The Legends

When you look at the names who stood on the stage at the Chas Hodges Memorial Concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, you see the true scale of the boys' influence. These weren't just fans; they were the absolute titans of music. Eric Clapton was there, playing "Ain’t No Pleasing You" alongside Dave Peacock. You had the legendary Albert Lee, Joe Brown, and Gary Brooker of Procol Harum. You had Ralph McTell, Ed Tudor Pole, and even the likes of Paul Whitehouse and Matt Lucas paying their respects.

 

These stars were in awe of the boys’ achievement, and many were there because they felt they owed a debt to Chas for the help and inspiration he gave them over the decades. Their tributes are legendary, and for the official history of those events, I will gladly link anyone with their stories to tell and of course the Chas & Dave Appreciation Society.

But while those legends have their tributes, these stories are my stories. And they are personal.

Four Generations of a London Family

This isn't just a website about a band; it’s about a legacy that has reached four generations of my family:

 

• My Nan: A girl from Canning Town through and through. She was a fan from the early days, saw them live, and lived the life they sang about.

• My Dad: Who made sure Chas & Dave were the soundtrack to our lives.

• Myself: A lifelong fan who still carries the torch.

• My Son: Who has now become the fourth generation to keep the "Rockney" spirit alive.

 

The Day Chas Played with my son

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I don't need to read a biography to know what kind of man Chas Hodges was. I saw it firsthand when my son was just ten years old. He was recording his first albumn at a recording studio in Essex, and we took a chance. We asked Chas if he’d play bass on one of the tracks.

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"Yeah, alright mate, I’ll do that," was his response.

 

True to his word, this legend walked into a studio to play electric bass for a ten-year-old kid. He didn't just turn up and play; he spoke to every single musician there, making everyone feel like a peer. It was a marvelous afternoon. I tried to discuss money with him. Chas wouldn’t take a penny. He simply said it was his pleasure. Sadly technical issues with the vintage equipment meant the album never saw a release

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The Magic Password: "Jerry Lee Lewis"

 

Years later, I was standing with my lad in Margate. Dave Peacock looked at my boy and said "is a bit dapper" and we got to chatting.  I told him the story of Chas playing on my son’s recording. Dave gave me that classic look. "I don't know about that!" he joked. "How did you get Chas to come into a studio and play bass? He's a piano man!"

I told him it only took three little words: "Jerry Lee Lewis."

Dave let out a laugh and said, "Ah... yeah, that would do it!" He knew that mentioning Chas’s hero, the man he’d actually backed on bass back in the day and who taught him to play piano was the only "in" you ever needed.

 

Why We Do This.

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I know my story isn't the only one; you will hear endless tales of how many people were helped by Chas and Dave. They were the best at what they did, but they were even better people. We strive to do more than just play the notes; we try to carry a bit of that kindness and authentic London soul with us every time we perform.

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They did us proud. Now it’s our turn to do the same for them.     Dave (Chas in the band) Brown.