A Beginner’s Guide - Slade

Slade were a British glam rock band formed in 1966 in Wolverhampton. Known for their raw power, stomping anthems, and working-class swagger, they became one of the most successful and beloved bands of the early 1970s glam rock era. With their platform boots, mirrored top hats, and shout-along choruses, Slade defined the loud, fun, and unpretentious side of glam.

EARLY YEARS & RISE TO FAME

Originally called The N’Betweens, the band changed their name to Slade in 1970 under the guidance of manager Chas Chandler (former bassist of The Animals). The classic line-up consisted of:

• Noddy Holder – lead vocals, rhythm guitar

• Dave Hill – lead guitar, backing vocals

• Jim Lea – bass, keyboards, violin, backing vocals

• 
  

• Don Powell – drums

Their breakthrough came in 1971 with the single “Coz I Luv You,” which reached No. 1 in the UK. They followed it with a string of massive hits written by Holder and Lea, often spelled in a distinctive phonetic style (“Cum On Feel the Noize,” “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” etc.).

GLAM ROCK DOMINATION (1971–1974)

Slade dominated the UK charts like few other bands. They achieved six UK No. 1 singles, including:

• “Coz I Luv You” (1971)

• “Take Me Bak ’Ome” (1972)

• “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” (1972)

• “Cum On Feel the Noize” (1973)

• “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me” (1973)

• “Merry Xmas Everybody” (1973) – a perennial Christmas classic

Their albums Slayed? (1972) and Slade Alive! (1972) captured their raw, high-energy live sound and cemented their reputation as one of Britain’s greatest live acts.

LATER CAREER

After the peak of glam, Slade continued recording and touring through the 1970s and 1980s. They enjoyed a major comeback in the US in the early 1980s when Quiet Riot had hits with covers of “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Mama Weer All Crazee Now.” The band officially disbanded in the 1990s but have reunited in various forms over the years. Noddy Holder and Jim Lea remain the most prominent members.

LEGACY

Slade are widely regarded as one of the definitive glam rock bands. Their influence can be heard in punk, heavy metal, and Britpop. Their Christmas anthem “Merry Xmas Everybody” is still played every year, and their high-energy, sing-along anthems remain staples at sporting events and parties. Slade proved that working-class rock ‘n’ roll with attitude and spectacle could conquer the charts.

KEY ALBUMS

• Slade Alive! (1972)

• Slayed? (1972)

• Old New Borrowed and Blue (1974)

• Merry Christmas Everybody (single, 1973)

• 
  

WHY SLADE MATTERS

They brought pure, unfiltered joy and working-class pride to glam rock. While others focused on androgyny and art, Slade celebrated loud guitars, big choruses, and having a good time. Few bands have matched their ability to make entire arenas sing along at the top of their lungs.

All images, photographs, and artwork referenced remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.