Chas Hodges talks to George Nott about his love of gigging – and not wanting to stop - ahead of Chas & Dave's gig at the Alban Arena

“Even though you think something’s the plan, well y’know, it might not be,“ explains Chas Hodges. “That’s my feeling in life whatever – nothing is final ’til you’ve pegged out.“

And with that, the duo are now hitting the road again, on an extensive tour which arrives at The Alban Arena for one night.

“My philosophy is, y’know, the only time you can say it’s your final gig is when you’re dead,“ says Chas. “I mean, up until then anything can happen.“

The duo have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, and are finally being recognised as more than a mere novelty act.

“At last we’re being seen for what we are!“ says Chas. “It has been a long time coming. It’s never bothered me, people thinking that we’re a novelty act, a couple of blokes out the pub.

“I think if people listen to you and go ’oh they’re a novelty act’, well they ain’t got no soul. If they don’t get it through listening to it, there’s got to be something wrong with them.“

While Dave enjoys time at home, driving horses and painting gypsy wagons, for Chas touring is a way of life.

“I have to do a couple of gigs a week,“ he says, “it’s part of me. If I don’t gig at least once a week it’s like I’ve missed a day’s food or a night’s kip.

“People ask if it’s exhausting. In the old days it used to be exhausting too!“

Chas’ son Nick is the duo’s drummer. “We have a good laugh on the road,“ he adds. “We’re mates as well as being in a band together. It’s nice to be doing this last tour, this tour I mean.

“It’s what I love to do. What a pleasant way to go through life – one gig a day.“

So is this really the final, final tour?

“There’s no plans for another,“ says Chas, “but who knows, who knows, you know what I mean?“

• Chas & Dave come to The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans on May 17. Details: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk