Chas and Dave still pleasing fans after all these years

Chas & Dave (Image: Archant)

They have been a part of British culture since the 1970s with their self-proclaimed Rockney style of music.

Hertfordshire’s Chas and Dave have been taken into the hearts of the nation with their catalogue of hits which first elevated them into the big time in 1979 and then into the 80s.

Gertcha, Snooker Loopy, Rabbit, Ain’t No Pleasing You, Margate – the list goes on of chart hits that encapsulates their unique fusion of music hall, rock and roll, pub-sing-along and a touch of humour.

The down-to-earth duo are still going strong with large tours, new recordings and they were even recently invited to perform at the VE Day 70 concert at Royal Horseguards.

You’re certainly always guaranteed a party with Chas and Dave, and their performance at this year’s recent Chilfest in Tring certainly did not let the 80s crowd down.

The festival-goers were on their feet and linking arms, as the Rockney legends played hit after hit.

For the two good friends, Chas Hodges and Dave Peacock, playing live and seeing people enjoying their songs is “what it’s all about”.

Speaking before going on stage, Chas said: “I like playing all of our songs.

“We’ve got so many songs, Sideboard Song, London Girls, Gertcha, Rabbit, Ain’t No Pleasing You, and they’re all our favourites.

“We love touring. The older we get, the more we enjoy it.

“We are blessed, it’s part of our lives, it’s like eating and sleeping. “

Pianist Chas and guitarist Dave were widely experienced around the British rock scene of the 1960s and early 70s before they teamed up with the now late drummer Mick Burt to form Chas and Dave.

First spotted at a pub gig playing Gertcha, they were signed up to make ads for Courage Beer, and that’s when their popularity took off.

Then followed hit after hit throughout the 80s, including a couple of FA Cup final songs for Tottenham Hotspur.

The later decades have seen more of a concentration of touring and recording new songs for recent album That’s What Happens, which has the same classic Chas and Dave sound of years ago.

Whilst Chas and Dave now live in Benington and Cheshunt respectively, they are originally from Ponders End and Edmonton, and it’s their London sound which has made them stand out in the crowd.

Asked if they thought East End culture and their style of music was dying out, Dave was quick to point out: “We’re not East End, we’re Ponders End, that’s where we come from.”

Chas continued: “Well, we ain’t dying out. The older we get, the better we get.

“We’re just Chas and Dave. It comes from us.

“We don’t sort of think London is the best, it’s Chas and Dave, that’s the main thing.”

• Chas and Dave play the Watford Colosseum on September 10, Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on September 17, and the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on December 10.

For tickets and more tour dates, visit www.chasndave.net