Chas & Dave singer Chas Hodges has died, aged 74.

A statement shared on the duo's Twitter and website page 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."

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. pic.twitter.com/bwxqfHUjUg — Chas And Dave (@chas_dave) September 22, 2018

The statement continued: "We would like to thank our fans for their fantastic support and goodwill at this difficult time."

A photo tribute to Chas, full name was Charles Nicholas Hodges, has replace the duo's homepage on their website.


Chas & Dave were popular in the 1970s and 1980s and known for their "rockney" style, with a mix of singalong humour and rock.

Image: Chas (right) and Dave performed at the BST festival in Hyde Park, London this summer

Image: The duo met Prince Charles at the Royal Variety Performance in 2013

They had a string of hits, including Rabbit, Snooker Loopy, Gertcha and Ain't No Pleasing You.

Before forming the duo, Hodges, who played the piano, guitar, bass and banjo, was a member of The Outlaws and worked as a session musician.

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

As a member of Cliff Bennett And The Rebel Rousers, he also performed as a special guest alongside The Beatles during their final UK tour in 1966.

As the news of his death broke, musicians, comedians and fans paid tribute to the star.

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

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."

Very sad news today, the legendary Chas Hodges has died #RIPChas pic.twitter.com/4SktIdjP2L — Tottenham Hotspur FC (@_THFC_) September 22, 2018

Comedian Rob Beckett tweeted: "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 his 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 said: "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."

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."

Image: Spurs' Clive Allen (centre) gets vocal support from the duo for the team's single in 1987

The official Twitter account for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club - of which Hodges was a huge fan - 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."

Chas and Dave performed four FA Cup singles for the club, including Ossie's Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) in 1981.

The duo performed together for more than 40 years following the release of their debut album One Fing 'n' Anuvver in 1975.

They had enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, performing at the Royal Variety Performance for the first time in 2013 and putting on a sell-out headline show at the Royal Albert Hall in 2014.

Earlier this summer, they supported Eric Clapton at the British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park.

However, the duo were forced to cancel shows in August following medical advice regarding Chas's health.