Their songs are in the memories of millions’: Tottenham and stars pay tribute to Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave who finally lost cancer battle aged 74
- Chas – real name Charles Hodges – had suffered from oesophageal cancer
- News of his death was posted to Chas and Dave’s Twitter account
- Chas formed ‘rockney’ style duo with Dave Peacock in the 1970s
- Their hits included Rabbit, Snooker Loopy, Gertcha and Margate
Tributes have been flooding in for Chas and Dave singer Chas Hodges, including from his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.
The musician died at the age of 74 after a battle with oesophageal cancer.
A host of celebrities have expressed their condolences for the singer, as have Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, of which Hodges was an outspoken supporter.
The official Twitter account for the club 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.’
Other stars also paid tribute to the singer, who formed the group in the 1970s with Dave Peacock and had a string of popular hits in their ‘rockney’ style, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy and Gertcha.
‘His songs are in the memories of millions’: From Cheryl Baker to Tom Watson, tributes pour in for Chas
Chas and Dave’s official Twitter account announced the 74-year-old singer’s death this afternoon. He had been suffering from oesophageal cancer
Comedian Sir Lenny Henry 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: ‘ChasHodges RIP worked with Chas & Dave loads of times in the 1980’s and had a good laugh with them every time.
A message posted this afternoon on the duo’s official Twitter account read: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our very own Chas Hodges.
‘Despite receiving successful treatment for oesophageal cancer recently, Chas suffered organ failure and passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning.’
‘I can still remember I was always driving home from working with them singing Rabbit Rabbit or London Girls.’
TV presenter Paddy McGuinness said he was a big fan of Chas and Dave, despite being from the North.
‘RIP Chas Hodges. 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,’ McGuinness tweeted.
The duo formed in the 1970s and had a string of popular hits in their ‘rockney’ style, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy and Gertcha
‘I always wanted to see them live. Sad loss to the entertainment industry. #chasanddave.’
Radio DJ Jo Whiley tweeted: ‘Oh no. This is the saddest news. Chas was a lovely lovely gentleman & our Maida Vale Xmas 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 and, of course, #DavePeacock. #ChasandDave #Rockney.’
Radio DJ and TV presenter Iain Lee tweeted: ‘Absolutely gutted about @ChasnHodges passing. Was always a real gentleman to me and very generous with his time. 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.’
Chas and Dave were responsible for four FA Cup singles for the football club, including Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) in 1981
Chas, real name Charles Nicholas Hodges, was best known for his long-lasting musical partnership with Dave Peacock.
Chas and Dave were responsible for four FA Cup singles for the football club, including Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) in 1981.
Comedy writer and author 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. Belting tune.’
-
Princess Diana would have been at Harry’s wedding if she was…
¿DJ¿, 20, dies after he was stabbed to death at an 18th…
Share this article
In August, the duo were forced to cancel all their shows because of Chas’s health problems, but the statement confirmed he was ‘on the mend’.
The statement on August 17 read: ‘It is with great regret that, following doctor’s advice, we’ve been left with no alternative but to cancel all forthcoming Chas & Dave shows.
‘Chas is on the mend but progress is slow and he needs time to get back to fitness after a difficult year.’
A statement from Chas in August read: ‘In my life as a musician/entertainer I would say the most depressing thing to have to do is to have to cancel a gig or gigs.
‘Fortunately, throughout my career of thousands of gigs with Dave or in other bands these times have been very few & far between, and only extreme illness in the past (and I mean extreme) illness has prompted me/us to have to make this decision.’
The boy from Middlesex who grew up to write cockney classics (and star in beer and baked bean ads)
Charles Nicholas ‘Chas’ Hodges was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, in December 1943.
He was a singer, pianist and also played the guitar, bass and banjo.
Before founding Chas and Dave with Peacock and drummer Mick Burt, Hodges worked as a session musician and played for a wide range of artists.
Chas and Dave, above, in 1981. On February 6, 2017, it was announced that Hodges had been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and he started immediate treatment
The band’s debut album One Fing ‘n’ Anuvver was released in 1975 to critical acclaim.
They featured on adverts for Courage beer and Heinz Baked Beans and also collaborated with Tottenham Hotspur FC on their FA cup final songs.
Hodges published a book called Chas & Dave: All About Us in 2008.
The band’s debut album One Fing ‘n’ Anuvver was released in 1975 to critical acclaim
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, 2017, it was announced that Hodges had been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and he started immediate treatment.
The band was forced to cancel a number of tour dates in August this year due to his illness.
He died on September 22, 2018, aged 74, from organ failure.
Source: Read Full Article