So sad first saw him supporting Lindisfarne in 1977 then at the City Hall promoting his second album, the support for that gig was the Junco Partners with guest vocalist Eric Burdon. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at 33 he wasn't expected to pull through but spent the majority of his life producing some wonderful music. Most people will remember him for Coming Home for Christmas as song he said he never wanted to be released, but he was pleased that he did.
The Rea's had a big presence on Teesside in the ice cream business but as Norman said they had links on Tyneside too. R.I.P Chris Rea.