Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year and the celebratory shows were such a joy that Steve is taking the band out again later this year to mark ‘50 Years A Rebel’.
The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half century, that signature hit Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), “Remains one of the most beloved songs of the modern age”. For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.
Steve Harley said, “Just over Fifty years ago, in early 1972, I progressed from London Busker, regaling the tourists with an acoustic version of Sebastian and other Human Menagerie tracks, to Cockney Rebel popstar, determined to forge a unique furrow, full of the self-confidence of young manhood. The original Cockney Rebel was formed out of Beckenham Arts Lab and my drummer, Stuart Elliott’s bedroom in Pimlico. Bit by bit, the band was formed. We played our first gig as support to the Jeff Beck Group at the Roundhouse, London. Since then, I haven’t really been off-the-road in five amazing decades. Sebastian took on a whole new life when an orchestra and choir were added for our first album, and Judy Teen in early 1974 turned us into bona fide, Top Of The Pops pop stars. Still a wandering minstrel, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The shows in December last year were a joy and I cannot wait to get out there and celebrate once more.”
These very special shows will include songs from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. Mr Soft, Judy Teen, Sebastian and the legendary Make Me Smile and more from an incredible career.
Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song A Friend For Life, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.” Record Collector said: “Harley’s eloquent, on-the-edge shows never fail to impress”. Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel have always been a formidable live act and these further 50th Anniversary shows will be a tour de force.