Steve Harley

about

Steve Harley (born Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice in south London on 27 February 1951, died on 17th March 2024 at the age of 73) was an English singer and songwriter, best known as frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel (subsequently Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel), with whom he still tours. Growing up in the New Cross area of London and attending Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College, his musical career began in the late 1960s when he was busking (with John Crocker) and performing his own songs, some of which were later recorded by him and the band. The original Cockney Rebel was formed when Harley hooked up with his former folk partner, John Crocker (fiddle / mandolin / guitar), in 1972. They auditioned drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and keyboardist Milton Reame-James. They were signed to EMI after playing just five gigs. Their first single "Sebastian", a soaring rock epic, was an immediate success in Europe, though failed to score in the UK singles chart. Their first album, The Human Menagerie, was released in 1973 to critical acclaim, and is still felt by many fans to be their best. The orchestra arrangements were penned by a guy named Andrew Powell who was suggested to the group by their record company. The interesting aspect about Steve's backing band was that they had no real lead guitarist, which equaled to a revolutionary move at that time. Harley's unashamed theatricality, the weird costumes for his stage appearances and the dithyrambic live performan

top songs

albums

The Best Years of Our Lives (Deluxe Version)

Make Me Smile - The Best Of Steve Harley

Greatest Hits

Velvet Goldmine

The Cream Of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel

Face To Face (A Live Recording)

Make Me Smile: the Best of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel

Love's a Prima Donna (1997 Remaster)

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Playlist: 70s Pop

Uncovered

Soundtrack Velvet Goldmine

The Cream of

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