Slade (September 30, 1972) – “Slade Live!” Advert - Melody Maker

Sep 30, 1972

2 min read

This full-page advertisement promotes Slade's live sound system and stage performance setup during the band's breakthrough year. Combining concert photography, technical equipment promotion and endorsements from sound industry specialists, the advert highlights the powerful live presentation that had become a key part of Slade's success.

Publication: Melody Maker

Date: September 30, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

The advertisement is headed "SLADE Live!" and focuses on the sound equipment used by the band in concert. An accompanying text feature explains how Slade achieved their powerful live sound and why professional amplification had become an important part of their stage presentation.

The upper section includes a live performance photograph showing the group performing before a packed audience. The article discusses the band's commitment to delivering a strong concert experience and explains how specialist equipment manufacturers worked alongside the group to achieve the desired sound quality.

The lower half of the page is dominated by the slogan "SLADE Choose SNS Professional Amplification – The No. 1 Sound". Large images of amplifiers, speaker cabinets and mixing equipment surround a concert photograph of the band performing on stage. The advert also features promotional references to Dave Martin Sound and SNS Musical Products Limited, companies associated with the equipment used by Slade during live performances.

Overall, the page functions as both a Slade feature and a trade advertisement, using the band's popularity to demonstrate the effectiveness of professional sound reinforcement equipment.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during Slade's rise to national prominence, the advertisement reflects the importance of live performance to the group's popularity. By late 1972, Slade had established a reputation as one of Britain's most exciting concert attractions, and their sound system became part of that image.

The advert is also a valuable snapshot of concert technology from the early 1970s, documenting the brands and equipment associated with major touring acts of the period. The use of Slade as promotional ambassadors highlights the band's growing influence within the music industry.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Slade promote their live concert sound system

Era: 1972 Slade breakthrough era

Tone: Promotional and technical

Photography: Live concert photographs of Slade performing on stage, alongside images of amplification equipment

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• "Slade Live!" promotional feature

• Slade endorsing SNS Professional Amplification equipment

• Live performance photographs and sound system imagery

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