Cockney Rebel: (Punk Poets)

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel was a British rock band formed in London in 1972, led by the charismatic and theatrical frontman Steve Harley (born Stephen Richard Nice, 1951–2024). Blending glam rock, art rock, progressive elements, and sharp, witty lyrics with a distinctive violin-driven sound, they stood out in the early-to-mid 1970s as one of the most stylish and intelligent acts of the glam era. CLASSIC LINEUPS Early Cockney Rebel (1972–1974): Steve Harley – vocals Jean-Pau

A bold cover of the George Harrison classic, “Here Comes the Sun” became Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s last major UK Top 40 hit (excluding reissues of “Make Me Smile”). THE RELEASE WHAT THE LABEL SHOWS Label: EMI Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK Catalogue: EMI 11186 Release Date: July 23, 1976 TRACK LIST A-Side Here Comes the Sun (Harrison) – 2:57 B-Side Lay Me Down (Harley) – 3:58 Red and beige EMI labels. A-side “HERE COMES THE SUN” (Harrison). Demo copies marked “DEMO

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Publication: Street Life Date: February 7–20, 1976 Striking front cover of the UK music and culture magazine featuring a bold illustrated portrait of Steve Harley. The cover promotes “Harley sees Red on bed” as the main feature. It also highlights interviews with Cockney Rebel and Be Bop, “Selling the Young Dudes”, plus coverage of J.G. Ballard, David Bowie, Lou Reed albums, Gil Scott-Heron, and the Amsterdam Connection. Notable

Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Publication: Look-in (Junior TVTimes) Date: Week ending December 14, 1974 Colourful front cover of the popular junior TV magazine featuring Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel. Exclusive interview with Steve Harley plus a colour photo. The issue also promotes a competition to win 20 Cockney Rebel albums and includes a Black Arrow pin-up and TV feature. Notable Details Striking red cover with a large illustrated portrait of Steve Harley

Cockney Rebel’s ambitious and theatrical second album The Psychomodo, released on June 2, 1974, marked the band’s commercial breakthrough in the UK and solidified Steve Harley’s reputation as one of glam rock’s most distinctive and poetic voices. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Cockney Rebel Label: EMI Date: June 2, 1974 Catalogue: EMC 3033 Format: LP (Vinyl), Cassette, 8-Track Cartridge Country: United Kingdom THE STORY The Psychomodo delivered a bold, eclectic mix of glam, psyched

A feature on Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel focusing on their live performances and rising popularity, with a major headline “Rebel forces establish bridgehead in Dunstable.” Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: June 29, 1974 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Feature / News page (Page 13) Title: Rebel forces establish bridgehead in Dunstable THE STORY The article reviews Cockney Rebel’s recent gigs, including a show in Dunstable, and discusses Steve Harley’s uniq

A full-page feature in the June 15, 1974 NME profiles Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel, exploring the intense creative struggles behind his music with the headline “Genius is pain ...Steve Harley is in agony”. Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: June 15, 1974 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Feature (Page 5) THE STORY The article is a deep, candid interview with Steve Harley, discussing the pain and pressure of creativity, his relationship with fame, th

Originally intended as the UK lead single from Cockney Rebel’s second album The Psychomodo, Psychomodo was pressed for release in May 1974 but withdrawn when Judy Teen unexpectedly rose up the UK charts. Although cancelled in the UK, the single was issued in several European territories, where it became a minor hit, particularly in Belgium. The B‑side, Such A Dream, later appeared on other releases and reissues, becoming part of the broader Psychomodo era canon.

A major early feature on Steve Harley and his band Cockney Rebel in Popfoto magazine, with the bold headline proclaiming their ambition: “We’ll Be Millionaires And World Famous This Year! ISSUE Publication: Popfoto Magazine Date: May 1974 Country: Germany (with UK distribution) Section / Pages: Main Feature / Photo Spread Title: STEVE HARLEY FROM COCKNEY REBEL: We'll Be Millionaires And World Famous This Year! THE STORY The article profiles the newly formed Cockney Rebel, foc