Chris Rea, the British rock singer behind the festive classic “Driving Home for Christmas”, has died aged 74.
The news was shared by his family, who said he died on Monday 22 December in hospital following a short illness.
In a statement on behalf of his wife and two children, a statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Rea suffered a number of health issues over the years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had his pancreas removed in 2001, and suffered a stroke in 2016.
Born in Middlesbrough, Rea found fame in the late Seventies and Eighties with hits such as “Fool (If You Think It’s Over”, which was nominated for a Grammy, “Let’s Dance” and “The Road To Hell”.
His debut album, titled Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?, was released in 1978 and was named in reference to the stage name his record label wanted him to adopt.
While he didn’t find immediate success, his eighth album On The Beach featured the hit single of the same name, helping to turn him into a star in the UK and around Europe.
Road to Hell gave him further success and topped the charts in the UK upon its release in 1989, followed with a second number one album, 1991’s Auberge.
His famous song “Driving Home For Christmas”, which features in this year’s M&S Food Christmas advert, was first released in 1986.
Chris Rea has died, aged 74
Chris Rea, the British rock singer behind the festive classic “Driving Home for Christmas”, has died aged 74.
Jacob Stolworthy22 December 2025 15:11
Chris Rea was almost given a much different stage name
It’s hard to imagine Chris Rea being called anything else, but if his record label had their way, the musician would have been called… Benny Santini.
Rea referenced this in the title of his 1978 debut record, Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?.
Jacob Stolworthy22 December 2025 15:14
