Slade don’t fade
But frontman Noddy says don’t expect a reunion
Twenty-eight years after Slade split up, the Black Country legends’ rude, rambunctious, foot- stompin’ rock ’n’ roll remains unrivalled and irreplaceable.
Centred on the bawdy roar of singer Neville John ‘ Noddy’ Holder, MBE, hits such as Merry Xmas Everybody, Cum On Feel The Noize and, his own favourite
“because it wasn’t what people expected”, Far, Far Away, reign eternal.
But Noddy’s roar went silent when his chartsmashing songwriting partnership with Slade bassist Jimmy Lea broke down in 1992.
“He (Lea) wanted control in the studio and I wasn’t willing to give it to him any more,” Noddy recalls.
“He kept telling us he could do everything himself.
“He just really wanted to front it, that’s basically what he was saying. I wasn’t willing to put up with it. So I said ‘I’m leaving’, which I did, but when he got control – what he wanted – he left as well!
“I couldn’t believe it.” Chances of a Slade reunion, despite all the original members still being alive and kicking, were never that great before. Now it’s less likely than ever.
“The only communication I get from Jimmy these days is through a lawyer, usually a lie, something somebody has told him that isn’t true and I get a lawyer’s letter,” says Noddy, 74.
“He hasn’t spoken to me in 12 years.”
During the long years that Slade have been absent, many people, this writer included, have suggested that Noddy should let his celebrated vocals loose on a solo album.
But he says: “From when I started out I always wanted to be in a band. I never wanted to be a solo artist with a backing band, that wasn’t what I wanted to do.
“When I left Slade I’d been pretty much performing on the road for 30 years. That’s a long time to then go and start again with a new band.”
In any case, Noddy’s capable showmanship and amiable personality saw him become an all-purpose national treasure, actor on hit show The Grimleys, TV presenter and radio DJ.
“I could earn as much in two or three days on an ad campaign as I would in a year with Slade,” he cackles.
Although he has been spending time tending his musical roots by playing jazz guitar during the pandemic, it’s all strictly for his own amusement only.
A spoken word tour with acoustic songs he embarked on a few years ago – while popu lar – rem ind ed him wh a t “bloody hard work” touring can be.
“I’m over- 70s vulnerable, so have not been able to venture very far,” he admits.
“Not being able to see my grandkids or my kids in the f lesh? It’s getting a bit boring now, actually.”
Cum On Feel The Hitz, The Best of Slade, is out today
I earn as much in two days on an advert as I would in a year with Slade