GALLERIES 2012
Dave Hill gets a Starbucks - April 2012
Report on An Evening With Dave Hill
PMT, Birmingham - 25 April 2012
I drove from Cambridgeshire in torrential rain and arrived in Birmingham around 5pm.
I met with my mates Mark Smith and Richard Bradford from Notts at PMT (Professional Music Technology) Workshop and had a quick look round.
The shop was very impressive – and the staff were chatty and friendly. Around 100 chairs were laid out in the main room for the evening event. (I thought that this was a bit light, as I understood
200-250 tickets had been sold).
I then went off to Scruffy Murphy’s pub (about a mile away) for a few beers. Met up with Simon
Harvey, John Gibbings, Di Daley, Nomis, Dave Jewell, Steve Knight, Julie Bobsmum and several others…. A fleet of cabs were organised to ferry everyone back to PMT. Grabbed a quick pizza, bumped into Trev West from Nottingham and then went into the venue. By this time (7.45pm) the hall was packed, all seats taken and loads of people were standing (there must have been about 200 people there). It was really good that several people came and said hello (Perry Bennett, Steve Bevis, Jonothon Bebbington and Tony Hibbert). I could see that Chris Selby, Gaz Jordan and Martin Brooks had got in early and taken some good seats! I therefore decided to plonk myself down on the floor at the front, and Lady Starduzt joined me. I sat with Gwen Dale and Glenn, Claire Gibbons, and Di Daley sitting behind me.
(Lady Starduzt mentioned that Dave had agreed to a 15 minute interview, before the event, for her radio show on Brighton and Hove Community Radio. However, they talked for 2 hours! Look out for the tapes being broadcast folks).
Dave arrived – and sat on stage on a comfy sofa with a guy called Gary Chapman, the PMT store owner. Dave was dressed in a black leather jacket, snakeskin boots and a stetson hat. He wore a shirt that was so new that he hadn't buttoned it up properly - and Gwen had to make him aware that he was "doing a Judy Finnegan" - and to button up!
Gary didn’t really interview Dave, but just prompted him to talk about his career. It seems that Gary has known Dave for years. Gary was in a Birmingham music shop years ago when Dave was in there selling his Super Yob guitar. Gary told how the guitar was eventually sold to Marco Pirroni (from Adam and the Ants). (The guitar is currently on display at the Great British Music Exhibition at the O2 - Dave said he realises now it was a bad decision to sell the iconic guitar...).
I met with my mates Mark Smith and Richard Bradford from Notts at PMT (Professional Music Technology) Workshop and had a quick look round.
The shop was very impressive – and the staff were chatty and friendly. Around 100 chairs were laid out in the main room for the evening event. (I thought that this was a bit light, as I understood
200-250 tickets had been sold).
I then went off to Scruffy Murphy’s pub (about a mile away) for a few beers. Met up with Simon
Harvey, John Gibbings, Di Daley, Nomis, Dave Jewell, Steve Knight, Julie Bobsmum and several others…. A fleet of cabs were organised to ferry everyone back to PMT. Grabbed a quick pizza, bumped into Trev West from Nottingham and then went into the venue. By this time (7.45pm) the hall was packed, all seats taken and loads of people were standing (there must have been about 200 people there). It was really good that several people came and said hello (Perry Bennett, Steve Bevis, Jonothon Bebbington and Tony Hibbert). I could see that Chris Selby, Gaz Jordan and Martin Brooks had got in early and taken some good seats! I therefore decided to plonk myself down on the floor at the front, and Lady Starduzt joined me. I sat with Gwen Dale and Glenn, Claire Gibbons, and Di Daley sitting behind me.
(Lady Starduzt mentioned that Dave had agreed to a 15 minute interview, before the event, for her radio show on Brighton and Hove Community Radio. However, they talked for 2 hours! Look out for the tapes being broadcast folks).
Dave arrived – and sat on stage on a comfy sofa with a guy called Gary Chapman, the PMT store owner. Dave was dressed in a black leather jacket, snakeskin boots and a stetson hat. He wore a shirt that was so new that he hadn't buttoned it up properly - and Gwen had to make him aware that he was "doing a Judy Finnegan" - and to button up!
Gary didn’t really interview Dave, but just prompted him to talk about his career. It seems that Gary has known Dave for years. Gary was in a Birmingham music shop years ago when Dave was in there selling his Super Yob guitar. Gary told how the guitar was eventually sold to Marco Pirroni (from Adam and the Ants). (The guitar is currently on display at the Great British Music Exhibition at the O2 - Dave said he realises now it was a bad decision to sell the iconic guitar...).
I must say that Dave looked really well. He seemed to have trimmed up and was in good spirits, friendly and really pleased to see everyone.
Dave chatted through his career. He spent quite some time talking through the early days and how he met up with the other three from Slade. He discussed the band's early trips to Germany and their 3 month stay in the Bahamas. He talked fondly of Slade Manager, Chas Chandler. It became apparent that Chas had a key role in many of the major decisions that Slade made. He often used to have grind Dave Hill into submission regarding several propositions! (This was especially the case with the Reading Festival. Dave said how Nod phoned him, as he couldn't believe Chas had persuaded him to
change his mind about not performing - as Dave had been adamant not to).
Lots of interesting stuff came out including:-
Nod and Jim – Dave says he only thinks positively about Nod and Jim. He says that he deals with not being with them now by concentrating on the positive aspect of what meeting them did for his life.
He talked about how he decided to leave his office job at Tarmac - after he had been pulled in to the HR office, as his hair had grown to an "unacceptable" length! He said that years later, when he was
famous, he used to see ex-colleagues going in to work at Tarmac. Although he wouldn't want to knock their lifestyles, he thought it was quite a shame as that they were doing the same daily routine – whereas his career had “given him the World”.
He confirmed that Slade had been offered an appearance at Live Aid. They declined performing as the "dynamic" within the band had changed – and that Nod had decided the year before not to
tour anymore.
Slade (2) – will be doing a UK November / December Tour (to be announced soon) – and the DVD of the concert at Koko in Camden will be released soon.
At some stage Dave will write an autobiography – and at this stage will give more of an insight into what went on within the band.
How Dave had the best feeling in the world when Coz I Luv You went to No1. He said the first No1 is always the best – especially as all Slade members didn’t agree with Chas about the release of that song as a follow up to GD&GWI. They all wanted a more rockier song to be released…
How Dave took an acetate of Coz I Luv You home and his parents thought it was special and his
Sister said that hearing it “made the hair on the back of her neck stand up”. At this stage Dave knew it was a special song.
Dave spoke about how one of the band’s lucky moments was at the Lincoln Festival in 1972. It was the actor Stanley Baker (of the Zulu movie fame) who organised the event and pushed for Slade to
appear. They had never been a festival band before this. Dave said there was torrential rain for the three days of the event (much like the rain on the day of the PMT event) – but the rain broke and sun shined just as Slade came onstage. They won the audience over – and this was a special moment in Slade’s history.
Dave has loved every minute of his career and still really enjoys being on the road.
Clothes – Dave has not regretted any of the outfits that he has worn!
Haircut – Dave said that his famous haircut was fashioned on the “Paige Boy” style – and adapted. He liked the fact that the fringe was high – so he could put glitter on his forehead.
Glitter on Dave’s face – Dave got the idea of glitter from Marc Bolan’s glitter “tear” on his face. He said that Marc was so good looking – Marc and Mickey Finn were the duo that everyone wanted to
photograph in the 70’s...
SuperYob Guitar – the idea for the guitar came from Dave’s clothes designers (the Megsons). He said they designed his Super Yob stage clothes – and said that it would be good for him to have a guitar to
match. John Birch designed the Super Yob originally in black. Chas didn’t like it – as it couldn’t be seen when shown on telly. John Birch then changed the colouring to silver…
Dave chatted through his career. He spent quite some time talking through the early days and how he met up with the other three from Slade. He discussed the band's early trips to Germany and their 3 month stay in the Bahamas. He talked fondly of Slade Manager, Chas Chandler. It became apparent that Chas had a key role in many of the major decisions that Slade made. He often used to have grind Dave Hill into submission regarding several propositions! (This was especially the case with the Reading Festival. Dave said how Nod phoned him, as he couldn't believe Chas had persuaded him to
change his mind about not performing - as Dave had been adamant not to).
Lots of interesting stuff came out including:-
Nod and Jim – Dave says he only thinks positively about Nod and Jim. He says that he deals with not being with them now by concentrating on the positive aspect of what meeting them did for his life.
He talked about how he decided to leave his office job at Tarmac - after he had been pulled in to the HR office, as his hair had grown to an "unacceptable" length! He said that years later, when he was
famous, he used to see ex-colleagues going in to work at Tarmac. Although he wouldn't want to knock their lifestyles, he thought it was quite a shame as that they were doing the same daily routine – whereas his career had “given him the World”.
He confirmed that Slade had been offered an appearance at Live Aid. They declined performing as the "dynamic" within the band had changed – and that Nod had decided the year before not to
tour anymore.
Slade (2) – will be doing a UK November / December Tour (to be announced soon) – and the DVD of the concert at Koko in Camden will be released soon.
At some stage Dave will write an autobiography – and at this stage will give more of an insight into what went on within the band.
How Dave had the best feeling in the world when Coz I Luv You went to No1. He said the first No1 is always the best – especially as all Slade members didn’t agree with Chas about the release of that song as a follow up to GD&GWI. They all wanted a more rockier song to be released…
How Dave took an acetate of Coz I Luv You home and his parents thought it was special and his
Sister said that hearing it “made the hair on the back of her neck stand up”. At this stage Dave knew it was a special song.
Dave spoke about how one of the band’s lucky moments was at the Lincoln Festival in 1972. It was the actor Stanley Baker (of the Zulu movie fame) who organised the event and pushed for Slade to
appear. They had never been a festival band before this. Dave said there was torrential rain for the three days of the event (much like the rain on the day of the PMT event) – but the rain broke and sun shined just as Slade came onstage. They won the audience over – and this was a special moment in Slade’s history.
Dave has loved every minute of his career and still really enjoys being on the road.
Clothes – Dave has not regretted any of the outfits that he has worn!
Haircut – Dave said that his famous haircut was fashioned on the “Paige Boy” style – and adapted. He liked the fact that the fringe was high – so he could put glitter on his forehead.
Glitter on Dave’s face – Dave got the idea of glitter from Marc Bolan’s glitter “tear” on his face. He said that Marc was so good looking – Marc and Mickey Finn were the duo that everyone wanted to
photograph in the 70’s...
SuperYob Guitar – the idea for the guitar came from Dave’s clothes designers (the Megsons). He said they designed his Super Yob stage clothes – and said that it would be good for him to have a guitar to
match. John Birch designed the Super Yob originally in black. Chas didn’t like it – as it couldn’t be seen when shown on telly. John Birch then changed the colouring to silver…
Dave spoke a lot more – and it was all interesting stuff. A Questions and Answer session followed at the end.
I asked a question, and Dave recognised me under my baseball cap. He said to the audience how I used to stay with his Dad when I was a teenager. He knew that I used to go through his wardrobe and try on his old stage gear! He must have looked at this website - as he said there were some pics on here of me in his clothes. (Thanks Dave!)
The question I asked Dave was about Don's tragic accident in 1973. I wanted to find out how he was actually informed of the crash - and if he ever thought Don would have made the recovery that he did.
Dave said that the night of the crash (for some reason) he was staying at his parent's house in
Wolverhampton. A phone call came through in the middle of the night - saying that Don had been in a car crash. At first, Dave thought it was just a "bump" - but then the caller went on to say ".....and his girlfriend's dead." At this stage Dave knew it was really serious.
Dave said that when he was allowed to visit Don in hospital a few day's later it seemed surreal. Don was concious, but had facial injuries and half his head was shaved - where he had undergone surgery. He recalled that Don was sitting up in bed joking - while being plugged in to all sorts of machines. When Don eventually got behind a drum kit - he became obvious that he couldn't remember the songs. Dave thought "What the hell are we going to do?" He never imagined he could make the recovery that he luckily did...
Finally Dave had time to sign autographs / pose for photos with everyone who wanted to meet
him.
Virtually everyone who attended got to spend some time with Dave. Loads of autographs were signed and tons of photos were taken - and one fan got him to record a "get well" video message for Suzi Quatro, who has broken her leg.
It was a great night. I had a quick pint in the pub opposite - as I had to drive back to Cambridge for work (job losses were being announced the next day - and I had to be there). It seems many attendees arranged to stay in local hotels - and they drank and had a partyed into the early hours! A good time was had by one and all....
Many thanks to Mr H for agreeing to do this event. The fans were really respectful and grateful to
Dave for attending. Roll on the next one.
I asked a question, and Dave recognised me under my baseball cap. He said to the audience how I used to stay with his Dad when I was a teenager. He knew that I used to go through his wardrobe and try on his old stage gear! He must have looked at this website - as he said there were some pics on here of me in his clothes. (Thanks Dave!)
The question I asked Dave was about Don's tragic accident in 1973. I wanted to find out how he was actually informed of the crash - and if he ever thought Don would have made the recovery that he did.
Dave said that the night of the crash (for some reason) he was staying at his parent's house in
Wolverhampton. A phone call came through in the middle of the night - saying that Don had been in a car crash. At first, Dave thought it was just a "bump" - but then the caller went on to say ".....and his girlfriend's dead." At this stage Dave knew it was really serious.
Dave said that when he was allowed to visit Don in hospital a few day's later it seemed surreal. Don was concious, but had facial injuries and half his head was shaved - where he had undergone surgery. He recalled that Don was sitting up in bed joking - while being plugged in to all sorts of machines. When Don eventually got behind a drum kit - he became obvious that he couldn't remember the songs. Dave thought "What the hell are we going to do?" He never imagined he could make the recovery that he luckily did...
Finally Dave had time to sign autographs / pose for photos with everyone who wanted to meet
him.
Virtually everyone who attended got to spend some time with Dave. Loads of autographs were signed and tons of photos were taken - and one fan got him to record a "get well" video message for Suzi Quatro, who has broken her leg.
It was a great night. I had a quick pint in the pub opposite - as I had to drive back to Cambridge for work (job losses were being announced the next day - and I had to be there). It seems many attendees arranged to stay in local hotels - and they drank and had a partyed into the early hours! A good time was had by one and all....
Many thanks to Mr H for agreeing to do this event. The fans were really respectful and grateful to
Dave for attending. Roll on the next one.
Gallery of Dave Hill at PMT - 25 April 2012
Photos: Dave Kemp
Photos: Mark Smith
Photos: Dave Jewell
Other Videos from PMT
Thanks to Mark Lion
Photos: PMT Birmingham - Facebook page
Noddy Holder at Komedia, Brighton - 7 June 2012
John Berry's Photo
My mate JB bumped into Nod going into the Komedia venue with his wife Suzan and Briggy Smale. JB was aware that Nod had been to see the Mrs Brown's Boys show at the BIC in Bournemouth - and they talked about the event before Noddy needed to comb his hair and get ready......
My mate JB bumped into Nod going into the Komedia venue with his wife Suzan and Briggy Smale. JB was aware that Nod had been to see the Mrs Brown's Boys show at the BIC in Bournemouth - and they talked about the event before Noddy needed to comb his hair and get ready......
Gwen Dale's Photos
Kevin Crouch's pictures
Other photos..
Dave Hill - Birmingham International Airport - 9 June 2012
Dave Hill - signed guitar - 2012
Noddy and Suzan at M.E.N. Diary Party - September 2012
Noddy (with Lynsey De Paul) hosting Marc Bolan Memorial Concert, Shepherd's Bush Empire - 15 September 2012
What a great host Noddy Holder was for the Marc Bolan Memorial Concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 15th September 2012.
Nod co-hosted the event with Chas Chandler's ex-partner, Lynsey De Paul.
Performers included:- Boy George, Alvin Stardust, Marc Almond, Tony Visconti, Howie Casey, Glen Matlock, Steve Harley, Linda Lewis, Sandie Shaw and, of course, T.Rextasy.
View the video below to see the warm welcome that Nod received from the 1,700 Bolan fans.
Nod co-hosted the event with Chas Chandler's ex-partner, Lynsey De Paul.
Performers included:- Boy George, Alvin Stardust, Marc Almond, Tony Visconti, Howie Casey, Glen Matlock, Steve Harley, Linda Lewis, Sandie Shaw and, of course, T.Rextasy.
View the video below to see the warm welcome that Nod received from the 1,700 Bolan fans.
Photos below by Nigel Hart
Don attends the exhibition of Jorgen Angel's Rock Photos - in Arhus, Denmark - September 2012
Slade and Sweet UK Tour - November - December 2012
Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall - 7 November 2012
Just back from seeing the opening night of the Slade / Sweet Tour. I travelled to Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall.
Why did I want to go to this one?
1) It was opening night.
2) Wanted to catch up with Dave and Don
3) Most importantly needed to catch up with my old mate, Paul Lythe.
I knew Paul from the 1980’s (when we both ran the fan club at various times). I have kept in touch over the years (phone calls, emails etc) – but Paul reminded me that the last time we met was at Walsall Town Hall in 1991…. 21 years ago.
It was great to catch up. Paul lives just outside Margate – so the trip to Folkestone was fairly easy for him. I found with Paul that we just carried on as if we'd last met only a week ago.... I think that you can do that with real friends.
The show
Be careful - get to the show early it you want to see Sweet. Tickets gave the showtime of 7.30 - and Sweet were onstage at 7.30 - prompt.
Sweet opened. I was impressed. Great sound. Nice vocals and harmonies. Tight. Andy Scott’s band played some cover songs that you would never have expected. Were onstage for an hour – then signed CDs and allowed photos to be taken with them at the side of the stage.
Slade. No surprises really with the set. Were quite polished and quite loud. Onstage for just over an hour.
Hall - lovely old venue. A bit weird, it's on a cliffside. You enter at street level and then go down several levels into the venue to get to the hall. The hall isn't the classic rectangle shape - it's a wide hall, but has very small depth. A good crowd - seats at the sides all taken, standing was quite busy.
Merchandise – Black Slade T-Shirts and Tour Programmes were £5.
Chatted with Gwen Dale and Jane, and also Steve Bevis from Taunton and his wife Jackie after the show. (Amazingly Steve was wearing the superb denim jacket from 1981, that I featured in the Fan Club Magazine Nov-Dec 1981. The one with the stiched Slade Alive cover on the back).
Why did I want to go to this one?
1) It was opening night.
2) Wanted to catch up with Dave and Don
3) Most importantly needed to catch up with my old mate, Paul Lythe.
I knew Paul from the 1980’s (when we both ran the fan club at various times). I have kept in touch over the years (phone calls, emails etc) – but Paul reminded me that the last time we met was at Walsall Town Hall in 1991…. 21 years ago.
It was great to catch up. Paul lives just outside Margate – so the trip to Folkestone was fairly easy for him. I found with Paul that we just carried on as if we'd last met only a week ago.... I think that you can do that with real friends.
The show
Be careful - get to the show early it you want to see Sweet. Tickets gave the showtime of 7.30 - and Sweet were onstage at 7.30 - prompt.
Sweet opened. I was impressed. Great sound. Nice vocals and harmonies. Tight. Andy Scott’s band played some cover songs that you would never have expected. Were onstage for an hour – then signed CDs and allowed photos to be taken with them at the side of the stage.
Slade. No surprises really with the set. Were quite polished and quite loud. Onstage for just over an hour.
Hall - lovely old venue. A bit weird, it's on a cliffside. You enter at street level and then go down several levels into the venue to get to the hall. The hall isn't the classic rectangle shape - it's a wide hall, but has very small depth. A good crowd - seats at the sides all taken, standing was quite busy.
Merchandise – Black Slade T-Shirts and Tour Programmes were £5.
Chatted with Gwen Dale and Jane, and also Steve Bevis from Taunton and his wife Jackie after the show. (Amazingly Steve was wearing the superb denim jacket from 1981, that I featured in the Fan Club Magazine Nov-Dec 1981. The one with the stiched Slade Alive cover on the back).
Steve bevis - and his jacket - with wife Jackie
After Show
Paul Lythe and I got to have a few drinks with Don at his hotel. The band don’t seem to hang around after the gigs anymore. Don messaged me that he was sitting in his hotel bar – while I was still chatting in the venue…
Don drank pots of tea, whilst Paul and me had beer or two (not a good idea after drinking numerous glasses of wine during the show)…. Result – a raging head this morning.
Don said the tour didn't start too well for him. He flew from Denmark to London on Tuesday evening. He was then due to travel by train straight to Folkestone to crash in a hotel - ready to spend the whole day on Wednesday rehearsing the show at the Leas Cliff Hall.
However, his flight was delayed from Denmark. It arrived in the early hours - meaning that the train service had closed for the evening. Result - Don had to catch a cab from Stansted to Folkestone. Cost - £200!
Paul Lythe and I got to have a few drinks with Don at his hotel. The band don’t seem to hang around after the gigs anymore. Don messaged me that he was sitting in his hotel bar – while I was still chatting in the venue…
Don drank pots of tea, whilst Paul and me had beer or two (not a good idea after drinking numerous glasses of wine during the show)…. Result – a raging head this morning.
Don said the tour didn't start too well for him. He flew from Denmark to London on Tuesday evening. He was then due to travel by train straight to Folkestone to crash in a hotel - ready to spend the whole day on Wednesday rehearsing the show at the Leas Cliff Hall.
However, his flight was delayed from Denmark. It arrived in the early hours - meaning that the train service had closed for the evening. Result - Don had to catch a cab from Stansted to Folkestone. Cost - £200!
Photos below - Paul Lythe
Travel home - 8 November 2012
I had an entertaining journey back to London with Dave Hill and Don this morning (Thursday 8th Nov) on the high-speed train link Folkestone to St Pancras. Both were in good spirits and it was a great journey. (Dave and Don carried on from St Pancras by train to Nottingham - I went from nearby Kings Cross by train to home, on the Peterborough route).
We were chatting in the Waiting Room, before our train arrived, and were joined by a crowd of middle-aged women. After they listened to our conversation for a few minutes – they suddenly realised they were with rock royalty – SLADE. Countless autographs were given. Don joked about and told them that I was Nod. A couple of women asked me for autographs – as if!!
I had an entertaining journey back to London with Dave Hill and Don this morning (Thursday 8th Nov) on the high-speed train link Folkestone to St Pancras. Both were in good spirits and it was a great journey. (Dave and Don carried on from St Pancras by train to Nottingham - I went from nearby Kings Cross by train to home, on the Peterborough route).
We were chatting in the Waiting Room, before our train arrived, and were joined by a crowd of middle-aged women. After they listened to our conversation for a few minutes – they suddenly realised they were with rock royalty – SLADE. Countless autographs were given. Don joked about and told them that I was Nod. A couple of women asked me for autographs – as if!!
Photos below: Folkestone Central Station waiting room
Discussion
The journey meant I had time to have to a good conversation with Dave and Don:
Dave mentioned how he loved the high-speed trains to St Pancras. Likened them to the Bullet Train they travelled on in Japan at the start of ’74. Dave touched on how they loved the four shows they did there. He loved the country. He mentioned that the famous outfit he wore on Top Of The Pops for Everyday was designed primarily by Steve Megson for the Japanese shows. It was to represent a modern-day kimono.
The journey meant I had time to have to a good conversation with Dave and Don:
Dave mentioned how he loved the high-speed trains to St Pancras. Likened them to the Bullet Train they travelled on in Japan at the start of ’74. Dave touched on how they loved the four shows they did there. He loved the country. He mentioned that the famous outfit he wore on Top Of The Pops for Everyday was designed primarily by Steve Megson for the Japanese shows. It was to represent a modern-day kimono.
Dave's kimono for the Japanese Tour - 1974
Dave said how he was impressed in visiting the temples in Japan. He told how he was wearing his “Dollar” platform shoes – and asked to take them off and leave them as he visited one temple. He however insisted on carrying them round during the visit – as there were many fans present and was certain they would get knicked!
I asked Don about the question Tony Hibbert had raised on the "Slade - they were unique..." Facebook Page about the lyrics to Far Far Away. He confirmed the misunderstood lyric in the lines "The Grand Bahama island stories carry on; And all those ?????? smiles stay in your memory for a while" - is ARIGATO (Japanese for THANK YOU). This line was based on their Japanese trip from 1974.
We talked about the set for the new tour. Slade have just over an hour onstage and Dave explained how difficult it is fitting everything in. He asked the chart positions of Look Wot You Dun, Stan and Gudbuy T’Jane – because he wanted to be sure to play the bigger hits. (At present Look Wot You Dun, a #4 hit, is favoured over Gudbuy T’Jane, a #2 hit – but this may change).
I said that it would be great if the band played at least one lesser hit – just for a change for the British fans. Dave said that in Norway they rehearsed My Friend Stan – but they didn’t go with it. Don confirmed that “it just didn’t sound right”. However, Dave mentioned that as Nobody’s Fools was a big album in Russia they are constantly asked by Russian fans to play In For A Penny (and Ooh La La in LA). They are considering doing this in Europe – watch this space.
I questioned that I thought the live DVD from the Koko Show in London (Dec 2011) was supposed to be sold on this tour. And I didn't see it on display last night. Dave mentioned the DVD is still being finished (delays!). The producers are doing the end credits - and then it needs to be approved by Dave and Don before release. Dave said he is hopeful that later shows on the tour will have the DVD for sale on the merchandise stall. (Also, the DVD will be sold at subsequent European dates).
Dave and Don are both looking forward to the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre show next week. Dave's family and Don's brother, wife and kids will be there. Dave recalled how when they played The Alex before that the sound in the venue is perfect - and that that concert was the last one Don's Mum ever went to.
Don intends to fly back to Denmark a couple of times during breaks in the tour. His dog Rocky really misses him when he's away! (Let's hope he doesn't have any more £200 cab bills when he returns to the UK).
We discussed how when the original Slade played the Dundee Caird Hall there was a riot by the fans. And how the band had real difficulty getting out of the venue. Dave cannot recall the hall - but is looking forward to seeing the place again. Dave was aware that there is no London gig again this time - one was supposed to get organised, but it just hasn't happened.
Dave and Don laughed about how Nod had got Slade banned for a couple years from performing in Glasgow (or was it Aberdeen?) - by his foul language upsetting elder Scottish statesmen. Don even recalled that his Dad even commented "Why exactly does Nod have to use that language?!" With age both Dave and Don can now see his point....They don't feel bad language is necessary on stage.
Don told how he was passed an interesting email from Monika and Ilpo (who run the Slade 40 Years website). It was from a guy called Randall Worthington from the Bahamas. This guy was a fan of the band when they were in the Bahamas – and knew them well at the time - and went to all the shows.
This guy had tracked the band when they became famous - but until now never knew how to get in touch. At first Don couldn’t remember him – but Don asked the guy to send some photos of himself from that time. Don then recognised him instantly – he then remembered the band nicknamed him Randy Randy! Anyway, Don has been in touch constantly since by email. Don and Hanna have been invited by Randy to a big celebration party in the Bahamas in 2014 – and they are intending to go.
Don said he has always been reluctant to return to the Bahamas due to the massive bar debt the band left in the 1960’s. However, the authorities have cleared with him that this matter was never registered with the Police – so he is welcome to travel there.
We talked about the death yesterday of actor Clive Dunn. Both Dave and Don are big Dad’s Army fans – and were saddened by his death. This discussion then sparked a conversation about death in general and the passing of several Slade family members. (A sad but nice discussion).
Dave said that next year is his and Jan’s 40th wedding anniversary – he is making some special plans.
Concerts - Don recently went to see the Lionel Richie and Bruce Springsteen gigs in Denmark. Richie was "brilliant" and Springsteen "more than brilliant". Springsteen did a 3 hour set - and didn't lose the audience once. Don told how Springsteen's show rider insists that he is given Steak and Chips to eat as soon as he leaves stage. (He loses so much energy doing the show - that he needs to replinish his strength straight away when the show's over). Also, Don has been to see the Four Seasons musical "Jersey Boys" in London and was highly impressed. He wants to see "Rock Of Ages" in London too - especially as he knows Cum On Feel The Noize is featured.
We talked about some of the iconic Slade clothes and the British Music Experience at the O2 Arena in London. Dave said that all music fans must go – it’s really good, and the original Super Yob guitar is there on display. He said that when the organizer visited him, he asked if Dave could possibly lend him some of his iconic stage gear. Dave said that he owns none of it anymore.
I mentioned to him that all his Super Yob outfits are still around, together with the chevron coat used at Earl’s Court in 1973. (They are owned by a fan – given to them by Steve Megson). Dave was amazed. He says there is not a lot of his old gear around. I told him how Nomis from Leeds bought a green outfit on ebay that he wore for Merry Xmas Everybody on Top Of The Pops in 1973. (Dave gave the outfit to a neighbour's kid to wear in a fancy dress - the neighbour sold it years later). Dave was pleased it has a good home. I said that I own his Run Runaway coat - and that it will remain wrapped and preserved forever!
Don added that he used to have a lot of his iconic stage gear from the 70’s – right up to when he moved to West Hampstead in the 1980's. He then dumped it all. Both Dave and Don really regret not keeping some of these items (and especially Dave’s Super Yob guitar). But they never thought they would have been of such interest all these years later!
The guys also mentioned that Nod was asked to contribute his mirrored top hat to the O2 exhibition but declined. Apparently, it is heavily insured – and stored in a padded box in a vault. The insurers would not let it be used – as it would invalidate the insurance.
I asked Don about the question Tony Hibbert had raised on the "Slade - they were unique..." Facebook Page about the lyrics to Far Far Away. He confirmed the misunderstood lyric in the lines "The Grand Bahama island stories carry on; And all those ?????? smiles stay in your memory for a while" - is ARIGATO (Japanese for THANK YOU). This line was based on their Japanese trip from 1974.
We talked about the set for the new tour. Slade have just over an hour onstage and Dave explained how difficult it is fitting everything in. He asked the chart positions of Look Wot You Dun, Stan and Gudbuy T’Jane – because he wanted to be sure to play the bigger hits. (At present Look Wot You Dun, a #4 hit, is favoured over Gudbuy T’Jane, a #2 hit – but this may change).
I said that it would be great if the band played at least one lesser hit – just for a change for the British fans. Dave said that in Norway they rehearsed My Friend Stan – but they didn’t go with it. Don confirmed that “it just didn’t sound right”. However, Dave mentioned that as Nobody’s Fools was a big album in Russia they are constantly asked by Russian fans to play In For A Penny (and Ooh La La in LA). They are considering doing this in Europe – watch this space.
I questioned that I thought the live DVD from the Koko Show in London (Dec 2011) was supposed to be sold on this tour. And I didn't see it on display last night. Dave mentioned the DVD is still being finished (delays!). The producers are doing the end credits - and then it needs to be approved by Dave and Don before release. Dave said he is hopeful that later shows on the tour will have the DVD for sale on the merchandise stall. (Also, the DVD will be sold at subsequent European dates).
Dave and Don are both looking forward to the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre show next week. Dave's family and Don's brother, wife and kids will be there. Dave recalled how when they played The Alex before that the sound in the venue is perfect - and that that concert was the last one Don's Mum ever went to.
Don intends to fly back to Denmark a couple of times during breaks in the tour. His dog Rocky really misses him when he's away! (Let's hope he doesn't have any more £200 cab bills when he returns to the UK).
We discussed how when the original Slade played the Dundee Caird Hall there was a riot by the fans. And how the band had real difficulty getting out of the venue. Dave cannot recall the hall - but is looking forward to seeing the place again. Dave was aware that there is no London gig again this time - one was supposed to get organised, but it just hasn't happened.
Dave and Don laughed about how Nod had got Slade banned for a couple years from performing in Glasgow (or was it Aberdeen?) - by his foul language upsetting elder Scottish statesmen. Don even recalled that his Dad even commented "Why exactly does Nod have to use that language?!" With age both Dave and Don can now see his point....They don't feel bad language is necessary on stage.
Don told how he was passed an interesting email from Monika and Ilpo (who run the Slade 40 Years website). It was from a guy called Randall Worthington from the Bahamas. This guy was a fan of the band when they were in the Bahamas – and knew them well at the time - and went to all the shows.
This guy had tracked the band when they became famous - but until now never knew how to get in touch. At first Don couldn’t remember him – but Don asked the guy to send some photos of himself from that time. Don then recognised him instantly – he then remembered the band nicknamed him Randy Randy! Anyway, Don has been in touch constantly since by email. Don and Hanna have been invited by Randy to a big celebration party in the Bahamas in 2014 – and they are intending to go.
Don said he has always been reluctant to return to the Bahamas due to the massive bar debt the band left in the 1960’s. However, the authorities have cleared with him that this matter was never registered with the Police – so he is welcome to travel there.
We talked about the death yesterday of actor Clive Dunn. Both Dave and Don are big Dad’s Army fans – and were saddened by his death. This discussion then sparked a conversation about death in general and the passing of several Slade family members. (A sad but nice discussion).
Dave said that next year is his and Jan’s 40th wedding anniversary – he is making some special plans.
Concerts - Don recently went to see the Lionel Richie and Bruce Springsteen gigs in Denmark. Richie was "brilliant" and Springsteen "more than brilliant". Springsteen did a 3 hour set - and didn't lose the audience once. Don told how Springsteen's show rider insists that he is given Steak and Chips to eat as soon as he leaves stage. (He loses so much energy doing the show - that he needs to replinish his strength straight away when the show's over). Also, Don has been to see the Four Seasons musical "Jersey Boys" in London and was highly impressed. He wants to see "Rock Of Ages" in London too - especially as he knows Cum On Feel The Noize is featured.
We talked about some of the iconic Slade clothes and the British Music Experience at the O2 Arena in London. Dave said that all music fans must go – it’s really good, and the original Super Yob guitar is there on display. He said that when the organizer visited him, he asked if Dave could possibly lend him some of his iconic stage gear. Dave said that he owns none of it anymore.
I mentioned to him that all his Super Yob outfits are still around, together with the chevron coat used at Earl’s Court in 1973. (They are owned by a fan – given to them by Steve Megson). Dave was amazed. He says there is not a lot of his old gear around. I told him how Nomis from Leeds bought a green outfit on ebay that he wore for Merry Xmas Everybody on Top Of The Pops in 1973. (Dave gave the outfit to a neighbour's kid to wear in a fancy dress - the neighbour sold it years later). Dave was pleased it has a good home. I said that I own his Run Runaway coat - and that it will remain wrapped and preserved forever!
Don added that he used to have a lot of his iconic stage gear from the 70’s – right up to when he moved to West Hampstead in the 1980's. He then dumped it all. Both Dave and Don really regret not keeping some of these items (and especially Dave’s Super Yob guitar). But they never thought they would have been of such interest all these years later!
The guys also mentioned that Nod was asked to contribute his mirrored top hat to the O2 exhibition but declined. Apparently, it is heavily insured – and stored in a padded box in a vault. The insurers would not let it be used – as it would invalidate the insurance.
Me and H on the train
All the Slade guys usually get together before Xmas for a party organised by Keith Altham for all his old clients (The Shadows, Status Quo and numerous others go). This year the date clashes with the Slade Tour – so unfortunately Dave and Don cannot attend.
We talked about the old Slade road-crew. Don mentioned that Dave Donovan runs a music shop in Stoubridge - whilst his old drum roadie, Will, runs a pub near me in Cambridge. I must check him out.
We talked about Flame the movie. I mentioned that I was at the Battersea Arts Centre (previously called the Battersea Town Hal) a month ago – and I realised that this place was used in the movie for Dave Hill’s (or Barry’s) Birthday Party. Both Dave and Don have no recollection really of any of the locations for the shoots in the movie. They were just ushered to the locations by car and didn’t really pay much attention to where they were. However, Don said that the train sequence was shot in an actual running train – that just travelled back and forth a mile or so on a piece of track. It was only in recent years that he realised that in the background you can see a building…. And this building was bizarrely the pub that he later used to run with his then girlfriend, Diane, in Tenterden in Kent…
Don also said about Flame that the scene in the Police Station toilet with Alan Lake. He said that Alan ad-libbed with the picking up of the plate when the nearby toilet was flushed. He recalled that it was so funny that they decided to keep it in.
Also, Don remembered that one of the takes outside the Grand Hotel in Brighton was ruined as one of the guests opened a window and screamed “Do you bloody mind – I’m trying to get some sleep”!
Autobiographies - Don said that his is still on the way. He has great respect for his writer Lise. He gave her all his diaries and she worked through them all. Also, Don took time to read through them all again - and enjoyed the experience. He think's Lise's done a brilliant job - he's just waiting to get it published. (It's now with a new publishing house - and things are looking good). Dave said that he is really keen to do a book - but the trouble is that publishers just want all the scandal and dirt included. Dave doesn't want to go down this route - he just wants to do an interesting story about his experiences travelling the world with Slade.
Anyway – that was it - I had a great train journey and caught up with some great old memories. See you all in Brum.
We talked about the old Slade road-crew. Don mentioned that Dave Donovan runs a music shop in Stoubridge - whilst his old drum roadie, Will, runs a pub near me in Cambridge. I must check him out.
We talked about Flame the movie. I mentioned that I was at the Battersea Arts Centre (previously called the Battersea Town Hal) a month ago – and I realised that this place was used in the movie for Dave Hill’s (or Barry’s) Birthday Party. Both Dave and Don have no recollection really of any of the locations for the shoots in the movie. They were just ushered to the locations by car and didn’t really pay much attention to where they were. However, Don said that the train sequence was shot in an actual running train – that just travelled back and forth a mile or so on a piece of track. It was only in recent years that he realised that in the background you can see a building…. And this building was bizarrely the pub that he later used to run with his then girlfriend, Diane, in Tenterden in Kent…
Don also said about Flame that the scene in the Police Station toilet with Alan Lake. He said that Alan ad-libbed with the picking up of the plate when the nearby toilet was flushed. He recalled that it was so funny that they decided to keep it in.
Also, Don remembered that one of the takes outside the Grand Hotel in Brighton was ruined as one of the guests opened a window and screamed “Do you bloody mind – I’m trying to get some sleep”!
Autobiographies - Don said that his is still on the way. He has great respect for his writer Lise. He gave her all his diaries and she worked through them all. Also, Don took time to read through them all again - and enjoyed the experience. He think's Lise's done a brilliant job - he's just waiting to get it published. (It's now with a new publishing house - and things are looking good). Dave said that he is really keen to do a book - but the trouble is that publishers just want all the scandal and dirt included. Dave doesn't want to go down this route - he just wants to do an interesting story about his experiences travelling the world with Slade.
Anyway – that was it - I had a great train journey and caught up with some great old memories. See you all in Brum.
Nod attends the CAFT charity event in Altrincham - 9 November 2012
Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre - 14 November 2012
Travelled to the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre show last night with old mate, Fran Skellington.
It was one of those nights where everything seemed to go wrong.... Sat Nav broke on the way there (and we didn't have a clue where we were going), M6 was closed on the way home, and there was dense fog...
However, gig was C-R-A-C-K-I-N-G. Stalls and First Tier sold out, and the 2nd Tier looked pretty full too. Audience up, standing and clapping from second number and pushed forward...
Lots of the "old gang" of fans there... Mark Smith, Claire Gibbons, Dougie Stafford, Gary Jordan, Jill Ashmore and loads of others...
INTERESTING FACT
Andy Scott (Sweet) recounted onstage last night how well he knows the Slade boys. He said that he met them long before they were both famous, about 45 years ago, on the Bahamas. He said that Slade were playing on one side of the Island, and the band he was with were playing on the other side...
He then started to tell a story how him and Don were swimming and got dragged out to sea and almost drowned. They had to hang onto a lilo to survive...
Never heard that bit of info before.
TOUR SPOILER
If you are NOT going to any gigs on this tour, and want to know the set list. Go to SECRET PAGE and type in the password CRAZEE - and all will be revealed.
It was one of those nights where everything seemed to go wrong.... Sat Nav broke on the way there (and we didn't have a clue where we were going), M6 was closed on the way home, and there was dense fog...
However, gig was C-R-A-C-K-I-N-G. Stalls and First Tier sold out, and the 2nd Tier looked pretty full too. Audience up, standing and clapping from second number and pushed forward...
Lots of the "old gang" of fans there... Mark Smith, Claire Gibbons, Dougie Stafford, Gary Jordan, Jill Ashmore and loads of others...
INTERESTING FACT
Andy Scott (Sweet) recounted onstage last night how well he knows the Slade boys. He said that he met them long before they were both famous, about 45 years ago, on the Bahamas. He said that Slade were playing on one side of the Island, and the band he was with were playing on the other side...
He then started to tell a story how him and Don were swimming and got dragged out to sea and almost drowned. They had to hang onto a lilo to survive...
Never heard that bit of info before.
TOUR SPOILER
If you are NOT going to any gigs on this tour, and want to know the set list. Go to SECRET PAGE and type in the password CRAZEE - and all will be revealed.
Dave Hill models his Bobbi Heath Hats - November 2012
Noddy Holder - portrait presented by CAFT - November 2012
Noddy is the patron of CAFT - The Helen Adventure Farm - that provide holidays for the disabled, terminally ill and disadvantaged kids.
For his work they have presented him with a portrait - painted by Wendy Mallas.
For more details on this charity see www.caft.co.uk
For his work they have presented him with a portrait - painted by Wendy Mallas.
For more details on this charity see www.caft.co.uk
Don pops into Natal Drums to collect new kit - November 2012
Ipswich Regent Theatre - 2 December 2012
I travel with Fran Skellington to the Ipswich show - and my son meets Don
Merry Xmas Everybody - 2012
Pleased that Merry Xmas Everybody once again charted in the UK Top 40 (for two weeks) in 2012 - peaking at No. 35
Merry Christmas Everybody year and highest chart positions:
1973=1, 1980=70, 1981=32, 1982=67, 1983=20, 1984=47, 1985=48, 1986=71, 1989=99
1990=93, 1998=30, 2006=21, 2007=20, 2008=32, 2009=41, 2010=50, 2011=33, 2012=35
MXE has spent a total of 73 weeks on the charts and has reached the top 30 in the 70s, 80s, 90s and naughties! The download era has given it a new lease of life, this is the 7th year in a row that its charted!
Thanks to John Gibbings for this info.
Merry Christmas Everybody year and highest chart positions:
1973=1, 1980=70, 1981=32, 1982=67, 1983=20, 1984=47, 1985=48, 1986=71, 1989=99
1990=93, 1998=30, 2006=21, 2007=20, 2008=32, 2009=41, 2010=50, 2011=33, 2012=35
MXE has spent a total of 73 weeks on the charts and has reached the top 30 in the 70s, 80s, 90s and naughties! The download era has given it a new lease of life, this is the 7th year in a row that its charted!
Thanks to John Gibbings for this info.