Slade Hit Singles: The Glam Rock Giants Who Ruled the 70s

Rockapedia

From Underdogs to Chart Kings: Slade’s Rise to Fame

When you think of British glam-rock, a few names immediately come to mind, and at the top should absolutely be Slade. Bursting onto the scene in the early 70s with big choruses, outrageous outfits, and even bigger hits, Slade were the most successful British singles band of the decade.

Most people know them for their festive anthem Merry Xmas Everybody, which has basically become the unofficial soundtrack to every UK Christmas party since 1973. But behind the glitter and that unmistakable Noddy Holder It’s Christmaaaas! yell was one of the tightest hit-making teams in rock, frontman Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea.

Before the Fame: Slade’s Early Years and Struggles

Slade’s story starts way before the glam. Back in the mid-60s, they were calling themselves The N’Betweens and dropped their first single, You Better Run, in 1966, which, sadly, didn’t make much of a splash. By 1969, they’d gone through a quick rebrand to Ambrose Slade and released Genesis. Still no luck.

Finally settling on the name Slade, the band released a few more singles like Wild Winds Are Blowing, Shape of Things to Come, and Know Who You Are. But again, no chart success. Back then, they had a bit of a rough-and-ready skinhead image - Doc Martens, cropped hair, the lot.

The Glam Rock Explosion: Slade’s Breakthrough Hits

Then came the 70s, and with it, a total transformation. Out went the boots, in came the platforms. The band embraced the glam look - glitter and wild clothes. Suddenly, everything started to click.

Their 1971 single Get Down and Get With It finally got them noticed, hitting No.16 on the UK charts. But the real breakthrough came later that year with Coz I Luv You, their first No.1 single.

And once they hit that top spot, they pretty much stayed there.

Slade’s Peak Years: A Hit-Making Machine

1972 was massive for Slade. Take Me Bak ‘Ome gave them another No.1, followed by Mama Weer All Crazee Now. The year would be finished off with Gudbuy T’Jane, peaking at No.2.

Then 1973 rolled around and Slade were unstoppable. Cum On Feel the Noize and Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me both went straight to No.1, My Friend Stan hit No.2 and then came the big one: Merry Xmas Everybody. Their sixth chart-topper and a timeless classic that still earns them radio play (and royalties) every December.

Staying Power: Slade’s Continued Chart Success

In 1974, hits like Everyday, The Bangin’ Man, and Far Far Away kept Slade firmly in the charts, proving they weren’t just a one-trick pony.

Despite being huge at home, Slade never really managed to break America. They gave it a go, but their fame remained mostly UK-based. Still, they continued churning out hits like How Does It Feel (No.15), Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) (No.7), and In for a Penny (No.11).

By the mid-70s, things started to slow down a bit. Let’s Call It Quits reached No.11 in 1976, but later singles struggled to make the Top 20.

The Comeback Era: Slade in the 80s

Just when it looked like their chart days were behind them, Slade made a surprise comeback in 1983 with My Oh My, which soared to No.2. A year later, Run Runaway and All Join Hands also cracked the Top 20, their last major hits before the band eventually called it a day in the 90s.

Slade’s Legacy: More Than Just a Christmas Hit

Even though they don’t always get mentioned in the same breath as Bowie or Queen when people talk about glam rock, Slade’s legacy is undeniable. The Holder-Lea songwriting partnership was one of the best of its era, think Lennon-McCartney or Jagger-Richards levels of chemistry.

With over 50 million records sold, six UK No.1 singles, and a string of unforgettable anthems, Slade didn’t just define glam-rock, they defined an entire decade of British music.

So next time you hear Merry Xmas Everybody blasting in December, remember: Slade weren’t just a Christmas band. They were one of the greatest British rock acts of all time.