The Curious Legacy of Chris Rea: From ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ to an Egg in Bob Mortimer’s Bath
The outpouring of grief following the death of Chris Rea, aged 74, has been accompanied by a heartwarming resurgence of a truly bizarre anecdote: the story of the egg in Bob Mortimer’s bath. Fans are revisiting the tale, originally shared on the BBC panel show Would I Lie To You?, as a testament to Rea’s unique character and the enduring impact he had on those who knew him.
The story, recounted by Mortimer in 2018, details a peculiar piece of advice offered by Rea after a recording session for a Middlesbrough Football Club single, “Let’s Dance,” in 1997. Mortimer claimed Rea, a fellow native of Middlesbrough, simply placed him in a bath…with an egg already inside. The panel, naturally, demanded an explanation.
A Middlesbrough Ritual? The Origin of the Egg
“I was making a single for Middlesbrough Football Club’s FA Cup appearance called ‘Let’s Dance’ [in 1997], which I did with Chris Rea,” Mortimer explained. “And after we completed the recording, he popped me into the bath and there was an egg in it.” He continued, painting a vivid picture of Rea’s matter-of-fact delivery: “He said, ‘That’s it Bob, I think we’ve got that leg, that’s your bedroom, that’s the bath, I’ll pop an egg in there for you.’”
Mortimer emphasized Rea’s deep connection to their hometown. “He’s where I’m from, Middlesbrough, but he’s much more Middlesbrough than me,” he quipped. The question of *why* an egg was involved remained unanswered. “I’ve never found out,” Mortimer admitted. “All I know is that I woke up the next morning and I have never felt so alive.” He added, with characteristic dry wit, that the egg white had dissipated, leaving a “non-greasy” residue.
Very sad news on the passing of #ChrisRea who left a musical legacy but will forever be remembered in my mind for popping an egg into Bob Mortimer’s bath pic.twitter.com/wEX6dXWDPf
— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) December 22, 2025
Mortimer further detailed the egg-bath experience, explaining the delicate maneuver of avoiding yolk breakage. “You really don’t want to bust the yolk. The white goes but the yolk’s there and you move like that and you try and get it to come towards you.” He concluded, “If you knew Chris, it’s just so Chris.”
Beyond the Bath: Rea’s Life and Lasting Impact
Rea’s final television appearance came in 2020, on a Christmas special of Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse’s Gone Fishing, a show aptly named after one of Rea’s own songs. During the episode, Rea revealed a surprising detail about his iconic Christmas hit, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’: he was actually “on the dole” when he wrote it. As reported by the Daily Express, the irony didn’t stop there – he was also banned from driving at the time.
Rea explained that the song, initially penned for Van Morrison, was both “frustrating” and “hopeful and comforting.” He even admitted to playfully “singing it at other drivers when I’m stuck on the motorway.” This anecdote, like the egg story, reveals a down-to-earth, self-deprecating humor that endeared Rea to fans.
What is it about this seemingly random act of kindness – or perhaps eccentricity – that resonates so deeply? Does it speak to a longing for simpler times, or a fascination with the unpredictable nature of artistic genius?
Rea’s passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy extends beyond chart-topping hits. It’s a legacy of authenticity, humor, and a willingness to embrace the wonderfully weird.
Chris Rea’s Musical Journey: From Blues Roots to Christmas Classics
Born in Middlesbrough in 1945, Chris Rea began his musical career playing guitar in local bands, honing his skills in the blues and rock genres. He released his debut album, Whatever Happened to Priscilla, in 1978, but it was the 1980s that saw him achieve mainstream success with albums like Watercolour Blue and Shameless.
Rea’s distinctive husky vocals and evocative guitar playing earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. He explored themes of working-class life, love, and loss in his songwriting, often drawing inspiration from his own experiences. While known for his ballads, Rea was also a gifted instrumentalist, releasing several albums showcasing his guitar prowess.
‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ released in 1988, initially failed to gain significant traction but has become a perennial festive favorite, consistently charting in the UK Top 40 every December. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable lyrics and heartwarming message of longing and reunion.
Rea continued to record and tour throughout his career, remaining a beloved figure in the British music scene. His influence can be heard in the work of numerous contemporary artists, and his music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Rea and the Egg in the Bath
A: Chris Rea was renowned for his blues-infused rock, distinctive vocals, and evocative songwriting, particularly his Christmas hit ‘Driving Home for Christmas’.
A: The story originated from Bob Mortimer recounting an experience on the BBC panel show Would I Lie To You? in 2018.
A: Both Chris Rea and Bob Mortimer hail from Middlesbrough, and the egg-in-the-bath story highlights Rea’s strong connection to his hometown and his unique personality.
A: No, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ was not initially a major success, but it has grown into a beloved Christmas classic over the years.
A: Chris Rea was surprisingly “on the dole” and ironically banned from driving when he penned the festive favorite.
The story of the egg in the bath, while seemingly trivial, encapsulates the spirit of Chris Rea – a man who defied convention, embraced his roots, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him and listened to his music. What other untold stories lie behind the legacy of this remarkable artist?
Share this article with fellow music lovers and join the conversation in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the life and music of Chris Rea!
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