Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel: "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" Single (1980)

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel's "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" / "Sebastian" – 1980 Reissue

Released on October 3, 1980, by EMI Records, the reissue of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel's "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" with "Sebastian" as the B-side is a gem for glam-rock fans. This 7-inch vinyl single was part of the promotional push for The Best of Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel compilation, reviving two of the band's defining tracks from 1975 and 1973. With a nostalgic picture sleeve showcasing the band’s shifting line-ups, this release captures Harley’s lyrical bite and theatrical flair. Here’s the full story.

The Single at a Glance

A-Side: "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (~4:00, single edit)

From The Best Years of Our Lives (1975), produced by Steve Harley and Alan Parsons. A sharp, upbeat glam-pop hit with lyrics like "You’ve done it all, you’ve broken every code" aimed at ex-bandmates after the 1974 Cockney Rebel split. It was their only UK No. 1, selling over a million copies originally.

B-Side: "Sebastian" (4:01)

From The Human Menagerie (1973), the debut album. A gothic, orchestral epic, trimmed from its 7-minute album version, featuring a 50-piece orchestra and choir arranged by Andrew Powell. A No. 1 hit in Belgium, it’s a fan-favorite for its haunting romance and dramatic scope.

Release Context: Timed to the 1980 best-of compilation, this reissue came as Harley transitioned to solo work post-Cockney Rebel’s peak. It didn’t chart but kept these classics alive for fans and collectors.

Picture Sleeve Details

The 1980 reissue’s picture sleeve is a visual tribute to Cockney Rebel’s evolution, contrasting the original and reformed line-ups:

Front Cover: Features the original 1973 Cockney Rebel line-up from The Human Menagerie era:

Milton Reame-James (real name: Harry Reame-James, keyboards)

Jean Paul Crocker (real name: John Crocker, violin)

Paul Jeffreys (bass, wo's life was tragically taken on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1988 while on his honeymoon) Steve Harley (real name: Steven Nice, vocals) Stuart Elliott (drums)

The image captures the band’s early artsy, glam aesthetic, a nod to their progressive rock roots.

Back Cover: Showcases the 1975 Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel line-up from The Best Years of Our Lives: Steve Harley (vocals) Jim Cregan (guitar) George Ford (bass) Duncan Mackay (keyboards) Stuart Elliott (drums, the only member bridging both eras)

This lineup reflects the band’s shift to a tighter, pop-rock sound.

The sleeve’s design bridges the band’s theatrical beginnings with their commercial peak, making it a collector’s keepsake.

Production and Legacy

Recording: "Make Me Smile" was crafted at AIR Studios with Alan Parsons’ polished production, blending catchy hooks with Harley’s venomous lyrics. "Sebastian," also recorded at AIR, features lavish orchestration despite sync challenges, produced by Neil Harrison.

Cultural Impact: "Make Me Smile" is a staple in films like The Full Monty and Velvet Goldmine, with over 200 cover versions (e.g., Duran Duran, Suzi Quatro). "Sebastian" remains a live highlight, often the penultimate song before "Make Me Smile" in Harley’s sets.

Why It Matters

This reissue captures Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel at their best: witty, dramatic, and unapologetic. The picture sleeve’s tribute to both line-ups—tinged with the tragic loss of Paul Jeffreys and George Ford—adds emotional weight. Whether you’re a glam-rock devotee or discovering Harley’s charisma, this single is a timeless slice of the ‘70s.

Spin it loud and let Harley’s voice transport you. What’s your favorite Cockney Rebel track? Drop a comment!