Hiya Dave,
I don't know how I,ve missed your website, unless it's fairly new. I, like yourself am a massive Slade fan, and they were such a huge part of my life in the seventies and eighties. My childhood memories are related to what single was out at the time, or what album. I was born in 62 in hull, so I was a bit young to see them around the 71-74 period when they were at the height of their fame, but saw them 6 times between 76 and 83, the best of which were the Donnington festival which the lads absolutely stormed, the Mayfair in Newcastle in 81 which was a renowned heavy metal venue, and a little gig at a pub near chesterfield called the Shoulder of Mutton. I also saw them twice in hull, and at the city hall in Newcastle when they recorded 'Slade on Stage'.
Noddy has always been my hero and im really envious that youve met him. His stage presence, and voice make him by far the best live singer I,ve ever seen (Ian Gillan would have been the next best) and he just comes across as so genuine and intelligent. I really wished he'd made a solo accoustic album after The Grimleys. I'm going to see the new Slade at Cheltenham, but Im prepared to be disappointed although I'll give Don and Dave and the two new boys my support.
My wife is long suffering like yours, and it's difficult for people to understand the uniqueness of supporting Slade. I support Hull City and Liverpool, and supporting Slade was the same as supporting a football team. Once bitten, you're there for life. I like AC/DC and Oasis and a few blues bands but they just aren't the same. I know you know what I mean from reading your website.
Anyway if you want to stay in touch, I'm always happy to banter. Got a dog this year for the first time in my life. Of course he's called Noddy !!
Cheers Col
AND>>>
Hi again Dave.
Didn't know about the 'Evening with Nod' things, I'm on it now, will let you know how I get on.
That gig at the pub near Chesterfield (Hardstoft to be precise) was Xmas when My Oh My was at no.2 in the charts. 500 tickets were sold and 500 more pushed in making it a thousand in a pretty small venue. the place was wrecked. I went back 15 years later for a pub meal and the guy behind the bar had started his first nite 15 years earlier on the Slade night. It was a legendary night that had not gone down too well with the locals. I live in Worcs now in a town called Evesham.
Cheers pal
Col