He handed away following a brief sickness

Singer Chris Rea, whose songs embody the festive hit Driving Dwelling For Christmas, has died on the age of 74, a spokesperson for his household mentioned.

The Middlesbrough-born musician was recognized with pancreatic most cancers and had his pancreas eliminated in 2001, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke. Rea discovered fame within the late Seventies and Eighties with hits corresponding to Idiot (If You Assume It is Over), Let’s Dance and The Highway To Hell.

A press release from his household to the Press Affiliation mentioned: “Singer/songwriter and guitarist, Chris Rea handed away earlier in the present day in hospital following a brief sickness. A press release on behalf of his spouse and two youngsters was launched to the media this afternoon.

“It’s with immense disappointment that we announce the dying of our beloved Chris.

“He handed away peacefully in hospital earlier in the present day following a brief sickness, surrounded by his household.”

Rea’s debut album titled No matter Occurred To Benny Santini?, a reference to the stage identify his report label needed him to undertake, was launched in 1978.

The monitor Idiot (If You Assume It is Over) went on to be nominated for a Grammy.

He didn’t discover such success once more for just a few years however by the point his eighth album On The Seaside, spawning a success single of the identical identify, was launched, he was a star within the UK and round Europe, with sporadic hits within the US.

When Highway To Hell was launched in 1989, he turned one of many greatest solo stars within the UK, and cemented himself as a favorite amongst a predominantly male viewers of a sure age.

Two of his studio albums – The Highway To Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) – went to primary within the UK. His well-known track Driving Dwelling For Christmas options on this yr’s M&S Meals Christmas advert. It was first launched in 1986.