In the UK in the 1970s, there was no bigger band than Slade. With six number 1 singles (three straight in at the top, the first act to do so since The Beatles) and 17 consecutive top 20 hits, Slade were Britain's most successful group based on singles sales. But Slade were also a phenomemon live. Vocalist & guitarist Noddy Holder, guitarist Dave Hill, bassist & violinist Jim Lea and drummer Don Powell had played together since 1966 (initially as The N' Betweens and then Ambrose Slade) and were seasoned performers by the time of their breakthrough hit in 1971. Slade's live concerts were something to behold, and this book captures them in performance in the words of over 300 fans, including contributions from Nik Kershaw, Rick Buckler (The Jam), Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff), John Robb (The Membranes) and broadcasters Andy Kershaw and Mark Radcliffe, as well as interviews with Slade's very own Jim, Don and Dave. The journey goes from the boot-stomping skinhead days of 'Get Down and Get With It', through the chart-topping glam rock era of 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' and 'Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me', and onto their ultimately unsuccessful mid-'70s attempt to break America before the chicken-in-a-basket career doldrums and a late renaissance following their 1980 Reading Festival appearance before the original line-up called it quits in 1992. The book includes fan memories and photographs that will make you laugh, cry and be transported back to the early 1970s, when Slade were all over the radio, the TV and the news. This is Slade loud and raucous, with Nod's distinctive vocals, Dave's crazy stage outfits and Jim's virtuoso violin playing, all held together by Don's solid drumming. If you grew up in the 1970s, you'll have heard a Slade song on the radio every few minutes. And walk into any shop anywhere in the UK in December and you'll hear the song that's now as much a part of Christmas as mince pies and turkey. AUTHOR: Surrey-born Malcolm Wyatt is a music writer & editor now living in Cornwall with his partner, Jayne. A foster carer with two grown-up daughters, he is the author of Wild! Wild! Wild! A People's History of Slade (2023) and This Day in Music's Guide to The Clash (2018). 200 colour and b/w images
