Due to the huge success of their ‘On The Road’ UK Tour, the legendary Chas & Dave are pleased to announce further tour dates, which includes Liverpool’s St George’s Hall on Saturday 3rd September, in the wake of their first new studio album in 27 years.
The critically-acclaimed ‘That’s What Happens’ (Warner Bros) was recorded in Studio 2, Abbey Road – “The Beatles Room” – with Grammy-winning bluesman Joe Henry on production duties. Released at the tail-end of last year, it saw Chas & Dave not only return to the UK album charts but also return to their roots with a collection of early R&B, skiffle and rock n’ roll classics, alongside new takes on songs of their own. The album also featured a crack team of musicians and special guests, including guitarists Albert Lee and Martin Taylor, Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ drummer J. I Allison, and Jools Holland and Hugh Laurie on keys.
The tour features songs from the album as well as all the Chas & Dave classics.
Chas & Dave first arrived on the music scene in the 70s. With hits such as ‘Gertcha’, ‘Rabbit’, ‘The Sideboard Song’, ‘Margate’, and ‘Aint No Pleasing You’ they created a sound that was uniquely British. And it’s those songs that have ensured that the boys have continued to tour for over five decades to audiences across the world, enchanted by their down-to-earth charm and great song-writing.
Chas Hodges (piano, vocals, banjo, and guitars) and Dave Peacock (bass guitar, vocals, banjo, and guitars) first met in 1963 but only began recording together in 1972. Both largely came from session backgrounds with Chas working with the likes of Joe Meek, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ritchie Blackmore, and Albert Lee in bands such as The Outlaws, Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, and Heads Hands and Feet. And Dave being equally active with The Tumbleweeds, Mick Greenwood and Jerry Donahue, among others.
Their debut album ‘One Fing ‘n’ Anuvver’ was released in 1975, earning critical acclaim from the likes of Radio One legend John Peel. Their proudly cockney vocals blended with Rock’n’Roll led them to title their 1978 EMI album ‘Rockney’. ‘Gertcha’ was the first of their eight Top 40 hits in 1979 while ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’ reached number two in the singles chart in 1982.
As well as having their own TV specials the band also contributed theme tunes for TV shows such as Crackerjack and In Sickness & in Health as well as recording a special version of their hit ‘Margate’ for the classic Only Fools and Horses ‘Jolly Boys’ Outing’ episode.
In 2012 their contribution to popular culture was recognized by BBC Four with an hour-long documentary detailing their career and influence. The hugely popular show featured input from Jools Holland, Phill Jupitus, and Pete Doherty, among others. That recognition was enhanced when they were invited to play the finale of the 2013 Royal Variety Performance with a rousing sing-song featuring the likes of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mary J Blige, and Jessie J singing along to ‘London Girls.’
After celebrating fifty years of their friendship in 2013, last year Chas & Dave performed a sold-out debut show at London’s most iconic venue – the Royal Albert Hall, made numerous headline-grabbing festival appearances such as Sonisphere at Knebworth, and were recognized by the esteemed Nordoff Robbins Foundation, who awarded Chas & Dave the 2014 Silver Clef Icon award at a ceremony that included fellow award-winners Pharrell Williams, Paloma Faith, Sir Tom Jones, and Giorgio Moroder.
For further information, please visit www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk or www.ChasNDave.net.