Chris Rea, the iconic musician behind ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, passes away at 74

Chris Rea, the beloved British singer known for the holiday classic ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has passed away at the age of 74 after a brief illness. Rea, whose blues-influenced hits include ‘On the Beach’, ‘Road to Hell’, and ‘Auberge’, died in hospital on Monday, surrounded by his family. His passing was confirmed by a spokesperson who shared a statement from his wife and two daughters. Rea’s 1988 hit, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, gained renewed popularity this year through a Christmas advertisement by M&S Food. Rea, a car enthusiast, once explained how the song was inspired by a difficult time in his life when he was penniless, banned from driving, and reliant on his girlfriend to take him home. Despite his health struggles, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke, Rea continued to make music, releasing his last album, ‘The Christmas Album’, in 2025. Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians, with Middlesbrough FC calling him a ‘Teesside icon’ and journalist Tony Parsons praising his songwriting talents. Chris Rea is remembered for both his musical legacy and his down-to-earth personality, cherished by family and friends.