Chris Rea, Beloved Guitarist and Songwriter, Dies at 74

English rock and blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Chris Rea has passed away at the age of 74. The news was confirmed via a statement on his official social media pages.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who died peacefully earlier today following a short illness,” the statement read. “Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.”

From Middlesbrough to Global Stardom

Born in Middlesbrough in 1951, Rea did not begin playing guitar until his early twenties. Influenced by blues and early rock ’n’ roll icons like Charlie Patton, Willie Johnson, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, as well as contemporaries such as Ry Cooder and Joe Walsh, he quickly developed a distinctive style.

After several early setbacks, Rea signed with Magnet Records and released his debut album Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? in 1978. The album included “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which became his biggest hit in the United States, though Rea initially wished it had a more Memphis blues feel.

“I signed a record contract that was the only one available to me at the time,” he told Classic Rock in 2017. “I signed with the wrong record company for what I wanted to do, and I’ve been playing catch-up ever since.”

Rea gradually rose to fame in Europe, achieving a UK breakthrough with 1986’s On The Beach and 1987’s Dancing With Strangers. His 1989 multi-platinum album The Road to Hell cemented his superstar status, spawning hits like the title track and the enduring holiday classic “Driving Home For Christmas.”

Triumphs Over Health Struggles

Throughout his career, Rea faced severe health challenges. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at just 33, he also suffered stomach ulcers and underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy in 2000. In 2016, he experienced a stroke that temporarily affected his ability to play guitar.

“Boy, that was a big shock,” he told Classic Rock. “When I first got home, I couldn’t play slide guitar. It was horrific. Very scary moment. I couldn’t play F major 7th. I got it into my head that my perception of pitch had gone with the stroke. And it took a lot of convincing from people saying there’s nothing wrong with what you’re playing.”

Despite the setbacks, Rea continued to tour and record, even collapsing onstage in Oxford in 2017 after 35 shows on a European tour. Before each performance, he underwent three hours of hand therapy.

“I’m fine when I’m sitting down, I’ve just got a little bit of balance,” he said. “It’s a bit dodgy, just in case anyone thinks I’m drunk on-stage.”

Rea’s final album, One Fine Day, was released in 2019, a testament to his enduring passion for music. Reflecting on his career and struggles, he told Classic Rock, “I’m happy to be here. I really am. And y’know, if you lose your pancreas and you’re on morphine for sixteen weeks in hospital, then you can say: ‘What’s wrong with me singing the blues?’”

Chris Rea leaves behind a rich legacy of music that touched countless fans around the world, a testament to his resilience, talent, and love for the blues.