CHAS..BROWN BREAD AT 74
Bandmate Dave’s tribute to Cockney pop legend
POP legend Chas Hodges sang and played guitar even while having chemo, his Chas and Dave bandmate revealed last night.
Guitarist Dave Peacock said of his pal, who has died aged 74: “We were together 50 years. I am going miss him so much.
“He was a fabulous musician and a fabulous friend.”
Chas had beaten cancer but died in his sleep of organ failure early yesterday.
Dave, 71, told the Sunday People: “He would be singing or humming a tune when he was eating. He was even singing when he was having chemotherapy. That was him. He was a music junkie because he couldn’t stop hitting the notes.”
The Cockney duo scored a string of hits in the 1970s and 80s, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy, Ain’t No Pleasing You and four FA Cup final songs with their beloved club Tottenham Hotspur.
Yesterday, Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles said: “So so sad to hear of Chas’ passing. Wonderful musician, wonderful man. Always generous, always smiling.”
The club tweeted: “Everyone is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our own.”
Pal and Spurs legend Micky Hazard, 58, said: “This is a complete shock. I spoke to him two weeks ago. He sounded so well. He was a legend, I idolised him.”
Chas leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Joan, a onetime Playboy bunny and actress, and their kids Juliet, Kate and Nik – who has been a drummer for Chas and Dave since 2009.
The Libertines rocker Carl Barat, who performed with the pair, said: “He was a much-loved statesman of British music. He was a diamond fella and raconteur.
“His work transcended generations and cultures and he will be greatly missed.”
Chas revealed in February 2017 that he was battling oesophagus cancer but faced his treatment with typical cheerfulness.
He even turned up for his first chemo session wielding a guitar, ready to entertain the nurses and fellow patients.
Ex-boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: “Worked with Chas & Dave loads of times in the 1980s and had a good laugh with them every time. I can still remember driving home from working with them singing Rabbit Rabbit or London Girls.”
A message on the group’s website added: “We would like to thank our fans for their fantastic support and goodwill at this difficult time.”