Slade’s Final Tour Celebrates Iconic Christmas Hit and Legacy

The iconic British glam rock band, Slade, is set to embark on its final tour, beginning on November 28 in Hastings. The tour will celebrate the band’s enduring legacy, particularly highlighting their beloved Christmas hit, Merry Xmas Everybody, which has become a staple of the holiday season.

In 1973, Slade’s infectious energy resonated with a nation facing significant turmoil. Amidst strikes and economic challenges, their music provided a joyful escape. Blaring from radios and teenagers’ bedrooms, hits like Cum on Feel the Noize and Sqweeze Me Pleeze Me dominated the charts. The band’s flamboyant style and catchy tunes captured the imagination of the public during an otherwise bleak period in British history.

Reflecting on that tumultuous year, guitarist Dave Hill noted, “The mood of the country was low, amidst strikes, lack of money and three-day weeks. But all through that there was joy in the music we were doing. We raised a nation.” His statement underscores the impact of Slade’s music during a time when many sought solace in entertainment.

The band, originally formed in 1963 in Wolverhampton, has remained a beloved act for decades. Hill, who has been with Slade since its inception, attributes their longevity to the nostalgic comfort their music provides. “There is something reassuring about Slade’s music,” he explained. “Everyone wants to have that feeling of returning to their happiest times.”

Slade’s lineup in 1973 consisted of Hill, lead singer Noddy Holder, drummer Don Powell, and bassist Jim Lea. Hill, known for his extravagant costumes and larger-than-life presence, became a defining image of the band during their frequent appearances on the television show, Top of the Pops. “I used to say to Nod and Jim, ‘You write ‘em and I’ll sell ‘em’,” he recalled, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the group.

As the band prepares for its farewell tour, Hill acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the occasion. The tour will not reunite the original members, as Holder left the group in 1992, and the relationships with Powell and Lea have since faded. Hill stated, “There’s no chance of the four of us getting back together to perform. Everybody’s changed, everybody’s doing something else.”

Despite this, Hill remains close with Holder and expresses fond memories of their time together. He emphasized that while they have taken different paths, the enduring friendship remains. “Nod and I have always been extremely close – we’re buddies for life,” he said.

The genesis of Merry Xmas Everybody is a fascinating story in itself. In the summer of 1973, while in New York, the band was encouraged by their manager to record a Christmas song. With the help of John Lennon, who offered them studio time, Slade quickly learned and recorded the track. Released in December that year, it became their sixth number one single, remaining atop the charts until January and staying in the Top 50 for nine weeks.

The song’s lasting popularity has been a remarkable aspect of Slade’s career. It has charted annually since 2006, a testament to its enduring appeal. Hill recalled an unexpected moment at the Reading Festival when an audience of 40,000 began chanting for the song, illustrating its deep connection with fans.

Life has not been without its challenges for Hill. He has faced personal struggles, including bouts of depression and a stroke in 2010, which forced him to take time off from performing. Nevertheless, at 79, he remains vibrant and enthusiastic about music, preparing to release his first solo album next year, produced by Holder’s son, Django.

As he approaches the final tour, Hill reflects on his journey from a shy boy to a celebrated performer. “I’ll stand on stage and think to myself, ‘Here’s a boy that was really bad at school and a bit of a loner… yet here I am at 79 still performing.’” His words capture the essence of a life dedicated to music and the joy it brings to generations of fans.

Slade’s farewell tour promises to be a nostalgic celebration of their rich history and an opportunity for fans to relive the magic of their music. For those interested in attending, tickets and tour dates can be found at davehillslade.com/tour-dates.