Musical pal Dave ‘dazed’ by Chas loss

Death: Chas Hodges CHAS And Dave musician Dave Peacock has paid tribute to his “fabulous mate” Chas Hodges following his death.

The 74-year-old passed away in his sleep on Saturday from organ failure after a battle with cancer.

Formed in the 1970s, Chas And Dave had a string of popular hits in their “rockney” style, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy and Gertcha.

Peacock said he would remember the pianist, guitarist and vocalist as a “fabulous musician and a fabulous mate”.

Speaking to the BBC yesterday, he said he would miss him terribly, adding: “All he wanted to do was play music. He just couldn’t stop, even when he was eating his dinner he’d be humming a tune.

“When he was having chemotherapy they couldn’t believe it — he even wrote a song while he was having chemotherapy in the hospital.”

The guitarist said he was still in a “bit of a daze” after hearing of Chas’s death.

“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,” he added.

“He was there for me when my wife died. He’s always been fantastic. He’s always been there.”

Comedian Sir Lenny Henry was among those paying tribute to Hodges, saying: “When they were on Tiswas they were always kind, respectful and played live.”

TV presenter Paddy McGuinness said he was a big fan of Chas And Dave despite being from the North.

Radio DJ Jo Whiley tweeted: “Oh no. This is the saddest news. Chas was a lovely, lovely gentleman.”