Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the perennial holiday hit “Driving Home for Christmas” and the song “On The Beach,” has died at the age of 74. His family confirmed the news today, stating he passed away peacefully following a short illness.

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A somewhat reluctant pop star, the Middlesbrough-born Rea was famously shy of the spotlight and initially resisted his record label’s decision to release what would become his signature song. The track, released in 1986, went on to become a festive anthem and recently placed at number 30 in this year’s UK Christmas Top 40, nearly four decades after its debut.

A proud guitarist deeply influenced by the blues, Rea recorded 25 solo albums, two of which reached number one on the UK albums chart. He found fame in the 1970s and 1980s and performed worldwide, including numerous appearances for the BBC.

RIP Chris Rea 🤍

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chris Rea, one of Britain’s most distinctive and enduring songwriters.

Across more than four decades, Chris created a timeless body of work defined by honesty, restraint and humanity – from landmark albums such… pic.twitter.com/PJvL1MytNa

— BMG (@BMG) December 22, 2025

Beyond music, Rea was a passionate vintage car enthusiast who owned and raced several classic vehicles, including a 1957 Morris Minor 1000 police car. His love for motorsport led to a friendship with former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan, who once enlisted Rea’s help in the pit lane during a Grand Prix.

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A tribute posted on Rea’s official social media channels read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris… Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.”

-Thailand News (TN)