The music world is in mourning following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Chris Rea, who passed away on 22 December at the age of 74. The Middlesbrough-born musician, best known for creating the perennial festive anthem 'Driving Home for Christmas', died just three days before Christmas after a long period of ill health.
A Flood of Heartfelt Tributes
Comedian and close friend Bob Mortimer was among the first to publicly share his grief. He posted a poignant message on X, formerly Twitter, describing Rea as a "lovely brilliant funny giant of a bloke" and a "Boro legend forever." Mortimer accompanied his tribute with a unique photograph of Rea in a bubble bath holding an egg, a humorous nod to a story Mortimer once told about the singer on the panel show Would I Lie To You?
The pair's friendship extended beyond comedy, as they collaborated musically in 1997, recording a version of 'Let's Dance' for Middlesbrough Football Club's FA Cup Final campaign. The club itself paid its respects online, stating it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of a "Teesside icon."
Condolences poured in from across the entertainment industry. TV personality Lizzie Cundy, who starred in the 2009 music video for 'Driving Home for Christmas', called it an "honour" to work with him. Presenter Timmy Mallett, who once owned Rea's former home, recalled a festive message sprayed by the singer's daughters that remains on a garage wall.
The Story Behind a Christmas Classic
The genesis of Rea's most famous song is now a piece of musical folklore. The idea struck during a difficult car journey in 1978, when Rea and his wife Joan were travelling north to Middlesbrough in their old Mini after a recording session. Stuck in heavy traffic outside Nottingham in the snow, Rea began singing the now-familiar line "We're driving home for Christmas…" to lift their spirits.
That playful moment evolved into one of the UK's most beloved and enduring holiday songs. 'Driving Home for Christmas' reliably returns to the charts every December, earning an estimated £200,000 in annual royalties and having generated over £7 million since its release. Its cultural impact was underscored recently when it featured in the 2023 Marks & Spencer Christmas advert narrated by Dawn French.
A Life of Music and Resilience
Chris Rea's final television appearance was a poignant one. In 2020, he joined friends Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse for a festive special of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, filmed on his home turf in Middlesbrough. During the programme, he spoke openly about his lengthy battles with serious health issues, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke.
He also reflected warmly on his 57-year relationship with his wife Joan, his childhood sweetheart. Rea's legacy is cemented not just by his festive hit, but by a storied career and his reputation as a cherished figure. Earlier this year, he expressed gratitude that his song continued to "connect with people all these years later." As tributes from fans and famous friends confirm, that connection, and the memory of the man himself, will endure long beyond the Christmas season.
