Chris Rea, Iconic Singer of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, Dies Aged 74 Just Days Before the Holiday

Published: 22 December 2025

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for his enduring festive classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74 following a short illness.

The Middlesbrough-born musician passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today, surrounded by his family, according to a heartfelt statement released by his wife Joan and daughters Josie and Julia.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” the statement read. “He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

Rea, whose gravelly voice and blues-infused rock defined hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s, leaves behind a legacy of over 30 million albums sold worldwide. But it is his 1986 holiday anthem Driving Home for Christmas that cemented his place in British cultural history – a song that has re-entered the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, peaking at number 10 in 2021 and currently sitting in the festive charts once again.

This year, the track gained renewed prominence as the soundtrack to Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advert, featuring comedian Dawn French joyfully singing along in her car.

Born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough to an Italian ice cream parlour owner father and Irish mother, Christopher Anton Rea rose from humble beginnings to international stardom. His breakthrough came with the 1978 hit Fool (If You Think It’s Over), earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

Albums like The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) topped the UK charts, showcasing his signature slide guitar and introspective lyrics often inspired by his passion for cars and driving.

The story behind Driving Home for Christmas is poignantly ironic given the timing of his passing. Rea wrote the song during a snowy traffic jam while being driven home to Middlesbrough by his wife Joan in her Austin Mini – after he had been banned from driving and couldn’t afford a train ticket.

Speaking previously about its origins, Rea recalled: “I was on the dole… My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving. My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.”

He met Joan as a teenager, and the couple – who referred to each other affectionately as ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ – remained devoted until the end.

Tributes poured in swiftly following the announcement, with fans highlighting the bittersweet timing so close to Christmas.

One wrote on social media: “Genuinely gutted to hear this. A proper Teesside legend. Safe drive home Chris…”

Another added: “Damn… he lived for his cars, wonderful guitarist, and made so many great albums. RIP Chris Rea.”

Broadcaster Piers Morgan noted: “Chris Rea, who wrote and sang one of the most famous festive songs in history, Driving Home for Christmas, has died just three days before Christmas.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Chris, a most cherished son of Middlesbrough, will live on through his wonderful music.”

Rea had battled serious health issues in recent years, including pancreatic cancer in 2001 (which led to the removal of his pancreas), diabetes, and a stroke in 2016. He also collapsed on stage during a 2017 concert.

Despite these challenges, he continued recording and performing, releasing a Christmas-themed album earlier this year featuring tracks like Footsteps in the Snow and Joys of Christmas.

Rea is survived by his wife Joan and daughters Josie and Julia.

As families across the UK prepare to drive home for Christmas this week, many will undoubtedly turn up the volume on Rea’s timeless tune – a poignant reminder of the man who captured the warmth, hope, and occasional misery of the festive journey like no other.

Rest in peace, Chris Rea. Safe travels home.