Slade have more strings to bow

 

THE banner hanging from the Assembly Rooms balcony said it all --- Welcome Back Slade.

For Derby rock fans, Slade's comeback success was completed last night when they played a pulsating powerful set.

They are still the definitive good time band they were in the 70's, but they have added more strings to their bow.

Noddy Holder is as raucous and raunchy as ever. Dave Hill struts and poses, Jimmy Lea remains skilful and accurate, and Don Powell still provides a steady backbone.

But Slade have widened their scope since their many chart successes of the last decade.

A remarkeable version of 'Something Else' would have done Eddie Cochran proud, and certainly showed the Sex Pistols how to cover an old favourite properly.

Steppenwolf's ' Born To Be Wild' was served up as an encore --- again Slade did the song justice.

 

FAVOURITES

But it was the old favourites that dragged the public from their firesides on a bleak snowbound evening, and they were not to be disappointed.

'Gudbuy T' Jane', 'Get Down & Get With It' and 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' were all received with the enthusiasm of seven or eight years ago.

I saw Slade at the Shoulder of Mutton, hardstoft, near Clay Cross before Christmas and was amazed at the atmosphere of the small pub rock type venue.

But I had doubts whether the same would be the case in the cavernous Assembly Rooms.

I need not have worried - the charisma of Noddy Holder alone filled the hall.

 

M.T, DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH 23 FEBRUARY 1981

From the archive of Chris Selby

Photo Slade In England

Slade in England © 2015