‘Rockney’ artist Dave Peacock led a star-studded evening of entertainment in memory of his musical partner Chas Hodges, while helping raise nearly 40 ‘bags of sand’ – otherwise known as £40,000 – for international charity WaterAid.
The event, which took place on 17 December at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, featured artists from across the entertainment world with whom he shared friendship, history, and admiration with.
Eric Clapton, Paul Whitehouse, Joe Brown and Ed Tudor Pole were among
the stars paying tribute to Chas Hodges, alongside featured musical
contributions from Chas’s family.
The event also raised money for Chas’s favourite charity, WaterAid.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the sale of a commemorative programme, as
well as donations on the night, generated an impressive £39,541 for the
charity’s lifesaving work.
Nik Hodges, Chas’s son, said:
“Dave, my mother, sisters, and myself felt truly honoured to be part of the most fantastic tribute to a best friend, husband, and father anyone could wish for. We send our love and thanks to the fans for packing the venue out and showing so much love and emotion for Chas, and of course the amazing performers for giving him the kind of send-off he most definitely would have wanted. He would have also been overjoyed that his favourite charity WaterAid benefitted from the evening”.
Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive for WaterAid, said:
“Chas Hodges was a valued long-standing supporter for WaterAid, raising money for us at events and asking for donations in lieu of birthday presents.
“We felt privileged to be part of the special evening, which brought
family, friends and fans together in Chas’s memory, and are very
grateful to receive the proceeds from the event. This generous donation
will help WaterAid transform lives by bringing clean water to some of
the world’s poorest communities – a cause we know he was passionate
about.”
Donations for WaterAid in Chas’s memory can be made at: https://chas-hodges.muchloved.com.