Make me smile (Come up and see me) - Cockney Rebel

Steve Harley from Cockney Rebel explained in a 2002 interview that the lyric of 'Make me smile (Come up and see me)' was vindictively directed at former band members, whom he felt had abandoned him. The acoustic guitar solo was originally a sound-check warm-up by Jim Cregan that was captured on tape and later used when it was realised it added to the song. It was included on the band's 1975 album 'The best years of our lives' and released as a single that same year.

It became the band's biggest hits, selling over one million copies worldwide, topping the UK and Irish singles chart and reaching number 6 in the Dutch Top 40. The song was covered by, amongst others, Duran Duran and Erasure.

My collection: 7" single no. 1041
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 50p
Tracks: 'Make me smile (Come up and see me)' / 'Another journey'

Irresistible - Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel

In the history of the English band 'Cockney Rebel', the single 'Irresistible' is merely a footnote. Released in 1985, it was basically a solo effort by band leader and by then sole member Steve Harley. The single was produced by music legend Mickie Most.

The single failed to have any impact in the charts anywhere. Harley was touring clubs around England with his old Cockney Rebel songs, still earning money - but his old songs could count on more interest than his new ones.

My collection: 7" single no. 834
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, May 20, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Irresistible' / 'Such is life'

Sebastian - Cockney Rebel

Steve Harley was born on February 27, 1951 in London, where he grew up as well. His career in music started in the late Sixties when he was busking and performing his own songs. The original version of Cockney Rebel was formed when he and John Crocker met up in 1972 and auditioned additional members Stuart Elliott, Paul Jeffreys and Milton Reame-James. After just five gigs they were signed to EMI Records.

Their debut single was the impressive 'Sebastian', recorded with a full choir and orchestra. While not a hit in the UK, it reached number 2 in the Netherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 310
Found: Parkpop, Den Haag, June 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Sebastian' / 'Rock and roll parade'