Calls for a Chris Rea statue in Middlesbrough
A petition has hit more than 3,500 signatures
A musician from Teesside is calling for there to be a statue of the late Chris Rea in Middlesbrough.
Jamie Sample has started a petition to pay tribute and celebrate Rea's achievements.
In it, Jamie said: "Growing up in Teesside, the music of Chris Rea always resonated deeply with me. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics captured the essence of our area, painting vivid pictures of Middlesbrough and beyond.
"As a musician born and raised in this vibrant community, I feel a profound connection to Rea's work and the way it elevates our local heritage. It is my belief that Chris Rea's immense contribution to both music and the cultural fabric of Teesside deserves a lasting tribute in his hometown—a statue that not only honors his legacy but also inspires future generations of musicians.
"A statue in a prominent location in Middlesbrough would not only celebrate Chris Rea's artistic achievements but also recognize the cultural significance he holds for the people of our region. Such an installation could serve as a daily reminder of the rich musical heritage that our area has produced and its influence on the world stage. It would also boost local tourism, offering fans a place to connect with Chris Rea's legacy while appreciating the beauty and history of Middlesbrough.
"I think like everyone else it was kind of engrained in being a Teessider really. I joked that if you cut him open he would bleed bechemel sauce. The idea was that we should honour those musicians and if you talk to any Boro fan they used one of Chris Rea's songs for when they got to the FA Cup final.
"I was looking at a good photo and it was a young Chris Rea sat on a Rea's ice cream bike and I thought that might be a really nice little thing just to demonstrate his humble beginnings. I know that others have said they wanted him with a guitar and I think someone's even said that there should be a plaque below that says: 'Chris Rea, born and raised on Steel River.'
"I'd like it to be as near to Chris Rea's family's ice cream shop if possible. People have been discussing about a bit of green outside of Dorman Museum and obviously, not interfering with the memorial site, but a lot of people want it as near as possible to the ice cream shop.
"I'm gobsmacked by the support because when I started it I thought it's just going to be one of those that gets lost in other petitions. But all of a sudden, I'm having people from Germany and ex-pats just messaging me and throwing their support behind it. Obviously I would love to get Bob Mortimer's support."