#5 - Chris Rea Interview: his proudest moment and his battle with cancer

His Guitar play is beautiful, his Songs are perfect, his Voice is brilliant

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Wonderful singer songwriter and slide guitarist....I play slide because of Chris Rea. Saw him live a number of times... fantastic

[@davidkeel]

It sounds really great

[@Tom-zy6ke]

Fantastic songwriter, superb performer (seen him live several times), survivor of terrible illness, and a modest and decent man. He's the sort of guy we SHOULD see as role models for young men and recieving honours in the queens honours list.

[@sitaroartworks]

True that.

[@susiem44]

When he goes to Heaven, he will be in a very high eschelon. ♥️♥️

[@МашаЛима]

Завидую хорошей завистью

[@moonriverdiver]

Its not his down home style

[@mypointofview1111]

Young men need to know you don't have to be superman, you just have to be yourself

[@muzikhed]

Well Chris, I think you and J J Cale are about the two coolest guys with the coolest songs and rhythms.

[@skygazer6898]

Out of the millions and trillions of songs I have listened to over the past 60 years, Drivin Home, is up there with my favourites. Chris is a lovely guy and is as strong as a lion to have survived his illness.

[@rogue___tr00per24]

One of the most underrated and gifted musicians of our time. A musical genius that had the courage to follow his own path. It is pretty shameful that radio presenters don't play his songs enough, so afraid to step out of the commercial lane and explore real talent. An interesting interview from a humble GIANT of the music industry. May he one day appreciate the absolute pleasure he has brought to all of our lives.

[@derek-press]

I bought Dancing with Strangers when it was first released on cassette and played it non stop in the car,30 years later I heard one of the tracks "Windy town"on the radio and thought wow I remember that so I went on eb#y and bought a second-hand cd for 3 pounds,I have been listening to it again non stop it is an album that is up there for me with Abbey Road ,The Wall Stanley Road and a few other greats I could list

[@lmontanaable]

I totally agree. I have just bought al his re-issue CDs on Magnet Records. They sound great. Cant get enough of them

[@31Alden]

Really appreciate your comment .. so beautifully stated.

[@charlesdoherty104]

I remember first getting into this guy, mid 80s bought three albums, Wired to the moon, Shamrock Diaries & On the Beach in successive years and in between caught up with his earlier stuff like Tennis, Deltics & Chris Rea albums, absolutely love them all , What a genius 🎸🎸

[@simonuk4964]

Fully agree!

[@50sVintage]

I love this man. He is an earthly treasure. First time I'm seeing this interview. His forthrightness in all things, all subjects, is so very refreshing and wholesome. His path has been unusual; his humility and raw brilliance are rare. I listen to his music all day and never tire of it.

[@ТамараБыркина]

Я тоже с удовольствием смотрю это интервью, хотя не понимаю о чём. Крис говорит! Просто приятно на него смотреть!

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

Me either! Starting with his first album "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini"

[@ireneespindola4542]

Eu tmb! Amo ouvir as musicas dele todos os dias! Energiza minha existência...pra cima...pro alto e avante...

[@susiem44]

He's an angel on earth!! Beautiful soul. ♥️

[@sergiodesersank8993]

@50sVintage: "Eu amo este homem. Ele é um tesouro terreno. Primeira vez que vejo essa entrevista. Sua franqueza em todas as coisas, em todos os assuntos, é muito revigorante e saudável. Seu caminho foi incomum; sua humildade e brilho bruto são raros. Ouço suas músicas o dia todo e nunca me canso." (Tradução para o português do Brasil).

[@MrAlvarda]

This is the best Chris Rea Interview ever made

[@btlfilmmedia9514]

Rea is brilliant his music is so good

[@berliner0]

Chris rea so glad he’s still with us god bless

[@margaretgriffiths5835]

A fantastic gentleman , his talent is tremendous.

[@adamsimmons631]

Always been a huge fan of Chris Rea. A genuine person and fabulous musician ❤️

[@jonicampbell9028]

Chris Rea where have you been all my life?! I’m a tremendous fan of Mark Knopfler, and have always been his number one fan for years. I heard one song by Chris Rea, Blue Cafe, and suddenly my entire world has changed! His music is incredibly moving and his songs bring fleeting memories of life! Chris Rea is by far the most talented musician, right up there with Mark Knopfler! Love his beautiful voice, could listen to him all day and night! Someone needs to tell him he is incredible!

[@WilliamJames48]

A great example of a person with a gift.

[@marysmith1922]

Love how he has almost no idea how good he is and how hutch he’s loved, I remember praying daily for his recovery when he was so ill. His voice and music is so distinctive and Road to Hell is a classic. When I hear Driving home for Christmas I know the holiday season is upon us. Please stay true to you Chris and may we have you with us for years to come.

[@MrZanderLaw]

I know Christmas has arrived when I hear ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ by Chris, I Love his music! The road to hell is just Amazing, What Another Lovely Human Being, We Really Really need to appreciate this man whilst we Still have him!! God Bless Chris, You’re A Legend and a Star 🌟 💖

[@rjstrotz6144]

September 7, 2022. We do know Chris Rea in the United States, and we have appreciated his talent through the decades. It's never too late to come to America to tour; he would get a strong reception!

[@KimberlyWilson-f1v]

Fool If You Think Its Over. Chris's Best Hit Song.

[@GhostOfRT300]

What a wonderful interview. I learnt that Chris is a musician’s musician, and a very humble human being with a loving family. What a pleasure it was listening to Chris openly talk about his life giving us a beautiful insight into the man behind the master.

[@sergiodesersank8993]

Tradução para o português brasileiro: "Que entrevista maravilhosa. Aprendi que Chris é músico e um ser humano muito humilde com uma família amorosa. Que prazer foi ouvir Chris falar abertamente sobre sua vida, dando-nos uma bela visão do homem por trás do mestre."

[@thehenrycharlesgang4161]

Chris Rea is a musical genius. Never tire of his music. Been a fan for 40 years!

[@gepmrk]

I 2nd that

[@BastiBB]

Keine Autofahrt ohne Chris Rea.

[@lacrima152]

I believe he's hugely underappreciated. Such a great, husky voice and unmistakable sound of his guitar, best of the best 💜

[@pamela1952]

This man is a legend ..and a really great human being.

[@chrisb1682]

My gosh..... His slide guitar playing hits your solar plexus and you travel with him to heaven!!!! And his voice is totally complimentary to that sound. So, so underrated. A-ma-zing live! True, true sound.... Thank you for the interview. Thank you Chris Rea for a bit of heaven in this hellish world today 🌿

[@debbieangel9376]

Thank you for the music Chris, what an outstanding Artist you are and will remain

[@francisatcheson9086]

Thank you chris for your incredible music you are very humble to be a musical genius❤

[@nigelseymour4850]

They used to call him the poor man's Knopfler...this man has more touch and voice than a multitude of wankers I have come across in my 66 years...Thanks Chris and stay alive as long as you can mate...

[@michelcornelis2079]

He was good 20 years ago, he is genius today, hard to explain but every time I listen to his music, I feel touched

[@ednz4605]

Brilliant interview ! 😎

[@tedh79]

Such a extraordinarily humble and modest man, a rare thing these days. The fact that his talent came to light relatively late makes me respect him even more now. A reluctant genius whose story goes against the grain in so many ways. Wish him good health 🤞

[@GhostOfRT300]

Beautifully said! 🙏🏼✨💜

[@mohamedharak2689]

one of the greatest artists of all time , my favorite

[@clocktower7]

Definitely! His voice and music from the 80's and 90's are instantly recognisable. I love driving to his hits. A true Rock Gem.

[@krisjutras2028]

Wished we here in the State's would've picked up on Chris. We lost out big time.

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

@@krisjutras2028 ....some of us did!

[@michaelmendillo7513]

He is very tough on himself,,,, "Road to Hell" was a complete masterpiece ! And he should be very proud ! Loosen up Chris ! You are a legend ! Be proud and be happy mate ! You are loved,,,, 💞

[@MrZanderLaw]

Absolutely a ‘Masterpiece’ One of the Best out there!! I love That song as the rest of Chris’s Music, My Christmas only Starts when I hear Chris and ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ 🎄!! ❤

[@peterchios9637]

Pure Genius.. Songwriter..Composer.And need I say one of the Greatest Guitar players EVER. 🎼☮️👊

[@andymcleish4581]

Absolute genius very under rated guitarist and exceptional songwriter one of the best ever....outstanding volume of work in his career, complete pleasure to see him live over the years god bless Chris long may you reign.....take care in these times

[@stevekish4611]

I can't believe Chris doesn't like his own voice. I can't sing, but if I could, I would want Chris's voice. Pure smoothness.

[@davewoodley3716]

Chris Rea's voice is soft, low, yet powerful; like 'an iron fist in a velvet glove!'

[@MrZanderLaw]

I’ve heart that before, What a Lovely Humble Human!! I Love Chris and his Music!!! 🎵 ❤

[@cheguevara4957]

Love our boy. So proud he's from where I live. Humbling. X

[@sue9151]

The road to hell his greatest hit.And great message.And became out of debt after writing it .

[@RichieRoux]

Having lived in Middlesbrough for a big chunk of my childhood through my teens... Late 70s to 90/91 i can fully relate to the life Chris had in The Boro. I remember the cafe's in town & opposite albert park... Ice cream to die for - A truly iconic down to earth man who has been a musical inspiration to me for many many years ~

[@geofffinn1164]

Chris Rea is a real star! his true calling in life is to make music not chase celebrity, I think this is possibley one of the reasons his music will last the test of time.. Bring it on Chris..

[@68lade]

The North of England is brimming with talent.

[@stevo4182]

What a grounded, honest, intelligent, modest and talented musician....is Mr Chris Rea 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@PaulineEdwards-pi5bg]

YES HE HIS HE LOVE BEING WITH HIS FAMILES GREAT MAN❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gizellearnott9731]

I think you are the best......ever...your voice is something else 😊💙🎤🎸🎧☘❤⚘

[@maratonec5]

i love you chris - your music means a world to me!

[@IronBhoy]

Grew up on Rea. Took me through most musical genres. Met him once and a more truly genuine man you could not meet.

[@lastdaysguitar]

As an aspiring indie artist myself, I look at Chris as one of the best of us. We're only on this planet for a very short time and if you are an artist you have to be true to that vision.

[@matjensen7938]

Mr Chris Rea kept me alive. I had no friends as a teenager. I love him. I love all his music. His voice. I am your biggest fan Mr Chris Rea. Fool if you think it's over is one of my all time songs! I absolutely love Shamrock Diaries.

[@noersang]

I think Shamrock Diaries is the best album of his.

[@nidgen5523]

Humble, modest, honest and extremely talented. I’ve seen him concert many times. Never disappoints. Good to see him looking better

[@LianaBuzea]

My mother listened to his music, and that's how I found out about him. When I was a kid, in communist Romania, music like this was simply alien. Because my mother worked in ”exterior commerce” she learned about a lot of amazing stuff that my country was oblivious to. I love Chris's work and voice. This interview is a treasure-trove for me. I'm listening to it on a writer's block day ✌️ LATER EDIT: Wait, did he just mention Romanians? 😍 And he knows that we play the flat 5th chord? OMG!

[@pamelalanehaun7156]

Isn't that incredible about the flat 5th chord? Totally blew my mind!

[@vvweuk]

Fascinating interview - such a humble man, so underrated as a player and writer. First saw him in the 80s at Whitley Bay ice rink, then Newcastle City Hall - think he did Working on It encore - brilliant live, superb band. There’s some great bootlegs on KZbin - Koln 1983! On the Road… I often listen to It’s all Gone Live Montreaux 1986 when he was really cooking live. That was about old Boro, like Steel River….it really has all gone. And his melancholy - Nothing’s Happening by the Sea from Water Sign, Just Passin’ Thru & If You Choose to Go! Or King of the Beach, Texas, Black Dog, Ace of Hearts, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea … As a cancer survivor myself, may he live long and be live on stage many more times - thank you for being part of my soundtrack of life bonny lad.

[@cliffmatthews6577]

I carn’t understand how Chris keeps pulling himself down, he’s a great songwriter !

[@ISO-guys]

He’s humble in that Northern working class way.

[@margaretcherrie4629]

I grew up with his music and it went out of fashion and I lost him . After watching him on reeves and mortimer I have found him again . amazed ,I didn't realise he wrote so many songs. Much under-rated, great musician.

[@GhostOfRT300]

He’s a very grounded human being

[@grahamgray2421]

A great great singer songwriter, to watch Chris sing and play his guitar live was just awesome!! Hope he's doing ok in 2021 🎸

[@michelleROSET-jc8wi]

2024❤Merci à vous

[@lloyddale3818]

Chris Rea is, as his music proves, is a lover, a poet, and a philosopher . A great artist . Thanks Chris.

[@johnlamon3397]

The crap you have to go through just to do your job. Chris had the wisdom to be the master of his own convictions, you are a blessing to music and your fans for over 40 years, thank you.

[@lonedrone]

His self-depreciation is inexplicable. But he truly is that person. It's not false modesty. May he live long and prosper.

[@denissharp2471]

To think of the times I have played Chris Rea's 'Curse Of The Traveller' on the tape deck and later on the CD player in my trucks as I drove the length and breadth of this country and most of Europe Loving the job, but missing my wife and young kids. Wanting to be home, but at the same time wanting those long trips that kept me away. It is a haunting song that tells that story perfectly. I'm Retired now but 47 years later I am still with that amazing, beautiful woman who held everything together at home while I chased my dreams as a 21 year old lorry driver who wanted to drive those long distances and see most of Europe from behind a windshield. Thank you for all of your music Mr Rea !

[@lynnstash2247]

I love Chris, Rea, since I was a young girl.. And still love his music and I am now 62..

[@alancornes8916]

Rea can impart a wealth of emotion in just the break in his voice. He could sing the telephone directory and still make it sound profound and meaningful.

[@krisjutras2028]

I could listen to CR, day in day out, and never get sick of his music. He has the sexiest voice. This man just fascinates me. Please come play in America. ❤💋

[@michaela2858]

Yes . We All Love you . Come to Play in America 🇺🇸 Miami. U are the Bestttttt 😊

[@emlyngriffith5846]

What a nice chap. Haven’t heard about him at all since he had a stroke on stage at Oxford. I wish him all the best....👍

[@trevorprentice7598]

We saw him in Belfast a few days before he collapsed and although he was brilliant he looked ill, but I was taken back 35 odd years ago and I just listened to him like it was all new what a star .

[@markgreen7378]

First time I heard him was Steel River and its all gone,such a unique sound. Obviously then listened to most of his stuff before and after. Think his voice is very sincere and soulful.

[@MrZanderLaw]

And folks, Here we have Another Absolute Legend and Lovely Gentleman! Please let us Treasure him for as Long as we have him!!! Don’t wait till we haven’t got him anymore, May you have a Long Long Life Sir ❤ Love you and your Music, AND your Voice!

[@paddymcmahon7253]

A living legend.

[@rayvanderheiden3565]

I was first introduced to the music of Chris Rea when asking the salesman in the record shop about his style of music. I purchased my first Chris Rea album “On the Beach” that day and absolutely loved the album. I just love “Hello Friend.” In fact, I love most of his work. The fact that he writes all his own material makes him a great musical communicator.

[@SISU889]

An absolute master of his craft , I can feel his emotion through that slide guitar , truly one of a kind .

[@JH_75]

From the U.S.: I think it was 1989 when Road to Hell came out. I heard it on the radio as a kid and was blown away, went out and bought the CD, and I bought the next one as well. If he came to the U.S. Id go to whatever state was necessary to get a seat. His music has stayed with me through the years. What a fine gentleman. Never saw an interview with him before this and I really enjoyed it. Seems a great guy. What Id give to have that speaking voice! Tom does an excellent job of interviewing as well. Thank you.

[@amalia9637]

Chris you are just LEGEND,fabulous voice,amazing music,love you Master!❤❤

[@arnoldlitke5084]

Chris Rea's voice is deep blunt, and like a true lion. He's a worrior fighting so many health problems. I wish him well!!! Funny when he first started playing, he didn't want to big a big star, yet he became one regardless, yet other people try, and try to become a star but can't no matter how hard they try.😜😜😇😇😎😎👍👍🎸🎩🎩🎹🎵🎶

[@paulevans3827]

Chris is his own man I first saw him many years ago at Wembley when he first released let’s dance I’ve now just turned 70 and I think about this concert nearly every day the The man is still magic🇬🇧

[@ramseytadros3646]

A living legend. So, so fortunate to have lived during his time. Another musical genius that was borne and bread in England and I am not English.

[@MrZanderLaw]

Brilliant Interview! I could listen to Chris tell his life stories All day long, What a Lovely Lovely Man and Chris, You Deserve Every Single bit of Recognition for Every Song you have written and Performed! What a Bloody Gent!! ❤

[@gizellearnott9731]

Always My No 1 ❤

[@ianbates1312]

Chris don’t put yourself down,,,, YOU ARE GIFTED,,,, 👏👏👏👏

[@pamelamacneil1331]

Love this man's music. The scale and quality of his work is on par with many of the 60's musical greats. He himself is a musical giant. Love his independence. He's followed his own path and that is not an easy thing to do in the music industry. I really wish I could have seen him live. I'm Canadian and I don't know if he's ever done a live concert here. He also seems like he would be an interesting man to talk to.

[@logicalnetwork1611]

Absolute genius is Chris Rea.

[@johnoneill6053]

A great insight into the UK's best blue's slide guitarist,a simple man, but with a real passion for the blue's, he understands the music so well, as he has had a lot of rough times with his health, ( keep on going Chris ) a real icon..

[@geoff7091]

Am a boro lad who lived with chris rea,s music all my life thanks for the years chris

[@kayprince2590]

Love me some Chris Rea ❤️ US here.

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Loved Chris when I heard him play way back early 80's and the greatest respect to him for continuing with all the health struggles he's been through. He's someone I really admire. Naturally gifted musician.

[@davidc3850]

I bought Chris's album Whatever Happened to Benny Santini purely by chance when it was first released and have been totally hooked ever since. I've bought every album as soon as they've been released ever since and savoured them all. I've got all his albums, boxed sets and compilations and regularly listen to them all in chronological order on an almost endless loop. He is a lovely, humble man who is a musicial genius. So sad that he's been so ill as it's undoubtedly deprived us of even more of his wonderful music. My favourite ever musician !

[@Earthlingonfire75]

Chris Rea most humble 🎸 legend ever❤lovely interview 👍

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Nice to see chris looking better with all his illness saw his last tour brilliant live wrote so many great songs and guitar playing over the years legend 👍

[@robertrossi8975]

Chris Rea has been my favorite musician for soooo many years. Every song resonated deeply within my soul.

[@liamlesson3706]

legendary artist , one of the best

[@kayprince2590]

I’m from the Caribbean, living in the US, he’s one of my favorite singers. Love me some Chris Rae ❤️ Driving. Home For Christmas.

[@liamlesson3706]

@@kayprince2590 legendary song but it doesn't shows what chris really is , i prefer " joys of christmas " 1987 . for me chris rea is road to hell , nothing to fear , curse of the traveller, auberge, looking for the summer, ..... and many many others, including his blues's albums " the stony road" and " blue guitars 2005 " consists of eleven CDs with a 137 blues songs ..... more more , his discography is so rich

[@emmanuelkomninos6325]

La Passione a film by Chris Rea some of the best music I ve ever heard …..

[@jjrotogeek]

Well I’m a guitarist in America. And I love Chris!

[@dubbelhelix]

What a great musician and humble guy. Fantastic Interview.

[@clintonr60]

Grew up listening to this guy from my father.. everytime I'm in Europe I hear him on the radio or at a hotel/pub. I aways smile and shoot the old man a text to tell him he's on 😎

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I don't suppose Chris will ever read this, but just in case: THANK YOU.......

[@mikeschmelzer9733]

Criminally unknown in the US. He has one of the most distinct and memorable voices eve r, has written many great songs, and is fantastic live. What a sad commentary on popular music in America that we couldn't find a place for an artist of this caliber.

[@berliner0]

I’m in America I love him

[@davidbetts1180]

Really enjoying this interview. I love Chris, he got me into picking up the guitar. I was at the Oxford gig with my dad when Chris collapsed on stage. He's been my hero since I was a boy, I was so upset watching it happen. I just hope he is well now.

[@professorhoodoo]

I LOVE his music!!!!!!

[@simonuk4964]

I love this guy! Big respect for getting back to music and playing guitar after stroke. He's a living LEGEND!

[@chrisreber2516]

Chris Rea is a class act! Sorry to hear that about the experience with "Fool If You Think It's Over". He'll always be one of the greatest ever in my book! Godspeed and blessings brother -- Bethesda,Maryland USA

[@kathylavelle8946]

Denis Slee introduced me to Chris’ music 20 years ago and….wow…”On the Beach” is my go-to for beautiful, laying on the beach and dreaming music. His voice to me is very sexy and smooth. “You Are Still Beautiful” !! ❤

[@paniofvetfac1987]

I have never seen a musician speak like this so humble so honest love you Chris!

[@31Alden]

There isn’t a thing I don’t love and admire about Chris Rea. A thoroughly remarkable human being and artist.

[@monticlassictv]

Chris always maintain’s he is not a good pop star but he’s a more genuine musician than modern day so called stars of this time, but it’s very refreshing to hear a musician who’s not in love with himself as many are today. But god bless you Chris and all the best to you for the future mate.

[@terrykemp1876]

Thinking back to those days when Chris was young, I was young, and there was a new Rea album coming...I miss those days. It'd be a dream come true to meet this man.

[@thomasholmen1755]

An unique and honest artist, so much great, loveable music. Will always remain in my heart.

[@davebarber3827]

Thank goodness he never strayed and become over comercial instead we got the brilliant chris rea he is. A true legend. Those who follow him worship him. My biggest collection of music by one artist is Chris rea.

[@robstammers7149]

Just found this interview with Chris. His lack of inner confidence is so humbling, how he has doubted/underestimated his fabulous talent, his gift for song writing and musicianship is so surprising. 'Driving Home For Christmas' is a massively loved song, one of my personal favourites, this song stands alone as one of the greatest Xmas songs, and will be played forever. Great interview, loved every minute. He's a great guy, his modesty is also a gift, the world loves him, and long may he continue. Regards Rob (UK)

[@beforethelast]

I wish he could live forever. been listening to his music for such a long time.