Steve Harley
Apr 4 2001
By Peter Grant

STEVE Harley is one of the UK's most prolific singer-songwriters. He came to superstardom with his band Cockney Rebel and had a string of worldwide hits from Sebastian to his chart -topping classic (Come Up and See Me) Make Me Smile. He also released his own version of Here Comes The Sun.

He tours regularly not only as a solo performer but in 2001 with Cockney Rebel. He always features a Liverpool date on his tours and says the Sefton park area influenced a few of his songs. He also supports the renovation of the Palm House in Sefton Park. Steve's beautiful new single A Friend for Life is released this month.

1) Where were you when you first heard The Beatles and what was your reaction?

As Love Me Do first came on my mum 'n' dads' valve wireless and that energy in the voices, especially with that close harmony and counterpoint an the wailing plangent harmonica theme sang n danced its way in 2/4 time around the flat, I felt frozen in the moment, breathless and wide-eyed, and ready to wave 'bye bye' to The Old Regime on the Light Programme. The Beatles had called by and we'd let them in. Forever.

2) What is your favourite Beatle song and why?

Paperback Writer. It's a genuine original. The idea of the narrative from McCartney was so new it stunned me, a budding poet in his early teens and has never been bettered in its genre.The bass lines especially help to make the track a very special record.

3) What is your favourite Beatle album and why?

Abbey Road I have to say I am torn between this one and Revolver. They both have no waste, only true, great fodder. But the Abbey Road segues, making it a unique , though not concept (per se) album, give it the edge.

4)What is the Beatles' legacy?

The Hand of the Almighty was at play when Lennon and McCartney were brought together and the idea that George and Ringo should be, in their own rights, so special too, made the Beatles a special thing that will never be repeated. The odds must be 20 billion to one. Their legacy is the standard they set which we all try to emulate. But we just seem to be treading water most of the time.