Politicians support permanent tribute for 'absolute legend' Chris Rea in hometown
Middlesbrough’s politicians have thrown their weight behind a proposal that would see a new statue in the town.
Local musician Jamie Sample has been campaigning for the late Chris Rea – who died in December – to receive a permanent tribute in his hometown.
Alongside an online petition, Mr Sample appealed on a recent BBC Radio Tees appearance to public officials to get on board with his idea – a call to action that has been well received. MPs and mayors who represent Middlesbrough and beyond have voiced their support for Mr Sample’s ambition.
During a radio appearance on Wednesday January 7, the local musician voiced how “nice” it would be for the famous singer to receive a statue in a “prominent” Middlesbrough location, highlighting Rea’s old family ice cream shop, which was located on Linthorpe Road.
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said: “I completely agree with Jamie that Chris Rea should be honoured with a permanent statue in Middlesbrough, and it’s clear that many people across Teesside feel the same. It would be a fitting way to recognise his cultural legacy and the pride he had in where he came from.”
The sentiment was shared by Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen, who appeared on Radio Tees on Wednesday morning, describing Mr Sample’s proposal as a “great idea” and offered to work with the council and other stakeholders to take the proposal forward.
Mayor Houchen described the late Rea as an “absolute legend”, and not just for Middlesbrough, saying that his songs resonate “right across the world”.
When it comes to how the singer-songwriter could be depicted, Mr Sample highlighted a photo that he had seen, where a young Chris was on an ice cream bike, with Mr Sample explaining how this would highlight Chris’ “humble beginnings” and could show other musicians that enough hard work can make dreams a reality.
Mr Sample said that if Rea had been a footballer, then he’d have a statue outside the Riverside, but was in a different position as a singer. However, he asserted that “the legacy is there” adding: “If you cut him open, he bleeds béchamel sauce.”
Another local MP supportive of plans is Middlesbrough & Thornaby East’s Andy McDonald. The Labour MP said: “With Chris’ passing before Christmas it really brought home to us how well loved he was in his home town.
“His music has been the soundtrack of local life with the likes of Steel River, Stainsby Girls and Driving Home for Christmas all Teesside anthems so I think it’s entirely appropriate that he be honoured and a statue would be a fitting tribute so I wholeheartedly support the campaign.”
Middlesbrough Labour Mayor Chris Cooke is also a proponent of the suggestion, saying: “Chris Rea is a Middlesbrough legend whose impact on music and our local identity can’t be overstated. His songs carried stories of our town – and festive journeys back home to it – all over the world. A statue near Rea’s Café would be a fitting tribute, and I’d fully support looking into how we can bring that forward.”
Mr Sample also highlighted the hope that a statue in the town could offer, saying: “The news always talks down the area so much, it would be nice if we had something really positive.”
You can sign Mr Sample’s petition here.