Chas & Dave

Chas & Dave
Company type	Musical duo
Industry	Music
Founded	1972
Founder	Charles "Chas" Hodges, David "Dave" Peacock
Headquarters	London, England
Products	Music albums, singles

Chas & Dave—frequently presented as Chas 'n' Dave—were a pop rock pair originating from London, England, comprising Charles "Chas" Hodges and David "Dave" Peacock. They are credited with creating rockney, a distinctive style that fuses traditional pub singalongs, music hall wit, boogie-woogie piano rhythms, and early rock 'n' roll predating the Beatles. Their record label shared the same name, Rockney. Their significant commercial success began with the 1979 single "Gertcha," which climbed to number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. Over their career, they secured eight Top 40 singles and nine albums that charted, reaching peak popularity in the early 1980s with hits like "Rabbit" and "Ain't No Pleasing You." After an 18-year hiatus from studio albums, they released That's What Happens in October 2013.

Formation

Charles Nicholas Hodges and David Victor Peacock first crossed paths in 1963 but only started collaborating on songwriting in 1972. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Hodges performed with bands such as The Outlaws and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, while Peacock was involved with groups including a pre-fame iteration of the Rolling Stones, The Tumbleweeds, and worked alongside artists like Mick Greenwood and Jerry Donahue. Both musicians were members of Black Claw with Harvey Hinsley and Mick Burt; this group recorded alongside Albert Lee and issued the EP Country Pie. After Black Claw dissolved, Hodges became part of Heads Hands & Feet in 1970. The duo also had extensive experience as session musicians supporting artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, and played backing roles for the Beatles.

Hodges’ American tour with Heads Hands & Feet influenced his decision to embrace his natural British accent instead of adopting an American one. Following the band's split in 1972, Hodges suggested forming a band with Peacock that would authentically address relatable topics. Various names were considered, including Chubby, before settling on Chas & Dave—a name proposed by a producer during recording sessions. Additionally, they recorded under the name Oily Rags—Cockney rhyming slang for cigarettes—and released a self-titled album in 1974 featuring Gerry Hogan and Ian Wallace, along with a collaboration album involving Oliver Nelson. This Oily Rags album was issued by Signature Records, managed by Bob Thiele.

Their debut album as Chas & Dave, titled One Fing 'n' Anuvver, appeared in 1975 through Retreat Records. In 1976, drummer Mick Burt joined them, forming a trio while Hodges and Peacock remained the primary focus. After signing with EMI in 1977, they launched Rockney in 1978; its song "Strummin'" marked their initial entry into the charts. Early in 1979, their track "Woortcha!" featured in a Courage Bitter advertisement; after re-recording it as "Gertcha," it reached number 20 on the singles chart. That same year, they supported Led Zeppelin at the Knebworth Festival during two consecutive weekends in August.

1980s

In 1978, Chas & Dave secured management under Bob England, who alongside Natasha England established the 'Rockney' label within Towerbell Records by 1980. Their inaugural single on this label was "Rabbit," which became their first Top 10 hit. The song’s lyrics incorporate Cockney rhyming slang and it was featured in advertising for Courage Bitter. They made an appearance on The Two Ronnies Christmas Special in 1981.

Being supporters of Tottenham Hotspur, they began collaborating with the football club from 1981 onwards. This partnership produced songs such as "Ossie's Dream"/"Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur" during the 1980–81 FA Cup, followed by "Tottenham, Tottenham" in 1982 to celebrate Spurs' successes. Additional singles included "Hot Shot Tottenham!" for the 1987 FA Cup Final and later releases like "When the Year Ends in One" (1991) along with "The Victory Song (We're Off To Wembley 'Cos We Beat The Arsenal)".

Their most notable chart achievement came in 1982 with "Ain't No Pleasing You," which peaked at number two on UK charts and gained international recognition. This slower ballad diverged from their usual sound by incorporating orchestral string arrangements. That year they were granted a Christmas television special on LWT, titled Chas and Dave's Christmas Knees-up, followed by their own series named Chas and Dave's Knees-up in 1983.

In 1985, they recorded the theme tune for BBC’s sitcom In Sickness and in Health. Although they declined to provide the theme for Only Fools and Horses due to commitments abroad in Australia, their track "Margate" was featured in the show’s special episode "The Jolly Boys' Outing" (1989). Throughout the 1980s, they also composed themes and incidental music for children’s programs such as Bangers and Mash and provided the title theme for Crackerjack!.

Their humorous single "Snooker Loopy", released in May 1986, reached number six on the UK Singles Chart.

Later years

Between 1992 and 1993, Chas & Dave produced a series for BBC Radio 2 under the production of Sonia Beldom. This series consisted of three episodes recorded at The Starlight Suite, Enfield Football Club, and featured guests such as the Searchers and Max Bygraves. They also created special broadcasts including Chas & Dave's Christmas Cracker and Chas & Dave's Easter Rabbit, which showcased appearances by Marti Caine, the Salvation Army Band, among others.

Their participation in the 2003 edition of Jools' Annual Hootenanny reignited public interest in their music. During 2003–04, they toured as support for The Libertines, whose frontman Pete Doherty acknowledged them as an influence. In 2005, they performed on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury Festival before an audience of 18,000—a show Hodges later regarded as their finest live performance—and returned to Glastonbury again in 2007. That same year, EMI issued a CD compiling their first two studio albums alongside fresh recordings made at Abbey Road.

In October 2008, Hodges published their autobiography titled Chas & Dave – All About Us, a project spanning over 25 years in the making.

Following the passing of his wife, Peacock declared his retirement in September 2009, bringing their long-standing partnership to an end. Nevertheless, they reunited in June 2010 for a farewell tour scheduled for 2011, with Chas's son Nik Hodges stepping in as drummer in place of Mick Burt. The duo also staged Christmas concerts at the IndigO2 venue during late 2011 and again in December 2012.

In 2012, they collaborated with Nik Hodges to co-write "Head to Head (With the Undead)" for the movie Cockneys Vs Zombies, credited jointly to Hodges and Peacock. That October, BBC Four broadcasted a documentary entitled Chas & Dave: Last Orders. During their final tour, they were announced as headliners for the Rebellion Festival and embarked on a UK-wide tour from February through May 2013.

Their first studio album in eighteen years, That's What Happens, was released in October 2013. In July 2014, Hodges made an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s program John Shuttleworth's Lounge Music. On August 7 that year, they performed at Cropredy Festival near Banbury. The band publicly mourned the death of original drummer Mick Burt on October 19.

They took part in VE Day 70: A Party to Remember held in London on May 9, 2015, and later appeared at the Sunshine Festival in August. Their customary Christmas show made a return to Hammersmith Apollo that December. In 2016, Chas & Dave appeared on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, delivering a rendition of "Rabbit."

Musical style

Chas & Dave are predominantly recognized for their humorous songs deeply rooted in London's working-class pub sing-along tradition. Their distinctive sound—known as rockney, a term Hodges introduced in 1976—melds elements of "rock" with "cockney" influences. Performed using a London accent, this genre blends aspects of London music hall with rock and roll. The duo developed this unique approach in 1972 as a counterpoint to British bands adopting American vocal styles. After touring the United States with Heads Hands & Feet, Hodges realized it was more authentic to perform using his natural accent rather than imitating an American one. He then teamed up with Peacock to form a band that sang songs reflecting their genuine voices. Hodges identifies "One Fing 'n' Anuvver," the title track from their debut album, as their inaugural Rockney composition. He refined this style by first speaking lyrics aloud using his natural intonation before setting them to melody, ensuring his true voice was conveyed instead of an American affectation.

Chas Hodges’s Passing and the Band’s Enduring Influence

On 22 September 2018, Chas Hodges passed away at the age of 74 due to pneumonia, which followed his battle with cancer.

The musical style of Chas & Dave left a mark on groups such as The Libertines, who incorporated their tracks during practice sessions.

Chas and Dave's Knees Up

In 1983, Chas & Dave presented a variety series produced by LWT and broadcast on ITV, with the setting of an East End public house.

Episode 1 (21 May 1983): Guests included Eric Burdon, Linda Lewis, and Jeff Stevenson
Episode 2 (4 June 1983): Featured appearances by Lulu, Rocky Sharpe and the Replays, Natasha England, Bobby Knutt, and Roy Jay
Episode 3 (11 June 1983): Included performances by Mike Berry, The Flying Pickets, and Dave Ismay
Episode 4 (18 June 1983): Showcased Paul Shane, Captain Sensible, and Berni Flint
Episode 5 (25 June 1983): Featured Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Rose-Marie, and Jimmy Jones
Episode 6 (2 July 1983): Included appearances by Lonnie Donegan, Diz and The Doormen, and Gary Wilmot
Xmas Knees Up (25 December 1982): Guests were Jimmy Cricket, Eric Clapton, and Jim Davidson; this special has been re-aired during Christmas on Channel Five and Yesterday, often omitting Davidson's segment.

Discography

Studio albums

Bibliography

External links