🔘 We Won’t Give In – Single: Nov. 1987

Released: November 27, 1987 (UK)

Label: Cheapskate Records

Catalogue Number: BOYZ 2

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

A defiant late‑’80s Slade anthem, issued as the final classic‑lineup single and backed with the LA‑themed rocker Ooh La La In L.A.

Released independently on Cheapskate Records, We Won’t Give In captured Slade’s determination and melodic grit at the close of their 1980s output. Though it did not chart, the single remains a key artifact of the band’s final phase.

🔘 Overview

Written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, We Won’t Give In delivered a message of resilience wrapped in Slade’s trademark harmonies and driving rhythm. Produced by Jim Lea, the track reflected the band’s continued commitment to strong songwriting despite shifting musical trends. The B‑side, Ooh La La In L.A., produced by John Punter, added a polished, narrative‑driven contrast. Issued in a picture sleeve and licensed from RCA‑BMG, the single stands as the last release from the classic lineup before their early‑’90s revival.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — BOYZ 2

A. We Won’t Give In

B. Ooh La La In L.A.

12" Vinyl — BOYZ T 2

A. We Won’t Give In (Extended Version)

B1. Ooh La La In L.A.

B2. We Won’t Give In (7" Version)

Written by: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea

Produced by: Jim Lea (A‑side) / John Punter (B‑side)

🔘 Release Details

Label: Cheapskate Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl / 12" Vinyl

Country: UK

Year: 1987

Notes:

- Final classic‑lineup Slade single

- Licensed from RCA‑BMG

- Issued in picture sleeve

- 12" includes extended version

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Cheapskate – BOYZ 2 (1987)

Format: 7" Vinyl

Variant 2

UK – Cheapskate – BOYZ T 2 (1987)

Format: 12" Vinyl

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — Did Not Chart

Weeks on Chart: 0

Chart Run (Official Charts):

No UK chart entry recorded.

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

Jim Lea’s production emphasised layered vocals and a clean, punchy arrangement. John Punter’s work on the B‑side added a more polished, radio‑friendly sheen.

Music Video

A performance‑style clip circulated on UK music television, highlighting the band’s unity and late‑’80s aesthetic.

Collector Notes

The 12" extended version is the most sought‑after format. Clean 7" copies with intact picture sleeves remain desirable due to the single’s historical significance.

Legacy

A spirited, defiant statement from Slade’s late‑’80s era, marking the end of the classic lineup’s original run before their 1991 resurgence.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Still the Same (1987)

Next Single

You Boyz Make Big Noize (1987)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Still the Same — 1987

We Won’t Give In — 1987

You Boyz Make Big Noize — 1987

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

Nov. 27, 1987 — UK single released

1987 — Final classic‑lineup single

🔘 Glam Flashback

A fist‑raised vow of resilience — Slade refusing to fade quietly into the decade’s close.

🔘 Sources

Cheapskate Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Slade archival documentation

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Cheapskate Records.

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single.

Full Track Listing

Side A

We Won't Give In – Producer: Jim Lea – Written-By: Lea, Holder

Side B

Ooh La La In L.A. – Producer: John Punter – Written-By: Lea, Holder

Reissues & Global Variants

No known international or reissue variants.

Production and Context

“We Won't Give In” produced by Jim Lea. “Ooh La La In L.A.” produced by John Punter. Final single with Noddy Holder before his 1992 departure. A-side became a fan favourite and staple of later live shows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH9Dz3Ggi8g

Chart Performance

No UK chart entry.

Legacy and Collectibility

“We Won't Give In” is Slade’s final classic-lineup single — a proud, anthemic curtain call. Original Cheapskate pressings fetch £10–£30 on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue BOYZ 2. Streams limited (often on You Boyz Make Big Noize expanded editions). This single is a must-have for Slade die-hards.

Do you have We Won't Give In in your vinyl stack?

Did Slade ever give in? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube