London, December 22, 2025 — Just weeks before his death at age 74 on Monday, December 22, British singer-songwriter Chris Rea released his final Christmas album, offering a poignant farewell to fans during the festive season. The enduring appeal of his 1978 Christmas hit, “Driving Home for Christmas,” which reached the UK Top 10 in 2022, underscores his lasting impact on holiday music.
A Final Festive Offering
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The musician’s last album, released on November 28, 2025, featured both classic and remastered tracks.
A spokesperson shared the news of Rea’s passing in a brief statement on behalf of his wife, Joan, and their two daughters: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.” His final recording, “The Christmas Album,” includes eight festive songs spanning his career, notably the original 1986 recording of “Driving Home for Christmas” alongside remastered versions of “Footsteps in the Snow,” “Winter Song,” and “Joys of Christmas.”
The Story Behind the Song
The inspiration for the now-iconic “Driving Home for Christmas” came from a rather frustrating personal experience. Rea had been banned from driving in 1978, and his wife, Joan, was tasked with picking him up. He recounted to comedian Bob Mortimer, “I was on the dole when I wrote that. My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving. My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.” He also revealed he was down to his last £200 at the time.
A Battle with Illness
Rea’s last television appearance was on the BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing in 2020, where he openly discussed his long-standing health challenges. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001, requiring the removal of his pancreas and leading to nine serious operations and 32 weeks spent in hospital. He also battled a stroke in 2016 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. During the episode, Rea admitted he “never really got over” his diagnosis, explaining he was taking “34 pills every day.”
What was Chris Rea’s last album? Chris Rea’s final album, “The Christmas Album,” was released on November 28, 2025, and featured eight festive songs, including his signature hit “Driving Home for Christmas.”
He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters.
