In 2011, Chas & Dave embarked on their final tour. It was a sell-out, a chance for fans to bid farewell to the loveable Rockney duo and hear songs like Margate, London Girls and Ain't No Pleasing You played live for the last time.

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

And with that, the duo are now hitting the road again, on an extensive tour which arrives at Wyllyotts Theatre on March 9.

“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.”

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 say is it exhausting – well in the old days it used to be exhausting too!”

Chas’ son Nick is the duo’s drummer and joins them while driving up and down the country. Chas tells me he’s got a stack of new CDs to listen to en route – including Benny Goodman and Fats Waller – “stuff me mum used to like,” he says.

“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.”

  • Chas & Dave come to Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar on March 9. They are due to return to the venue on June 30. Details: 01707 645005,