Slade’s in for a penny at O2

What did you think when you heard their version of your song?

“I quite liked it actually. Their singer, Kevin DuBrow, sounded like Nod. They actually did us a favour as when they did it the record company in The States thought they’d better sign us as we were the originals. Then they found out we had My Oh My in the charts, then they released Run Runaway which became a big hit record for us. They brought us over and we toured with Ozzy Osbourne believe it or not.”

You were asked at the last moment to step in for Ozzy at the Reading Festival in 1980. Did you have any idea that that show would be like a second chance for the band?

“That was an emotional time for me as I was close to leaving the band as I was short of money. Chas Chandler talked me into doing it and that’s another thing I can thank him for. He told me not to worry about any of the heavy bands on at that festival as none of them had the hits that we had. I was nervous on the day and we drove into the wrong car park. The car park attendant recognised us and took us through to the right area and everybody crowded round us when they heard we were playing. They told us the show had been a bit boring and they thought we’d liven it up a bit.”

Merry Christmas Everybody is a Christmas favourite. What do you put its popularity down to?

“Good music comes from real life. The phenomenal popularity of the Christmas song reflects a time of strikes, of problems. The nation related to the lyrical content of the song as it was exactly what the people were doing at Christmas time. I think the song has just become ingrained with the whole atmosphere of Christmas over the years so that when you hear it, it reminds you of having a great time at Christmas.”

You’ve been name-checked as an influence on bands as diverse as KISS and Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister to Oasis. How do you view your influence on the music scene?

“We toured with KISS. At the start of the tour we headlined and part way through they hit it big and we ended up supporting them. Gene Simmons has always said we were a big influence on them. He told me that before they started rehearsing, they’d listen to Slade Alive to get them in the mood.”

How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?

“I’m a family man and will be having a big family Christmas with my kids and grandkids.”

What about 2019. What are you planning for next year? “Staying alive would be a good start. We already have bookings for next year which is nice to know. I think it may be time for me to do a solo album. It’s been a long time coming and I might just do it for me.”

■ Slade play at the O2 Academy, Newcastle on Wednesday, December 5.

We’ll also probably do How Does It Feel. That always goes down well and I know that it’s Noel Gallagher’s favourite song