Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter best known for his enduring festive hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 74. The musician died in the hospital following a short illness, surrounded by family.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris,” a statement from his wife and two daughters read. “Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.”
Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, England, to an Italian father and Irish mother, Rea came from a family that worked in the ice cream business. He took an unconventional path to musical stardom, starting guitar at age 21 before playing in bands and eventually pursuing a solo career.
Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let’s Dance.” His breakthrough came with his debut album “Whatever Happened to Benny Santini” in 1978, which featured “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” The track peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination for best new artist in 1979.
Over his prolific career, Rea recorded 25 solo albums. Two of his studio albums achieved particular commercial success, with “The Road to Hell” reaching number one in the UK in 1989 and “Auberge” doing the same in 1991. His final album, “One Fine Day,” was released in 2019.
While Rea achieved success with numerous tracks, “Driving Home for Christmas” became his most enduring legacy. Released in 1986, the gentle track did not become an overnight hit but proved to be an enduring success over the decades, remaining one of the UK’s most-loved festive songs. The song featured in a television advertisement for retailer Marks and Spencer this year, nearly four decades after its original release.
Rea’s career was marked by remarkable resilience in the face of serious health challenges. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis that would have ended many careers before they fully began. In 2001, he had his pancreas removed. Despite these setbacks, he continued to perform and record music for years afterward. He suffered a stroke in 2016 but remained committed to his craft.
The mayor of Middlesbrough, Chris Cooke, paid tribute to the local hero. “Chris Rea was deeply proud of his Middlesbrough roots and the people of our town were equally proud to call him one of their own,” he said.
Throughout his career, Rea maintained a complex relationship with fame and the music industry. Despite his commercial success, he often expressed ambivalence about celebrity culture and remained focused on his musical craft rather than the trappings of stardom.
In more recent years, Rea turned away from pop music and released several bluesy records, returning to the roots of the music that first inspired him to pick up a guitar. His gravelly voice and distinctive guitar style became his trademark, influencing a generation of musicians who followed.
Rea’s impact on British popular music extended beyond his chart success. His songs captured moments of everyday life with emotional honesty, from the weariness of long drives to the anticipation of holiday homecomings. “Driving Home for Christmas” in particular resonated because it expressed the universal longing for home and family during the festive season, themes that transcended generations and cultural boundaries.
The musician’s work ethic and determination were evident throughout his five-decade career. Despite starting his musical journey later than most professional musicians, he built a substantial catalog of work that demonstrated both versatility and artistic integrity. From soft rock to blues, Rea explored various musical styles while maintaining a distinctive voice that remained recognizably his own.
News of Rea’s death prompted tributes from fans and fellow musicians around the world. Social media filled with memories of his music, with many sharing how “Driving Home for Christmas” had become an integral part of their annual holiday traditions. The song’s enduring popularity demonstrated Rea’s ability to capture universal human experiences in melody and lyric.
Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters, who were with him when he died. His family’s statement emphasized the profound impact his music had on listeners worldwide, acknowledging that while he may be gone, his songs would continue to provide comfort and joy to millions.
As the Christmas season approaches its conclusion, Rea’s most famous song takes on new poignancy. The track that once celebrated the journey home now serves as a reminder of an artist who spent his life creating music that connected people across distances, both geographical and emotional. His legacy lives on through a catalog of work that spans decades of dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to artistic authenticity.
