Half of an enduring music duo
POPULAR ‘‘rockney’’ singer and pianist Chas Hodges (74) formed one half of the musical duo Chas and Dave.
The muchloved duo were especially popular during the 1970s and ’80s. Their quintessential London workingclass sound featured on hits, including Ain’t No Pleasing You, Rabbit, Gertcha and Snooker Loopy.
The duo were also linked with the Tottenham Hotspur football club and performed several songs with players.
Hodges was born in Edmonton, north London in 1943.
According to The Guardian, he was inspired to learn guitar at the age of 13 after hearing Little Richard. He was expelled from school when he was 15.
In the late 1950s and 1960s he was a member of Mike Berry and the Outlaws and also a backing musician for some big names, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent and Bill Haley.
He played on the hits Johnny Remember Me and Wild Wind by John Leyton. Then, with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, he played with The Beatles on their last UK tour in 1966.
The Chas and Dave (Peacock) partnership lasted more than 40 years. The duo split in 2009 but reunited the following year.
Hughes was a highly talented musician, also playing the guitar, the bass guitar and the banjo.
Among those who paid tribute was Welsh music critic Simon Price, who said on Twitter: ‘‘I don’t know if I’ve ever had as much shameless fun at a gig as last time I saw Chas and Dave.’’
Comedy writer Adam Kay tweeted: ‘‘Sad news. The very least we could do in Chas’ memory is make Ain’t No Pleasing You the new national anthem.’’
The Mirror reported that Chas and Dave enjoyed a fishing trip just days before he died.
Peacock said: ‘‘His spirits were always up. Nothing ever got him down.
‘‘We sat there fishing, having a bit of banter. He was singing — he was always singing . . . He was great. ’’
Hodges was treated for oesophageal cancer last year and returned to performing, but in August doctors advised him to cancel concerts.
He died in his sleep, of pneumonia, on September 22.