Tributes have been paid to singer and pianist Chas Hodges, of Chas & Dave, who has died aged 74 after suffering from oesophageal cancer.
Alongside bass guitarist Dave Peacock, he scored a run of hit records in the ‘70s and ‘80s, including Rabbit, Gertcha, Snooker Loopy and Ain’t No Pleasing You, as well as Tottenham Hotspur’s 1981 FA Cup song, Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley).
The duo’s commercial breakthrough came with their appearances in TV commercials for Courage beer, following which they became mainstays of TV entertainment shows.
Before the duo, Hodges worked with Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent and Bill Haley. He also played alongside The Beatles on their final British tour in 1966.
Following his roles in various rock ’n’ roll groups, including the Outlaws and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, Hodges and Peacock formed Chas & Dave in 1972. Their website describes their approach as: “Witty songs about life in London, performed with a strong affection for all things English reminiscent of many of the great music hall artists many years previously".
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 his sleep in the early hours of this morning. pic.twitter.com/bwxqfHUjUg
— Chas And Dave (@chas_dave) September 22, 2018
Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our own, Chas Hodges. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AMB7pWHUa4
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 22, 2018
#RIPChas #Aintnopleasingyou pic.twitter.com/RrfbMqSPrI
— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) September 22, 2018
Rest in peace Chas. You gave our decade this, and we'll always be grateful. https://t.co/5dBhmxRPvO
— Absolute 80s (@Absolute80s) September 22, 2018
So so sad to hear of @ChasnHodges passing. Wonderful musician, wonderful man. Always generous, always smiling. Spurs trough and trough. Big Thanks for this marvellous song you gave us that will be always in our hearts. RIP my friend. Thoughts & prayers with his family and friends
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) September 22, 2018
Sad news indeed. An excellent musician and songwriter. #chashodges https://t.co/liPzHM9gei
— Right Said Fred (@TheFreds) September 22, 2018
"I always say to people Chas and Dave ain't just a band, it's a way of life and I'm going to miss him terribly," Peacock told the BBC.
The pair also have a footnote in hip-hop history after the hook they recorded for Labi Siffre’s I Got The… was sampled for Eminem’s My Name Is.
After their commercial peak, the band enjoyed something of a revival for their combination of rock ’n’ roll and cockney in the ‘90s, including Chas & Dave’s Street Party, which reached No.3 in the albums chart.
In recent years, they played Glastonbury, supported The Libertines and continued to appear on radio and TV, including Later… With Jools Holland in June this year.
They pair called it a day after the death of Peacock’s wife, but reunited for a couple of final albums. Hodges also recorded a solo album in 2014.
"He was there for me when my wife died,” said Peacock. “He's always been fantastic. He's always been there."
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