Steve Harley, author of the hit Make Me Smile, dies at 73

Steve Harley, lead singer of British glam rock group Cockney Rebe, has died at the age of 73, his family announced on Sunday. His best-known song, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide, dominating the British charts in 1975, and has been covered more than 120 times by groups like Duran Duran or Erasure.

“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and father passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side,” his daughter said in a statement published by the Guardian. The song of the birds of his forest, which he loved so much, sang to him. Her home was filled with the sounds and laughter of her four grandchildren.” “We know he will be sorely missed by many people around the world,” she added.

Last October, because of his treatment, the singer was already forced to cancel certain concerts. A few weeks later, Steve Harley left a message to his fans on his website: “2023 was not really an “annus horribilis” for me, because the first half was often magical [...] The second half, well… canceling live dates is heartbreaking. I am aware of the stress and financial pressure this may cause you.” According to the Guardian, Harley's team announced in February that the singer could not commit to performing concerts in 2024, but that he hoped to be better next year.