Slade (October 14, 1972) – “This Is America” Feature – New Musical Express.
Fresh from their first American visit, Slade report back to New Musical Express on the realities of breaking the United States. While enjoying major success at home, the band discuss cancelled television appearances, touring opportunities and the challenges of establishing themselves in a vast new market.
Publication: New Musical Express
Publication Date: October 14, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: October 1972
Under the headline “This Is America”, NME follows Jim Smith in Toronto as he reports on Slade's experiences during their North American activities.
At the time, Slade were Britain's biggest band, yet the article reveals that success in America was proving far from straightforward. The feature opens by discussing the cancellation of a planned television appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, explaining that the programme's producers were unable to accommodate another guest
following scheduling issues.
Despite the disappointment, the band remained optimistic about their American prospects. The article notes growing opportunities for touring and highlights increasing interest from promoters and audiences keen to experience one of Britain's most talked‑about acts.
Manager Chas Chandler discusses the importance of building the group's reputation gradually, rather than relying solely on immediate television exposure. The feature also examines the differences between the British and American music scenes and the work required to establish long‑term success overseas.
Photographs accompanying the article include Noddy Holder performing, reinforcing the band's growing international profile during the early stages of their American campaign.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published at the height of Slade's popularity, the feature captures a period when the band were attempting to extend their remarkable British success into North America.
Although already responsible for a string of major hits in the UK, America presented entirely different challenges. The article provides an honest snapshot of those early efforts and the obstacles faced by British acts attempting to conquer the U.S. market.
The feature is particularly valuable because it documents events in real time, revealing both the optimism and frustration that accompanied Slade's first major American promotional activities.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Slade's American promotional trip
Era: 1972 – Breakthrough period
Tone: Informative, optimistic and realistic
Photography: Performance photograph of Noddy Holder accompanying the feature
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Headline: “This Is America”
Report from Jim Smith in Toronto
Discussion of Slade's American ambitions
Cancellation of a planned Dick Cavett Show appearance
Comments from Chas Chandler
Coverage of touring and promotional plans
Noddy Holder performance photograph
Contemporary account of Slade's early U.S. activities
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