British blues-rock singer and guitarist Chris Rea, best known for huge 1980s hits “On The Beach”, “The Road To Hell (Part 2)” and “Driving Home For Christmas”, has died aged 74.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” said his family in a statement. “He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Rea was born in Middlesbrough in 1951, and learned slide guitar by playing along to the Delta blues greats in the stockroom of his Dad’s ice-cream factory. With Elton John producer Gus Dudgeon at the helm, Rea’s 1978 debut album Whatever Happened To Benny Santini? yielded the No 12 US hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, though it wasn’t until eight years later that he properly broke through in the UK, with the title track from the 1986 album On The Beach.
Rea’s other memorable ’80s hits included “The Road To Hell (Part 2)”, “Josephine” – a staple in the sets of Balearic DJs – and still-ubiquitous seasonal classic, “Driving Home For Christmas”.
His 21st century releases found Rea returning to his first love, the blues. Overall, he released 25 studio albums and scored 32 UK Top 75 singles.
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