Cockney combo Chas and Dave are bringing their decade- defying live show to Woodville Halls next week. Chas Hodges rabbits to Kerry Ann Eustice about the highlights of his long career.

How else would Chas Hodges of the eponymous duo Chas and Dave greet me? "All right, me darling?"I would have been disappointed with anything else. He is as you would expect; lively, funny and likeable, just like their memorable cheeky chappie hits such as the ode to rhyming slang Gertcha and talkative girlfriend tale Rabbit.

But before you dismiss Chas and Dave as a comedy act, bear in mind Jerry Lee Lewis taught Chas to play piano when he was a member of his backing band, he has shared a tour bus with The Beatles and a stage with The Libertines and the serious side of Chas's writing talent - Ain't No Pleasing You - scored the duo a number one in 1982.

This chart-friendly pop rock, tinged with both comedy and East End grit, has carved out its own genre - Rockney - and has attracted a league of respected fans.

And this legacy got off to a roaring start in Kent, according to Chas.

He said: "We've played at Woodville a few times. It was around 20 years ago when we first played there. It's always been great.

"All gigs are good at the moment. But it's a particularly good area because when me and Dave started in the 70s, there was a pub in Gravesend called the Prince of Wales and that was where we first tried our new songs out. So it's got a bit of history for us."

Chas first met Dave when he was playing with The Outlaws in the 60s. Another fond time for Chas.

He said: "I was playing bass then and was on tour with Jerry Lee Lewis, which was absolutely excellent.

"After I saw Jerry Lee, it became my ambition to become a piano player.

"He started to teach me a few things. I used to observe him closely in the evening and then I would try it out in front of Jerry Lee. He is the definitive rock and roll piano player."

It was also around this time Chas went on the road with Gene Be-Bop-A-Lula' Vincent and he describes his early career years as a big rock and roll upbringing'.

Despite decades in the business, he has never tired of the live circuit.

Chas said: "Touring is my life. It's in my blood.

"There's always something new. I'm working on a rock and roll boogie woogie piano solo at the moment and can't wait to get out and try it in front of the people.

"That's what it's all about. We play our hits and give people the full service but there's always something new."

It's this mix of classics and new material which is keeping the fans keen, says Chas.

"Audiences are now appreciating us more so than ever," he said.

"We are better received with the younger audiences now, more so than 20-odd years ago.

"It's fresh to them, they haven't heard it live. A young kid jumped up on stage and said to me: don't ever retire.' When you hear things like that, it spurs you on so much."

The most famous from the new generation of fans are Pete Doherty and Carl Barat. They invited Chas and Dave to support them when The Libertines were still going strong.

Chas said: "It's great to know Pete and Carl were big Chas and Dave fans and they both say to this day it was us who inspired them.

"We went down a storm. A lot of their fans have followed us, since seeing that gig.

"They're great chaps. If they're Chas and Dave fans, they've got to be, haven't they?

"Princess Margaret was a big Chas and Dave fan too. She invited us to dinner. We sat either side of her. I was in awe.

"She loved the Diddlum song."

One of the biggest names they have worked with is Paul McCartney.

Chas said: "If we have a new album out, I always send it to him and he always comes back with an opinion. I'd never quote what he likes and dislikes, but I value his opinion and he comes back with his thoughts. He's a proper musician, like us."

  • Chas and Dave, Woodville Halls, Gravesend, May 10, 8pm. Box office 01474 337774.