This Band Changed Rock History Four Times! | SLADE - The Don Powell Interview
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- The Don Powell Band feat. Bev Bevan 'I Am the Beat'
• I Am The Beat
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Melbourne Showgrounds 4 th February 1973, best day in my 15 year old life, my silver god, Mr Hill, you had the cutest smile, iconic hair cut, glitter and the best platform boots I had ever seen ❤ Slade didn’t know how big they were in Australia, every 2 nd household had a copy of Slade Alive, Thankyou Noddy, Jimmy, Don and Dave for your music.
US resident. Slade was by far my favorite band in 8th grade (1972-1973). Saw them open for ZZ Top in '75. Great band and highly underrated!
Best live band ever, Noddy best rock voice and Jim’s songwriting was incredible. Never received the full recognition they deserved.
Slade started me playing guitar in 1972. Fantastic rhythm section.
I was one of the fellas in America that believed Slade was arguably the greatest down and dirty rock and roll bands to ever strap on a guitar, sit down at a drum kit, or scream out a lyric. There are lots of rock bands that got down and got with it, but Slade brought the crazy and the good time you could scream along with. And also... I still say "Noddy for President"....
Love Slade. I met Don quite recently at, believe it or not, a children's poetry event. He was there with a friend of mine, the poet Paul Cookson who is a MASSIVE Slade fan. Paul has done some poetry-related stuff with him. Great interview. Glad to see you spreading the news to our American Friends.
PS. I've given this some thought. I don't think the new Beatles single is about making money. Sure, for a lot of people involved maybe, but for Paul is about other things. Finishing things - see Let It Be Naked, his ego, and his love for the band that was. Just saying...
I wish they were Big here in America. Always loved them, Still have me Slayed 8 track.
I can remember vividly going through my father's record collection and becoming intrigued with an LP that featured a big hat on the cover. As it turns out it was a Slade Best Of, and quite possibly a bootleg.
Needless to say I've been a fan ever since.
Excellent musicianship, fantastic showmanship. An all-round incredible band that has influenced countless bands / genres and NEVER gets mentioned (until now!) as being one of the GOAT.
🤘🤘🤘🤘
How unexpected!
Slade were the first band I called myself a fan of, back in primary school! I still absolutely rate "Coz I Luv You" and "Look Wot You Dun", the singles that drew me in. Got loads of great singles, along with millions of other fans. 'Slade Alive' was my first album. Before I'd bought the rock-solid 'Slayed', Ziggy played guitar, and so began my education into the arts, philosophy, and many other wonderful things. My mind and imagination were being blown open.
After punk died down, and I was in Poly in 1979, Slade came to town. Being too young to see them 'all those years ago', I went, for old times' sake. Sod 'old times' sake', they were absolutely brilliant. I don't think I stopped smiling or singing throughout. It was a deliriously happy event for me. AND, they remain the heaviest sounding band I've seen - and I've seen Zep, Sabbath, JPriest, Quo, UFO, etc. They rocked and they stomped, and I thank them for great times.
Bloody hell mate, I was reading your post and had to double check that I hadn't written it myself!
A simply wonderful interview that I feel would have gone on much longer had Don not been called away.
Slades legendary position in UK's music history is firmly cemented and I was a huge fan as a child. In 100 years, if humans are still around, Christmas will always begin with Slade and Wizzard. 6 number 1's was also quite a record in itself as well as the 24 hits in total.
Their comeback was because of the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock, where thy stunned both crowd and critics and were one of the highlights of the day. This then spurred them on more.
I caught them on their Lock Up Your Daughters tour at the Birmingham Odeon and they were more than amazing, just like at Donnington, they stunned the Odeon crowd, who nearly blew the roof off with singing and applause.
If you watch one of their appearances on the American show Midnight Special, you will see Dave Hill in a costume very reminiscent of Ace Frehley. Who influenced who I do not know but it was clearly obvious.
I saw Slade 15 times live between 1974 and 1983. I've met Don a few times, he's a gent.
Fantastic group. I remember seeing a video of them wearing skinhead clothes but doing a version of "Martha, My Dear". I was familiar with the band through the 70's but didn't realise they'd covered so many obscure tunes.
Listen to their cover of Knights in white satin
I turned 10 in September of 1972. I have been a music lover from infancy and one of my primary sources was the jukebox at the bowling alley in Gastonia NC (US) Slade was on that jukebox, and I remember at least one picture of someone in that band wearing a top hat. So...I am an American who had heard Slade before 1973. Sadly in March of that year we moved away from that jukebox all the way to Georgia US but I never forgot Slade. When I went to college in 1980 I started wearing top hats on stage, and did so for several years after. Why? Slade. Loved the interview. Don seems like a proper good man. Thanks Andy
Love Slade. Saw them twice in Connecticut, USA - 1974 and 1975.
'Be' from 'Whatever Happened to Slade ?' (1976) sounds like the best version of The White Stripes . Slade also had a very charming song titled 'Sign of the Times' from that era that ended up being the b-side to 'Lock Up Your Daughters'. Concerning their early 80s material it was so exciting to see Slade performing 'We'll Bring the House Down' on TOTPs ! I love so many of their songs from this time including ' Let Me Luv Into Ya' and 'My Hat My Coat' ; thank you Slade !!!
.....QUICKLY become a BIG favorite of mine, that WHTS lead track!
Noddy had one of the best rock voices
Wrong. NOT one of….…THE Best…period ;-)
@@guidogurich823 Ditto mate.
I am surprised no one has redone " Dead men don't tell no tales". Still my favorite !
'Merry Christmas' is such a masterpiece (as we all know) but there's layers of brilliance in there, the scan/words/sentiment are so perfect but then in the middle there's an absolute jackboot of wholesome with the line "what will your daddy do when he sees your momma kissing Santa Claus", to capture the childhood xmas innocence/mythos like that from a songwriters pov is just incredible
As an American, I will say there are no bands more fun than Slade, and only a few that were as much fun.
When I was a child they put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces! Noddy Holder was one of the best front men ever. Wonderful voice with a warm heart.
The band that introduced me to music.
"How does it feel?" Is one of the greatest pop songs ever written.
I like how the story about Don getting injured by his drum stick almost foreshadowed the ending of this video. Loved the interview/video! Heard Slade for the first time when I was 8 and have been a fan ever since. Even if I'm more into metal, prog and fusion these days, I still listen to Slade on a regular basis.
Slade were huge in Germany too .... wish I had my teen tapes back !
Great Interview, Andy .
A very enjoyable interview. And the mix up over Ambrosia Creamed Rice made me laugh out loud for the first time in about seven years. Thank you!
Greatest live band of all time! I saw them around 82 on the We’ll Bring the house Down tour and it was indescribably brilliant! Even Johnny Ramone said they were untouchable!
Yep, slade was my 1st ever favourite band aged around 8-9.
Around that time - Gilbert O'Sullivan, Wizard, The Sweet ....+ Gary Glitter!
Nice one Andy, liked Slade as a teenager and bought some of their records in the early 70s,
anyone who has the lyrics I've had a red light off the wrist, without me even getting kissed is
alright with me
Great show Andy! Love Slade, the interview with Don was fantastic.
'Luvly' to see the great Don Powell on your channel Andy. It's a miracle he survived that car accident. I find it hard to be rational with Slade, I've loved them since I was a young teenager. Top ten British band for me and Noddy was an incredible vocalist/front man. They were far more than their hits and some of the deep cuts explore everything from jazz to music hall. They had the magic too - something special. I also recall a story that Hendrix saw them early on at the Marquee in London and was very impressed with Jimmy Lea's bass playing. How Does it Feel ? could be the best single of the '70s.
Saw Slade live in a Mumbles (Swansea) disco in the late 70's, - small venue - they were fantastic. Did a great version of a Hendrix number......
must be by Jim Lea on bass! Purple haze.
Saw them at Glasgow Apollo in the 70s they were brilliant, Slade made my childhood great...It was after seeing Slade live Johnny Ramone decided to put a band together......
I remember Tiger feet, synchronised dance movements.
I Am The Beat by The Look is also a wonderful song, few people know it.
Get well soon Andy, all the best to you,
Slade are the most underrated rock band 🎸 ever and noddy holder has the best rock voice ever keep on rocking
You have just said what i have been saying for decades.
What a cool guy and a great interview.
I need to dig into them.
Slade were the first live band I saw - in 1978 in Poland of all places (long story) when I was 15yrs old. I remember really enjoying that gig and saw them a further two times in England - the first at Bradford University and then at the Monsters of Rock Fest at Donington in 1981. At the MoR the day was going OK but as soon as Slade appeared the mood of the crowd changed to that of a party atmosphere. First it was bits of straw that were thrown in the air followed by various bottles and the like that contained within them a yellowish liquid. The song everyone wanted to hear them play in the middle of August was that xmas one. But they did have a heavy sound and fit the festival really well. The thing they did not indulge in was the guitar solo which reminds me - Slade are cited as a big influence for Oasis - something you didn't mention presumably due to Oasis not being particularly original.
Slade were amazing and their string of albums 1970-76 contains some of the ballsiest glam (whatever the heck glam is) rock ever put to tape, the numerous non-album hit singles notwithstanding. Their unadultered raw energy, the obvious Beatles legacy, the stomping singalongs, Noddy's commanding powerhouse voice, Dave's demented fringe... ok, we'll just have to live with that one. One of the most underrated bands that mustn't be tossed off as just another blip on the 70's glam radar; they were so much more than that. Really hope you'll take more advantage of your Brummie legacy and get more of those folks onto the channel. (..hrm...Bev...hrm...)
When I was a kid getting into hard rock and metal in the 80s, adults use to always say "You should give Slade a try"
One more thing, I remember hearing about Don's memory problem after the accident. I also heard that when they played concerts, one of his bandmates had to cue him somehow to kickstart his memory for each song and then he would play it perfectly. Don's so great and we wish him a long healthy life. And one more again, Jim Lea is also a monster player and writer. What a band !
It seems like his memory has improved since the accident. Good for him
Born in 68 , 2 older brothers both rockers proggers and fusionists. ....early on in my life slade were essential listening in our house(not the 25/12 song). I know it's not high brow or complex but "how does it feel" is still in my top20 favourite rock songs ever. It doesn't make the top10 all genre songs but that band are indelibly stamped within. Thanks for this one ,Andy. 👍
slade best band ever been a fan since i was 10 and im 63 now there still the best
Thanks Andy! Great stuff again!
My pleasure!
Don seems like a very likeable geezer to have a pint with.A very Spinal Tap moment with the drumstick hanging out his cheek.Slade Alive was the second album I bought with my own money,the first was More of theMonkees,and then for some strange reason Deep Purple Made in Japan,all at about 12/3 years early 70s.Loved Slade and still drag out the old albums for a bit of nostalgia.Slade blew everyone off stage at Reading festival in the 80s when everyone thought they were washed up.That performance is legendary.Also I remember reading somewhere that Noddy Holder was briefly considered to replace Bon Scott but he stuck with Slade.
I've just written, composed and recorded my very own tribute song to SLADE called "1973 So Far Away" ....it's all in there, Noddy Holder voice, big guitars (Dave and Nod), Jim Lea style Bass and Drums ala Don... Big Catchy song with of course foot-stomps galore... all done by little old me (Been writing songs since 1973). Loved T.Rex, Sweet, Slade, they were all a huge influence on me and I hope this comes across in this song 🍺
Thanks for this video!
I love Slade.
Like you said here in the states no one knew who they were until Quiet Riot came along.
I hope Noddy makes your top ten list of rock vocalists!
Brilliant!
Sladest was my first Slade vinyl LP. One of the cultural influences was the way they used text spelling well before text was a thing.
Also reminded me of my visits to Robin2. Yes I did see Rain there.
Now, I got Slade's Pouk Hill in my head. Cheers.
LOVE Slade…They wrote some damn good songs and from 1971 I had all their singles. They had a totally unique sound , guitar riffs amazing,,,Jim Lea was a great writer…Noddy Holder had one of the most powerful voices in rock…Don was really tight and was totally his own sound. When I was a kid I remember Don surviving this horrible car crash and as an 11 yr old I was rooting for him… We all were. Don came through it and came back stronger than ever…God love you Don . We love you…Live long and prosper ! ❤ Paul
....& Dave Hill had me leaping on Sofas with TENNIS RACKETS ....lol
I'm from Coventry, but now living in Australia, and I've come to the conclusion that there is SOMETHING (in a good way) about the English midlands sense of humour or outlook on life. Can't put my finger on it but there IS something! I'll be sharing this one; well done Andy! ps And no, I'm not bloody home-sick!
Yes, the midlands sense of humor can also be seen in the automobiles that were manufactured there. A scrappy DIY bunch creatively making what they can with resources at hand.
@@apparaoapparao Ah, yes, but where and how were the all important management educated? I have read that twice British governments have considered and rejected following German educational methods for engineering but no, "not invented here". ps In the eighties I met a German engineering apprentice; his explanation of his education was something that has stayed with me forty years!
My dad was in Coventry in the 80s as a manager at British Leyland....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer This is part of the Midlands essence. Lots of military/RAF men in the area with mechanical and electrical engineering/machining backgrounds. Intelligent, tough, independent but loyal spirits who know how to have a good time despite the tribulations of Birmingham City football and Aston Villa. Not surprising that prog/heavy metal/half of LED Zep/post punk/New Wave were spawned and nurtured in this sort of creative environment….and I almost forgot Rick Astley the greatest Rick Roll of all time exemplifies the playful cheekiness of the region.
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer You've brought back memories o Michael Edwardes who effectively did for BL, and somehow, me being trapped in a telephone box in Balsall Common by a very big girl* from the Lucas(?) factory who seemingly had designs on my body. nb During my lunchtime from the mower shop. *plus a gaggle of other girls (some of whom were quite...[continued page 94]
You left me pumped up at the end brother I'm ready to be Sir Gwain to your King Arthur
Slade may not have been big in the US in the 70's, but their video for "Run Runaway" was a massive presence in the first wave of MTV in the early 80s. And given the reach of MTV in the US, that single alone may have reached more total ears (and eyes) than their singles in the UK during the height of their "famous" period.
Andy, I’m a subscriber, a big Yes fan (Going for the One is one of my favorites) and I have enjoyed your long form analyses of progress rock, as well as this interview with Mr. Powell, the bands drummer… As an American, here’s my personal take on why Slade was not bigger in the USA … I remember seeing Slade once on TV (Midnight Special? Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert? I don’t recall…) and I remember that I thought they looked weird and I did NOT like the music much, while the first time I saw Nazareth or Bad Co., I remember thinking, YEAH, this is cool music! So… Why did Slade not make it in the USA? They had a Great singer… the bass player plays chords (cool, not typical) … they had energy … BUT … not all the songs were as catchy as “Feel the Noize”… as heard in this performance, the ballad was actually pretty good, but most of the other songs had unimaginative lyrics, the rhythms don’t grab me, the lead guitar is super basic… and I don’t think Americans knew what to do with the IMAGE… the costumes had too much contrast… the bass player and drummer looked cool, the lead guitar player was flashy in his silver suit, BUT the platform shoes with high water pants… just look dorky! And the lead singer should look as cool,as he sounds, but he does not look cool… PLAID pants like your grandpa would wear, news boy hat, suspenders.. which the Brits call “braces”…. What were they thinking? It didn’t seem to bother the Brits, Auzzies and Europeans, but we Americans like our glam rockers to look cool, like the NY Dolls, Bowie, or T Rex… Cheap Trick had a weird image, with two handsome longhairs up front, plus a drummer that looked like an overweight accountant, but Rick Nielsen had his own complete image, so he looked dorky in a cool way, not dorky in a dorky way…. Music is more than image, so for sure, I have an open mind and I will check out some more of their material, especially their six number one songs, to get a more complete assessment of their development and quality… and yeah, I can see how they might have influenced KISS, but from the start I think KISS had better songwriting and a more complete image. They may have analyzed Slade and improved on the formula … ??? I thought KISS was basic and fun as a teen, but at the time (1970-1975) that Slade was most popular (I was born in 1960) I was a bigger fan of Cream, Procul Harum, Yes, the Stones, Hollies, Elton John, Zeppelin, Beatles, Bowie, Kinks, the Who, and many American acts, including Grand Funk, Santana, ZZ Top, Todd Rundgren, the Eagles, Allman Bros, as well as LOTS of MOTOWN!
Great interview, Don came across as such a nice guy , as previously mentioned saw Slade in 81 but as a kid of the glam rock era , Slade were top of the tree , glam a very unique thing , Marc bolan , Bowie , Mud , The Rubettes , Sweet , just a few bands and artists that come to mind .
Slade Alive!
Slade Alive! 2
Awesome
Jim Lea was brilliant on the electric violin!
and bass!
Cheap Trick also massively influenced by Slade ... Reading Festival 1980 was absolutely mind blowing ( they stood in for the newly formed Blizzard of Ozz who cancelled at the last minute ) , nobody saw it coming but Slade were the highlight of the whole festival ( along with Rory Gallagher / Budgie / Nine Below Zero ) . I last saw Don play live ( with Dave Hill ) in December 2019 , he was phenomenal ! ... His timing and physical endurance for the whole gig ( especially Run Run Away ) was nothing short of breathtaking ! ... His autobiography is great read also .
Saw the at bloxwich baths in the 70s and george hotel walsall great band very loud 😅
i knew quite a few slade fans when i was young,if anyone accused them of being a pop band,they would drag out slade alive and prove them wrong,slade alive was a highly rated hard rock album,a bit like sweet,more than the singles,then they had their second phase playing castle donington etc
Lovely to see don Powell Slade are simply fantastic and if u see an interview or two with the Gallagher brothers they love them so Slade created Britpop too but seriously I love the later songs in particular radio wall of sound featuring a rare lead vocal from Jim Lea
If it could ever happen Glastonbury legends slot full original band please Noddy just one last time
Also Slade in flame is a fantastic film more closer to ken loach style than any other rock movie
Johnny Rotten recently acknowledged that Slade was a big influence. No Slade no Sex Pistols. Also Oasis and don't forget that Cheap Trick took their name from Slade!!!! ❤ Slade
One of the loudest bands in their heyday.
Absolutely. My ears rang for days after seeing them in concert.
Slade had so many great numbers - not only their "official hits" but also many others not well known. If you are from US and new to Slade - try this one, and listen to the nearly hypnotic bass figure going through the the whole number. It's called Heaven Knows: th-cam.com/video/X51j7yZ7gWg/w-d-xo.html You also need this one - Look At Last Nite: th-cam.com/video/pOWleOUpDLo/w-d-xo.html
Slade and Sweet were VERY influential, even here, in the States. Neither had much of a presence on radio or the charts, but the influence the had on those that heard them, was immense!
Well said!
My first ever album from woolworths- Rogues Gallery on vinyl.
Slade were massive in Sweden!
Save us all from mediocrity, let us band together and live the dream of creativity!
I think Slade was much more popular in the UK than the US. We didn't hear a lot of them on the radio. Mostly saw them in the magazines.
Didn't AC/DC initially want Noddy Holder to replace Bon Scott?
Andy please tell me you had a Dave Hill haircut
Didn’t Noddy used to own the Robin 1 and/ or 2 in Bilston, Wolverhampton? Coz sumone in a band I knew was shouting out one night to see if he was in!
Slade was huge in small circles in America in the early 70s. Weirdest thing is that, unlike most of the bands I loved in those days, Slade is amusing at best now to me. Captain Beyond and Atomic Rooster are still greatly appreciated. Slade, 50 years later, are kind of iffy. Grand Funk Railroad, minus the inspiration and with with glam-rock feather boas and 3 fookin' chords. I still have my Slade 8-tracks and a machine that can play them, but I don't often feel the need to do so. Early Alice Cooper was always edgier. Captain Beefheart would not have played with them. Chris Farlowe, the greatest musical slut of that era, would also have had similar reservations. But no real shade on Slade from me, really. They were great back then. It's just the vicissitudes of time that has made them seem so cheesy now.
Great interview....seems like a great bloke....my lasting memory of him is always chewing gum on Top of The pops....Cum On Feel The Nioize!!!!!
Great drummer don was and slade were the best live band around
Saw them at the Monsters of Rock festival around 1981 , AC/DC , Whitesnake, Blue Oyster cult , Slade stole the show , great live performance.
As they did at Reading.
In 1972-73. I was a senior in high school in Dover, New Jersey, and I don’t know how we got connected with the band Slade, but they were our favorite band to play at our parties. Great memories of those times and that band!
Wow. How did that come about?
Did they perform in the school gym?
@@written12 oh dear!!! I didn’t word that correctly!! We would play Slade’s records at our party…..hahaha, BIG difference! Sorry about that!
@@randyevans5407baffling that they didn't have chart success over there in the 70's, Sweet did
@@alanwhitney3263 America missed the boat with Slade, by far the biggest band since the Beatles.
I am an American who has certainly heard of Slade, but I don't think I have actually heard anyof their music until today. I went and listened to that Christmas song. How did I make it through the season all these years without it?!? This was a real Christmas gift on the opposite side of the year. Thanks!
Indeed Slade was big news here in Australia. As a kid, adults would say, "You should listen to Slade."
Frank Zappa in that fascinating interview on Monday Conference (Austalia) in about 1973 talks about Slade. In the early 70's Slade and The Sweet were ubiquitous on Australian radio.
Canada sure knew & loved Slade!
Harry Shearer once told me that he and Michael traveled a bit with Slade through a north of England tour, gleaning background for Spinal Tap. I can see it.
It was Saxon, not Slade.
Slade in Flame is a very good film, and the soundtrack album shows what fine songwriters Noddy and Jim could be
One of the best live bands I have ever seen (and back in the 70s and 80s I saw everyone!)
The epitome of '70s pop/rock, nothing can take me back in time like Slade can their raw atmospheric music was so unique whether it's "Cuz I Luv You" or "Far Far Away", masterful songs that'll forever haunt me in a good way... :-]
If you haven't done bands in films:::start with slade in flame:😎
Don Powell was almost killed in an auto accident. his girlfriend was killed, and Don had severe memory loss. and the guy's. Noddy, Dave, Jimmy, rallied around him and helped him get his memory back. most groups would have just went looking for a new drummer? but not SLADE. and that makes them even greater in my book.
on the rehearsal to the song "Run Run Away" the (long version). on the intro Don Powell broke his kit. and the drum manufacturer built him a new significantly stronger Drum kit. he had a really powerful intro on the song "Run Run Away". and he never had any more issues with his kit and the song went on to be a success. and the long version is one my all time favorite SLADE songs. SLADE is one the best Rock and Roll group ever for sure.
After his accident he lost his sense of taste and smell and could eat the hottest of curries .Noddy joked that if anybody broke wind on the tour bus Don wasn't bothered !
@@electricleg207 That sounds like Noddy Holder. he can always make me laugh.
Absolutely love Slade....saw them at the Reading Rock Festival in 1980....a stunning gig! Bought "Slade Alive" (LP) first in about 1977 off a mate, lost it about 25 years ago, then bought it again the other week on vinyl....still awesome!
Slade Alive is a great album.
Heady days when I discovered Slade aged 9 years old. They didn’t help with my spelling lessons but hey. ❤
LOL
I discovered Slade in 1982 when I first started reading Kerrang. Being a Yank, it was near impossible to purchase Slade LP's anywhere back then. However, I had the good fortune to discovere a used copy of We'll Bring the House Down at a local boutique shop. Best dollar and a half I ever spent!!
Slade was very popular in Canada in the early 70’s, loved them
Thank you! Slade is deeply under-appreciated and almost completely unknown here in America. I think Noddy Holder is one of the greatest rock vocalists ever, and Dave Hill's presence was legendary. Don is a steam hammer. Jim is an anchor with that massive bass. They are "Graaayt"!
Don Powell was a real heavy hitter like Bonham, Moon, Mick Tucker, Bev Bevan and Ian Paice. The American's never had true belters like them.
I was an English teacher in China for fourteen years. Every year my Christmas lesson to the kids featured a singalong to Merry Christmas Everybody. They all absolutely loved it. One of my favourite lessons of the year.
Loved this interview Andy thank you so much! Only wish it was longer, I could listen to you two chat for hours, maybe you can do another at some point? Slade's influence is bigger than many realise and quite wide...obvs Noel Gallagher bigged them up and covered them in the 90s. Van Halen used to do Gudbuy T Jane in their live set mid 70s prior to getting signed (its on YT), Cheap Trick recorded When The Lights Are Out. On a personal level British Glam Rock got me seriously into music when I was still at primary school, Slade and Sweet were top of the pile for me and are still my benchmark for commercial hard rock/metal.
Was lucky enough to see them in their 80's renaissance! One of the best live bands I've seen & I've seen hundreds, including all the big guns. They didnt need the pyrotechnics & gimmickry of US bands like KISS. They just had the songs & the stage presence.
Kiss were a gimmick, Slade were pure musical talent.
I grew up in England in the 70s and I remember watching Slade on Top of the Pops, along with Wizzard, T.Rex, Sweet, Mud, etc. Music was so much more fun in those days.
Now living in the USA I can confirm that they never made much of an impression over here, which is a shame.
My favorite live album of theirs is Slade on Stage from 1982. An absolutely storming performance with the audience almost as much a part of the performance as the band. Even better than Slade Alive IMHO.
So glad you're doing this interview. Slade are a grossly underrated band in the history of rock. I know they're held in high esteem in England - particularly Noddy - but around the world, they seem to be a forgotten gem. i love it when my car's shuffle-play randomly selects a bit of Slade. And unlike even a lot of Slade fans, I think Slade in Flame is probably their best album. Also - Old New Borrowed and Blue doesn't get the fandom it deserves. A great band. This is a great "get", Andy. Can't wait.
I got lost in Bilston: :1971::on my scrap yard built bike::12 yrs old:: slade ruled no doubt about that😎
No doubt I graduated in 74 and I'm not sure how I came across Slade it's been too many years I got hold of their album ballsy when they were Ambrose Slade then got to play it Loud I've got two copies of slate alive it is awesome I've got old new borrowed and blue stomp your hands and clap your feet Nobody's Fool keep your hands off my power supply was the last album I bought in 84 I would have given my left nut see them in concert never did and I can prove it great interview thank you so much definitely one of my heroes of rock and roll
My shop teacher in America turned the class onto Slade. I think Slade Alive is one of the great live albums
My American Literature teacher- “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”, “The Electric Koolaid Acid Test”, “Slaughterhouse-Five”, “2001; A Space Odyssey”, “Catch 22”, “Deliverence”, etc. - indoctrinated us on Bob Dylan during class change overs or whatever we called them at that time, but I do not currently recall.
One night in Sydney - I think it was 1972 - we had Rod Stewart at the Sydney Opera House, Elton at Randwick Racecourse and Slade at the Hordern Pavilion. I was too young to go to any of them at the time but what good times and great rock n roll. 🙂
Brilliant work Andy - enjoyed your interview with Don, and so informative as usual with your knowledge and use of photos during your talk.
Wow… just wow…. Don is not only in one of the greatest British bands ever but one of the greatest Rock bands anywhere in the world. They influenced thousands of musicians and bands not just the most famous ones like KISS… he overcome tragedy and retained a positive outlook, all those wonderful achievements and is a most lovely, down to Earth person. Thanks for sharing this mate ABSOLUTE RESPECT ✊🙂🔥❤️🔥