The band signed to EMI for a guaranteed three album deal in 1972 and released THE HUMAN MENAGERIE early in ’73.
One Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel single, MAKE ME SMILE (COME UP AND SEE ME), reached NUMBER ONE in 1975 in the UK and many European countries and is regularly voted among the top singles in the history of the charts, which covers six decades of releases. The Performing Rights Society has confirmed MAKE ME SMILE one of the most played records in British broadcasting
STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL
Wednesday 27 October 2010 2010
Steve began his singing career "floor-spotting" (singing for free as a member of the audience) in London folk clubs in 1971/72.He later joined folk band ODIN as rhythm guitarist and co-singer, which was where he met the first COCKNEY REBEL violinist, JOHN CROCKER. However, the folk scene proved a little tame for Mr Harley and, as he was constantly writing songs, formed COCKNEY REBEL as a vehicle for his own work.