TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR COCKNEY SONGSTER CHAS
CHAS and Dave star Chas Hodges has been described as a “legend” and a “lovely, lovely gentleman” as stars paid tribute to the singer following his death aged 74.
The music star died in his sleep yesterday morning from organ failure after a battle with cancer, a tweet from the musical duo’s Twitter account said.
Comedian Sir Lenny Henry was among those paying tribute to Hodges, best known for his long lasting musical partnership with Dave Peacock.
Sir Lenny wrote on Twitter: “What a shame. When they were on Tiswas they were always kind, respectful and played live. RIP Chas.”
Retired boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: “Worked with Chas & Dave loads of times in the 1980s and had a good laugh with them every time.”
TV presenter Paddy McGuinness said he was a big fan, despite being from the North.
“Chas and Dave were always on the telly when I was a nipper, they’re cockney through and through but we also loved them in the North,” he tweeted.
“I always wanted to see them live. Sad loss to the entertainment industry.”
Radio DJ Jo Whiley tweeted: “Oh no. This is the saddest news. Chas was a lovely, lovely gentleman & our Maida Vale Christmas show was one of my absolute favourite shows. Much love to his family, close friends & Dave.”
Deputy leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson tweeted: “This is very sad. Chas was a very accomplished musician who brought joy to many with his performances. And Chas and Dave’s songs are in the memories of millions.”
Comedian Rob Beckett wrote on Twitter: “So sad. Such a legend. Together with Dave he wrote the soundtrack to my childhood. RIP Chas Hodges.”
Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker said she was “absolutely heartbroken” to hear of Hodges’s death.
She said in a tweet: “He was a huge talent and a lovely man. Thinking of the family.”
Radio DJ and TV presenter Iain Lee tweeted: “Absolutely gutted about @ ChasnHodges passing.
“Absolutely one of the best. Played piano at Eric Clapton’s wedding. The other members of the spontaneous band? Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.”
The official Twitter account for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club – of which Hodges was an outspoken supporter – posted: “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.”
Chas and Dave were responsible for four FA Cup singles for the football club.
C o medy w r i te r Adam Kay tweeted: “Sad news. The very least we could do is make ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’ the new national anthem. Belting tune.”
Chas, together with Dave Peacock, were known for their witty lyrics about living in London in the 1970s. They had a string of hits, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy and Ain’t No Pleasing You.
Charles Nicholas “Chas” Hodges was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, in December 1943. He was a singer, pianist and also played guitar, bass and banjo.
Before founding Chas and Dave with Peacock and drummer Mick Burt, Hodges worked as a session musician.
Peacock retired from the group in 2009 after his wife Sue died from lung cancer, but the band reunited two years later and continued to tour.
They performed at the Royal Variety Performance for the first time in 2013 and a sell-out headline show at the Royal Albert Hall the following year.
On February 6 last year it was announced that Hodges had been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and he started immediate treatment.