British music icon Chris Rea, best known for the festive classic ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has died at the age of 74.
His family announced that Chris passed away in hospital on 22 December 2025 following a short illness, surrounded by loved ones.
“Singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Rea passed away earlier today in hospital following a short illness,” his family said in a statement.
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
His official social media channels also shared a post that added: “Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.”
No further information about his passing was shared.
Chris’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he became one of Britain’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
Born in in 1951, he first found international success in the late 1970s with his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’. He later cemented his place in music history with a string of acclaimed albums, including The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991), both of which reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
When ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ was first released in 1986, it didn’t make a major impact. However, the song grew into a perennial holiday favourite over the decades. It regularly re-entering UK charts each festive season and became synonymous with the yuletide period.
This year, the track even featured in a Christmas advert for British retailer Marks & Spencer, bringing it once again into the cultural spotlight.
Chris’s signature gravelly voice and deft slide guitar work made him a distinctive figure on both rock and blues stages.
Over his long career, he released 25 studio albums and sold millions of records worldwide.
Despite facing serious health challenges, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke in 2016, he continued to make music and perform.
The singer is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
