News Beat
Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough pays tribute following death of Chris Rea
Paul “Goffy” Gough described Rea as an artist whose work was “always a joy to play on the radio” and recalled the privilege of interviewing him live – something he said Rea rarely agreed to, particularly in his home area.
The Middlesbrough-born musician, best known for the song ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, died aged 74 just before Christmas Day.
“I was incredibly fortunate to be one of the few broadcasters to interview him live,” said Hartlepool-born Gough.
“Chris rarely did interviews back home in this area, so it was a real privilege.”
Rea’s career was given an early and significant boost by Teesside entrepreneur John McCoy, a major figure in the region’s music scene from the 1960s onwards.
McCoy brought world-class acts to the area, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix and Elton John, before later becoming Rea’s first manager.
One of McCoy’s venues, Kirklevington Country Club in Yarm, became a regular performance space for Rea – building his Teesside following.
“Chris became a real favourite at the Kirk,” added Gough.
“He was always warmly received and never forgot the support he received on Teesside.”
Gough also recalled inviting Rea into the radio studio and opening the phone lines to listeners, allowing fans to speak with him live on air.
He said: “Listeners shared memories of watching him perform long before he was famous at some of John McCoy’s iconic Teesside venues.
“He also thanked Radio DJ Alastair Pirrie who was the biggest radio name at Radio Tees in Stockton at the time when Chris was releasing his early material.
“Alastair was a huge player in his success and instigated other commercial stations to air Chris’s music,” said Gough.
During the broadcast, Rea explained why he had rarely performed live in his hometown of Middlesbrough, admitting he felt uncomfortable returning to play paid shows for people who had once seen him perform for free.
“The very fact that he was a touch reluctant to do radio interviews gives you an insight into the person he really was,” Goffy added.
“Being a singer, songwriter and musician was what it was all about for Chris. He never chased the spotlight – the music always came first.”
Rea also spoke warmly about Pete Waterman, long before his global success with Stock, Aitken & Waterman.
At the time, Waterman was working as an A&R executive at Magnet Records and, after seeing Rea perform on Teesside, persuaded the label to sign him.
That decision led to Rea’s 1978 debut album, ‘Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?’, featuring Fool (If You Think It’s Over) – a song Rea revealed was written about his younger sister following a painful breakup.
Chris Rea leaves behind a powerful musical legacy deeply rooted in Teesside.
Goffy said: “Chris Rea was a Teesside lad who never lost his identity.
“His music carries the mood, the grit and the soul of this region, and it will always have a special place on the radio and in the hearts of listeners here and across the globe.”
