In early 1975, Steve Harley, leader and sole songwriter of Cockney Rebel, was in a tricky position. In June 1974, their almost guitarfree second album, The Psychomodo, reached the UK Top 10. Then, other than loyal drummer Stuart Elliott, Harley’s band deserted him over his refusal to share songwriting. He wrote a bitter song about it called Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me), and brought in a less rebellious Rebel which included former Family man Jim Cregan, the first indication that guitars would be more prominent.
Time was pressing. Just nine months later The Best Years Of Our Lives was released, credited to Steve Harley + Cockney Rebel (not even a collaboration-implying ‘And’), should anyone now doubt who was boss.
