WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It was a holiday performance that quickly turned from festive to deeply poignant.
This morning, the cast of the Olivier Award–nominated show 'The Choir of Man' gathered at the Kravis Center in front of its towering, iconic poinsettia Christmas tree. They performed “Driving Home for Christmas,” the beloved holiday song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, exclusively for WPTV viewers.
Mere moments after the performance ended, the cast and crew learned the sad news: Chris Rea had passed away at the age of 74 following a short illness, his family confirmed to Britain’s Press Association.
Rea, who rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let’s Dance,” saw two albums top the U.K. charts — 'The Road to Hell' in 1989 and 'Auberge' in 1991.
While "Driving Home for Christmas” was not an immediate chart hit upon its 1986 release, the gentle, heartfelt song grew into one of the United Kingdom’s most cherished festive anthems, revived annually on radio playlists and featured in holiday advertising campaigns.
For the cast of 'The Choir of Man,' known for blending pub culture, heart-pounding harmonies, and audience connection, the news hit especially hard. What had moments earlier been a joyful celebration of music and the season instantly became a heartfelt tribute to the man who wrote the song.
'The Choir of Man' continues its Kravis Center run through Dec. 28. The best and safest way to get tickets is through the venue’s official site at Kravis.org.
This news story was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence for writing and organization. All facts have been verified by WPTV editorial staff.
What do you want me to Shine A Light on? What are you most proud of where you live? Email me at tawalker@wptv.com.
