Put some vinyl on the turntable and turn up the volume. Cum on, feel the noize echoing down from the 1970s when Slade rocked Britain.
Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea, and Don Powell, lads from Wolverhampton and the Black Country, had hit after hit and seeing and hearing them live was really something.
There’s that one song, of course, that you’ll hear at a certain time of year. But Slade are not just for Christmas. Let’s recapture the magic with some archive pictures. Why are we doing it? Coz we luv you, of course.
5. Riding high
A publicity image from the early 1970s. Slade had six Number One hits during the peak of their success between 1971 and 1973, but don't forget that they had other hits in a career spanning 20 years. | Express & Star archive
6. Hair we go
What magnificent moptops are on display in this picture of The 'N Betweens, who were an early incarnation of Slade, seen here in late 1964. The accompanying story said they were predicted to have a big career in front of them. "Three of the group, vocalist Johnny Howells, rhythm Mick Marson, and drummer John Powell (sic), first became participants in beat music when Mick's brother brought home a guitar," it said, going on to add that lead guitarist David Hill later joined, and the latest addition was bass player Cas Jones. This picture was republished in 1991 when the international fan club was holding an event to celebrate 25 years of the band's first concert at Walsall Town Hall and was trying to track Cas down to invite him. The only clue was that his in-laws had a fruit and veg shop in Wednesbury and their surname was Picknall. Did they find him? We don't know. | Express & Star archive
7. "And all hell was let loose... "
Slade playing at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, in June 1973. Nearest the camera is guitarist Dave Hill. The Wolverhampton Chronicle reported that there was a knockout atmosphere at two Slade concerts which set Wolverhampton rocking. "On both occasions the Civic Hall was packed with teenyboppers who sat down in orderly rows and patiently watched the Alex Harvey Band go through their routine. Then Slade appeared - and all hell was let loose..." | Express & Star archive
8. Good deed
In June 1973 severely handicapped Jeremy Newell, of George Road, Coseley, was looking forward to his 12th birthday treat - a visit to Wolverhampton Civic Hall to hear Slade. But he had his night spoiled when fans surged forward blocking his view. After Slade heard about it they invited him back as their guest with the best seat in the house, above the stage. Jeremy also met Slade before the performance. Dave Hill said at the time: "We always try to arrange something when we hear of fans like Jeremy. When we heard about the first show being ruined for him we thought the least we could do was to give him a free ticket for the second performance." Jeremy said: "It was great. They are the best group in the world. This is the happiest moment of my life'." | Express & Star archive