In a poignant final interview given just days before his passing, the legendary British rock singer Chris Rea shared the heartfelt story behind his enduring festive anthem, 'Driving Home for Christmas'. The musician, whose distinctive voice became synonymous with the holiday season for millions, spoke to The Independent about the song's message of "hope and warmth".
The Traffic Jam That Inspired a Classic
Chris Rea wrote the now-iconic track during a period of personal and professional frustration, far from the festive cheer it now evokes. His record contract was nearing its end, and his manager had just resigned. Stuck in London's Abbey Road studios and banned from driving, his record label refused to cover his train fare home to Middlesbrough.
His wife came to the rescue, collecting him in their old Austin Mini. As they embarked on the journey north, heavy snow caused major traffic delays. Gazing at the equally miserable-looking drivers around him, Rea began jotting down lyrics in a notepad on his lap, humorously singing the now-famous first lines.
From B-Side to Chart Staple
The song's journey to becoming a Christmas staple was unconventional. Originally released as the B-side to his 1986 single "Hello Friend", a re-recorded version emerged in 1988. Since then, 'Driving Home for Christmas' has graced the UK singles chart nearly every year for the past two decades, hitting a new peak at number 10 in 2021.
Rea revealed an early plan was to offer the song to Van Morrison, imagining it as a "Fifties jazz thing". Instead, his label used it as a B-side, and its fate changed when a DJ began playing it on air. Both the original and 1988 versions feature on his posthumously released The Christmas Album, available now including as a limited edition vinyl.
A Legacy of Warmth and Hope
Reflecting on the song's lasting appeal, Rea told The Independent it possessed the same "hope and warmth" found in all classic Christmas songs, combined with the universal frustration of being stuck in motorway traffic. He passed away on Monday 22 December following a short illness, aged 74. His death was confirmed by his family, who said he died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his wife and two children.
In the interview, Rea also shared that he had recently returned to his first loves of blues and jazz, recording new instrumental pieces. He expressed pride in his 1996 film La Passione and was looking forward to spending the festive season with his family, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to soundtrack the holidays for generations.
