Artist News Releases

Chas & Dave’s Chas Hodges dies

By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 24 September 2018

Chas Hodges of Chas & Dave died on Saturday, it has been confirmed via the duo’s website. He was 74 and had been receiving treatment for cancer.

“It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our very own Chas Hodges”, reads a statement. “Despite receiving successful treatment for oesophageal cancer recently, Chas suffered organ failure and passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday 22 Sep. We would like to thank our fans for their fantastic support and goodwill at this difficult time”.

Hodges was diagnosed with cancer last year, but returned to performing months later. Though in August the duo were forced to cancel upcoming shows – including an appearance at The Libertines’ Sharabang event earlier this month – due to Hodges’ ongoing treatment.

Originally an accomplished session musician, often working alongside Dave Peacock on projects, Hodges began developing Chas & Dave’s ‘rockney’ style when he began to feel a “fraud’ singing songs with an American accent.

They released their debut single as a duo, ‘Old Dog And Me’, in 1975, subsequently enjoying their biggest successes in the 1980s. Their hits from that era include: ‘Snooker Loopy’, ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’, ‘Rabbit’ and the Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final song ‘Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On their Way To Wembley)’.

The duo officially split in 2009, following their death of Peacock’s wife, Sue, who had worked behind their scenes throughout their career. However, they reformed for a farewell tour in 2010, and subsequently continued to perform until recently.

The final Chas & Dave album, ‘A Little Bit Of Us’ – their first for five years – was released earlier this year. A new compilation, ‘Chas & Dave Gold’, is also set for release this Friday.