📰 Back to the World – Feature : Oct. 1973
- Slade
- Oct 13, 1973
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 7
A heartfelt one-page feature in Melody Maker catches up with Slade drummer Don Powell shortly after his near-fatal car crash, as he reflects on recovery, the band’s resilience, and his determination to return to the stage.
The piece balances the shock of the accident with Powell’s quiet optimism and the band’s strong camaraderie during his absence.
This October 13, 1973 Melody Maker feature offers a touching behind-the-scenes look at Slade at their commercial peak, showing the human side of a band known for their stomping, larger-than-life image.
đź—ž Melody Maker
đź“… Date: October 13, 1973
⏱ Length: 6 min read
đź“° Key Highlights
• Don Powell discusses his recovery from a serious car crash that killed his girlfriend
• Insight into the emotional and physical aftermath, including memory issues and hospital time
• Slade’s continued success and fan support during Powell’s absence
• Powell’s determination to return to drumming and the band’s close-knit bond
• Reflections on the accident’s impact and the band’s decision to keep touring
đź“° Overview
Published in the October 13, 1973 issue of Melody Maker, this feature by Geoff Brown provides an intimate update on Slade drummer Don Powell following his devastating car accident. At a time when Slade were dominating the charts with hits like “Cum On Feel the Noize,” the article humanises the band by focusing on Powell’s road to recovery and the group’s unity.
đź“° Source Details
Publication / Venue: Melody Maker
Date: October 13, 1973
Format: One-page band feature / interview
Provenance Notes: Verified directly from the preserved page; large black-and-white portrait of Don Powell dominates the right side, with headline “Back to the World” and interview text on the left.
đź“° The Story
Don Powell speaks candidly about the car crash that claimed the life of his girlfriend and left him seriously injured. He describes the physical and mental challenges of recovery, including memory loss and the slow process of regaining strength.
Powell expresses gratitude for the band’s support and the fans’ messages, noting how Slade continued performing and recording without him. He conveys quiet determination to return to the drum stool, emphasising the band’s tight bond and shared desire to keep moving forward.
đź“° Visual Archive
Large black-and-white portrait of Don Powell looking directly at the camera, paired with columns of interview text under the bold headline “Back to the World.”
Caption: Don Powell of Slade featured in the Melody Maker article “Back to the World,” October 13, 1973.
đź“° Related Material
See tabs at foot of page
đź“° Closing Notes
This October 1973 Melody Maker feature is a poignant reminder that even at the height of their chart dominance, Slade faced real human challenges. Don Powell’s honest account of survival and recovery adds depth to the band’s stomping, party-rock image, showing the resilience that helped them remain one of Britain’s most beloved acts through triumph and tragedy.
đź“ť Copyright Notice
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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