Chris Rea, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ Singer, Dies at 74

British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for his festive classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died aged 74. His family confirmed he passed away in hospital on Monday following a short illness. A spokesperson for the musician’s wife and two children issued a statement expressing “immense sadness”, adding that Rea died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Rea became a beloved figure in British popular music, cultivating a loyal fanbase over his five-decade career. Known for his distinctive husky voice, slide-guitar style and blues-rock influences, he produced a string of hits including Auberge, On the Beach, Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road to Hell.

A festive favourite that became a cultural staple

Driving Home for Christmas has grown into one of the UK’s most enduring seasonal songs. Released in 1988, the song tells the story of a tired driver navigating heavy traffic to return to family for the holidays. This year, the track appeared again in popular culture as part of the Marks & Spencer Food Christmas advertising campaign, introducing Rea’s work to younger audiences.

The singer once explained the personal inspiration behind the song. In a 2020 video shared on social media, he recalled being unemployed and banned from driving in the late 1970s. His then-girlfriend Joan, who later became his wife, picked him up from London and drove him back to Middlesbrough in her small Mini car. The emotional journey sparked the idea for the song, though it was not released as a single until a decade after it was written.

Tributes flow for a Middlesbrough icon

Tributes poured in from fans, musicians and public figures. Middlesbrough FC posted that it was “deeply saddened” by Rea’s passing, calling him a “Teesside icon”. Journalist Tony Parsons described him as a “top man” and a “hugely underrated songwriter”. Local MP Andy McDonald praised Rea as a cherished son of Middlesbrough whose music will live on. TV personality Lizzie Cundy, who appeared in a Driving Home for Christmas music video, said she was “so sad” to hear the news.

A career marked by resilience and reinvention

Rea enjoyed major commercial success through the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly with The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991), both of which topped the UK album charts. His later career was interrupted by significant health challenges. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 33 in 1994, he underwent surgery to remove his pancreas, resulting in type 1 diabetes. He later suffered a stroke in 2016.

Despite setbacks, Rea continued to record and perform. His 2017 album Road Songs for Lovers marked a return to his blues roots. He collapsed during a concert in Oxford later that year, leading to several cancelled shows. In October 2025, Rea released The Christmas Album, featuring a remastered version of Driving Home for Christmas along with new festive recordings.

A grounded artist who valued privacy

Rea often expressed discomfort with celebrity culture. In an interview last year, he described simple mornings with his wife at their rural home, sharing coffee and watching the news, as his “golden moment”. Chris Rea leaves behind a rich catalogue of music that continues to resonate with listeners around the world, especially during the festive season.