Slade

Slade is a British rock band from Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. The group forms in 1966 and develops from an earlier act called the N'Betweens, which starts out playing rhythm and blues. The line-up includes Noddy Holder on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Dave Hill on lead guitar, Jim Lea on bass, and Don Powell on drums. The band later records and performs under the name Ambrose Slade before shortening the name to Slade.

Style and development

Slade works in glam rock, hard rock and rock. In the late 1960s, the band connects with manager Chas Chandler, who helps steer them towards a heavier sound. Their live performances make use of clapping and stamping, which becomes part of their style.

Commercial success

The band has major chart success in the UK between 1971 and 1975, with a run of hit singles and albums. It achieves 12 top-five UK hits between 1971 and 1974, and six of those reach number one. Across 1971 to 1976, the band has 17 UK top-20 hits, including six number ones, three number twos and two number threes. The song Merry Xmas Everybody reaches the charts repeatedly after first topping them in 1973.

Later years

As its commercial peak passes, Slade continues to release records and returns to the UK charts in the early 1980s. The band also enters the United States charts, with Run Runaway reaching number 20 after Quiet Riot records a cover of Cum On Feel the Noize. The classic line-up splits in 1992, although Dave Hill and Don Powell continue.