In the annals of rock history, few bands embody the spirit of glam rock as comprehensively as Slade. With their flamboyant outfits, catchy tunes, and electrifying stage presence, Slade carved a unique niche for themselves in the music world. But who were these glam rock icons, and how did they rise to prominence?
Formed in Wolverhampton, England, in 1966, Slade initially went by the name N'Betweens. The band's original lineup comprised Noddy Holder (vocals), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass, keyboards, violin), and Don Powell (drums). It wasn't until 1970 that they adopted the moniker Slade, inspired by a book about a Jamaican outlaw by the same name.
With their new name and a revamped sound that incorporated elements of hard rock, glam, and pop, Slade embarked on a journey that would propel them to the forefront of the British rock scene.
Who Was Slade
Glam rock pioneers from Wolverhampton, England.
- Formed in 1966 as N'Betweens.
- Changed name to Slade in 1970.
- Known for flamboyant outfits and catchy tunes.
- Had a string of hit singles in the 1970s.
- Influential in the glam rock movement.
With their unique blend of hard rock, glam, and pop, Slade left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
Formed in 1966 as N'Betweens
In the bustling industrial city of Wolverhampton, England, four young lads with a shared passion for music came together in 1966 to form a band called N'Betweens. Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea, and Don Powell were united by their love for rock and roll and their desire to make a name for themselves in the music industry.
Initially, the band played covers of popular songs, honing their skills and developing their own unique sound. They performed at local pubs and clubs, building a small but loyal following. As their confidence and experience grew, they began to incorporate original material into their sets, showcasing their songwriting talents.
The N'Betweens gradually gained recognition for their energetic live performances and catchy tunes. They toured extensively throughout the UK, sharing the stage with established acts like The Moody Blues and The Kinks. Their relentless touring and dedication paid off when they secured a recording contract with Philips Records in 1969.
With a record deal in hand, the N'Betweens entered the studio to record their debut album, "Beginnings." The album, released in 1969, showcased the band's eclectic mix of rock, pop, and psychedelic influences. While it failed to make a significant commercial impact, it served as a stepping stone for the band's future success.
In 1970, the band decided to change their name to Slade, inspired by a book about a Jamaican outlaw by the same name. This marked a new chapter in their career, as they embraced a more flamboyant and theatrical image, complete with glitter, platform boots, and elaborate stage costumes.
Changed Name to Slade in 1970
The decision to change their name to Slade in 1970 marked a turning point in the band's career. It symbolized their transformation from a relatively unknown covers band to a distinctive and flamboyant rock act poised to take the world by storm.
The name Slade was inspired by a book Noddy Holder had read about a Jamaican outlaw named Slade. The band felt that the name captured their rebellious and unconventional spirit, and it also had a strong visual impact that would help them stand out in the crowded rock scene.
Along with the name change, Slade adopted a more theatrical and glamorous image. They began wearing elaborate stage costumes, complete with glitter, platform boots, and feathered hair. This new look, coupled with their energetic live performances and catchy songs, quickly gained them attention and a growing fan base.
The name Slade also proved to be a wise choice from a marketing perspective. It was short, memorable, and easy to pronounce, making it ideal for branding and promotion. As Slade's popularity grew, the name became synonymous with their unique brand of glam rock, helping to solidify their place in music history.
With their new name and image, Slade embarked on a journey that would take them to the forefront of the glam rock movement and secure their status as one of the most iconic bands of the 1970s.
Known for Flamboyant Outfits and Catchy Tunes
Slade's rise to fame was fueled by their flamboyant outfits and catchy tunes, which became their trademarks and helped them stand out from the crowd.
- Flamboyant Outfits:
Slade's stage costumes were a spectacle in themselves. They wore elaborate outfits adorned with glitter, sequins, feathers, and platform boots. Their over-the-top fashion sense perfectly complemented their energetic live performances and helped create a visually stunning experience for their fans.
- Catchy Tunes:
Slade had a knack for writing catchy and memorable songs that instantly captured the attention of listeners. Their songs were characterized by strong melodies, simple yet effective lyrics, and infectious hooks that got stuck in people's heads. Hits like "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" are prime examples of their ability to craft songs that were both catchy and enduring.
- High-Energy Live Performances:
Slade's live shows were legendary. They were known for their energetic performances, complete with choreographed dance moves and audience interaction. Noddy Holder's charismatic stage presence and interaction with the crowd played a significant role in creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Unique Blend of Genres:
Slade's music was a unique blend of hard rock, glam, and pop. They seamlessly combined elements from these genres to create their own distinctive sound. This eclectic approach appealed to a wide range of audiences and helped them transcend genre boundaries.
Slade's flamboyant outfits, catchy tunes, energetic live performances, and unique blend of genres made them one of the most popular and influential bands of the glam rock era.
Had a String of Hit Singles in the 1970s
The 1970s was a golden era for Slade, as they churned out a string of hit singles that dominated the charts and solidified their status as one of the most popular bands of the decade.
- "Get Down and Get with It" (1971):
This high-energy rocker was Slade's breakthrough hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. Its infectious melody and catchy lyrics made it an instant classic and set the tone for their subsequent successes.
- "Cum On Feel the Noize" (1973):
One of Slade's signature songs, "Cum On Feel the Noize" is an anthem of pure rock and roll. Its pounding drums, distorted guitars, and Noddy Holder's raspy vocals create an irresistible groove that has made it a staple of rock radio stations to this day.
- "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (1972):
This quirky and upbeat track showcased Slade's knack for crafting catchy pop songs. Its nonsensical lyrics and playful delivery made it a fan favorite and helped it reach the top of the UK Singles Chart.
- "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" (1973):
Another chart-topping hit for Slade, "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" is a high-octane rocker with a driving beat and soaring vocals. Its energetic live performances made it a highlight of their concerts.
These are just a few examples of Slade's numerous hit singles from the 1970s. Their ability to consistently produce catchy and memorable songs was a key factor in their immense popularity during this era.
Influential in the Glam Rock Movement
Slade played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of the glam rock movement. Their flamboyant outfits, energetic stage performances, and catchy songs made them one of the most prominent and influential bands of the era.
Slade's unique blend of hard rock, glam, and pop appealed to a wide range of audiences, helping to break down the barriers between different genres. Their success demonstrated that it was possible to combine elements from different musical styles and create something new and exciting.
Slade's influence can be seen in the emergence of other glam rock bands, such as Sweet, T. Rex, and Roxy Music. These bands drew inspiration from Slade's music and image, contributing to the overall popularity of the glam rock movement.
Furthermore, Slade's success helped to pave the way for the punk rock movement of the late 1970s. Punk bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash were influenced by Slade's rebellious attitude and their willingness to challenge conventions. In many ways, Slade can be seen as a bridge between the glam rock and punk eras.
Slade's influence on the glam rock movement and subsequent musical genres cannot be overstated. Their unique style and catchy songs left a lasting impact on the music industry and continue to inspire artists to this day.
FAQ
Got questions about Slade? We've got answers.
Question 1: Who were Slade?
Answer: Slade were a British rock band formed in Wolverhampton, England, in 1966. They were known for their flamboyant outfits, catchy tunes, and energetic live performances.
Question 2: How did Slade get their name?
Answer: The band initially went by the name N'Betweens, but changed it to Slade in 1970, inspired by a book about a Jamaican outlaw by the same name.
Question 3: What was Slade's musical style?
Answer: Slade's music was a unique blend of hard rock, glam, and pop. They seamlessly combined elements from these genres to create their own distinctive sound.
Question 4: What were some of Slade's biggest hits?
Answer: Slade had a string of hit singles in the 1970s, including "Get Down and Get with It," "Cum On Feel the Noize," "Mama Weer All Crazee Now," and "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me."
Question 5: How influential was Slade in the glam rock movement?
Answer: Slade played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of the glam rock movement. Their flamboyant style and catchy songs made them one of the most prominent and influential bands of the era.
Question 6: What is Slade's legacy?
Answer: Slade left a lasting impact on the music industry. Their unique blend of genres and energetic live performances continue to inspire artists to this day.
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Slade. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Now that you know more about Slade, here are some tips for enjoying their music:
Tips
Want to get the most out of Slade's music? Here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Listen to Their Classic Albums
Start with Slade's classic albums, such as "Slade Alive!" (1972), "Slayed?" (1972), and "Old New Borrowed and Blue" (1974). These albums showcase the band's signature sound and contain some of their biggest hits.
Tip 2: See Them Live (If You Can)
If you have the opportunity to see Slade perform live, don't miss it! Their energetic live shows are a spectacle, complete with flamboyant outfits and audience interaction. You'll be amazed by their stage presence and musicianship.
Tip 3: Explore Their Deep Cuts
Slade had a prolific career, and they released many great songs that didn't become hits. Take some time to explore their deep cuts and discover hidden gems like "Take Me Bak 'Ome," "My Friend Stan," and "Everyday." You might be surprised by what you find.
Tip 4: Appreciate Their Influence
Slade were one of the most influential bands of the glam rock era, and their music continues to inspire artists today. Listen to their songs with an ear for their unique blend of genres and their catchy songwriting. You'll appreciate their impact on the music world even more.
We hope these tips help you enjoy Slade's music to the fullest. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering them for the first time, there's something for everyone in their catalog.
So put on a Slade record, turn it up loud, and get ready to rock!
Conclusion
Slade were one of the most iconic and influential bands of the glam rock era. With their flamboyant outfits, catchy tunes, and energetic live performances, they took the world by storm in the 1970s.
From their humble beginnings as N'Betweens to their rise to fame as Slade, the band's journey was marked by creativity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of success. Their unique blend of hard rock, glam, and pop appealed to a wide range of audiences, and their hit singles continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Slade's influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the glam rock movement and helped to pave the way for subsequent musical genres such as punk rock. Their music continues to inspire artists to this day, and their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time is secure.
So, if you're looking for a band that will get you moving and make you feel alive, look no further than Slade. Put on a record, turn it up loud, and prepare to be amazed by their timeless music.