SHOW SOUVENIR
THIS BOOK IS DESIGNED FOR YOUR FURTHER ENJOYMENT
OF THE SHOW - IT IS NOT A PROGRAMME.
(Ed's comment: Roughly translated "This is unofficial shite cashing in on the bands popularity by taking money off of silly kids who don't know any better." Yes, I bought one at Wembley NME Pollwinners gig in March 1973)
We also know about the period in their existence when a publicity stunt slightly mis-fired and alienated a lot of the promoters and dance hall owners resulting in a battle for acceptance, which would have driven many groups to the break-up point.
The bookings poured in and SLADE gradually won acceptance by a wide spectrum of music fans, ranging from college 'heads' through to teenage audiences. Their raw brand of Rock 'n Roll music coupled with their ability to move even the most apathetic of audiences, gained them the reputation of being TH E liveliest group on the rounds. Comparisons were made but the only one that really does them any justice was made by a Northern provincial writer who likened the group to The Who in their early days.
Up to mid-1971, however, one essential ingredient was missing from the SLADE success recipe.... and that was the elusive chart record. At this time they'd just started to incorporate into their live act a home-built version of the Little Richard rocker, 'Get down with it'. With leader Noddy Holder screaming the vocals in true Little Richard style, this number, which closed their act at the time, was getting amazing reaction from audiences. Manager Chas Chandler decided to put it on record and it wasn't long before the group had their first hit record.
Ever since Chas started on the job of steering SLADE in the right direction he's been encouraging them to write their own material and, in fact, their first two (unsuccessful) singles and an album were mostly SLADE compositions. It followed, therefore, that the follow up to 'Get Down and Get with it' should be one of the group's own songs. 'Cos I Luv You' was chosen and, in December 1971 this hit the NO.1 spot in all British charts.
Dave's also quite keen to talk about the way things have happened: "during the initial publicity surge on us promoters were getting quite worried about the kind of people that we were going to draw and the general opinion was 'better pull them out in case something happens'. We've never actually had any bother at gigs. Places we've played have built up and up and up for us. They've now accepted us as a group and they don't care how we look. The thing is that our show isn't planned. We did a top of the pops recently and we were really rushing about like mad, worrying about a recording session that we had to do the same night. We thought it would be really bad, but it turned out so well that we were really surprised. You can hear the atmosphere on the tapes. There seems to be no typical Slade audience. We get a mixture of college kids, youngsters and even a few rockers .... in the places where they still exist, the Skinheads still come to see us as well. The live album that we've just finished will give people who havn't heard us, a better idea of where we're at, because we're essentially a live group and that's where we intend to remain. We've had a lot of pressure put on us to do concerts but we're going to stick to the clubs and ballrooms for the time being because that's where it's at as far as audiences enjoying themselves is all about".
FACTS
Real name: David Hill.
Birthdate: 4th Apri I 1952.
Birthplace: Fleet Castle, Devon.
Personal detail: 5'6", Brown Eyes, Brown Hair.
Lives in: Wolverhampton.
Plays: Guitar, Piano, Sax.
Musical Education: Nil
Started Career: at 14
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Favourites:
Colour: Red.
Drink: Whisky and Coke.
Clothes: Colourful, own design.
Book:
Food: Anything Free.
Actor: -
Actress: Greta Garbo.
Singer: John Lennon
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Jimmy comes from a long line of fiddlers. Grandad used to make the noises for the silent movies and led the Wolverhampton Orchestra when Gracie Fields and other notables came to town. Two of his Mother's Uncles were professional violinests and great Grandad played the Trombone. Mother also strikes a nice chord on the piano and sings with feeling. "I always had a tendency towards music", says our Jim, "I was thinking of learning piano when I was nine and then my mother told me about Grandad and suggested I give the violin a try. I went to private tuition and did quite well in the exams and was offered a place in the Orchestra. They were fantastic musicians. Blokes in groups think themselves great but the co-ordination these fellows had with bow and fingers was unbelievable".
Jimmy's old music master would have a few sharp words for his pupil. He rarely practices because of writing, playing and rehearsal pressures and, on stage, he stuffs his instrument full of cotton wool and screws to get a more 'heavy' sound.
His official duties with SLADE are bassist and songwriter. He co-wrote their NO.1 hit 'Cos I Luv You' with Noddy Holder and some help from the rest of the boys.
FACTS
Real Name: James Lea.
Birthdate: 14th June, 1952.
Birthplace: Wolverhampton.
Personal detail: 5'10", Blue Eyes, Brown Hair.
Lives in: Codsall, W'Hampton.
Plays: Bass Guitar, Piano, Organ, Violin.
Musical Education: Staffs Youth arch.
Started Career: at 15.
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Favourites:
Colour: Red.
Drink: Vodka and Orange.
Clothes: Scruffy casuals.
Book: Animal Farm.
Food: Egg and Chips.
Actor: -
Actress: Brigitte Bardot
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NODDY HOLDER, Guitarist, Vocalist Supreme and Crowd Rouser.
He believes that SLADE'S strength and sustaining power lies in its' 'stickability'. "I've never been a great admirer of the super guitarists like Clapton, Gallagher or Lee. The groups that have made the greatest contribution to Rock music are those like The Who, who have stuck it out and built up something which is bigger than anyone individual. I think we are beginning to do that .... it only really comes through sticking it out through the hard times".
Noddy still cherishes memories of the early days in Wolverhampton when he used to give Robert Plant and his group Listen a lift in his father's window cleaning van during the period when they had no transport, "I remember we played one gig supporting Cream at the City Hall and 'Plantey' was on the bill as well. Even in those days he liked to move about the stage a bit, but after Ginger Baker had set up his battery of drums he had no chance. He took his life in his hands and timidly asked Ginger if he would mind moving his drums so he had a bit of space!". Mr. Baker is reported to have requested Mr. Plant to leave the area immediately .... or words to that effect!
FACTS
Real Name: Neville Holder.
Birthdate: 15th June 1950.
Birthplace: Walsall. .
Personal detail: 5'8", Eyes blue, Hair blond.
Lives in: Walsall.
Plays: Guitar, Flute.
Musical Education: On the road.
Started career: at 14.
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Favourites:
Colour: Black.
Drink: Rum and Black/Guinness.
Clothes: Baggy Pyjamas.
Book: Catch 22.
Food: Pizza/Salad/Cheese.
Actor: Donald Sutherland.
Actress: Susannah York.
Singer: Cocker/Wonder.
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DON POWELL, Drummer, Wrigley's Champion (5 years running)
"Our stage act is what we're all about" says Don, "we've always found it to be a bit of a problem in the past, trying to put our stage sound down on record. We weren't quite happy with the way things were going. But for the album that we recorded in November 71, we did three days of 'live' studio gigs before an invited audience and it really came together.... it's just like we wanted it to be. The stage act is not actually worked out, we just try and get the crowds involved with us.... make them feel part of the act, and get them jumping and stomping around.... it sort of developes from there. People have been fed up with the introverted music scene that's been going on for the past two years. They want to bop a little and enjoy themselves .... we're merely trying to help them along".
FACTS
Real Name: Donald Powell.
Birthdate: 10th August, 1950.
Birthplace: B i Iston, Staffs.
Personal detail: 6'0", Green Eyes, Brown Hair.
Lives in: Wolverhampton.
Plays: Drums.
Musical Education: Bugle in Scouts.
Started Career: at 16.
1st Amateur App.: Youth Club Group.
1st Proff. Appearance: Bradley Youth Club.
Biggest Break: Meeting Chas Chandler.
Influences: Chas Chandler. -
Hobbies: None.
Most thrilling experience: Entering charts.
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Favourites:
Colour: Blue.
Drink: Anything Free.
Clothes: Bright/Home made.
Book: Drive magazine.
Food: All-Bran with raisins.
Actor: Peter O'Toole.
Actress: Audrey Hepburn.
Singer: Johnny Kidd.
Player: Neil Young.
Composer: Bacharach, Beatles. G
roup: C, S, N & Y, Beatles.
Car: Mini.
Likes: Recording, playing live.
Dislikes: Not being heard.
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ITINERARY
MAY 31st
JUNE 1st
2nd
3rd
5th
6th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
JULY 1st
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GLASGOW, GREENS PLAYHOUSE
EDINBURGH, EMPIRE
NEWCASTLE, CITY HALL (2 shows)
WOLVERHAMPTON, CIVIC HALL
WOLVERHAMPTON, CIVIC HALL
BRIGHTON, DOME
BIRMINGHAM, TOWN HALL (2 shows)
BRISTOL, COLSTON HALL (2 shows)
CARDIFF, TOP RANK (2 shows)
SOUTHAMPTON, GUILDHALL
SHEFFIELD, CITY HALL
BLACKBURN, ST. GEORGES HALL
HANLEY, VICTORIA HALL
LEEDS, UNIVERSITY (2 shows)
LONDON, EARLS COURT
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RECORDS AVAILABLE
LP's
1. Play It Loud.
2. Slade Alive.
3. Slayed
SINGLES
1. Get Down & Get With It.
2. Cos I Luv You.
3. Look Wot U Dun.
Released on the Polydor Label.
The Download Link is here: Download Filename: Show Souvenir.pdf Filesize: 12.17 MB
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