Chas Hodges obit

Chas Hodges of Cockney music duo Chas and Dave dies aged 74 after suffering 'organ failure' in battle with throat cancer

 

He was not on the list.

One half of much-loved Cockney music duo Chas and Dave has died, it was announced today.

Chas and Dave singer Chas Hodges passed away aged 74, a tweet from the musical duo's Twitter account said.

The band posted online: "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."

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."

Hodges and Dave Peacock rose to fame in the English pop-rock duo, known for their rock and cockney style, in the 1970s.

The duo were known for their lively 'knees up' music with hits like Rabbit, and Snooker Loopy.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, he backed some of the all-time greats, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent and Bill Hayley.

Hodges revealed in early 2017 that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus after he struggled to swallow a glass of water, and he underwent chemotherapy.

He returned to performing last year, but in August, Chas and Dave were forced to cancel all of their forthcoming gigs on doctor's advice.

At the time, Hodges said in a statement that "recent check-ups have seen no sign of cancer but the treatment has left me well below par".

Comedian Rob Beckett was among the stars paying tribute to Hodges.

He tweeted: "So sad. Such a legend. Together with Dave he wrote the soundtrack to my childhood. RIP Chas Hodges."

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."

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."

Comedian Sir Lenny Henry tweeted: "What a shame. When they were on Tiswas they were always kind, respectful and played live. RIP Chas."