Slade storm back

 

SLADE, one of the few masterpieces of early 1970's British rock, demonstrated all too convincingly that yesterday's has-beens can become today's heroes.

A year ago the once hitmakers were slumming it on the small time club circuit after their luck ran out.

Last night you couldn't get a seat in the Colston Hall for love or money. The place was packed like a sardine tin with cheering, swaying fans who looked more like a cup final crowd than a rock audience.

Slade's resurgence - one of the best things that has happened to the rock scene lately - has come because when set alongside the best of today's bunch of heavy metal bands at the 1980 Reading Festival, they stole the show.

It would have been a brave or foolhardy act who attempted to rival a performance like last night's.

Their self-confidence restored, Slade are magnificent. Old hits, new songs, re-shaped rock 'n roll classics, all were grist to their millin a crescendo of stagemanship.

The great thing about Slade is that they combine noisy and effective rock music with character and humour, and it was a delight to see today#s new generation of heavy rock fans relishing these qualities.

 

JAMES BELSEY, BRISTOL EVENING POST 26 JANUARY 1981

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY OFFICIAL SOUTH WEST SIE OPERATIVE DUNCAN SPOKES

Slade in England © 2015