Slade (July 29 1972) – “Why the Skinheads Had to Go” Feature – Record Mirror

Jul 29, 1972

2 min read

This Record Mirror feature from July 1972, written by Val Mabbs, concludes “The Noddy Holder Story” with an in‑depth look at Slade’s transformation from their early skinhead image to a more accessible, mainstream rock identity.

The article captures the band’s reflections on fame, image, and musical evolution during their rise to national prominence.

Publication: Record Mirror Date: July 29 1972 Country: United Kingdom

Under the bold headline “WHY THE SKINHEADS HAD TO GO,” the article opens with Noddy Holder discussing his birthday cards and the band’s changing public persona.

Holder explains that Slade’s aggressive early image — short hair, boots, and braces — had become misunderstood, prompting a deliberate shift toward a more flamboyant and approachable look.

Val Mabbs recounts how manager Chas Chandler guided the group’s evolution, encouraging them to move away from the skinhead aesthetic and focus on their musical strengths. Holder reflects on the band’s early wildness, their experiences playing in London, and the importance of maintaining individuality while appealing to a broader audience.

Three black‑and‑white photographs appear across the top of the page, captioned “GOING,” “GOING,” and “GONE,” visually charting the band’s transition from their old look to their new style.

A bold pull‑quote reads: “Nobody wanted to know us off‑stage,”

underscoring the tension between their public image and private lives. The article concludes with Holder’s thoughts on songwriting, ambition, and Slade’s determination to succeed on their own terms, while an advertisement for The Carpenters’ album A Song for You occupies the lower section of the page.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By mid‑1972, Slade were emerging as one of Britain’s most successful glam‑rock bands, propelled by hits like Coz I Luv You and Take Me Bak ‘Ome.

Their decision to abandon the skinhead image marked a turning point, aligning them with the colourful, theatrical spirit of the glam era.

This Record Mirror feature documents that transformation, offering insight into how image and identity shaped their career trajectory. Val Mabbs’ piece reflects the broader cultural shift in early‑1970s British rock — from working‑class toughness to glitter‑clad showmanship — with Slade at the forefront of that change.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Slade’s image transformation and career reflection

Era: 1972 – Glam Rock Ascendancy Period Tone: Reflective, candid, and transitional Photography: Three portrait shots labeled “Going,” “Going,” “Gone,” illustrating the band’s evolving look

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Feature article on Slade’s shift from skinhead image to glam‑rock style
Quotes from Noddy Holder and manager Chas Chandler
Visual sequence of photographs marking the band’s transformation

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