Chas n' Dave - Live at Rockpalast

by Adrian Huggins

published: 8 / 6 / 2015

Label: Repertoire Records
Format: DVD

Fabulous live CD/DVD from legendary English pub rock duo Chas n' Dave, which was originally recorded in 1983 for a television music series filmed at the Rockpalast in Dortmund in Germany

Review

Chas Hodges and Dave Peacock, or Chas & Dave as they are more commonly referred to, started out performing together during the 1970s and, save for two years off at the start of this decade, have continued to play together ever since. 'Live at Rockpalast' is part of a series of releases which delve into archive footage of classic bands/artists performing at one of Germany's legendary venues. Now I will proudly and loudly admit right now that I love Chas and Dave. They are geniuses of British music, and while many see them as somewhat of a novelty band they are completely wrong. Prior to their career together as 'Chas & Dave', both Hodges and Peacock had somewhat illustrious careers performing with huge names of the music world during the 1960s and 1970s such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Mike Berry, Mick Greenwood and Ritchie Blackmore. Loved by the Libertines, sampled by Eminem and the opening act for Led Zeppelin at their legendary Knebworth concert in 1979, in simple terms the are an English institution and no less, and on this DVD and accompanying CD, which was filmed and recorded in 1983, we see, (and hear), them in what would many would consider their prime. Hodges, who plays piano, and Peacock, on bass guitar, are joined by the now sadly deceased Mick "give it some stick" Burt on drums, and the three troubadours blast their merry way through an eighteen song set packed full of their signature pub sing-a-longs, meets music hall, meets rock 'n' roll classics, grins on bearded faces and beers in hand and on piano. It's good time music performed by good time blokes. All the favourites you would wish for and expect are on there such as 'Rabbit', 'Margate', 'Gertcha' and 'Ain't No Pleasing You' and notably a wonderfully extended version of 'Sideboard Song' giving the Messrs Hodge and Peacock full reign on their impeccably timed and executed harmonies. The guys get their guitars and banjos out which was something of a rarity at the time and blast out a few covers for good measure. One can really appreciate the sheer musicianship of them. They are complete all rounders. The accompanying CD of the concert features a surprising rendition of 'Oh Darling, Dir Macht Keiner Was Recht' or 'Ain't No Pleasing You' sung in German - is there nothing they cannot do! It's these little touches that make the pair such a well loved and respected act. Another added bonus is the extensive sleeve/liner notes that come with the package that give a good glimpse into the pair's history. There is no point denying that this concert is wonderfully 80's looking with the dark and dingy lighting and coloured spotlights and, of course, the 'Rockpalast' sign synonymous with late night music documentary footage. While there are countless variations of Chas & Dave's hits on various albums there isn't an abundance of live footage to be bought so this will come as welcome viewing to all fans of 'Rockney'.

Track Listing:-

1 Intro
2 Stop Dreaming
3 London Girls
4 Sideboard Song
5 That Old Piano
6 Word From Anne
7 That's What I Like
8 Nobody
9 Musn't Grumble
10 Ain't No Pleasing You
11 Rabbit
12 Scruffy Old Cow
13 Margate
14 I Miss Ya Girl
15 Beer Belly
16 Beer Barrel Banjos(Roll Out The Barrels)
17 Gertcha
18 Poor Old Mr.Woogie(Tracks 1-18 on DVD format)
19 Stop Dreaming
20 London Girls
21 Sideboard Song
22 That Old Piano
23 Word From Anne
24 That's What I Like
25 Nobody
26 Musn't Grumble
27 Ain't No Pleasing You
28 Rabbit
29 Scruffy Old Cow
30 Margate
31 I Miss Ya Girl
32 Beer Belly
33 Beer Barrel Banjos(Roll Out The Barrels)
34 Gertcha
35 Poor Old Mr.Woogie
36 Dir Macht Keiner Was Recht