triumphs
Rea fought serious health battles, including pancreatic cancer at 33. He survived nine major operations and spent months in hospital. Later, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Despite this, Chris dropped 25 studio albums and scored two UK number ones with The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991). His seasonal hit Driving Home For Christmas has charted every year since 2007, hitting number 10 in 2021.
His last TV appearance was in 2020’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing, where he shared his life story and Christmas cheer.
The music world bids farewell to a true legend this festive season — Chris Rea will be missed but never forgotten.
