The Rise and Fall (and Rise and Fall) of Slade: A Tale of Glam Rock Glory and Festive Fortune
Slade, the flamboyant glam rock band from the West Midlands, once held the prestigious title of the biggest British band since The Beatles. Their meteoric rise in the early 1970s saw them achieve an impressive 17 Top 20 hits, including six chart-topping singles. Among these, "Merry Xmas Everybody," released in 1973, became a double platinum-selling festive anthem, cementing their place in British music history. This success mirrored the Fab Four’s dominance, closely rivaling their achievement of 22 Top Ten records in a single decade. Their impact on the music scene was undeniable, influencing later generations of musicians like Noel Gallagher of Oasis, who proclaimed, "No Slade = no Oasis." Their electrifying performances and distinctive glam rock style captivated audiences, propelling them to levels of fame rarely seen.
However, the band’s story is not one of uninterrupted triumph. Fast-forward five decades, and the landscape of Slade’s success is markedly different. While the 50th anniversary of their Christmas classic approaches, the band’s present-day reality is far removed from the stadium-filling days of their peak. Internal disputes and fractured relationships have resulted in a significantly altered lineup, with guitarist Dave Hill remaining the sole original member. Venues have shrunk considerably, and ticket prices have been dramatically reduced to entice audiences. This stark contrast between past glory and present struggle reflects the complex and often tumultuous nature of the music industry, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change, even for those who once seemed untouchable.
The root of Slade’s current predicament lies in the deep-seated feud among the original band members. Drummer Don Powell was reportedly dismissed via email, severing his ties with Hill. Songwriter Jim Lea left the music industry entirely to pursue a career in psychology. And perhaps most significantly, vocalist Noddy Holder, co-writer of "Merry Xmas Everybody," has consistently rebuffed lucrative offers to rejoin the band, citing the emotional toll and inevitable re-emergence of past conflicts as insurmountable obstacles. This fracturing of the band dynamic emphasizes the personal sacrifices often demanded by fame and the challenges of maintaining long-term professional relationships, especially under the pressure of creative differences and business disagreements.
The financial disparity between the band members further complicates the situation. Holder and Lea, as co-writers of their biggest hits, including the ever-popular Christmas song, enjoy substantial royalty income, ensuring a comfortable financial future. In contrast, Hill and Powell, who did not receive songwriting credits, continue to work despite age and health issues. Hill, who once enjoyed the trappings of rock star wealth, has resorted to renting out his Rolls-Royce to make ends meet. These disparate financial realities underscore the importance of songwriting credits in the music industry, demonstrating how they can significantly influence the long-term financial security and wellbeing of artists.
Beyond financial disparities, the band members have faced personal hardships. Hill’s health has been challenged by a stroke and a double hernia operation, while Powell suffered brain damage and subsequent alcoholism after a tragic car accident. Even Holder confronted a life-threatening diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, defying the odds to survive and eventually return to performing. These individual struggles highlight the vulnerability of even the most celebrated figures and the resilience required to overcome personal adversity.
Despite lingering tensions, Holder maintains a friendly relationship with his former bandmates. However, a full reunion seems improbable, especially given Hill’s perspective. While he hasn’t ruled out collaborating with Holder again, the guitarist appears resigned to the fact that the original Slade lineup will never grace the stage together again. This sentiment, tinged with a hint of melancholy, suggests that some wounds, despite the passage of time and shared experiences, may never fully heal. The story of Slade serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even amidst the glittering allure of fame and fortune, the human bonds that unite and divide can be as fragile and unpredictable as the music industry itself. It’s a story of triumph and tribulation, of creative brilliance and interpersonal conflict, and ultimately, a reflection on the enduring power of music, even as the band that created it grapples with its own fractured legacy.
The Early Days and the Unlikely Rise to Stardom
Slade’s journey, originating in the industrial heartland of the Black Country, was far from a smooth ascent to stardom. Starting as the ‘N Betweens in 1966, they navigated multiple name changes, even briefly embracing the skinhead trend before ultimately finding their identity in the glam rock movement. Their initial performances, as described by a local journalist, were met with less than enthusiastic reviews, characterized as "loud, ugly, and disjointed." Yet, this seemingly inauspicious beginning belied the potential that lay within. The band’s tenacity and unwavering belief in their music eventually propelled them to the forefront of the British music scene. Their breakthrough hit, "Coz I Luv You," marked a turning point, showcasing their distinctive raw energy and capturing the attention of a nation hungry for something new. This unexpected success vindicated their persistence, demonstrating that sometimes, the rough edges and unconventional approaches are precisely what resonate with an audience.
The Pinnacle of Success and the Inevitable Decline
The meteoric rise of Slade in the early 1970s was nothing short of phenomenal. By 1973, their chart dominance rivaled that of Elton John, and their ability to churn out No. 1 hits was unmatched by any British group since the Beatles. "Merry Xmas Everybody," released amidst the band’s American tour, became an instant classic, capturing the celebratory spirit of the holidays and securing their place in the festive music pantheon. However, maintaining such a frenetic pace of success is rarely sustainable. Despite their widespread popularity in the UK, Slade struggled to conquer the American market. Their foray into film with "Slade In Flame" proved unsuccessful, and the emergence of punk rock signaled a shift in musical tastes, relegating their glam rock sound to the sidelines. This downturn highlights the cyclical nature of popular culture, where trends ebb and flow, and even the most successful acts can find themselves out of step with the times. Yet, even in the face of declining popularity, Slade’s legacy remained intact, their influence evident in the sounds of future generations of musicians.
The Comeback, the Breakup, and the Lingering Legacy
Slade experienced a resurgence in the 1980s, fueled by a last-minute invitation to fill in for Ozzy Osbourne at the Reading Festival. This unexpected opportunity reignited their career, leading to further chart success with hits like "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway." However, this comeback proved fleeting, and internal tensions began to fracture the band. Noddy Holder’s departure in 1986, driven by a desire to explore acting and a sense of creative stagnation, marked a significant turning point. While the remaining members continued as Slade, the band’s dynamic was irrevocably altered. Subsequent disagreements, culminating in Powell’s acrimonious departure, further solidified the divide between the original members. Despite these fractures, Slade’s musical legacy persists, and "Merry Xmas Everybody" continues to resonate with audiences each holiday season, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song. While the band members may have gone their separate ways, their collective contribution to music history remains undeniable.
