Music icon Steve Harley has gushed over fellow rock star Rod Stewart, as he shared memories from his 50 years in music – including the unusual request that Rod made after singing one of Steve’s songs.
The Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) singer recently celebrated 50 years in music with a series of UK tour dates in November and December 2022, with more UK concerts planned for Spring/Summer of 2023.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Steve spoke about the 50 Years A Rebel Tour and working with fellow music icon Rod Stewart – as well as revealing who sang his favourite interpretation of Make Me Smile, out of more than 130 different versions.
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Known for songs including Mr.Soft, Hideaway and Judy Teen, Steve Harley formed Cockney Rebel in 1973 – and since then has entertained generations of fans across the world with their iconic tracks.
(Image: Redferns)
One such song, A Friend For Life, was covered by none other than fellow rock icon Rod Stewart – who himself described Steve as “one of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”
Speaking about the interpretation of A Friend For Life, Steve made a confession about Rod’s vocals as he gushed over the singer, saying: “Rod – he can break your heart when a voice like Rod’s interprets your lyrics. It’s very touching.”
He also laughed as he revealed the unusual request that Rod made after singing A Friend for Life on his album, adding: “When he told me it was on the album, two albums ago, he told me ‘You owe me a fish supper’. Which he eventually got!”
(Image: @steveharleyCR/Twitter)
He added: “That’s probably my favourite, if I had to choose one.”
With career highlights including performing with an orchestra at The Royal Albert Hall, to playing Glastonbury three times and having new generations of fans discover his music, Steve shared his number one moment – that he is still performing.
“I’ve been thinking back over those 50 years. I’ve been in so many different countries, at festivals. The highlight of the career is knowing that I’m still doing it,” said Steve.
“There’s a live audience. All you hope for is that you wake up with your voice, that I look after with great care. You want a voice and you want an audience. It’s what we do.
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “I get backstage at the end of a two and half hour show with these guys and just say, ‘We’re good.’ I put myself in that wig, and I say ‘we’re good together’. We’re good as ensemble.”
Steve continued: “The reaction from the audience – it could be 200 people in one of the smaller places, or 600 people in one of the larger places – and it’s equally as exciting.”
STEVE HARLEY’S UK TOUR DATES CONTINUE FROM MAY 13 TO JULY 1, 2023, IN ADDITION TO THREE NIGHTS AT PIZZA EXPRESS LIVE (HOLBORN) BETWEEN MARCH 23 – 25.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
