Pop veterans Chas and Dave split

Music veterans Chas and Dave have split after 35 years together, their agent has announced.

The duo recorded classic household name tunes such as Rabbit, The Sideboard Song and Snooker Loopy.

Bassist and singer Dave Peacock is to retire from the music business following the death of his wife Sue from lung cancer in July.

Pianist Chas Hodges said he will honour their touring commitments under the new name of Chas And His Band.

Chas and Dave's debut album One Fing 'n' Anuvver was released in 1975 and they went on to have eight top 40 singles.

The much-loved artists played the Glastonbury music festival in 2005 and have influenced modern artists like The Libertines.

In July this year, Peacock's wife of 36 years died of lung cancer despite being a lifelong non-smoker.

In a statement on their website, the band said: "Sue was instrumental behind the scenes for Chas and Dave, working tirelessly on the side of the business that musicians just aren't good at.

"It's accurate to say that without Sue and [Chas's wife] Joan, there wouldn't have been Chas and Dave."
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8269057.stm