Shortly before the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown, Sudbury Arts Centre hosted a sell-out concert by charismatic chart-topping star Steve Harley, the former frontman of the Glam Rock band Cockney Rebel.

Steve shot to fame in the 1970s with hits such as Judy Teen, Mr Soft, Here Comes The Sun, and the legendary number-one Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) – also a hit in the USA.

A top performing and writing talent, Steve and his band played all his hits, and more, endearing himself with his individualistic style, stage presence and audience engagement. 

He was an act I had long wanted to see, and I am glad that I made the effort to travel over from Hadleigh on a miserable Winter's night. I loved the show in the special surroundings of the transformed St Peter's Church. 

Born in Deptford, South-East London, Steve had to overcome severe polio at a very young age. Nevertheless, while still at primary school he learned to play the violin and guitar, before taking up poetry writing. 

However, before embarking on his musical career, he was a newspaper journalist, including a three-year stint with the Essex County Newspapers Group in Colchester.

Together with his wife Dorothy, for many years he lived in nearby Clare, where he passed away earlier this month at the age of 73. 

RIP Steve - you will be sorely missed by the multitude of fans for whom you put smiles on their faces.  

Watch Steve Harley You Tube video here...