Sad to hear that one half of much loved Cockney music duo Chas and Dave, singer Chas Hodges has died aged 74.It was announced earlier today in a tweet from the musical duo's twitter account. The band posted online: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our very own Chas Hodges, "Despite receiving successful treatment for oesophageal cancer recently, Chas suffered organ failure and passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning."
https://twitter.com/chas_dave/status/1043470431783710720
A message on the groups website added:"We would like to thank our fans or their fantastic support and goodwill at this difficult time."
The official Twitter account for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, of whom Hdges was a huge fan, posted ;Everyone at the Clun is deeply saddened to hear of one of our own, Chas Hodges."Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,"
Born Charles Nicholas Hodges in 1943, Chas will be forever remembered for his work with David Victor Peacock, better known as Dave.Hodges' career kicked of the 1960's working alongside legendary producer Joe Meek, while working as a musician he backed Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent. Hodges also played bass with a short lived band called the Outlaws , who were once supported by the Beatles, who he stuck up a long friendship with. Hodges also worked with the highly respected Cliff Bennet and the Rebel Rousers , he also had sessions with Ritchie Blackmore, and joined Albert Lee's band Heads ,Hands and Feet, plus a short lived stint with the Rockers, who featured Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, the Move's Roy Wood and Status Quo drummer John Coghlan.
Chas and Dave formed in 1975, known for their distinctive 'rockney' style, which blended early rock and roll with elements of cockney musical hall humour, pub singalong and boogie woogie piano.In the tradition of the Kinks and the Small Faces and around the same time as Ian Dury and Squeeze, they wrote exceptionally witty songs about life in London, performed with a strong affection for all.,so tied to its place, singing about the working classes of the city. After supporting Led Zeppelin at Knebworth in 1979, they went on to enjoy a run of hits in the late seventies and early eighties with songs like Gertcha,'Rabbit, The Sideboard Song,'Ain't No Pleasing You and'Snooper Loopy. They became known and loved because they knew how to give audiences a good time, gaining an enthusiastic cult following with both young and old.
They disbanded in 2009 following the retirement of Dave Peacock after his wife Sue's death.
However in 2010 Chas and Dave announced their return to live circuit with much critical acclaim. The duo released their first album of new material in over three decades this year, ' A 'liitle Bit of Us' included a track that addressed Chas's cancer diagnosis. The band was forced to cancel a number of dates back in August of this year to his illness. In a statement at the time Hodges stoically said:"In my time as a musician/entertainer.I would say the most depressing thing to do is to have to cancel a gig or gigs."
Already the internet is awash with tributes to him, on all accounts a gentleman who was admired and loved in equal measure. Over the years, some saw Chas and Dave as a bit of a novelty act, but Chas Hodges was one of the most talented musicians this country has ever produced, my record collection is better to have them within it. An absolute legend, so long for now Chas ,R,I,P your songs will continue to brighten up many a darkened days,..
Rabbit - Chas and Dave, 1981
Chas and Dave - Gertcha
Chas and Dave - Ain't No Pleasing you
Chas and Dave - Sideboard Song, 1979
