CHAS & Dave's Grand Opera House gig in York on May 18 is to be postponed until February 12 next year as Chas Hodges continues his treatment for cancer of the oesophagus.

A statement from the Cumberland Street theatre said: "Chas's treatment is progressing and he's responding well. In order for him to be properly 'gig fit' and in top form on his return, Chas's doctors have advised a longer recovery period, which will put him out of action until June. Therefore all April and May dates will have to be re-scheduled. Chas & Dave thank everyone for their understanding and messages of support."

The London rockney duo revealed in a Facebook post early last month that 73-year-old Chas "recently underwent hospital tests which revealed cancer of the oesophagus. Luckily this has been spotted at an early stage and he’ll be undergoing treatment immediately.”

In the tradition of The Kinks and The Small Faces and at around the same time as Ian Dury and Squeeze, Chas & Dave wrote and recorded witty songs of life in London, performed with a strong affection for all things English, reminiscent of the great music hall acts. In their case, however, the musical accompaniment was neither rock nor punk but a Cockney spin on solid, no-nonsense rock’n’roll, hence the term "Rockney" was coined for such hits as Gertcha and Rabbit.

In 2013, Chas & Dave marked the 50th anniversary of their friendship by signing a new record deal with Warner Music Entertainment to release their first new studio album since 1987’s Flying. That’s What Happens was recorded at Studio 2, Abbey Road – alias “The Beatles Room” – with Grammy-winning bluesman Joe Henry on production duties.

The album saw Chas & Dave return to their roots with a collection of early R&B, skiffle and rock'n'roll classics alongside new takes on their own songs.

Special guests included guitarists Albert Lee and Martin Taylor, Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ drummer J. I Allison and keyboard players Jools Holland and Hugh Laurie.

Chas & Dave finished the year by appearing at the Royal Variety Performance for the first time, performing London Girls in a finale with Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams. In 2014, they sold out their first ever headline show at the Royal Albert Hall and were presented with the Nordoff Robbins Icon award and in 2015 they sang at the VE Day 70th anniversary concert at Royal Horse Guards in front of 15,000 people and a live BBC1 audience.

Tickets for Chas & Dave's rearranged York concert are on sale at £31.50 on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york