Slade's wild end
to rag 'rebellion'
It was a return visit for this amazing band who played better than ever before. Their simple, unpretentious, sincere rock, raised the audience to fever pitch, through two ear blasting sets.
Their ribald comments at themselves and certain members of the audience gave a sort of "village hop" atmosphere, and everyone felt very much at home.
"Knights In White Satin" was slammed out with ease, and Jim Lea on the fiddle proved he was just as competent on that as he was on bass.
My favourite number remains "The Dirty Joker," which really has got something, even though Dave Hill sounds as if he hasn't. I laughed at his voice the first time, but I will do that no more.
It is weird in the extreme, rather like a musical instrument, but with a higher pitch than any I know.
The second set was an all out rave, the band playing some great old rock things, like " Roll Over Beethoven" with Noddy Holder shouting and screaming the lyrics above Dave's freaky guitar.
In one number he almost took it off while he was still playing and chased Jim and Noddy around the stage with it.
Banned Number
Don Powell on drums is the quiet member of the band, but a heavy drummer who is now beating hell out of his kit instead of stroking it. And he sounds much better.
Long gone are the days of their "Skinhead" image and aggro. All they want is to see people enjoying themselves. Their happiness is infectious and loud, just like their music.
RICHARD COX, DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH
This article was stolen from 'Slade In England'. Thanks to David Graham for his endless resolve. His 'Slade In England' produce is legendary and most of the previously unreleased Slade minutiae available has been made possible because of him.
My thanks to Chris 'The Historian' Selby for his relentless research. It is said, in certain circles, that Walsall Archives have a seat reserved specifically for him and that Wolverhampton archives consult him when searching the Express & Star.
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