Slade are an English
rock
Rock most often refers to:
* Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids
* Rock music, a genre of popular music
Rock or Rocks may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wales ...
band formed in
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton () is a city, metropolitan borough and administrative centre in the West Midlands, England. The population size has increased by 5.7%, from around 249,500 in 2011 to 263,700 in 2021. People from the city are called "Wulfrunian ...
in 1966. They rose to prominence during the
glam rock
Glam rock is a style of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s and was performed by musicians who wore outrageous costumes, makeup, and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter. Glam artists drew on diver ...
era in the early 1970s, achieving 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones on the
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...
. The ''
British Hit Singles & Albums
''British Hit Singles & Albums'' (originally known as ''The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles'' and ''The Guinness Book of British Hit Albums'') was a music reference book originally published in the United Kingdom by the publishing arm of ...
'' names them the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles. They were the first act to have three
singles
Singles are people not in a committed relationship.
Singles may also refer to:
Film and television
* ''Singles'' (miniseries), a 1984 Australian television series
* ''Singles'' (1992 film), written and directed by Cameron Crowe
* ''Singles'' ...
enter the charts at number one; all six of the band's
chart-toppers were
penned by
Noddy Holder
Neville John "Noddy" Holder (born 15 June 1946) is an English musician. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the English band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Known for his unique and powerful voice, Holder co ...
and
Jim Lea. As of 2006, total UK sales stand at 6,520,171, and their best-selling single, "
Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
", has sold in excess of one million copies. According to the 1999 BBC documentary ''It's Slade'', the band have sold over 50 million records worldwide.
Following an unsuccessful move to the U.S. in 1975, Slade's popularity in the UK waned, but was unexpectedly revived in 1980 when they were last-minute replacements for
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
at the
Reading Rock Festival. The band later acknowledged this to have been one of the highlights of their career. The original line-up split in 1992, but reformed later in the year as Slade II. The band have continued, with a number of line-up changes, to the present day. They have also shortened the group name back to Slade.
A number of artists from diverse genres have cited Slade as an influence, including
Nirvana
( , , ; sa, निर्वाण} ''nirvāṇa'' ; Pali: ''nibbāna''; Prakrit: ''ṇivvāṇa''; literally, "blown out", as in an oil lampRichard Gombrich, ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benāres to Modern Colombo.' ...
,
Smashing Pumpkins
Smash may refer to:
People
* Smash (wrestler) (born 1959), professional wrestler
* Moondog Rex, another professional wrestler who briefly wrestled as the original Smash, before being replaced by the above.
* DJ Smash, DJ and music producer
Art, ...
,
Ramones
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first true punk rock group. Despite achieving a limited commercial appeal in the United ...
,
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most groundbreaking acts in the history of popular music. They were responsible for ...
,
The Undertones
The Undertones are a rock band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1974. From 1975 to 1983, the Undertones consisted of Feargal Sharkey (vocals), John O'Neill (rhythm guitar, vocals), Damian O'Neill (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Bradley ...
,
The Runaways
The Runaways were an all-female American rock band who recorded and performed from 1975 to 1979. The band released four studio albums and one live album during its run. Among their best-known songs are "Cherry Bomb", " Hollywood", "Queens of N ...
,
The Clash
The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 who were key players in the original wave of British punk rock. Billed as "The Only Band That Matters", they also contributed to the and new wave movements that emerged in the wa ...
,
Kiss
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...
,
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
,
Poison
Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
,
Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
,
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister was an American heavy metal band originally from Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and later based on Long Island, New York. Their best-known songs include " We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock", both of which were associated with m ...
,
The Replacements,
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973 by guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Robin Zander and drummer Bun E. Carlos. The current lineup of the band consists of Zander, Nielsen and ...
,
Oasis
In ecology, an oasis (; ) is a fertile area of a desert or semi-desert environment'ksar''with its surrounding feeding source, the palm grove, within a relational and circulatory nomadic system.”
The location of oases has been of critical imp ...
,
Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot is an American Heavy metal music, heavy metal band founded in Los Angeles in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni.
The original lineup featured Rhoads and Garni with lead vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Drew F ...
(who covered Slade songs for two of their three biggest hits) and
Britny Fox
Britny Fox is an American glam metal band from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, initially active from 1985 to 1992 then subsequently reforming from 2000 to 2003, again in 2006 to 2008 and final time reforming in 2015 to 2016. They are best k ...
. ''The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Music'' tells of Holder's powerful vocals, guitarist
Dave Hill
David John Hill (born 4 April 1946) is an English rock musician. He is the lead guitarist, a backing vocalist and the sole continuous member in the English band Slade. Hill is known for his flamboyant stage clothes and hairstyle.
Early life
B ...
's equally arresting dress sense, and the
deliberate misspelling of their song titles (such as "
Cum On Feel the Noize" and "
Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the lead single from their third studio album ''Slayed?''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. ...
") for which they became well known.
Overview
All the members of Slade grew up in the
Black Country
The Black Country is an area of the West Midlands county, England covering most of the Metropolitan Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. Dudley and Tipton are generally considered to be the centre. It became industrialised during its ro ...
. Drummer
Don Powell
Donald George Powell (born 10 September 1946) is an English musician who was the drummer for glam rock and later hard rock group Slade for over fifty years.
Early life
As a child, Powell joined the Boy Scouts where he became interested in the ...
and bassist
Jim Lea were born and brought up in
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton () is a city, metropolitan borough and administrative centre in the West Midlands, England. The population size has increased by 5.7%, from around 249,500 in 2011 to 263,700 in 2021. People from the city are called "Wulfrunian ...
, lead vocalist
Noddy Holder
Neville John "Noddy" Holder (born 15 June 1946) is an English musician. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the English band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Known for his unique and powerful voice, Holder co ...
was born and brought up in nearby
Caldmore
Caldmore ( ) is a suburb of Walsall in the West Midlands, England. It is a historic village formerly in Staffordshire.
History
The settlement of Caldmore grew up around an important road junction, the shape of which defined an open space of rou ...
, and lead guitarist
Dave Hill
David John Hill (born 4 April 1946) is an English rock musician. He is the lead guitarist, a backing vocalist and the sole continuous member in the English band Slade. Hill is known for his flamboyant stage clothes and hairstyle.
Early life
B ...
moved to Wolverhampton from
Holbeton
Holbeton is a civil parish and village located 9 miles south east of Plymouth in the South Hams district of Devon, England. At the 2001 census the parish had a population of 579, down from 850 in 1901. By 2011 it had increased to 619.
The south ...
as a child. Slade have released over 30 albums, three of which reached No. 1 in the
UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales and (from March 2015) audio streaming in the United Kingdom. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the Official Charts C ...
. Their releases have spent 315 weeks in the UK charts and they have earned 24 top-30 UK hits .
Slade dominated the UK singles charts during the early 1970s, often outperforming chart rivals such as
Wizzard
Wizzard were an English rock band formed by Roy Wood, former member of the Move and co-founder of the Electric Light Orchestra. ''The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits'' states, "Wizzard was Roy Wood just as much as Wings was Paul McCartne ...
,
Sweet
Sweetness is a basic taste most commonly perceived when eating foods rich in sugars. Sweet tastes are generally regarded as pleasurable. In addition to sugars like sucrose, many other chemical compounds are sweet, including aldehydes, ketones ...
,
T. Rex,
Suzi Quatro
Susan Kay Quatro (born June 3, 1950) is an American singer, bass guitarist, songwriter, and actress. In the 1970s, she scored a string of hit singles that found greater success in Europe and Australia than in her homeland, reaching No. 1 in th ...
,
Mud
A MUD (; originally multi-user dungeon, with later variants multi-user dimension and multi-user domain) is a Multiplayer video game, multiplayer Time-keeping systems in games#Real-time, real-time virtual world, usually Text-based game, text-bas ...
,
Gary Glitter
Paul Francis Gadd (born 8 May 1944), best known by his stage name Gary Glitter, is an English former singer, songwriter, and record producer. He achieved success during the glam rock era of the 1970s and 1980s, and his career ended after he w ...
,
Roxy Music
Roxy Music are an English rock music, rock band formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry—who became the band's lead vocalist and principal songwriter—and bassist Graham Simpson (musician), Graham Simpson. The other longtime members are Phil Manzanera ...
, and
David Bowie
David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...
.
Slade achieved twelve Top 5 hit singles in the UK between 1971 and 1974, three of which went straight to #1. Of the 17 Top 20 hits between 1971 and 1976, six made No. 1, three reached No. 2 and two peaked at No. 3. No other UK act of the period enjoyed such consistently high chart placings in the UK
Top 40
In the music industry, the Top 40 is the current, 40 most-popular songs in a particular genre. It is the best-selling or most frequently broadcast popular music. Record charts have traditionally consisted of a total of 40 songs. "Top 40" or " con ...
, and this feat was the closest any group had come to matching
the Beatles
The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
' 22 Top 10 records in a single decade (1960s). Slade sold more singles in the UK than any other group of the 1970s. In 1973 alone, "
Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" sold over one million copies globally, obtaining
gold disc
Music recording certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped, sold, or streamed a certain number of units. The threshold quantity varies by type (such as album, single, music video) and by nation or territory (see ...
status.
They toured Europe in 1973 and the US in 1974.
Slade moved to the US in the mid-1970s in an attempt to break into the American market and, although this was largely unsuccessful, they left their mark on a number of US bands who have since cited Slade as an influence.
During the late 1970s, the band returned to the UK following years of commercial failure both at home and abroad. Slade's career was unexpectedly revived when the band were asked to perform at the 1980 Reading Festival when
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
pulled out at the last minute. For the next two years, the band produced material tailored towards the heavy-metal scene and by 1984, they finally cracked the American market with the hits "
Run Runaway
"Run Runaway" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1984 as the third single from the band's eleventh studio album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'', and the lead single from the album's US counterpart ''Keep Your Hands Off My Pow ...
" and "
My Oh My." This new-found success did not last long, however, and despite a top-25 UK hit in the early '90s the band split shortly after in 1992.
Career
Early years (1966–1970)
In 1964, drummer
Don Powell
Donald George Powell (born 10 September 1946) is an English musician who was the drummer for glam rock and later hard rock group Slade for over fifty years.
Early life
As a child, Powell joined the Boy Scouts where he became interested in the ...
and guitarist
Dave Hill
David John Hill (born 4 April 1946) is an English rock musician. He is the lead guitarist, a backing vocalist and the sole continuous member in the English band Slade. Hill is known for his flamboyant stage clothes and hairstyle.
Early life
B ...
were part of a Midland-based group called the Vendors. Regulars on the club circuit, they had also recorded a privately pressed four-track EP.
At the time,
Noddy Holder
Neville John "Noddy" Holder (born 15 June 1946) is an English musician. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the English band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Known for his unique and powerful voice, Holder co ...
was playing guitar and contributing to vocals in Steve Brett & the Mavericks. Signed to Columbia Records, the band released three singles in 1965.
[The Genesis of Slade compilation booklet] After listening to American blues artists such as
Sonny Boy Williamson II
Alex or Aleck Miller (originally Ford, possibly December 5, 1912 – May 24, 1965), known later in his career as Sonny Boy Williamson, was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. He was an early and influential blues harp st ...
,
John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1912 or 1917 – June 21, 2001) was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The son of a sharecropper, he rose to prominence performing an electric guitar-style adaptation of Delta blues. Hooker often ...
and
Howlin' Wolf
Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910January 10, 1976), better known by his stage name Howlin' Wolf, was an American blues singer and guitarist. He is regarded as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Over a four-decade care ...
, the Vendors decided on a change of direction and name:
As the ''N Betweens'' they gained greater recognition and began to get supporting gigs with acts such as
the Hollies
The Hollies are a British pop rock band, formed in 1962. One of the leading British groups of the 1960s and into the mid-1970s, they are known for their distinctive three-part vocal harmony style. Allan Clarke (singer), Allan Clarke and Graham ...
,
the Yardbirds
The Yardbirds are an English rock band, formed in London in 1963. The band's core lineup featured vocalist and harmonica player Keith Relf, drummer Jim McCarty, rhythm guitarist and later bassist Chris Dreja and bassist/producer Paul Samwell ...
,
Georgie Fame
Georgie Fame (born Clive Powell; 26 June 1943) is an English R&B and jazz musician. Fame, who had a string of 1960s hits, is still performing, often working with contemporaries such as Alan Price, Van Morrison and Bill Wyman. Fame is the on ...
and
Spencer Davis
Spencer Davis (born Spencer David Nelson Davies; 17 July 193919 October 2020) was a Welsh singer and musician. He founded The Spencer Davis Group, a band that had several hits in the 1960s including "Keep On Running", "Gimme Some Lovin'", and ...
.
The Mavericks and the 'N Betweens were on their way to separate gigs in Germany when they met on a ferry in 1965. Powell and Hill asked Holder if he would be interested in joining The 'N Betweens, but Holder declined. Later, back in their home town of
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton () is a city, metropolitan borough and administrative centre in the West Midlands, England. The population size has increased by 5.7%, from around 249,500 in 2011 to 263,700 in 2021. People from the city are called "Wulfrunian ...
, the musicians met again and this time Holder agreed to join the group.
Jim Lea, whose musical background and strong bass guitar skills were considered an asset, had already been recruited.
Lea, who also played the piano and violin, had been in the Staffordshire Youth Orchestra and had gained first class honours in a London music-school practical exam.
By 1966, this new version of the 'N Betweens had recorded a promo single of the
Otis Redding
Otis Ray Redding Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American singer and songwriter. He is considered one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music and rhythm and blues. ...
track "Security" and a self-penned song, "Evil Witchman", released on
Highland Records
Highland Records is a defunct record label that was based in California in the 1960s and 1970s owned by Sid Talmadge. They often served as a starting point for young musicians who quickly moved on to other better-known labels such as Motown Record ...
. A further single, "You Better Run" was released on Columbia Records and produced by
Kim Fowley
Kim Vincent Fowley (July 21, 1939 – January 15, 2015) was the American record producer, songwriter and musician who was behind a string of novelty and cult pop rock singles in the 1960s, and managed The Runaways in the 1970s. He has been ...
.
This last single was reported by Powell to have topped the regional midland charts although it failed to make any national impact. Between 1966 and 1967, the band's performance centred on the
R&B and
Tamla Motown
Motown Records is an American record label owned by the Universal Music Group. It was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. as Tamla Records on June 7, 1958, and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. Its name, a portmanteau of ''moto ...
styles, while Noddy's flair for showmanship began to give the band a focus. During 1967, the band recorded the track "Delighted to See You" which remained unreleased until 1994, where it featured on the various artists compilation ''Psychedelia at Abbey Road''. Although the group did not record again for roughly two years, they built up a respectable reputation on the live circuit.
A local promoter, Roger Allen spotted the group in 1969 and alerted the head of
A&R at
Philips Records
Philips Records is a record label founded by the Dutch electronics company Philips. It was founded as Philips Phonographische Industrie in 1950. In 1946, Philips acquired the company which pressed records for British Decca's Dutch outlet in A ...
, Jack Baverstock. The group spent a week in the Philips studio at Stanhope Place recording an album, after which Baverstock offered to sign the group to
Fontana Records
Fontana Records is a record label that was started in the 1950s as a subsidiary of the Dutch Philips Records. The independent label distributor Fontana Distribution takes its name from the label.
History
Fontana started in the 1950s as a subs ...
if they changed their name and obtained London-based management. The band were initially hesitant because of the reputation gained as the 'N Betweens' but eventually agreed to "Ambrose Slade", a name inspired by Baverstock's secretary, who had named her handbag Ambrose and her shoes Slade.
Baverstock also found the group an agent, John Gunnel, who had previously worked with the entertainment entrepreneur
Robert Stigwood
Robert Colin Stigwood (16 April 1934 – 4 January 2016) was an Australian-born British-resident music entrepreneur, film producer and impresario, best known for managing Cream, Andy Gibb and the Bee Gees, theatrical productions like ''Hair'' ...
.
The band's debut album ''
Beginnings
Beginnings may refer to:
Literature
* Beginnings (collection), ''Beginnings'' (collection), a 1988 collection of short stories and poems by Gordon R. Dickson
* Beginnings (Honorverse), ''Beginnings'' (Honorverse), a 2013 collection of short stori ...
'', released in mid-1969, was a commercial failure, as was the instrumental single "Genesis" and the follow-up single "
Wild Winds Are Blowing
"Wild Winds Are Blowing" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1969 as a non-album single under the name "The Slade". The song was written by Bob Saker and Jack Winsley, and produced by Chas Chandler. It failed to make an appearance ...
".
While the album was being recorded, the band were visited by Gunnel and his business partner,
Animals' bassist
Chas Chandler
Bryan James "Chas" Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996) was an English musician, record producer and manager, best known as the original bassist in The Animals, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He ...
. Chandler was impressed with what he heard in the studio, and after seeing the band live the following day, offered to manage them. As Chandler had previous managerial experience with
Jimi Hendrix
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
, the band accepted.
Chandler was not pleased with the debut album and thought the band would benefit from writing their own material and a change of image. The band adopted a
skinhead
A skinhead is a member of a subculture which originated among working class youths in London, England, in the 1960s and soon spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, with a second working class skinhead movement emerging worldwide in th ...
look as an attempt to gain publicity from what was a newsworthy youth fashion trend, but this also added an unwelcome association with
football hooliganism
Football hooliganism, also known as soccer hooliganism, football rioting or soccer rioting, constitutes violence and other destructive behaviours perpetrated by spectators at association football events. Football hooliganism normally involves ...
.
Noddy Holder and Don Powell were particularly tough-looking individuals already, and the skinhead look exacerbated the disturbing effect of having "toughs" in the band. In 1970, the band shortened their name to Slade and released a new single, a cover of "
Shape of Things to Come" which, despite a performance on United Kingdom music show ''
Top of the Pops
''Top of the Pops'' (''TOTP'') is a British Record chart, music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1January 1964 and 30 July 2006. The programme was the world's longest-running weekly music show ...
'', failed to chart.
Chandler moved Slade to
Polydor Records
Polydor Records Ltd. is a German-British record label that operates as part of Universal Music Group. It has a close relationship with Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M Records label, which distributes Polydor's releases in the United States. ...
, believing a higher-profile label would boost sales.
Lyrics were added to the instrumental "Genesis" from the band's debut album, the result being released as "
Know Who You Are
"Know Who You Are" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1970 as a second and final single from their second studio album ''Play It Loud''. The song was written by Jim Lea, Noddy Holder, Don Powell and Dave Hill, and produced by C ...
", but again, the single failed to make any impression on the UK chart as did the album ''
Play It Loud
''Play It Loud'' is the second studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released by Polydor on 28 November 1970 but did not enter the charts. The album, produced by Chas Chandler, was the first to be released under the Slade name, ...
'', released in late 1970 and produced by Chandler himself. Later the album was retrospectively well received by fans and critics, and earned a silver disc for sales.
Glam rock, success and peak (1971–1974)
![Noddy Holder - Slade - 1973](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Noddy_Holder_-_Slade_-_1973.jpg)
Chandler had been managing the band for almost two years without success when he suggested releasing a version of the
Bobby Marchan
Bobby Marchan (born Oscar James Gibson, April 30, 1930 – December 5, 1999) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, recording artist, bandleader, MC, and female impersonator. He was the key singer in the early lineup of Huey "Piano ...
song "
Get Down and Get With It", originally performed by
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known professionally as Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Described as the " ...
. Slade still enjoyed a good reputation as a live act and the song had been used in their performances for many years. Always popular, the song's lyrics demanded audience participation and it was hoped that the feeling of a live gig would be projected into the studio recording.
The song was released in mid-1971, and by August it entered the top 20 in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 16.
[
The band members grew their hair long and allied themselves to the ]glam rock
Glam rock is a style of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s and was performed by musicians who wore outrageous costumes, makeup, and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter. Glam artists drew on diver ...
movement of the early 1970s. Hill's stage costumes also became notable during this period. Chandler now demanded the band write a follow-up single themselves which led to Lea and Holder writing "Coz I Luv You
"Coz I Luv You" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1971 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 1 in the UK, giving the band their ...
". The song was written in half an hour and started a writing partnership which would continue throughout Slade's career. Upon hearing the track played to him acoustically, a pleased Chandler predicted the song would make number one. While recording, the band felt the song's sound to be too soft, and so clapping and bootstamping were added. The song's misspelled title also became a trademark for Slade while causing a furore among British school teachers.[Slade's Greatest Hits compilation booklet] The attendant appearance on BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC
Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board ex ...
Television's ''Top of the Pops
''Top of the Pops'' (''TOTP'') is a British Record chart, music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1January 1964 and 30 July 2006. The programme was the world's longest-running weekly music show ...
'' brought Slade to a wider audience as well as pushing "Coz I Luv You" to number one in the UK charts.[ In November 1971, '']NME
''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a 'rock inkie', the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a f ...
'' reported that Slade had turned down a multimillion-dollar campaign, including a television series and a heavily promoted tour of the US. "But", commented Holder, "acceptance would have meant the cancellation of many commitments here – and the last thing we want to do is to mess around the people who have put us where we are".
A second single entitled "Look Wot You Dun
"Look Wot You Dun" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as a non-album single. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder, bassist Jim Lea and drummer Don Powell, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 4 in t ...
", was released at the start of 1972, peaking at number four and a live album was released in March.[ The album '']Slade Alive!
''Slade Alive!'' is the first live album by the British rock band Slade. The album was released on 24 March 1972 and reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, remaining in the chart for 58 weeks. It was Slade's first album to enter the UK charts and ...
'' proved to be successful, spending 52 weeks in the UK Album charts, peaking at number two. It also did well abroad, topping the Australian charts and giving the band their first chart entry in America. The album was recorded over three nights at a newly built studio in Piccadilly
Piccadilly () is a road in the City of Westminster, London, to the south of Mayfair, between Hyde Park Corner in the west and Piccadilly Circus in the east. It is part of the A4 road that connects central London to Hammersmith, Earl's Court, ...
in front of 300 fan-club members. Today the album is regarded as one of the finest live albums ever made.
Two months later, the band released "Take Me Bak 'Ome
"Take Me Bak 'Ome" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 1 in the UK, giving the band the ...
". The single became Slade's second UK number one and charted in a number of other countries, including America where it reached number 97 in the Billboard singles chart
The ''Billboard'' Hot 100 is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), radio play, and online streaming i ...
. Slade achieved their third number one when "Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the lead single from their third studio album ''Slayed?''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. ...
" was released later that year.[
Released in November 1972, the album '']Slayed?
''Slayed?'' is the third studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 November 1972 and reached No. 1 in the UK. It remained on the chart for 34 weeks and was certified Silver in early 1973. The album was also the band's mos ...
'' peaked at number one both in the UK and Australia, where it relegated Slade Alive to the second spot; and reaching number 69 in America. Both ''Slade Alive!'' and ''Slayed?'' are widely considered to be two of the finest albums of the glam rock era. The final single of 1972, "Gudbuy T' Jane", was released shortly after, peaking at number two in the UK.[ The single was a big worldwide hit but only managed to reach number 68 in the American Billboard Chart.]
In early 1973, " Cum on Feel the Noize" was released and went straight to number one,[ the first time a single had done so since ]The Beatles
The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
' "Get Back
"Get Back" is a song recorded by the British rock band the Beatles and Billy Preston, and written by Paul McCartney though credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. It was originally released as a single on 11 April 1969 and credited to ...
" in 1969. Another worldwide hit for Slade, the single again failed to impress in America where it made number 98. The follow-up single "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me
"Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1973 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 1 in the UK, giving the ba ...
", again went straight to number one.[ Despite being a hit single, "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" was never performed on Top of the Pops because the producers of the show would not allow Slade to perform as a three-piece band. A promotional video with dancers was shown instead.
A car crash in Wolverhampton on 4 July 1973 left Powell in a coma and his 20-year-old girlfriend, Angela Morris, dead. The band's future was left in the balance as Slade refused to continue without their drummer although Lea's brother, Frank, covered Powell's position at the ]Isle of Man Festival
An isle is an island, land surrounded by water. The term is very common in British English. However, there is no clear agreement on what makes an island an isle or its difference, so they are considered synonyms.
Isle may refer to:
Geography
* Is ...
to avoid disappointing fans. Powell, who'd suffered breaks to both ankles and five ribs, successfully recovered after surgery and was able to rejoin the band ten weeks later in New York, where they recorded "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" – in the middle of a heatwave. Powell still suffers with acute short-term memory loss and sensory problems as a result of the accident.
Whilst Powell was recovering, and in an attempt to keep up momentum, the band released a compilation album ''Sladest
''Sladest'' is a compilation album by the British rock band Slade. It was released by Polydor on 28 September 1973 and was certified UK Silver by BPI that month. It remained in the charts for 24 weeks. The album was certified UK Gold by BPI in No ...
'', which topped the UK and Australian charts in the first week of its release.[ A new single, "]My Friend Stan
"My Friend Stan" (stylised as "MY FRIEИD STAИ") is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1973 as the first single from the band's fourth studio album ''Old New Borrowed and Blue''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and b ...
", was also released. It marked a change from previous records, being more piano based and sounding more like a novelty song
A novelty song is a type of song built upon some form of novel concept, such as a gimmick, a piece of humor, or a sample of popular culture. Novelty songs partially overlap with comedy songs, which are more explicitly based on humor, and w ...
. During the recording sessions, Powell who was walking with the aid of a stick, had to be lifted up to his drum kit. The single was successful, peaking at number two in the UK and number one in Ireland.[
The Christmas-themed song "]Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" was Slade's last single of 1973 and became the band's last ever number one in the UK.[ Prompted by a challenge from Lea's mother in law to write a seasonal song, the chorus was the melody from a discarded song written by Holder six years previously. It became Slade's best-selling single ever. The song has remained popular and has been released many times since, charting on a number of occasions.][
The band began to experiment with different musical styles, moving away from their usual successful rock anthems. Following the success of "My Friend Stan", Slade released the album '']Old, New, Borrowed and Blue
''Old New Borrowed and Blue'' is the fourth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 15 February 1974 and reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. It has been certified Gold by BPI. The album was produced by Chas Chandler. Fo ...
'', in February 1974 which went to number one in the UK.[ Re-titled "Stomp Your Hands, Clap Your Feet", the album was another disappointment in the US, failing to break into the top 100.] The following month saw a new single released. "Everyday
Everyday or Every Day may refer to:
Books
* ''Every Day'' (novel), by David Levithan, 2012
Film
* ''Every Day'' (2010 film), an American comedy-drama starring Liev Schreiber and Helen Hunt
* ''Everyday'' (film), a 2012 British drama direct ...
" was a piano led ballad which made number three in the UK charts.[ The next single, "]The Bangin' Man
"The Bangin' Man" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1974 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 3 in the UK, remaining in the cha ...
" saw a return to a more guitar-based sound, again reaching the number three position.[
]
Decline in popularity (1974–1975)
In the latter half of 1974, the possibility of making a film was being discussed. The band considered a number of screenplays before settling on '' Slade in Flame'', a gritty tale of the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s group called Flame; the story was based on true music business events involving Slade and various other groups of the time. A track from the film was released, " Far Far Away"; this reached number two in the UK and topped the charts in Norway and other parts of Scandinavia. Noddy Holder has cited the single as his favourite Slade song.
The soundtrack album
A soundtrack album is any album that incorporates music directly recorded from the soundtrack of a particular feature film or television show. The first such album to be commercially released was Walt Disney's ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' ...
was released in late November and despite a positive reception from the critics, the disappointing chart position of number six was seen by some as an indication of the band's decline in popularity.[Slade in Flame remastered booklet] The film, released in January 1975, received a somewhat mixed reception. Critics loved it, but it was thought that its bleak, noir atmosphere confused Slade fans who were used to Slade delivering a good time. Directed by Richard Loncraine
Richard Loncraine (born 20 October 1946) is a British film and television director.
Loncraine was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Loncraine received early training in the features department of the BBC, including a season directing items ...
and written by Andrew Birkin
Andrew Timothy Birkin (born 9 December 1945) is an English screenwriter and director. He was born the only son of Lieutenant-Commander David Birkin and his wife, actress Judy Campbell. One of his sisters is the actress and singer Jane Birkin.
W ...
, the film featured Tom Conti
Tommaso Antonio Conti (born 22 November 1941) is a Scottish actor, theatre director, and novelist. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1979 for his performance in '' Whose Life Is It Anyway?'' and was nominated for the Academy Aw ...
in his first major film role.
The number 15 position of the film's main theme song, " How Does It Feel", was seen as further proof of the band's decline. The ballad, featuring brass instruments and flute, was at the time thought to be too far from the fans' expectations. Noel Gallagher
Noel Thomas David Gallagher (born 29 May 1967) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. He was the chief songwriter, lead guitarist, and co-lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis until their split in 2009. After leaving Oasis, he formed ...
of the British band Oasis
In ecology, an oasis (; ) is a fertile area of a desert or semi-desert environment'ksar''with its surrounding feeding source, the palm grove, within a relational and circulatory nomadic system.”
The location of oases has been of critical imp ...
however has claimed the track to be, "one of the best songs written, in the history of pop, ever". The follow-up in May "Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)
Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea (musician), Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. ...
" fared slightly better, peaking at number seven in the UK and doing well in a number of other European countries. The single became Slade's last top 10 hit of the 1970s.
Stateside (1975–1977)
By mid-1975, the band had become disillusioned with their lack of success in America. Feeling that they were becoming stale and had achieved all they could in Europe, Slade decided to a make a permanent move to the States and try to build a solid reputation from live performances; just as they had previously done in the UK. According to the Slade Fan Club newsletter of August and September 1975, the band took twelve tons of equipment, worth approximately £45,000 at the time. Throughout the remainder of 1975 and 1976, Slade toured the US, often with other bands such as Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (musician), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (musician), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums) and Brad Whi ...
, ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas. For 51 years, they comprised vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard and vocalist-bassist Dusty Hill, until Hill's death in 2021. ZZ Top developed a signature sound ...
and Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath were an English rock music, rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward (musician), Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy met ...
, only returning to the UK for TV performances of new singles.
Between tours Holder and Lea began writing for a new album which was heavily influenced by the US and aimed at an American audience. The group booked themselves into New York's Record Plant Studios
The Record Plant is a recording studio established in New York City in 1968 and currently operating in Los Angeles, California. Known for innovations in the recording artists' workspace, it has produced highly influential albums, including Blon ...
in mid-1975 to record the album ''Nobody's Fools
''Nobody's Fools'' is the sixth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released in March 1976 and reached No. 14 in the UK. The album was produced by Chas Chandler.
Musically, the album showed the band dropping their "loud" and "r ...
''. Featuring backing vocals from Tasha Thomas
Tasha Thomas ( – November 8, 1984) was an American singer and actress, known for her role as Aunt Em in the original Broadway production of ''The Wiz''. Thomas also had a hit single, "Shoot Me (With Your Love)", from her 1979 album, ''Midni ...
, it contained elements of soul
In many religious and philosophical traditions, there is a belief that a soul is "the immaterial aspect or essence of a human being".
Etymology
The Modern English noun ''soul'' is derived from Old English ''sāwol, sāwel''. The earliest attes ...
, country
A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. It may be a sovereign state or make up one part of a larger state. For example, the country of Japan is an independent, sovereign state, while the ...
and funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of various music genres that were popular among African Americans in the m ...
music.
The first two singles from the new album, " In For a Penny" and "Let's Call It Quits
"Let's Call It Quits" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the second single from their sixth studio album ''Nobody's Fools''. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas ...
" were released in November 1975 and January 1976 respectively, both made number 11 in the UK charts although the latter made no impression outside of the UK. The album, released in March 1976, failed to make any impact in America and was also a disappointment in the UK where it peaked at number 14 and dropped out of the charts completely after only 4 weeks. The final track from the album was the title track " Nobody's Fool". Released in April, it failed to chart at all, the first to do so since the band's rise to fame in 1971. Fans within the UK accused the band of 'selling out' and forgetting about their fan base at home.
Wilderness years (1977–1980)
Overall, Slade's American venture was seen as a failure, although the band felt improved and rejuvenated. The live success in many cities such as St. Louis, Philadelphia, and New York was not translated into US airplay, however, and the band returned to the UK at the beginning of 1977 to find that punk rock was the new popular style of rock and that they were largely forgotten and out of fashion. Chandler decided not to renew the band's contract with Polydor Records
Polydor Records Ltd. is a German-British record label that operates as part of Universal Music Group. It has a close relationship with Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M Records label, which distributes Polydor's releases in the United States. ...
, instead signing them to his own record label, Barn Records
Barn Records was a record label established by the English musician, record producer and manager Chas Chandler. It was active from 1976 to 1980, and included the production company Barn Productions and publishing company Barn Publishing Ltd. The l ...
.
The band's first release with Barn Records was the single "Gypsy Roadhog
"Gypsy Roadhog" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1977 as the only single from the band's seventh studio album ''Whatever Happened to Slade''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by ...
", in January 1977. The track was performed on the children's show ''Blue Peter
''Blue Peter'' is a British children's television entertainment programme created by John Hunter Blair. It is the longest-running children's TV show in the world, having been broadcast since October 1958. It was broadcast primarily from BBC Tel ...
'', but complaints arose due to supposed drug references and the record was subsequently banned by the BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC
Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board ex ...
.[Whatever Happened to Slade remastered booklet] This in turn led to the single's stalling at number 48 in the charts. The title of the subsequent album was taken from a piece of graffiti seen in London, and made reference to the band's current position in the public eye: ''Whatever Happened to Slade
''Whatever Happened to Slade'' is the seventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 21 March 1977 by Barn Records, but did not enter any national album chart. By the time of the album's release, Slade's popularity was ...
'' was released in March and failed to make any chart appearance in the UK. Chandler was reportedly disappointed in the material that Holder and Lea were writing, claiming that the album was not commercial enough, but despite its lack of mainstream success, the album was met with critical praise and support from the English punk movement of the time. Since their return to the UK, the band continued to tour but mainly in smaller venues such as universities and clubs.
"Burning in the Heat of Love", released a month later, also failed to chart. In October, the band released an amalgamation of two Arthur Crudup songs, entitled " My Baby Left Me/That's All Right
"That's All Right" is a song written and originally performed by blues singer Arthur Crudup and recorded in 1946. The song was rereleased in early March 1949 under the title "That's All Right, Mama", which was issued as RCA's first rhythm and bl ...
" as a tribute to the recent death of Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
. The single proved to be a moderate success, peaking at number 32 in the UK. Slade was unable to keep momentum for the next single, "Give Us a Goal
"Give Us a Goal" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. A football-themed song, it failed to chart on the ...
", released in March 1978. Based on English football chant
A football chant or terrace chant is form of vocalisation performed by supporters of association football, typically during football matches. Football chanting is an expression of collective identity, most often used by fans to express their p ...
s, it was intended to appeal to fans of the sport but failed to make any impact whatsoever, other than making the airplay-based charts of Radio Luxembourg and Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. It has however been used in successful advertising campaigns in recent years.
In August 1978, Noddy Holder was reportedly involved in a brawl with a bouncer (Desmond Brothers) backstage at The Stoneleigh Club in Porthcawl
Porthcawl (, ) is a town and community on the south coast of Wales in the county borough of Bridgend, west of the capital city, Cardiff and southeast of Swansea. Historically part of Glamorgan and situated on a low limestone headland on the So ...
, South Wales
South Wales ( cy, De Cymru) is a loosely defined region of Wales bordered by England to the east and mid Wales to the north. Generally considered to include the historic counties of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire, south Wales extends westwards ...
. The bouncer was later jailed for three months for instigating the attack on Holder, after he had told the club bouncers to stop hurting the kids in the crowd who were pushed up against the stage, during the show. Holder showed his mettle by performing the next night as planned, although he had a broken nose, at a club in Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes () is a seaside town on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire, England with a population of 38,372 in 2020. It has been permanently occupied since the 6th century, with fishing as its original industry, then develo ...
, Lincolnshire. The story of the attack would later be written into the 1981 single "Knuckle Sandwich Nancy", which Holder insisted would be released as a single. The band said in contemporary interviews that RCA and Chas Chandler objected to the single's release, so it came out on the Cheapskate
A miser is a person who is reluctant to spend, sometimes to the point of forgoing even basic comforts and some necessities, in order to hoard money or other possessions. Although the word is sometimes used loosely to characterise anyone who ...
label, rather than on RCA, the label that they were contracted to.
In late 1978, the band released "Rock 'n' Roll Bolero
"Rock 'n' Roll Bolero" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1978 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK charts.
Background
Having ...
", which was another commercial failure. As the band were still a respected live act, and because the 1972 album ''Slade Alive!'' had been so successful, the group decided to release another live album. '' Slade Alive, Vol. 2'' consisted of performances recorded during the 1976 Autumn tour of America and the 1977 Spring tour of the UK.
In 1979, the band released a further three singles: "Ginny, Ginny
"Ginny, Ginny" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the lead single from the band's eighth studio album ''Return to Base''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. The ...
", " Sign of the Times" and a cover of the party track " Okey Cokey". All failed to chart. The Slade newsletter of the time announced that "Ginny, Ginny" had made the top 200 in the UK but not the official top 100. In October 1979, the band released a new studio album ''Return to Base
''Return to Base'' is the eighth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 October 1979 by Barn Records, and did not enter any national album charts. At the time of the album's release, the band's success had waned and ...
'', the first album not to have Chandler as producer. Disagreements between Lea and Chandler, centring on business problems and Lea's desire to produce Slade's material, had been brewing since the recording of ''Whatever Happened to Slade'' in 1977. Lea in particular disagreed with Chandler on production decisions. As a result, Chandler offered to sever his association with the band. Slade, not wishing to be rid of Chandler entirely, asked him to stay on for the time being as their manager, which Chandler agreed to do. The album was a failure in the UK but the following year it topped both the Telemoustique chart and the official album chart in Belgium. Released exclusively in Belgium, the album's version of Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the " Father of Rock and Roll", he refined and developed rhythm and blues into th ...
's "I'm a Rocker" also made number 1.
Slade's failures and lack of airplay led Lea to wonder if their material would be better received if recorded by another band. In late 1979, Lea formed The Dummies
The Dummies was a musical project formed by Slade bassist Jim Lea (musician), Jim Lea and his brother Frank Lea in 1979. Between 1979 and 1981, they released three singles and recorded a number of original and Slade songs, which were collected on t ...
as a side project, with his brother Frank. They released three singles, which received plenty of radio airplay but sales suffered from distribution problems. In February 1980, Holder was briefly considered as a replacement for Bon Scott
Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (9 July 1946 – 19 February 1980) was an Australian singer and songwriter. He was the lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980.
Born in Forfar in Angus, Scotland, ...
, the recently deceased singer of AC/DC
AC/DC (stylised as ACϟDC) are an Australian Rock music, rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm Young, Malcolm and Angus Young. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and Heavy metal ...
. Holder was said to have turned the position down, despite Slade's current situation, because of his loyalty to the band. In mid-1980, Slade released their first extended play
An extended play record, usually referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. titled "Six of the Best
Six of the Best was a reunion concert between the rock band Genesis, their original lead singer Peter Gabriel and former guitarist Steve Hackett. It took place on a wet Saturday, 2 October 1982, at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshir ...
" which featured three tracks from the ''Return to Base'' album and three brand new rock tracks. Even though it was being sold for a lower than usual price of £1.49, it still failed to sell enough to make a chart appearance. As a result, the band stopped working together and Hill started driving couples to their weddings in his own Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce (always hyphenated) may refer to:
* Rolls-Royce Limited, a British manufacturer of cars and later aero engines, founded in 1906, now defunct
Automobiles
* Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the current car manufacturing company incorporated in ...
, to earn money. The business never really took off, as Hill only drove one couple (a pair of fans).
Hill later recalled that during this period Slade "played the difficult gigs, the gigs where people have chicken in a basket and then go on the dancefloor" but noted that they "had an armour of fantastic songs so nobody was going to argue with hem
A hem in sewing is a garment finishing method, where the edge of a piece of cloth is folded and sewn to prevent unravelling of the fabric and to adjust the length of the piece in garments, such as at the end of the sleeve or the bottom of the ga ...
"
Comeback and heavy metal following (1980–1982)
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
was due to play the Reading Festival in August 1980, during his Blizzard of Ozz
''Blizzard of Ozz'' is the debut solo studio album by English singer Ozzy Osbourne, released on 12 September 1980 in the UK and on 27 March 1981 in the US. The album was Osbourne's first release following his firing from Black Sabbath in 1979. ...
tour, but cancelled at short notice as his band was not ready, leaving the organisers searching for a last-minute replacement. Slade were suggested, but Hill, still demoralised, had effectively left the band and initially refused to take part when asked by the other band members. Eventually, Chandler went to his home and convinced Hill to play what should have been a farewell performance in front of 65,000 rock fans, instead of Slade's disbanding and disappearing without a trace. To Hill's astonishment, the band stole the show and quickly became the darlings of the music press and radio. Highlights of their performance were broadcast on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It specialises in modern popular music and current chart hits throughout the day. The station provides alternative genres at night, including electronica, dance, ...
's Friday Rock Show
The ''Friday Rock Show'' was a radio show in the United Kingdom that was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 from 10pm to midnight on Friday nights, from 17 November 1978 until 2 April 1993. For most of its existence, it was hosted by Tommy Vance.
Vance ...
Reading special. Afterwards, the band signed to Cheapskate Records, owned by Chandler, Lea and his brother Frank, which gave the band more control of their material and products.
The band's new-found success led to a hurriedly released extended play, ''Alive at Reading
"'Alive at Reading'" is an extended play (EP) by the British rock band Slade, released in 1980. ''Alive at Reading'' includes three live tracks recorded at the band's performance at the 1980 Reading Festival. The EP was produced by Slade and rea ...
'', which reached number 44, the band's first chart action in the UK since 1977. Another extended play followed in November, titled " Xmas Ear Bender" which peaked at number 70. Polydor Records also saw an opportunity to capitalise on the band's new success and released the compilation ''Slade Smashes!
''Slade Smashes'' is a compilation album by the British rock band Slade. It was released 1 November 1980 and reached No. 21 on the UK charts. The album was issued by Polydor in the wake of new interest in the band following their successful appe ...
'' at the beginning of November. The album was given plenty of promotion and spent 15 weeks in the UK charts, peaking at number 21. The album was certified UK Gold in December, having by then sold over 200,000 copies.[We'll Bring the House Down remaster booklet]
Keen to keep momentum with their new fans, the band set out to write a song with hit potential. The idea for the new track came after a performance in Amsterdam
Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the Capital of the Netherlands, capital and Municipalities of the Netherlands, most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population ...
at the Paradiso Club. An enthusiastic audience who would not go home were overheard chanting by Lea, who was downstairs in the dressing room. Realising the potential of the chant, the song "We'll Bring the House Down
''We'll Bring The House Down'' is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandl ...
" was written and released in January 1981. Aimed at the new audience which consisted of mainly heavy metal fans, it showed Slade's heavier rock sound.[Greatest Hits compilation booklet] The single hit the number 10 spot in the UK, becoming Slade's first top ten hit since 1976. In March, an album consisting of four new tracks and six tracks from the previous album ''Return to Base'' was released. Also called ''We'll Bring the House Down
''We'll Bring The House Down'' is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandl ...
'' it peaked at number 25.
"Wheels Ain't Coming Down
"Wheels Ain't Coming Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the opening track from their eighth studio album ''Return to Base''. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by ...
", which originally appeared as the opening track on the album ''Return to Base'', was released in March 1981 and reached number 60 in the UK. Although not a hit, it served to keep Slade in the public eye while they were writing new material and planning a European tour. Slade's success at the 1980 Reading festival was helping them fill large venues and led to their being asked about a return in 1981. The band refused to return so soon, and opted to play the Castle Donington Heavy Rock Festival instead.
In May, the band released " Knuckle Sandwich Nancy" which featured lyrics commenting on the assault on Holder in the Welsh nightclub. Although eagerly wanted as a single by the band, Chandler was not entirely convinced and thus it was half-heartedly released and failed to chart. The band blamed Chandler for losing interest, and began to manage themselves. Chandler sold his share of Cheapskate Records and negotiated a favourable deal for the band with RCA Records
RCA Records is an American record label currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside RCA's former long-time rival Columbia Records; also A ...
[Till Deaf Do Us Part remaster booklet] The new deal meant that Slade's records would get worldwide release except in the US and Canada. The next couple of UK singles would still be released under the Cheapskate label but with RCA pressing and distributing the records, then a full RCA release would start.
The band's first full release on the RCA label was the European hit single " Lock Up Your Daughters" in late 1981. The track continued to follow a more heavy metal sound and made number 29 in the UK. The album ''Till Deaf Do Us Part
''Till Deaf Do Us Part'' is the tenth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 November 1981 and reached No. 68 on the UK charts. The album was produced by Slade. Although not as successful as '' We'll Bring the House ...
'' followed in November 1981 and peaked at number 68. It remains Slade's most metal-directed and heaviest sounding album to date. An article in NME
''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a 'rock inkie', the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a f ...
shortly after release claimed Slade were in trouble over the album cover, which featured an 'offensive' picture of a nail piercing an ear drum, and that many dealers were refusing to stock it. The cover was later changed on the CD reissue to a picture of the band in flames. In December, RCA released "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" for the first time since its initial outing. This time, however, it only managed to get to number 32.
By early 1982, the band had released a new single from the ''Till Deaf Do Us Part
''Till Deaf Do Us Part'' is the tenth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 November 1981 and reached No. 68 on the UK charts. The album was produced by Slade. Although not as successful as '' We'll Bring the House ...
'' album, "Ruby Red
Ruby is a color that is a representation of the color of the cut and polished ruby gemstone and is a shade of red or pink.
Origins
The first recorded use of ''ruby'' as a color name in English was in 1572.
Variations
Rubine red
Displayed ...
". Although a gatefold
A gatefold cover or gatefold LP is a form of packaging for LP records that became popular in the mid-1960s. A gatefold cover, when folded, is the same size as a standard LP cover (i.e., a 12½ inch, or 32.7 centimetre square). The larger gatefo ...
release with two extra live tracks, it only managed to reach 51 in the charts. The opening track from the album, "Rock and Roll Preacher
"Rock and Roll Preacher (Hallelujah I'm on Fire)" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1982 as the fourth and final single from their tenth studio album ''Till Deaf Do Us Part''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and ...
" was released exclusively in Germany in April. The first Slade single to have a 12" single
The twelve-inch single (often written as 12-inch or 12″) is a type of vinyl ( polyvinyl chloride or PVC) gramophone record that has wider groove spacing and shorter playing time with a 'single' or a few related sound tracks on each surfac ...
version, it peaked at number 49. The song also became Slade's new show opener. In November, the band released a new single, "(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie
"(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1982 as the lead single from the band's eleventh studio album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome''. It was also included on its 1984 American counterpart ''Keep ...
", which was aimed directly at the Christmas market. It only made number 50 in the UK but was a hit in Poland where it reached number two. The band's version of the party track " Okey Cokey" was also re-released that year but failed to make an impact, much like the original release in 1979. Lastly, "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" was again re-released, this time only managing to get to number 67. December saw the release of Slade's third and final live album, "Slade on Stage
''Slade on Stage'' is the third live album by the British rock band Slade. It was recorded at Newcastle City Hall on 18 December 1981 and released almost a year later on 11 December 1982. The album, produced by the band, reached No. 58 in the UK. ...
" which peaked at number 58 in the UK and received a positive response from critics. Lea continued working on solo projects throughout despite the upturn in Slade's fortunes.
American breakthrough (1983–1984)
Although Slade enjoyed some minor success, RCA Records
RCA Records is an American record label currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside RCA's former long-time rival Columbia Records; also A ...
had higher expectations and sent them away to write songs to be considered for release in 1983. The band came back with two possible singles, " My Oh My" and "Run Runaway
"Run Runaway" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1984 as the third single from the band's eleventh studio album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'', and the lead single from the album's US counterpart ''Keep Your Hands Off My Pow ...
". A raw demo of Holder singing "My Oh My" over Lea's piano was received with particular enthusiasm by RCA. The label was delighted with both the tracks and hired outside producer John Punter
John Punter (born 27 January 1949) is a former English record producer and recording engineer. He has worked with many bands and musicians, such as Japan, Procol Harum, Roxy Music, Doctors of Madness, Sad Café and Slade. His career in music spann ...
to work with the band to record them. This was the first time the band had another producer since Chandler. Punter's methods differed from those Slade were used to, in that the band recorded all their parts separately. This method eventually met with the band's approval, except for Holder, who believed this method was ruining their unique chemistry and was losing their rock & roll edge. The power ballad "My Oh My" was released in November 1983, where it slowly climbed the charts and by December, Slade found themselves competing for the Christmas number 1 spot. The single peaked at number 2 behind a cappella
''A cappella'' (, also , ; ) music is a performance by a singer or a singing group without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. The term ''a cappella'' was originally intended to differentiate between Ren ...
group The Flying Pickets
The Flying Pickets is a British '' a cappella'' vocal group which had a Christmas number one hit in 1983 on the UK Singles Chart with their cover version of Yazoo's track " Only You".
History
The band of six was founded by Brian Hibbard in 19 ...
with their cover of Yazoo's " Only You". The single was a huge success across Europe and topped the charts in Norway and Sweden. "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
", again re-released, made number 20 that year.
The album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome
''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' is the eleventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 3 December 1983 and reached No. 49 in the UK charts. The album was produced largely by bassist Jim Lea. The two UK Top 10 singles ...
'', co-produced by Lea and Punter, was also released in December but, despite the strength of "My Oh My", had only made number 74 by the end of the year. To try to push the album further up the charts, January 1984 saw the release of "Run Runaway", a Celtic-flavoured rock jig featuring the return of Lea's fiddle.[The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome remaster booklet] The single peaked at number seven in the UK and was also successful in a number of other European countries.
The tactic of releasing a second single appeared to work and ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' eventually reached number 49 in the UK. The album was far more successful in Scandinavia like Sweden and Norway, however, where it peaked at number 1 and number 2 respectively. By the end of 1983, the band had finished what would prove to be their final UK tour.
In late 1983, Holder joined Lea in record production producing, among other things, Girlschool
Girlschool are a British rock band that formed in the new wave of British heavy metal scene in 1978. Frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead, they are the longest-running all-female rock band, still active after more than 40 yea ...
's cover of the T-Rex (band), T-Rex song "20th Century Boy" and the album "Play Dirty (album), Play Dirty" which featured two Slade tracks, "Burning in the Heat of Love" and "High and Dry". Toward the end of the year, American glam metal band Quiet Riot released a cover version of " Cum on Feel the Noize" on Pasha Records and distributed by Columbia Records. It became a huge hit, peaking at number five in the Billboard charts and helping their debut album ''Metal Health'' to the top, selling seven million copies on the way. As a result, Slade's original was re-released in the UK but disappointingly it only reached number 98. However, the success of a Slade track in the US charts prompted CBS Records to sign Slade to their CBS Associated label and in mid-1984, released the single "Run Runaway". The single eventually peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of 17 weeks, and topped the American Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, mainstream rock chart. It was Slade's first and only top 20 hit in the States. Its success, it has been suggested, was partly due to the accompanying music video which was filmed at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury, Herefordshire, England and was heavily shown on the MTV music channel. In August 1984, "My Oh My" was released in the US as a follow-up; it peaked at number 37 for a total of 11 weeks, again with the help of a heavily-rotated music video on MTV. Quiet Riot meanwhile released another Slade song, "Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the lead single from their third studio album ''Slayed?''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. ...
", which peaked at number 51.
''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' was reworked with a couple of alternative tracks and different artwork, and was released in North America as ''Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply''. The album was a success, getting to number 33 in the US and number 26 in Canada. The final single from the album was "Slam the Hammer Down" which peaked at number 92. A tour with Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
was cancelled after several warm-up gigs, when Lea collapsed in the dressing room after a performance. He was later diagnosed with hepatitis C. The band returned to the UK and did not tour again, mainly due to differences within the band and problems in Holder's family life.
Second decline in popularity (1985–1990)
In mid-1984, Polydor released a new compilation, ''Slade's Greats'', which peaked at number 89, and during the autumn a full European tour was announced to promote the album. Tickets were being sold before the band had agreed that the tour would actually take place: shortly afterwards, it was cancelled because Holder, who was facing a divorce from his first wife, was furious arrangements for the tour had gone ahead without his agreement. In late 1984, a new single, similar in style to " My Oh My" was released in the UK. Entitled "All Join Hands (Slade song), All Join Hands", the song made number 15 in the charts. "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" was also re-released, peaking at number 47 in the UK.
At the beginning of 1985, Slade released the single "7 Year Bitch (song), 7 Year Bitch" which stalled at number 60 in the UK when it failed to make radio playlists. The band protested that there had been no reaction to Elton John's "The Bitch Is Back" which was a hit record.[Rogues Gallery remaster booklet] The single did make number 39 in German charts however. A following single was released in March entitled "Myzsterious Mizster Jones". The single marked a return for Slade's trademark of spelling titles incorrectly, which had not been done since the 1973 hit "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me". Despite being a radio-friendly track, the single only peaked at number 50 in the UK Neither "7 Year Bitch" nor "Myzsterious Mizster Jones" was released in America but the single "Little Sheila" was, where it reached number 86 in the Billboard charts and number 13 in the American mainstream rock chart. It was also released in Canada, where it got to number 50, and Germany.
''Rogues Gallery (album), Rogues Gallery'', an album heavily reliant on Lea playing on synthesizer and the majority of instruments, was released in the UK during March, and in America during May. Reported to be one of the band's most polished productions, the band aimed to produce an album where all tracks were potential hit singles. Despite receiving critical acclaim in both Europe and America, the album failed to live up to commercial expectations, partly due to the lack of live appearances, and Slade were unable to retain their new-found American audience or rekindled British following, causing the band to largely fade from sight once more. In the UK, the album reached number 60, whilst in America it made number 132. The album was a big hit in Norway, peaking at number 5. It also charted in other European countries.
In November, the band released a party album called ''Crackers (album), Crackers - The Christmas Party Album'' which peaked at number 34 and was certified UK Gold later that month. Repackaged on several occasions under various names such as ''The Party Album'' and ''Slade's Crazee Christmas''; it contained Slade hits and songs that had been successful for other artists. Amazed at what Bob Geldof had achieved with Live Aid, Holder penned the lyrics to "Do You Believe in Miracles" which was also released in November. The single's earnings went to charity but it only peaked at number 54 in the UK. The final release of the year was another re-release of "Merry Xmas Everybody" which peaked at number 48 in the UK.
In 1986, two new Slade tracks, "We Won't Give In" and "Wild Wild Party", were used for the British film "Knights & Emeralds". That same year, the rock band The Redbeards From Texas released a cover of the 1972 Slade hit, Gudbuy T'Jane and in late 1986; " Okey Cokey" was re-released for the second time but failed to chart, whilst "Merry Xmas Everybody" was once again re-released, peaking at number 71. 1986 also saw Slade's first official fan convention at the Finsbury Leisure Centre, Old Street, London.
To avoid becoming a 'Christmas' hit band, Slade did not release the single "Still the Same (Slade song), Still the Same" in December 1986 but left it until February 1987. The single was not a hit, reaching only number 73 in the UK, leaving RCA wondering whether it might have been a better idea to release it at Christmas.[You Boyz Make Big Noize remaster booklet] Released in April, "That's What Friends Are For (Slade song), That's What Friends Are For" suffered a similar fate, peaking at number 95. Slade's final studio album, ''You Boyz Make Big Noize'', was released a week later. It was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, Lea and Punter. The album was poorly promoted with no accompanying tour or music videos and spent just one week in the UK chart, peaking at number 98. Like much of Slade's later material, it fared better in Norway where it got to number 12.
Following the album's failure, RCA agreed to let Slade return to their own Cheapskate Records label, although RCA still continued distributing. A new single, also called "You Boyz Make Big Noize (song), You Boyz Make Big Noize" was released in August. Influenced by the Beastie Boys' musical style, it lacked the synthesiser sound of the album. It was another commercial failure, just creeping into the top 100 at number 94. The single did not feature on the European version of the album but became the title track for the American version which was also released in August. The album was not successful in America, neither was the single "Ooh La La in L.A." despite receiving radio play in the city of Los Angeles. In late 1987, "We Won't Give In" was released as a single in the UK, where it missed the top 100, peaking at No. 121. The band's 1987 official fan convention was held at The Royal Standard Convention, Walthamstow, London.
In 1988, Slade released a cover of the Chris Montez song "Let's Dance (Chris Montez song), Let's Dance"; a re-mix of the track from ''Crackers – The Christmas Party Album''. The band held their third official fan club convention at Drummonds Convention, King's Cross, London. In late 1989, after what was initially supposed to be an 18-month break, Holder announced plans for a new album. Due to be released in 1990, the album never materialised, nor did the tour that would have followed had the album been a success.[Noddy Holder Interview – Sky By Day 1989] 1989 saw "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" make another new chart appearance, this time reaching number 99 the week after Let's Party (Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers song), Let's Party by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers, which sampled the song, topped the chart.
In 1989, Hill formed his own group ''Blessings in Disguise'' with Ex-Wizzard
Wizzard were an English rock band formed by Roy Wood, former member of the Move and co-founder of the Electric Light Orchestra. ''The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits'' states, "Wizzard was Roy Wood just as much as Wings was Paul McCartne ...
keyboard player, Bill Hunt, Craig Fenney and Bob Lamb. During 1990, Lea released his own version of Slade's "We'll Bring the House Down
''We'll Bring The House Down'' is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandl ...
" under the name ''The Clout''. At the end of the year, "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
" was again re-released and peaked at number 93.
In late 1990, both Holder and Lea produced a cover of "Merry Xmas Everybody" by the band The Metal Gurus, known mainly as The Mission (band), The Mission. The single peaked at No. 55 in the UK and both Holder and Lea appeared in the song's music video, whilst Holder provided lead vocals on one of the single's b-sides, another Slade cover, "Gudbuy T'Jane". All artist royalties from the sale of the single were donated to Childline.
Brief comeback and break-up (1991–1992)
In April 1991, the Slade fan club-organised a 25th anniversary party. The band, who were invited, played one song, Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the " Father of Rock and Roll", he refined and developed rhythm and blues into th ...
's "Johnny B. Goode" which turned out to be their last live performance. In that same year, Lea produced the single "Where Have All the Good Girls Gone" for the Crybabys, which was not a success. Later, Polydor Records
Polydor Records Ltd. is a German-British record label that operates as part of Universal Music Group. It has a close relationship with Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M Records label, which distributes Polydor's releases in the United States. ...
contacted Slade about a new compilation album. It was hoped that Slade would promote it by releasing two brand new singles and, if successful, would record a new studio album. The first single, "Radio Wall of Sound", written by Lea and originally intended for a solo project, was released in October. The compilation album, ''Wall of Hits'' was released the following month, along with a video compilation under the Wall of Hits (video), same name. Both the single and the album were moderately successful reaching number 21 and number 34 respectively. The album later went certified UK Silver and in an attempt to promote it further, a second single, "Universe (Slade song), Universe" was released in December. Despite a number of TV performances, the single failed to reach the top 100. As a result, in January 1992, Polydor withdrew the option for a new album and future singles.
In March 1992, the band returned to Rich Bitch Studios to record a new house/dance-style version of "We'll Bring the House Down". However, by the end of the month, Holder had decided to finally leave the band. He had become weary of the constant arguing and discontent within the band, and effectively managing their day-to-day affairs. He left after 26 years with the band to explore other career paths. Believing Holder to be an integral member of Slade, Lea also effectively retired from the band, preferring to work alone in the studio, rather than continue without Holder. Powell filled the gap by helping out in a hotel his partner managed, but would soon re-join Hill to form Slade II later in the year.
Aftermath and recent years (1993–present)
Slade II was formed in 1992 by Hill with Powell and three other musicians - Craig Fenney (bass), Steve Makin (guitar) and Steve Whalley (lead vocals and guitar). The suggestion to call the group Slade II came from Holder, but Lea was not happy with the Slade name being used at all. The group's name was only shortened to Slade again ten years later. Working solidly on the UK theatre circuit during the winter months and throughout Europe the rest of the year, the band released one studio album in 1994 entitled ''Keep on Rockin' (Slade II album), Keep on Rockin''', which featured Steve Whalley on vocals. The album was not successful, nor were the singles "Hot Luv" and "Black and White World". The band have seen many line-ups (including Dave Glover on bass, plus present incumbents Mal McNulty on guitar and vocals and John Berry on bass and vocals) but Hill and Powell have remained constant throughout.
Slade were reunited for two events during 1996: the funeral of long-time Slade manager Chas Chandler
Bryan James "Chas" Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996) was an English musician, record producer and manager, best known as the original bassist in The Animals, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He ...
and an episode of the television show ''This Is Your Life (British TV series), This Is Your Life'' which featured Holder as the subject. Also in 1996, a compilation entitled ''The Genesis of Slade'' was released, which contained rare and some previously unreleased material from The Vendors, Steve Brett & The Mavericks and The 'N Betweens. During 1997, a new Slade compilation, ''Feel the Noize- Greatest Hits, Feel the Noize – Greatest Hits'', reached number 19 in the UK, while in the following year, a remix of "Merry Xmas Everybody
"Merry Xmas Everybody" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and it was produced by Chas Chandler. It was the band's sixth and ...
", released under the name Slade Vs. Flush, made number 30.
In 1999, BBC One broadcast a newly made documentary on the band, titled ''It's Slade'', which featured new interviews with all four members of the band, along with various other musical artists and celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne, Noel Gallagher, Status Quo, Toyah Wilcox and Suzi Quatro. It was narrated by Radio One's Mark Radcliffe (radio broadcaster), Mark Radcliffe. In 2000, Holder was appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to music and his voice was famously recorded for lift announcements at the Walsall Art Gallery, Walsall New Art Gallery.
In 2002, Slade II shortened their name to Slade and re-released their album ''Keep on Rockin' '' with a handful of new tracks included, retitled ''Cum on Let's Party''. The band also released two new singles, titled "Some Exercise" and "Take Me Home". Both singles were released in Belgium through Virgin Records. In 2003, prison, incarcerated serial killer Rosemary West announced her supposed engagement to bassist Dave Glover. The supposed engagement was called off shortly afterwards and Glover was summarily fired from Slade by Dave Hill. Glover admitted having written to her about the case, but denied any romantic involvement. An American compilation was released by Shout! Factory in 2004, titled ''Get Yer Boots On: The Best of Slade''.
In 2005, Steve Whalley, original singer for Slade II, left the band and was replaced by Mal McNulty, who has sung for the band since. In November 2005, Polydor released a new Slade compilation, ''The Very Best of Slade'', which peaked at number 39 in the UK. A DVD was also released for the first time, featuring a collection of Slade videos and promos. From 2006 to 2007, music label Salvo remastered and released all of Slade's catalogue, including a four-disc anthology set entitled ''The Slade Box, The Slade Box (Anthology 1969–1991)'' and a package of all live albums in one ''Slade Alive! - The Live Anthology''. The remastered series also included the release of a new compilation called simply ''B-Sides (Slade album), B-Sides'', which featured all of the band's B-sides. Shout! Factory also released the compilation ''In for a Penny: Raves & Faves'' in 2007.
In late 2006, UK chart rules changed to allow downloads of old singles eligible to chart, which allowed "Merry Xmas Everybody" to return to the chart. It has re-entered the UK Top 75 every Christmas since then, most successfully in 2007 when it peaked at number 20. In 2009, a new compilation was released, ''Live at the BBC (Slade album), Live at the BBC''. It featured songs recorded for BBC sessions between 1969 and 1972, BBC Radio 1, Radio 1 jingles recorded in 1973 and 1974, and, on the second disc, songs recorded live at the Paris Theatre, London, in August 1972. In November 2009, Universal Music released a new compilation entitled ''Merry Xmas Everybody: Party Hits'', which peaked at number 151 in the UK. In 2010, all four original members of Slade attended a business meeting hoping that maybe this could lead to the band reuniting for a farewell tour. However, the meeting soon dissolved into the same continued arguments on matters spanning back to the band's original break-up, and led to such an idea being dismissed. Holder said in 2015: “It really saddens me that the four guys who were in Slade can’t get together and sit round the dinner table. Five years ago I got the four of us together so we could air our grievances face to face, but it was so painful I’d never want to repeat it. I was shocked.”
In 2011, Salvo released a remastered version of ''Sladest'' which included a previously unreleased studio version of the live track "Hear Me Calling". On the evening of 21 December 2012, BBC Four held Slade Night, which consisted of a showing of the 1999 documentary ''It's Slade'', Slade at the BBC, and the band's 1975 film '' Slade in Flame'' respectively. ''Slade at the BBC'' is a compilation of the band's performances from the BBC archives throughout their career from 1969 to 1991, introduced by Noddy Holder. According to BARB, the viewing figure for ''It's Slade'' was 608,000 whilst ''Slade at the BBC'' had a total of 477,000 viewers.
After years of working with Lise Lyng Falkenberg, since 2006, Powell's biography ''Look Wot I Dun – My Life in Slade'' was released on 14 October 2013, by Omnibus Press (Music Sales Ltd). The book is based on more than 50 hours of interviews with Powell as well as his own 20 years of diaries and notebooks he kept due to his problems with short-term memory following his 1973 accident. Additionally the book featured contributions and quotes from interviews of 28 of Powell's friends, colleagues and family members. It looks in detail at Slade's long career and Powell's life, which included booze-ups with Ozzy Osbourne. To promote the book, Powell appeared at a number of Waterstones book signings, as well as a charity "Tea with Don Powell" event, a question and answer session, where Powell discussed his life with Clive Eakin of BBC Coventry & Warwick. It was in support of the National Autistic Society. In 2015, the box set ''When Slade Rocked the World'' was released.
On 3 February 2020, Powell announced on his official website that Hill had sent him a "cold email" informing him that his services were no longer required. Hill disputes this version of events, stating that the Don Powell's version of the circumstances of the break-up were inaccurate. Powell also announced that he would be forming "Don Powell's Slade" with former Slade II bassist Craig Fenney. Powell was replaced by Alex Bines. Don Powell's statement was removed from his website shortly afterwards.
During 2020 and 2021, Powell, Holder and Lea conducted an extensive series of Zoom video interviews for the www.slayed.co.uk website and its forum at www.sladeforum.co.uk - comments from which were mined for the expanded second edition of the book on their unauthorised discography, THE NOIZE.
Musical style
Slade have been cited as influences on bands working in a number of genres including progressive rock, heavy metal, glam rock, hard rock and pop rock. Many Slade songs were written specifically for audience participation, such as "Get Down and Get With It", "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", "Cum on Feel the Noize", "Give Us a Goal", "We'll Bring The House Down", "Rock and Roll Preacher" and "My Oh My". In the days before Slade, Holder, Lea, Hill and Powell were influenced by American blues artists such as Sonny Boy Williamson II
Alex or Aleck Miller (originally Ford, possibly December 5, 1912 – May 24, 1965), known later in his career as Sonny Boy Williamson, was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. He was an early and influential blues harp st ...
, John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1912 or 1917 – June 21, 2001) was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The son of a sharecropper, he rose to prominence performing an electric guitar-style adaptation of Delta blues. Hooker often ...
and Howlin' Wolf
Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910January 10, 1976), better known by his stage name Howlin' Wolf, was an American blues singer and guitarist. He is regarded as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Over a four-decade care ...
but then became interested in the work of Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known professionally as Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Described as the " ...
. Later they were to draw artistic influence from contemporary rock acts including the Beatles
The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
, Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the " Father of Rock and Roll", he refined and developed rhythm and blues into th ...
, Joe Brown (singer), Joe Brown, Cream (band), Cream, the Kinks, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding
Otis Ray Redding Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American singer and songwriter. He is considered one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music and rhythm and blues. ...
, the Rolling Stones, Rufus Thomas, the Who, the Pretty Things, and Screaming Lord Sutch. Chas Chandler
Bryan James "Chas" Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996) was an English musician, record producer and manager, best known as the original bassist in The Animals, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He ...
's connections with The Animals and Jimi Hendrix
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
also had an influence.
The 1969 album ''Beginnings
Beginnings may refer to:
Literature
* Beginnings (collection), ''Beginnings'' (collection), a 1988 collection of short stories and poems by Gordon R. Dickson
* Beginnings (Honorverse), ''Beginnings'' (Honorverse), a 2013 collection of short stori ...
'', released under the name Ambrose Slade, featured many songs that basically comprised their live act with covers of psychedelic rock and classic 1960s rocksongs by Steppenwolf (band), Steppenwolf, Ted Nugent, Frank Zappa, The Moody Blues, The Beatles
The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
and Marvin Gaye.
''Play It Loud
''Play It Loud'' is the second studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released by Polydor on 28 November 1970 but did not enter the charts. The album, produced by Chas Chandler, was the first to be released under the Slade name, ...
'' (1970), the first album that was released as Slade, showed more of a progressive rock sound.
Their 1972 live album, ''Slade Alive!
''Slade Alive!'' is the first live album by the British rock band Slade. The album was released on 24 March 1972 and reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, remaining in the chart for 58 weeks. It was Slade's first album to enter the UK charts and ...
'', featured cover versions of songs by Ten Years After, The Lovin' Spoonful, Bobby Marchan
Bobby Marchan (born Oscar James Gibson, April 30, 1930 – December 5, 1999) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, recording artist, bandleader, MC, and female impersonator. He was the key singer in the early lineup of Huey "Piano ...
and Steppenwolf (band), Steppenwolf and is considered a strong classic rock effort. Their sound was toughening up and they would soon find their classic sound and commence the tremendously successful Holder / Lea songwriting partnership.
The 1971 single "Coz I Luv You
"Coz I Luv You" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1971 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 1 in the UK, giving the band their ...
", and the 1973 B-side Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me, Kill 'Em At The Hot Club Tonite were inspired by the Gypsy jazz, gypsy swing of the Quintette du Hot Club de France, especially the guitar and violin styles of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.
''Slayed?
''Slayed?'' is the third studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 November 1972 and reached No. 1 in the UK. It remained on the chart for 34 weeks and was certified Silver in early 1973. The album was also the band's mos ...
'' (1972) merged glam rock with classic rock, and whilst the 1974 album, ''Old New Borrowed and Blue'', continued in this vein, it also featured pop-rock, rock ballads and novelty tracks. The next album was the 1974 soundtrack '' Slade in Flame'' which saw a return to 1960s classic rock, to fit with the theme of the film. The single from the album, " Far Far Away" had an acoustic rock sound, whereas the following single "How Does It Feel (Slade song), How Does It Feel?" featured the use of brass and woodwind instruments.
In 1975, while residing in the States, Slade was influenced by Southern boogie rock bands and as a result, ''Nobody's Fools
''Nobody's Fools'' is the sixth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released in March 1976 and reached No. 14 in the UK. The album was produced by Chas Chandler.
Musically, the album showed the band dropping their "loud" and "r ...
'' featured a wide mixture of styles including soul, country, rock, funk, folk and blues. The album also featured some soulful female backing vocalists. After the band returned to the UK in 1977, they began to merge their American influences with a classic, hard rock. ''Return to Base
''Return to Base'' is the eighth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 October 1979 by Barn Records, and did not enter any national album charts. At the time of the album's release, the band's success had waned and ...
'' (1979) featured elements of classic rock, acoustic rock, rock ballads, ambient rock and rock and roll.[Slade Salvo remastered album We'll Bring the House Down booklet] Two albums, released in 1981; ''We'll Bring the House Down
''We'll Bring The House Down'' is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandl ...
'' and ''Till Deaf Do Us Part
''Till Deaf Do Us Part'' is the tenth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 November 1981 and reached No. 68 on the UK charts. The album was produced by Slade. Although not as successful as '' We'll Bring the House ...
'' adopted a hard rock and heavy metal sound, as a result of the band's revival amongst heavy metal fans, following their success at the Reading Festival.
The 1983 album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome
''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' is the eleventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 3 December 1983 and reached No. 49 in the UK charts. The album was produced largely by bassist Jim Lea. The two UK Top 10 singles ...
'' featured a change in musical direction, with a more commercial-friendly rock sound on some tracks, mixed with hard rock and glam metal influences. Some of the tracks hinted at a motor racing theme. One single from the album, " My Oh My" followed a power ballad sound, whilst the next single, "Run Runaway
"Run Runaway" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1984 as the third single from the band's eleventh studio album ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'', and the lead single from the album's US counterpart ''Keep Your Hands Off My Pow ...
" was reminiscent of a Scottish jig. Slade's next album, ''Rogues Gallery (album), Rogues Gallery'' featured a strong use of synthesisers, which were a popular instrument in the latter half of the 1980s as did the band's final album ''You Boyz Make Big Noize'', although this album had a slightly grittier hard rock sound.
Legacy
Slade have influenced numerous artists including: Nirvana
( , , ; sa, निर्वाण} ''nirvāṇa'' ; Pali: ''nibbāna''; Prakrit: ''ṇivvāṇa''; literally, "blown out", as in an oil lampRichard Gombrich, ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benāres to Modern Colombo.' ...
, the Smashing Pumpkins, the Ramones, Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most groundbreaking acts in the history of popular music. They were responsible for ...
, the Clash, Kiss
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...
, Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
, Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot is an American Heavy metal music, heavy metal band founded in Los Angeles in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni.
The original lineup featured Rhoads and Garni with lead vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Drew F ...
, Poison
Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
, Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973 by guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Robin Zander and drummer Bun E. Carlos. The current lineup of the band consists of Zander, Nielsen and ...
, Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister was an American heavy metal band originally from Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and later based on Long Island, New York. Their best-known songs include " We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock", both of which were associated with m ...
, the Undertones, The Replacements (band), the Replacements and the Runaways. Other artists include Hanoi Rocks, Queen (band), Queen, Kirka, Hot Leg (band), Hot Leg, Candlebox, Cock Sparrer and Girlschool
Girlschool are a British rock band that formed in the new wave of British heavy metal scene in 1978. Frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead, they are the longest-running all-female rock band, still active after more than 40 yea ...
. Their anarchic attitude was adopted by The Damned (band), the Damned, the Wonder Stuff, and Oasis
In ecology, an oasis (; ) is a fertile area of a desert or semi-desert environment'ksar''with its surrounding feeding source, the palm grove, within a relational and circulatory nomadic system.”
The location of oases has been of critical imp ...
, the latter of whom covered "Cum on Feel the Noize". Comedians Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Paul Whitehouse and Mark Williams (actor), Mark Williams affectionately parody, parodied the band in a number of what the band called 'hysterically accurate' "Slade in Residence" and "Slade on Holiday" sketches, in their ''The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer'' television programme in the early 1990s.
Joey Ramone stated "I spent most of the early 70s listening to ''Slade Alive!
''Slade Alive!'' is the first live album by the British rock band Slade. The album was released on 24 March 1972 and reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, remaining in the chart for 58 weeks. It was Slade's first album to enter the UK charts and ...
'' thinking to myself, "Wow – this is what I want to do. I want to make that kind of intensity for myself. A couple of years later I was at CBGB's doing my best Noddy Holder." Steve Jones (musician), Steve Jones of Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most groundbreaking acts in the history of popular music. They were responsible for ...
stated "Slade never compromised. We always had the feeling that they were on our side. I don't know but I think we were right." NME
''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a 'rock inkie', the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a f ...
commented on Slade's legacy in a review of a greatest hits album, "They embodied the glorious absurdity of the greatest pop, in the sideburns, the mirrored top hat and Dave Hill's pudding bowl haircut. As such they were the simplest, most effective possible, riposte to prog rock's bloated pretensions and pseudo-intellect." In 1981, Adam and the Ants' lead guitarist and co-songwriter Marco Pirroni, who now owns Dave Hill's original trademark 'Superyob' guitar, stated that he was greatly influenced by the first gig he ever attended which was Slade at Wembley Pool in 1973.
TV presenter Gareth Jones (presenter), Gareth Jones, also known as Gaz Top, is a known Slade fan who hosted the 1986 Slade documentary "Slade Perseverance". Jones also appeared at the 1986 and 1987 official Slade fan club conventions. Other famous Slade fans include English ex-football player Gary Lineker and Welsh football player Nigel Vaughan, whom Lea and Hill visited on Boxing Day 1989 at the football ground of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
commented during a Slade documentary, "Noddy Holder's got one of greatest voices in rock ever." On his show, 'Breakfast With Alice' on Planet Rock (radio station), Planet Rock, Alice Cooper stated "I love Slade. One of the oddest-looking bands of all time... Twisted Sister lived on Slade, and so did Quiet Riot pretty much. They wrote the catchiest songs around." In 2008, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
said, '"...like with Alice Cooper and Bowie and Slade – those fucking bands gave 150 percent. It was about fashion, it was about music, it was about pushing the envelope". Status Quo (band), Status Quo bassist John Edwards (musician), John "Rhino" Edwards stated in a 2010 interview, "I thought the best violin player was Jimmy Lea out of Slade. Oh, he's just brilliant. He's a brilliant musician, that guy. He's a serious bass player. That band (Slade) are so underrated as players. So original." Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore said of them, "They are a good group because they don't care about the notes and there is a public wanting that. Another group might be too inhibited to do what they do."
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister was an American heavy metal band originally from Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and later based on Long Island, New York. Their best-known songs include " We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock", both of which were associated with m ...
vocalist Dee Snider once described Twisted Sister as Slade meets the Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most groundbreaking acts in the history of popular music. They were responsible for ...
. Twisted Sister's guitarist Jay Jay French stated "I would say our direct lineage these days is a bit of Slade and Alice Cooper."
On the 2011 final ''Mark Radcliffe & Stuart Maconie'' BBC Radio Two show, Manic Street Preachers bassist Nicky Wire stated that he believed Slade's post-Reading material was very underrated.
Kiss
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...
bassist Gene Simmons stated that his band's early songwriting ethos and stage performance was influenced by Slade. In his book ''Kiss and Make-Up'', Simmons wrote "... we liked the way they (Slade) connected with the crowd and the way they wrote anthems... we wanted that same energy, that same irresistible simplicity". Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973 by guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Robin Zander and drummer Bun E. Carlos. The current lineup of the band consists of Zander, Nielsen and ...
said that his band went to see Slade perform, and that they (Slade) used "every cheap trick in the book", thus inadvertently coining his group's name. Cheap Trick cover version, covered the song "When the Lights Are Out" on their 2009 release, ''The Latest''.
Quiet Riot had US hits with covers of " Cum on Feel the Noize" and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the lead single from their third studio album ''Slayed?''. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. ...
". The origins of Slade's influence on Quiet Riot date back to the early 1970s, when Kevin DuBrow photographed Slade during their first Los Angeles appearance at the Whisky a Go Go. However, Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali claims that DuBrow was not a fan of Slade, favouring fellow British rock bands Queen and Humble Pie.
Recognition
In 1971, ''Record Mirror'' magazine voted Slade number 10 in the top UK groups based on singles for the year. During 1972, the then popular teen magazine, ''Fab 208'', voted the band "Group of the Year" whilst in the ''Record Mirror'' magazine that same year; Slade were voted number two in the most promising British groups list, number five in the top 18 groups list and number 17 in the male groups category. Also in 1972, Slade were voted number one top band and leading recording act in the NME magazine chart points survey, and number one top live band. Radio Luxembourg presented Slade with the award for "Britain's act/group of the year" in 1973.
In February 1973, Slade were voted Best Live Band by the Disc Music Awards. The same year, the band were again voted the world's top group in the NME Poll and top group in the BBC World Service Poll. In April 1973, Record Mirror magazine ranked Slade at number three of top 10 in both the album and singles band chart. Record Mirror's exclusive chart survey was based on a point system allocated according to position and length of time in UK charts for the first three months of the year. In July 1973, Record Mirror magazine ranked Slade at number six of 10 in the UK group singles chart and number 3 in the UK group albums chart. In 1973 and 1974, the band received the Carl-Alan award for Top Group.
In early 1974, the band were voted the number one foreign group by Spain's biggest music magazine of the time and were voted best overseas group in Finland, Belgium and Ireland.[Slade Fan Club Newsletter January – February 1974] The Disc Music Awards rated Slade as the best live group and top British group. Slade made number four in the "top groups in the world" category. Individual members were also acknowledged; Noddy Holder was number five in the best British male singers whilst Jim Lea made number nine in the top songwriter list. In the ''Record and Radio Mirror'' poll results of 1974, Slade were voted top British group, with Holder number two in the top British male singer list. Dave Hill and Jim Lea made the top British guitarist list at number one and seven respectively. Lea also appeared at number nine in the top British keyboardist list and number two in the miscellaneous instruments list. Don Powell was voted top British percussionist. The band collected the 1974 Belgian award for Best World Group.
In February 1976, Record Mirror magazine voted Slade the third best UK group with Noddy Holder number eight in the best male singer and number six in the best songwriter categories. In 1980, Record Mirror voted the band number one for the most inspired comeback of the year.
Biographies
* ''The Slade Story'' by George Tremlett. London: Futura Publications, 1975.
* ''Slade, Feel the Noize!: An Illustrated Biography'' by Chris Charlesworth. London: Omnibus Press, 1984.
* ''Slade – Perseverance: 25 Years of Noize: A Discography'' compiled by Morten Langkilde Rasmussen. Hvidovre: M. Langkilde Rasmussen, 1996.
* ''Who's Crazee Now?: My Autobiography'' by Noddy Holder with Lisa Verrico. London: Ebury Press, 2000
* ''Cum On Feel the Noize! The Story of Slade'' by Alan Parker & Steve Grantley. London: Carlton Books, 2006
* ''Look Wot I Dun: My Life in Slade'' by Don Powell and Lise Lyng Falkenberg. London: Omnibus Press, 2013
* ''So Here It Is: The Autobiography'' by Dave Hill. Unbound, 2017
* ''THE NOIZE - The Slade Discography (second edition)'' by Ian Edmundson and Chris Selby, Amazon, 2021
* ''SLADE: Six Years On The Road'' by Ian Edmundson, Amazon, 2019
* ''SLADE IN 1969'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
* ''SLADE IN 1970'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
* ''SLADE IN 1971'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
* ''SLADE IN 1972'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
* ''SLADE IN 1973'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
* ''SLADE IN 1974'' by Tony Charles, Amazon, 2022
Personnel
Current Members
* Dave Hill
David John Hill (born 4 April 1946) is an English rock musician. He is the lead guitarist, a backing vocalist and the sole continuous member in the English band Slade. Hill is known for his flamboyant stage clothes and hairstyle.
Early life
B ...
- electric guitar, guitar, singing, vocals (1966–present)
* John Berry - bass guitar, bass, violin (2003–present), lead vocals (2019–present)
* Russell Keefe - lead vocals, musical keyboard, keyboards (2019–present)
* Alex Bines - drums (2020–present)
Former members
* Noddy Holder
Neville John "Noddy" Holder (born 15 June 1946) is an English musician. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the English band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Known for his unique and powerful voice, Holder co ...
– lead vocals, guitar (1966–1992)
* Jim Lea – bass, keyboards, violin, vocals (1966–1992)
* Don Powell
Donald George Powell (born 10 September 1946) is an English musician who was the drummer for glam rock and later hard rock group Slade for over fifty years.
Early life
As a child, Powell joined the Boy Scouts where he became interested in the ...
– drums (1966–2020)
* Steve Whalley – lead vocals, guitar (1992–2005)
* Steve Makin – guitar (1992–1996)
* Craig Fenney – bass, vocals (1992–1994)
* Trevor Holliday – bass, keyboards, vocals (1994–2000)
* Dave Glover – bass, vocals (2000–2003)
* Mal McNulty – lead vocals, guitar (2005–2019)
Line-ups
Discography
* ''Beginnings
Beginnings may refer to:
Literature
* Beginnings (collection), ''Beginnings'' (collection), a 1988 collection of short stories and poems by Gordon R. Dickson
* Beginnings (Honorverse), ''Beginnings'' (Honorverse), a 2013 collection of short stori ...
'' (as ''Ambrose Slade'', 1969)
* ''Play It Loud
''Play It Loud'' is the second studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released by Polydor on 28 November 1970 but did not enter the charts. The album, produced by Chas Chandler, was the first to be released under the Slade name, ...
'' (1970)
* ''Slayed?
''Slayed?'' is the third studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 November 1972 and reached No. 1 in the UK. It remained on the chart for 34 weeks and was certified Silver in early 1973. The album was also the band's mos ...
'' (1972)
* ''Old New Borrowed and Blue'' (1974)
* ''Slade in Flame (album), Slade in Flame'' (1974)
* ''Nobody's Fools
''Nobody's Fools'' is the sixth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released in March 1976 and reached No. 14 in the UK. The album was produced by Chas Chandler.
Musically, the album showed the band dropping their "loud" and "r ...
'' (1976)
* ''Whatever Happened to Slade
''Whatever Happened to Slade'' is the seventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 21 March 1977 by Barn Records, but did not enter any national album chart. By the time of the album's release, Slade's popularity was ...
'' (1977)
* ''Return to Base
''Return to Base'' is the eighth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 October 1979 by Barn Records, and did not enter any national album charts. At the time of the album's release, the band's success had waned and ...
'' (1979)
* ''We'll Bring the House Down
''We'll Bring The House Down'' is the ninth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 March 1981 and reached No. 25 in the UK. The album was produced by Slade, except "My Baby's Got It" which was produced by Chas Chandl ...
'' (1981)
* ''Till Deaf Do Us Part
''Till Deaf Do Us Part'' is the tenth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 13 November 1981 and reached No. 68 on the UK charts. The album was produced by Slade. Although not as successful as '' We'll Bring the House ...
'' (1981)
* ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome
''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' is the eleventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 3 December 1983 and reached No. 49 in the UK charts. The album was produced largely by bassist Jim Lea. The two UK Top 10 singles ...
'' (1983), re-released in 1984 as ''Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply''
* ''Rogues Gallery (album), Rogues Gallery'' (1985)
* ''Crackers (album), Crackers - The Christmas Party Album'' (1985)
* ''You Boyz Make Big Noize'' (1987)
* ''Keep on Rockin' (Slade II album), Keep on Rockin''' (1994) (as ''Slade II''), re-released in 2002 as ''Cum on Let's Party''
See also
* List of songs by Slade
* List of glam rock artists
* List of artists by total number of UK number one singles
* List of performers on Top of the Pops
References
Sources
*
*
External links
Slade Are For Life - Not Just For Christmas Facebook Page
The Slade Archive
{{Authority control
1966 establishments in England
Musical groups established in 1966
Musical groups disestablished in 1992
English hard rock musical groups
Wolverhampton
English glam rock groups
Musical quartets
Polydor Records artists
Epic Records artists
RCA Records artists
Musical groups from West Midlands (county)