Driving Home for Christmas Singer Chris Rea Dies at 74: Tributes Pour In

The music world is in mourning following the announcement that legendary singer songwriter Chris Rea has passed away at the age of 74. Known for his gravelly voice and timeless festive anthem "Driving Home for Christmas," Rea died peacefully in the hospital on Monday, December 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. Among the many voices paying tribute is his close friend and fellow Middlesbrough native, comedian Bob Mortimer, who described the musician as a "lovely, brilliant, funny giant of a bloke."

Bob Mortimer and Chris Rea shared a deep bond rooted in their shared heritage in the North East of England. Their friendship was famously celebrated during Mortimer’s appearances on the BBC panel show Would I Lie to You?, where Bob spun a surreal (and later revealed to be fabricated) tale about Rea cracking a raw egg into his bath to make him "feel alive."

Despite the comedic nature of their public anecdotes, their professional respect was immense. The duo collaborated in 1997 on a version of Rea's hit "Let’s Dance" to support Middlesbrough Football Club's FA Cup final appearance. Mortimer’s tribute on social media, which included a nod to their shared "Boro" roots, underscored the personal loss of a man he considered a true icon of Teesside.

Chris Rea’s journey to stardom was as unique as his sound. He didn't pick up a guitar until he was 21, yet he went on to release 25 studio albums and top the UK charts with masterpieces like "The Road to Hell" (1989) and "Auberge" (1991).

However, his career was often a battle against significant health challenges:

Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosed in 2001, he underwent a life saving Whipple procedure that removed his pancreas and parts of his stomach.

Stroke: In 2016, he suffered a stroke that impacted his movement and speech, yet he remarkably continued to record and perform.

Stage Collapse: In 2017, he collapsed during a live performance in Oxford, further highlighting his determination to share his music despite physical frailty.

His most famous track, "Driving Home for Christmas," was ironically written while he was "on the dole" and banned from driving, as his wife Joan drove him home from London in a Mini. Today, that song serves as the definitive soundtrack for millions traveling to see loved ones during the holidays.

A spokesperson for the family confirmed that Rea’s death followed a "short illness." He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia. As the news of his passing broke just days before Christmas, fans across the globe have found a bittersweet resonance in his music, ensuring that his deep, soulful blues will continue to echo through every festive season.