The road to heaven

Gravel-voiced rock star sold 40 million records

- BY MARK JEFFERIES and KERRI-ANN ROPER

PROLIFIC artist but reluctant star Chris Rea, who created The Road to Hell and festive classic Driving Home For Christmas, has died aged 74.

The gruff-voiced singer, whose evocative melodies and easy rhythms won him millions of fans, passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness, said his family.

Rea's winning combination of blues and soft rock led to 25 albums and hits such as 1978's Fool (If You Think It's Over), On The Beach and Let's Dance.

But the path to success and 40 million record sales was complicated for the self-taught guitarist, who turned his back on the US rather than compromise his songwriting.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1984, aged 33. In 2000, he had parts of his pancreas and liver removed.

In 2016, he had a stroke and, despite being well enough to tour in 2017, collapsed on stage.

For Rea it was all about the music. The devoted husband and father, who gave all of his gold discs to charity, cared little for fame.

Even the journey of his Christmas classic was not straightforward.

It was written in 1978, when Rea was banned from driving, and took 43 years to reach the top 10.1 Now the merry tune with its relatable lyrics is such a festive staple that it is on this year's M&S Christmas TV ads.