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

[@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!

[@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

[@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).

[@thehenrycharlesgang4161]

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

[@gepmrk]

I 2nd that

[@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

[@adamsimmons631]

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

[@MrAlvarda]

This is the best Chris Rea Interview ever made

[@margaretgriffiths5835]

A fantastic gentleman , his talent is tremendous.

[@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.

[@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 🌟 💖

[@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!

[@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!

[@berliner0]

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

[@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."

[@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!

[@WilliamJames48]

A great example of a person with a gift.

[@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!!! 🎵 ❤

[@pamela1952]

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

[@lacrima152]

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

[@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! 🙏🏼✨💜

[@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 🌿

[@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...

[@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.😜😜😇😇😎😎👍👍🎸🎩🎩🎹🎵🎶

[@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.

[@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’ 🎄!! ❤

[@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

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

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

[@debbieangel9376]

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

[@peterchios9637]

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

[@0scartheCat]

One of our treasures . . . .

[@cheguevara4957]

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

[@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..

[@stevo4182]

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

[@lonedrone]

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

[@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

[@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 ~

[@IronBhoy]

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

[@muzikhed]

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

[@jhaley101]

He doesn't owe anyone anything. I get it. But: "People don't know me in America" No way. People in North America adore Chris Rea, whatever he plays, whatever he sings. ADORE him

[@krisjutras2028]

Absolutely love him!

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

yeah first to hit the scene with the yacht Rock classic fool if you think it's over but then when all the sudden working on it came out it was FM gold back in the mid-eighties that song was playing on all the rock stations in Chicago.. then he hit smooth jazz pay dirt with on the beach..once again onto the Rock charts again in the Chicago area where I grew up with the road to hell and then he kind of disappeared unless you followed him as a fan..

[@salamander163]

i love his music since he 90's and i live in the USA!!!

[@kbld1]

Heard Driving Home for Christmas in the market a few weeks ago and can’t stop listening. I’ve been listening to Rea for 40 years here in the US.

[@corinnacorinna9678]

I'm in California and CR is a favorite.

[@nidgen5523]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@SISU889]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@paddymcmahon7253]

A living legend.

[@btlfilmmedia9514]

Rea is brilliant his music is so good

[@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 🎸

[@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 .

[@amalia9637]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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..

[@dubbelhelix]

What a great musician and humble guy. Fantastic Interview.

[@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.

[@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 …..

[@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 👍

[@archerbodine5570]

I'm a bit older than Chris .. dinna ya just want to hug him? .. he is a treasure. love from Canada. It's time to start healing.

[@Earthlingonfire75]

Chris Rea most humble 🎸 legend ever❤lovely interview 👍

[@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🇬🇧

[@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.

[@gizellearnott9731]

Always My No 1 ❤

[@geoff7091]

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

[@simonuk4964]

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

[@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 !

[@xScooterAZx]

You have gone through so much and made it out the other side. Pleased dont leave us for a long time. You are loved oodles.

[@kjeldlarsen912]

What a great man thank you Chris

[@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)

[@paniofvetfac1987]

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

[@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.

[@ednz4605]

Brilliant interview ! 😎

[@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.

[@BusflixFilms]

Lovely and modest guy, very talented. Love his music

[@robertrossi8975]

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

[@FenderBenderBilly]

My hero - thanks for making me get a strat and a slide !!!

[@68lade]

The North of England is brimming with talent.

[@professorhoodoo]

I LOVE his music!!!!!!

[@jimgordon3206]

Sadly, I discovered him only a couple of years ago. I love his music. His voice is perfect for his songs. I wish I had found him years ago.

[@seanDB1989]

One of the most underrated guitar players I can think of...

[@johnhughes8466]

Chis is a great guitar player! My favourite !

[@gavinhadley7672]

..his voice is absolutely one of a kind..one of the best ever

[@slkonnaris8477]

Chris’s voice is like no other I ever heard- it’s got a warmth and depth that’s full of expression and emotion - it touches the heart. THANK YOU CHRIS

[@declanbroughal795]

Chris Rea is so down to earth and great to hear him talk about his career

[@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

[@clocktower7]

I must say it is great to see Chris Rea looking very well and healthy again. He has been through the mill health wise over the years. Great interview with a Rock legend (Even if Chris doesn't think so himself), i thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. His fantastic gravely voice and music will always be unique and a lasting treasure in the music world.

[@someoneelse101]

Considering he has had many shades of shit kicked out of him by ill health he does look really good

[@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.

[@thomasholmen1755]

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

[@beforethelast]

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

[@wicksee]

Chris Rea’s music has given more joy and memories than he’ll ever know. I played Set Me Free at my dad’s funeral.

[@KimberlyWilson-f1v]

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

[@Dtheo444]

Thanks for the music, amazing memories through all this years

[@angelamartin9426]

So humble a beautiful man 🎸