It would be a lovely tribute if the Boro ran out to “Steel River” at the Riverside on Boxing Day.
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very sad news indeed. A firm favourite here. He will be much missed. RIP and thank you Chris
now about that egg…………………….
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How sad. I don’t really know his music but whenever I’ve seen him interviewed he came across as an exceptionally nice bloke. He’s battled serious illness for the best part of his life I believe. Hopefully the Smoggies will pay tribute at their next home game as Alan P suggests. R.I.P
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Sad news indeed, though apparently, he hadn’t been in the best of health for some time.
Thanks for all the choons and the exquisite guitar sounds.
One of the good guys.
R.I.P. Chris.
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Ah such very sad news.
His 1983 album “Water Sign” was a huge hit in Ireland and helped to break him elsewhere. We didn’t know too much about him before that - a bit like David Gray and “White Ladder” here.
“The Road to Hell” remains one of my favourite albums, I’ll be digging out some of his stuff over the next few days.
Codladh Samh Chris.
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Sorry I got that bit wrong
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Devastating news, one of my favourite artists.
RIP Chris, you’ll be missed.
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I’ve just woken to the sad news, his music played a large part of my soundtrack. The album Deltics was a huge favourite especially the track Diamonds, it helped me through a dark period and still gets played regularly.
Thanks for the music Chris, arrive in peace.
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Deltic’s was my first Chris Rea album and I just fell in love with his music, came as a shock to hear the sad news.
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That’s such a sad loss. What guitarist he was, a couple of other people have already mentioned Blue Guitars, it’s a joy. Thanks a lot for the music, RIP.
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Whilst I would never claim to be a huge fan of Chris Rea, when I returned to the UK after several years overseas, New Light Through Old Windows was one of the CD’s which I had clearly played to near destruction! Some really great tracks on that album.
For more than 25 years, most years I would quite literally drive home for Christmas which involved the 400 mile drive from London to Cairnryan or Glasgow for a couple of nights stop over with friends before catching the ferry across the pond. And yes, on each of those journeys, in my mind’s eye at least, at some point, Chris Rea would join me via the radio to help celebrate the drive. Might seem a bit naff, but that’s the truth for me and I have no doubt, for many others going to all sorts of destinations. And I loved it! Indeed, I’m sure the same will apply to many others for years to come.
RIP Chris Rea.
Peter
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RIP Chris. Some great songs; Stainsby Girls; I can hear your heartbeat, and that fantastic anthem to Middlesbrough, Steel River. Gone too soon but now at peace after years of ill health. 
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He was also a lifelong motor sport fanatic, his race car featuring on the cover of the Auberge album. A good friend of the late Eddie Jordan too and actually worked as part of his pit crew in Monaco in the 90’s. RIP.
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Owned from release, on vinyl, it has such memories for me that I only ever listen to the vinyl version. For me, one of the greatest all round albums ever and one of my personal top 3.
RIP Chris, thank you for the music.
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So very sad to hear this news, I loved many of his records from the sublime Auberge to On the Beach, Shamrock Diaries, Dancing with Strangers and Road to Hell. A wonderfully heartfelt songwriter and player, he was loved by so many.
I narrowly missed meeting him when I went up to the ATC factory to collect my SCM40’s during Covid after repair. My daughter inadvertently damaged one of the midrange drivers by leaning over them re-hanging a picture. Apparently he had been there a few minutes earlier picking up a pair of his speakers following a repair too. I’d have loved to tell him how much pleasure his music brought. I always thought he is one of the few rock artists who made a lot of effort to ensure his albums sounded great. The same is also true of Mark Knopfler, and interestingly they both used ATC in the studio.
RIP and thank you for the music, going to play some of his records in honour of the great man.
JonathanG
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His music has very much been part of the soundtrack to my life. Memories to cherish, but gone too soon.
Cheers,
Ian
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As Christmas approaches, Driving Home for Christmas reminds us of Chris Rea’s timeless music. Rest in peace. 
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Sad news. I first heard Chris Rea when he was touring the ‘Deltics’ album. He was the support for Joan Armatrading, which was an interesting combination.
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