Legendary British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the Christmas classic “Driving Home for Christmas”, has died at the age of 74. His family announced on Monday, December 22, 2025, that Rea passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951, Chris Rea enjoyed a music career that spanned more than five decades. He released over 25 studio albums and sold tens of millions of records worldwide. His early breakthrough came in the late 1970s with the Grammy-nominated hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, which established him internationally. While Rea worked across blues, pop, and soft rock, he achieved enduring popularity with festive favourite “Driving Home for Christmas”, first released in 1986, as well as the rock classic “The Road to Hell”. The holiday song has become a perennial seasonal staple, especially in the UK and Europe.
Rea faced significant health challenges throughout his life, including a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in the early 2000s that required major surgery, and a stroke in 2016. Despite these setbacks, he continued creating music and performing whenever possible.
In their statement, Rea’s family described their loss as immense, noting that he passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Joan, and their two daughters. Fans, fellow musicians, and public figures have already begun paying tribute to the singer’s contribution to music, particularly his festive anthem that has soundtracked countless holiday journeys for generations.
Chris Rea’s legacy as a singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice and enduring classics ensures that he will be remembered not only for his music but also for the warmth and joy his songs brought to audiences around the world.
English