Chris Rea, the musician behind the iconic holiday hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died, his family said. He was 74.
According to a Family statement, Rea died in the hospital on Monday after a short illness.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” the statement said. “He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Chris Rea, a musician behind the iconic holiday hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died.
He was 74 year sold. pic.twitter.com/s7Q1dSVDQd— Hollywood Hype (@Hollywoodhypes) December 23, 2025
Who was Chris Rea?
An English rock and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist from Middlesbrough, Rea was known for his distinctive voice and his slide guitar playing.
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His many hit songs include “I Can Hear Your Heartbeat,” “Stainsby Girls,” “Josephine,” “On the Beach,” “Let’s Dance,” “Working on It,” “Tell Me There’s a Heaven,” “Auberge,” and “Julia.”
However, his 1988 Christmas song “Driving Home for Christmas,” which tells the story of a weary traveler making his way home, is perhaps his most enduring work. The song has reappeared on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007.
This year, new audiences discovered the song when it was used as the backdrop to the M&S Food Christmas advertisement.
Andy McDonald, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said he was “very saddened” to hear of Rea’s death.
“Chris, a most cherished son of Middlesbrough, will live on through his wonderful music. My sincere condolences to his family,”
He said in a post on X.
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