Chas & Dave announce split

After a career of over 30 years, the iconic cockney rock duoÂ…

10:40 22 September 2009

The cockney duo Chas & Dave have split after playing together since 1972, following the death of Dave Peacock's wife.

As one of Britain's longest running and best loved rock acts, they were responsible for tunes such as 'Rabbit', 'The Sideboard Song', 'Ain't No Pleasing You' and 'Snooker Loopy'.

Bassist Dave Peacock, 64, announced his intention to retire from the music industry following the death of his wife Sue from lung cancer.

Lead singer and pianist Chas Hodges has vowed to continue playing their hits under the new name of Chas And His Band.

Chas, 65, today said: "Obviously it's sad. It's the end of an era but the start of another one - the show goes on.

"I still see Dave every week and he's coping but I don't think he wanted to do the gigging any more.

"He has horses and he loves driving them round his grounds and painting gypsy wagons which he's very good at so I don't think he'll miss the gigging.

"Chas & Dave is a legendary name but I shall be taking over the gigs. I'll be doing the old songs as well as new ones and talking about Dave during the show."

The band's agent, Barry Collings, added: "Sadly Dave's beloved wife Sue passed away in July this year after over 30 years of blissful marriage.

"Understandably Dave has taken his loss very badly and he hasn't the heart to continue gigging and with regret he has decided to retire from the music business."

The duo pioneered the musical genre 'Rockney', and had received somewhat of a renaissance in recent years thanks to bands such as The Libertines citing them as influential.

Sue Peacock died of lung cancer aged 63 on July 4 this year, despite never having smoked.

A tribute on the band's website read: "Sue was quite simply a remarkable human being. Loved by anyone who was lucky enough to know her, she never had a negative point of view on anyone or anything.

"Sue and Chas' wife Joan were inseparable best friends, and she and Dave were godparents to Chas and Joan's children.

"Sue was instrumental behind the scenes for Chas and Dave, working tirelessly on the side of the business that musicians just aren't good at.

"It's accurate to say that without Sue and Joan, there wouldn't have been Chas and Dave."