Editing Slade (section)

==Career==
===Early years (1966–1970)===
[[File:SladeSkinheads1969.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Slade in their skinhead phase in 1969<br />from left: Powell, Lea, Holder, Hill.]]

All the members of Slade grew up in the [[Black Country]]. Drummer [[Don Powell]] and bassist [[Jim Lea (musician)|Jim Lea]] were born and brought up in [[Wolverhampton]], lead vocalist [[Noddy Holder]] was born and brought up in nearby [[Caldmore]] in [[Walsall]], and lead guitarist [[Dave Hill (guitarist)|Dave Hill]] moved to Wolverhampton from [[Holbeton]], [[Devon]] as a child. 

In 1964, drummer [[Don Powell]] and guitarist [[Dave Hill (guitarist)|Dave Hill]] were part of a Midland-based group called the Vendors. Regulars on the club circuit, they had also recorded a privately pressed four-track EP.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book| first= Martin C.| last= Strong| year= 2000| title= The Great Rock Discography| edition= 5th| publisher= Mojo Books| location= Edinburgh| pages= 889–891| isbn= 978-1-84195-017-4}}</ref> At the time, [[Noddy Holder]] was playing guitar and contributing to vocals in Steve Brett & the Mavericks. Signed to Columbia Records, the band released three singles in 1965.<ref name="autogenerated12">The Genesis of Slade compilation booklet</ref> After listening to American blues artists such as [[Sonny Boy Williamson II]], [[John Lee Hooker]] and [[Howlin' Wolf]], the Vendors decided on a change of direction and name:<ref name="autogenerated12"/> As the 'N Betweens they gained greater recognition and began to get supporting gigs with acts such as [[the Hollies]], [[the Yardbirds]], [[Georgie Fame]] and [[Spencer Davis]].<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia">{{cite book |first=David |last=Roberts |year=1998 |title=Guinness Rockopedia |edition=1st |publisher=Guinness Publishing Ltd. |location=London |page=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/395 395] |isbn=978-0-85112-072-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/395 }}</ref>

The Mavericks and the 'N Betweens were on their way to separate gigs in Germany when they met on a ferry in 1965. Powell and Hill asked Holder if he would be interested in joining The 'N Betweens, but Holder declined. Later, back in their home town of [[Wolverhampton]], the musicians met again and this time Holder agreed to join the group. [[Jim Lea (musician)|Jim Lea]], whose musical background and strong bass guitar skills were considered an asset, had already been recruited.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Lea, who also played the piano and violin, had been in the Staffordshire Youth Orchestra and had gained first class honours in a London music-school practical exam.<ref name="Charlesworth">{{cite book |title=Slade, Feel the Noize!: an illustrated biography |last=Charlesworth |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Charlesworth |year=1984 |publisher=[[Music Sales Group|Omnibus Press]] |location=London |isbn=0-7119-0538-X }}</ref>

By 1966, this new version of the 'N Betweens had recorded a promo single of the [[Otis Redding]] track "Security" and a self-penned song, "Evil Witchman", released on [[Highland Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/artist/the-n-betweens/uk |title=The N' Betweens Discography – UK |website=45cat.com |date=2 December 1966 |access-date=4 November 2011}}</ref> A further single, "You Better Run" was released on Columbia Records and produced by [[Kim Fowley]].<ref name=autogenerated12 /><ref name="500 Number One Hits">{{cite book | first= Jo | last= Rice | year= 1982 | title= The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits | edition= 1st | publisher= Guinness Superlatives Ltd | location= Enfield, Middlesex | page= 141 | isbn= 978-0-85112-250-2}}</ref> This last single was reported by Powell to have topped the regional Midland chart, although it failed to make any national impact.<ref>It's Slade 1999 Documentary</ref> Between 1966 and 1967, the band's performance centred on the [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[Tamla Motown]] styles, while Holder's flair for showmanship began to give the band a focus. During 1967, the band recorded the [[Honeybus]] track "Delighted to See You" which remained unreleased until 1994, where it featured on the various artists compilation ''Psychedelia at Abbey Road''. Although the group did not record again for roughly two years, they built up a respectable reputation on the live circuit.<ref name="Charlesworth"/>

A local promoter, Roger Allen spotted the group in 1969 and alerted the head of [[A&R]] at [[Philips Records]], Jack Baverstock. The group spent a week in the Philips studio at Stanhope Place recording an album, after which Baverstock offered to sign the group to [[Fontana Records]] if they changed their name and obtained London-based management. The band were initially hesitant because of the reputation gained as the 'N Betweens, but eventually agreed to "Ambrose Slade", a name inspired by Baverstock's secretary, who had named her handbag Ambrose and her shoes Slade.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref name="Holder">{{cite book|title=Who's Crazee Now? |last=Holder |first=Noddy |author-link=Noddy Holder|author2=Verrico, Lisa  |year=2000 |publisher=Ebury Press |location=London |isbn=0-09-187503-X }}</ref> Baverstock also found the group an agent, John Gunnel, who had previously worked with the entertainment entrepreneur [[Robert Stigwood]].

The band's debut album ''[[Beginnings (Ambrose Slade album)|Beginnings]]'', released in mid-1969, was a commercial failure, as was the instrumental single "Genesis" and the follow-up single "[[Wild Winds Are Blowing]]".<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref>Beginnings remastered album booklet</ref> While the album was being recorded, the band were visited by Gunnel and his business partner, [[The Animals|Animals']] bassist [[Chas Chandler]]. Chandler was impressed with what he heard in the studio, and after seeing the band live the following day, offered to manage them. As Chandler had previous managerial experience with [[Jimi Hendrix]], the band accepted.<ref name="Holder"/> Chandler was not pleased with the debut album and thought the band would benefit from writing their own material and a change of image. The band adopted a [[skinhead]] look as an attempt to gain publicity from what was a newsworthy youth fashion trend, but this also added an unwelcome association with [[football hooliganism]].<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Noddy Holder and Don Powell were particularly tough-looking individuals already, and the skinhead look exacerbated the disturbing effect of having "toughs" in the band. In 1970, the band shortened their name to Slade and released a new single, a cover of "[[Shape of Things to Come (song)|Shape of Things to Come]]" which, despite a performance on United Kingdom music show ''[[Top of the Pops]]'', failed to chart.<ref name="autogenerated17">{{discogs artist}}</ref>

Chandler moved Slade to [[Polydor Records]], believing a higher-profile label would boost sales.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Lyrics were added to the instrumental "Genesis" from the band's debut album, the result being released as "[[Know Who You Are]]", but again, the single failed to make any impression on the UK chart as did the album ''[[Play It Loud]]'', released in late 1970 and produced by Chandler himself. Later the album was retrospectively well received by fans and critics, and earned a silver disc for sales.<ref>{{cite web |last=Viglione |first=Joe |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r18182 |title=Play It Loud – Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref><ref>Play It Loud remastered booklet</ref>

===Glam rock, success and peak (1971–1974)===
[[File:Noddy Holder - Slade - 1973.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Noddy Holder]] (right) and [[Dave Hill (guitarist)|Dave Hill]] (left), near the height of their fame in 1973, showing some of their more extreme [[glam rock]] fashions]]

Chandler had been managing the band for almost two years without success when he suggested releasing a version of the [[Bobby Marchan]] song "[[Get Down and Get With It]]", originally performed by [[Little Richard]]. Slade still enjoyed a good reputation as a live act and the song had been used in their performances for many years. Always popular, the song's lyrics demanded audience participation and it was hoped that the feeling of a live gig would be projected into the studio recording.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref name="Holder"/> The song was released in mid-1971, and by August it entered the top 20 in the UK chart, peaking at number 16.<ref name=UKCharts/>

The band members grew their hair long and allied themselves to the [[glam rock]] movement of the early 1970s. Hill's stage costumes also became notable during this period.<ref name="allmusic5449">{{cite web|last=Prato |first=Greg |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p5449/biography |title=Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Chandler now demanded the band write a follow-up single themselves which led to Lea and Holder writing "[[Coz I Luv You]]". The song was written in half an hour and started a writing partnership which would continue throughout Slade's career. Upon hearing the track played to him acoustically, a pleased Chandler predicted the song would make number one. While recording, the band felt the song's sound to be too soft, and so clapping and bootstamping were added. The song's misspelled title also became a trademark for Slade while causing a furore among British school teachers.<ref name="autogenerated8">Slade's Greatest Hits compilation booklet</ref> The attendant appearance on [[BBC]] Television's ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' brought Slade to a wider audience as well as pushing "Coz I Luv You" to number one in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=UKCharts/> In November 1971, ''[[NME]]'' reported that Slade had turned down a multimillion-dollar campaign, including a television series and a heavily promoted tour of the US. "But", commented Holder, "acceptance would have meant the cancellation of many commitments here – and the last thing we want to do is to mess around the people who have put us where we are".<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book | first= John | last= Tobler | year= 1992 | title= NME Rock 'N' Roll Years | edition= 1st | publisher= Reed International Books Ltd | location= London | page= 232 | id= CN 5585}}</ref>

A second single entitled "[[Look Wot You Dun]]", was released at the start of 1972, peaking at number four and a live album was released in March.<ref name=UKCharts/> The album ''[[Slade Alive!]]'' proved to be successful, spending 52 weeks in the [[UK Albums Chart]], peaking at number two.<ref name="officialcharts.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/30945/slade/|title=SLADE|website=Officialcharts.com|access-date=23 April 2016}}</ref> It also did well abroad, topping the Australian chart and giving the band their first chart entry in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.poparchives.com.au/home.php |title=Home – Pop Archives – Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s |publisher=Pop Archives |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/slade-p5449/charts-awards/billboard-albums |title=Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |date=25 June 2002 |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The album was recorded over three nights at a newly built studio in [[Piccadilly]] in front of 300 fan-club members.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref>Slade Alive anthology compilation booklet</ref> Today the album is regarded as one of the finest live albums ever made.<ref name="allmusic5449"/>

Two months later, the band released "[[Take Me Bak 'Ome]]". The single became Slade's second UK number one and charted in a number of other countries, including the United States, where it reached number 97 in the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name=UKCharts/><ref name="allmusic2">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/slade-p5449/charts-awards/billboard-singles |title=Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |date=25 June 2002 |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Slade achieved their third number one when "[[Mama Weer All Crazee Now]]" was released later that year.<ref name=UKCharts/>

Released in November 1972, the album ''[[Slayed?]]'' peaked at number one both in the UK and Australia, where it relegated ''Slade Alive'' to the second spot;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/1973.html|title=Fan Club Newsletter April – May 1973|page=2|access-date=14 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822023015/http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/1973.html|archive-date=22 August 2011}}
</ref> and reaching number 69 in America.<ref name=UKCharts/><ref name="allmusic1"/> Both ''Slade Alive!'' and ''Slayed?'' are widely considered to be two of the finest albums of the glam rock era.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prato |first=Greg |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/slade-p5449/biography |title=Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The final single of 1972, "Gudbuy T' Jane", was released shortly after, peaking at number two in the UK.<ref name=UKCharts/> The single was a big worldwide hit but only managed to reach number 68 in the American Billboard Chart.<ref name="allmusic2"/>

In early 1973, "[[Cum on Feel the Noize]]" was released and went straight to number one,<ref name=UKCharts/> the first time a single had done so since [[The Beatles]]' "[[Get Back]]" in 1969. Another worldwide hit for Slade, the single again failed to impress in America where it made number 98.<ref name="allmusic2"/> The follow-up single "[[Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me]]", again went straight to number one.<ref name=UKCharts/> Despite being a hit single, "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" was never performed on ''Top of the Pops'' because the producers of the show would not allow Slade to perform as a three-piece band. A promotional video with dancers was shown instead. A car crash in Wolverhampton on 4 July 1973 left Powell in a coma and his 20-year-old girlfriend, Angela Morris, dead.<ref>{{cite web |author=asks James Carpenter |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/latest/2006/10/12/those-crazee-days-recalled/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214191845/https://www.expressandstar.com/latest/2006/10/12/those-crazee-days-recalled/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2024 |title=Those crazee days recalled " Express & Star |website=Expressandstar.com |date=12 October 2006 |access-date=15 July 2011 }}</ref> The band's future was left in the balance as Slade refused to continue without their drummer; however, Lea's brother, Frank, covered Powell's position at the [[Isle of Man Festival]] to avoid disappointing fans. Powell, who had suffered breaks to both ankles and five ribs, successfully recovered after surgery and was able to rejoin the band ten weeks later in New York, where they recorded "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" – in the middle of a heatwave.<ref name="Holder"/> Powell still suffers with acute short-term memory loss and sensory problems as a result of the accident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slade40years.cms4people.de/slade_don_powell.html |title=SLADE40YEARS – Don Powell |website=Slade40years.cms4people.de |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Whilst Powell was recovering, and in an attempt to keep up momentum, the band released a compilation album ''[[Sladest]]'', which topped the UK and Australian charts in the first week of its release.<ref name=UKCharts/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.poparchives.com.au/gosetcharts/ |title=GO-SET Magazine – Australian singles and album charts, 1966–1974 |website=Poparchives.com.au |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> A new single, "[[My Friend Stan (song)|My Friend Stan]]", was also released. It marked a change from previous records, being more piano based and sounding more like a [[novelty song]]. During the recording sessions, Powell who was walking with the aid of a stick, had to be lifted up to his drum kit.<ref name=autogenerated8 /> The single was successful, peaking at number two in the UK and number one in Ireland.<ref name=UKCharts/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126040745/http://www.irishcharts.ie/|url-status=dead|title=The Irish Charts - All there is to know|archive-date=26 January 2010|website=Irishcharts.ie}}</ref>

The Christmas-themed song "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" was Slade's last single of 1973 and became the band's last number one in the UK.<ref name=UKCharts/> Prompted by a challenge from Lea's mother-in-law to write a seasonal song, the chorus was the melody from a discarded song written by Holder six years previously. It became Slade's best-selling single. The song has remained popular and has been released many times since, charting on a number of occasions.<ref name=UKCharts/>

The band began to experiment with different musical styles, moving away from their usual successful rock anthems. Following the success of "My Friend Stan", Slade released the album ''[[Old, New, Borrowed and Blue]]'', in February 1974 which went to number one in the UK.<ref name=UKCharts/> Re-titled ''Stomp Your Hands, Clap Your Feet'', the album was another disappointment in the US, failing to break into the top 100.<ref name="allmusic1"/> The following month saw a new single released. "[[Everyday (Slade song)|Everyday]]" was a piano led ballad which made number three in the UK chart.<ref name=UKCharts/> The next single, "[[The Bangin' Man]]" saw a return to a more guitar-based sound, again reaching the number three position.<ref name=UKCharts/>

===Decline in popularity (1974–1975)===
In the latter half of 1974, the possibility of making a film was being discussed. The band considered a number of screenplays before settling on ''[[Slade in Flame]]'', a gritty tale of the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s group called Flame; the story was based on true music business events involving Slade and various other groups of the time.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> A track from the film was released, "[[Far Far Away (song)|Far Far Away]]"; this reached number two in the UK and topped the charts in Norway and other parts of Scandinavia.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=Far+Far+Away&cat=s |title=Slade – Far Far Away |website=Norwegiancharts.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref>  Holder has cited the single as his favourite Slade song.<ref name="Holder"/>

The [[Slade in Flame (album)|soundtrack album]] was released in late November and despite a positive reception from the critics, the disappointing chart position of number six was seen by some as an indication of the band's decline in popularity.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref name="autogenerated7">Slade in Flame remastered booklet</ref> The film, released in January 1975, received a somewhat mixed reception. Critics loved it, but it was thought that its bleak, noir atmosphere confused Slade fans who were used to Slade delivering a good time.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Directed by [[Richard Loncraine]] and written by [[Andrew Birkin]], the film featured [[Tom Conti]] in his first major film role.<ref name="Charlesworth"/>

The number 15 position of the film's main theme song, "[[How Does It Feel (Slade song)|How Does It Feel]]", was seen as further proof of the band's decline.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The ballad, featuring brass instruments and flute, was at the time thought to be too far from the fans' expectations.<ref name=autogenerated7 /> [[Noel Gallagher]] of the British band [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] however has claimed the track to be, "one of the best songs written, in the history of pop, ever".<ref>1999 It's Slade Documentary</ref> The follow-up in May "[[Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)]]" fared slightly better, peaking at number seven in the UK and doing well in a number of other European countries.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=Thanks+For+The+Memory+(Wham+Bam+Thank+You+Mam)&cat=s|title=Slade - Thanks For The Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) - austriancharts.at|date=4 November 2012|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104202933/http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=Thanks+For+The+Memory+(Wham+Bam+Thank+You+Mam)&cat=s|archive-date=4 November 2012}}</ref> The single became Slade's last top 10 hit of the 1970s.

===Stateside (1975–1977)===
By mid-1975, the band had become disillusioned with their lack of success in America. Feeling that they were becoming stale and had achieved all they could in Europe, Slade decided to a make a permanent move to the States and try to build a solid reputation from live performances; just as they had previously done in the UK. According to the Slade Fan Club newsletter of August and September 1975, the band took twelve tons of equipment, worth approximately £45,000 at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/1507704_orig.jpg |title=Thanks for the Memory |website=Sladefanclub.com |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref><ref>Slade Fan Club Newsletter August – September 1975</ref> Throughout the remainder of 1975 and 1976, Slade toured the US, often with other bands such as [[Aerosmith]], [[ZZ Top]] and [[Black Sabbath]], only returning to the UK for TV performances of new singles.

Between tours, Holder and Lea began writing for a new album which was heavily influenced by the US and aimed at an American audience. The group booked themselves into New York's [[Record Plant Studios]] in mid-1975 to record the album ''[[Nobody's Fools (album)|Nobody's Fools]]''.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref>Nobody's Fools remastered booklet</ref> Featuring backing vocals from [[Tasha Thomas]], it contained elements of [[soul music|soul]], [[country music|country]] and [[funk]] music.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> The first two singles from the new album, "[[In For a Penny]]" and "[[Let's Call It Quits (song)|Let's Call It Quits]]"  were released in November 1975 and January 1976 respectively, both made number 11 in the UK chart although the latter made no impression outside of the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The album, released in March 1976, failed to make any impact in America and was also a disappointment in the UK where it peaked at number 14 and dropped out of the chart completely after four weeks.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The final track from the album was the title track "[[Nobody's Fool (Slade song)|Nobody's Fool]]". Released in April, it failed to chart at all, the first to do so since the band's rise to fame in 1971.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Fans within the UK accused the band of 'selling out' and forgetting about their fan base at home.<ref name="Charlesworth"/>

===Wilderness years (1977–1980)===
[[File:Slade 18041977 01 400.jpg|thumb|Slade performing in Norway in 1977.]]
Overall, Slade's American venture was seen as a failure, although the band felt improved and rejuvenated.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> The live success in many cities such as St. Louis, Philadelphia, and New York was not translated into US airplay, however, and the band returned to the UK at the beginning of 1977 to find that [[punk rock]] was the new popular style of rock and that they were largely forgotten and out of fashion.<ref>Slade's remastered album Nobody's Fools booklet</ref> Chandler decided not to renew the band's contract with [[Polydor Records]], instead signing them to his own record label, [[Barn Records]].<ref name="Charlesworth"/>

The band's first release with Barn Records was the single "[[Gypsy Roadhog]]", in January 1977. The track was performed on the children's show ''[[Blue Peter]]'', but complaints arose due to supposed drug references and the record was subsequently banned by the [[BBC]].<ref name="autogenerated3">Whatever Happened to Slade remastered booklet</ref> This in turn led to the single's stalling at number 48 in the UK chart.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The title of the subsequent album was taken from a piece of graffiti seen in London, and made reference to the band's current position in the public eye: ''[[Whatever Happened to Slade]]'' was released in March and failed to make any chart appearance in the UK.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Chandler was reportedly disappointed in the material that Holder and Lea were writing, claiming that the album was not commercial enough, but despite its lack of mainstream success, the album was met with critical praise and support from the English punk movement of the time.<ref name="autogenerated3"/> Since their return to the UK, the band continued to tour but mainly in smaller venues such as universities and clubs.

"Burning in the Heat of Love", released a month later, also failed to chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/2014106 |title=Slade - Burning In The Heat Of Love / Ready Steady Kids - Barn - UK - 2014 106 |website=45cat.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> In October, the band released an amalgamation of two Arthur Crudup songs, entitled "[[My Baby Left Me#Slade version|My Baby Left Me/]] [[That's All Right]]" as a tribute to the recent death of [[Elvis Presley]]. The single proved to be a moderate success, peaking at number 32 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Slade was unable to keep momentum for the next single, "[[Give Us a Goal]]", released in March 1978. Based on English [[football chant]]s, it was intended to appeal to fans of the sport but failed to make any impact,<ref name="Charlesworth"/> other than making the airplay-based charts of Radio Luxembourg and Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. It has however been used in successful advertising campaigns in recent years.

In August 1978, Holder was reportedly involved in a brawl with a bouncer (Desmond Brothers) backstage at The Stoneleigh Club in [[Porthcawl]], [[South Wales]]. The bouncer was later jailed for three months for instigating the attack on Holder, after he had told the club bouncers to stop hurting the kids in the crowd who were pushed up against the stage, during the show. Holder showed his mettle by performing the next night as planned, although he had a broken nose, at a club in [[Cleethorpes]], Lincolnshire. The story of the attack would later be written into the 1981 single "Knuckle Sandwich Nancy", which Holder insisted would be released as a single. The band said in contemporary interviews that RCA and Chas Chandler objected to the single's release, so it came out on the [[Cheapskate Records|Cheapskate]] label, rather than on RCA, the label that they were contracted to.

In late 1978, the band released "[[Rock 'n' Roll Bolero]]", which was another commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/2014127be |title=Slade - Rock 'n' Roll Bolero / It's Alright Buy Me - Barn - Belgium - 2014 127 |website=45cat.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> As the band were still a respected live act, and because the 1972 album ''Slade Alive!'' had been so successful, the group decided to release another live album. ''[[Slade Alive, Vol. 2]]'' consisted of performances recorded during the 1976 Autumn tour of America and the 1977 Spring tour of the UK.

In 1979, the band released a further three singles: "[[Ginny, Ginny]]", "[[Sign of the Times (Slade song)|Sign of the Times]]" and a cover of the party track "[[Hokey Cokey|Okey Cokey]]". All failed to chart. The Slade newsletter of the time announced that "Ginny, Ginny" had made the top 200 in the UK but not the official top 100.<ref>{{citation|title=From Roots To Boots!: Slade News Issue 4 |date=10 September 1950}}</ref> In October 1979, the band released a new studio album ''[[Return to Base]]'', the first album not to have Chandler as producer.<ref>{{cite book |title=Slade, Feel the Noize!: an illustrated biography |last=Charlesworth |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Charlesworth |year=1984 |publisher=Omnibus Press |location=London |isbn=0-7119-0538-X |pages=89–90 }}</ref> Disagreements between Lea and Chandler, centring on business problems and Lea's desire to produce Slade's material, had been brewing since the recording of ''Whatever Happened to Slade'' in 1977. Lea in particular disagreed with Chandler on production decisions. As a result, Chandler offered to sever his association with the band. Slade, not wishing to be rid of Chandler entirely, asked him to stay on for the time being as their manager, which Chandler agreed to do.<ref>We'll Bring the House Down remastered booklet</ref> The album was a failure in the UK but the following year it topped both the Telemoustique chart and the official album chart in Belgium.{{who|date=November 2011}} Released exclusively in Belgium, the album's version of [[Chuck Berry]]'s "I'm a Rocker" also made number 1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/6602796_orig.jpg|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720214503/http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/6602796_orig.jpg|url-status=dead|title=6602796_orig.jpg (562x800 pixels)|archive-date=20 July 2012|access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref><ref>Supporters Club Newsletter September – October 1981</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/3275309_orig.jpg |title=3275309_orig.JPG (561x800 pixels) |access-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715021744/http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/3275309_orig.jpg |archive-date=15 July 2012 }}</ref>

Slade's failures and lack of airplay led Lea to wonder if their material would be better received if recorded by another band. In late 1979, Lea formed [[The Dummies]] as a side project, with his brother Frank. They released three singles, which received plenty of radio airplay but sales suffered from distribution problems.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> In February 1980, Holder was briefly considered as a replacement for [[Bon Scott]], the recently deceased singer of [[AC/DC]]. Holder was said to have turned the position down, despite Slade's current situation, because of his loyalty to the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/noholder.html |title=noddy holder interview – at |website=Soundchecks.co.uk |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050405014451/http://www.soundchecks.co.uk/articles/noholder.html |archive-date=5 April 2005 }}</ref> In mid-1980, Slade released their first [[extended play]] titled "[[Six of the Best (EP)|Six of the Best]]" which featured three tracks from the ''Return to Base'' album and three brand new rock tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/slade/six_of_the_best/ |title=Six of the Best by Slade : Reviews and Ratings |publisher=Rate Your Music |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Even though it was being sold for a lower than usual price of £1.49, it still failed to sell enough to make a chart appearance. As a result, the band stopped working together and Hill started driving couples to their weddings in his own [[List of Rolls-Royce motor cars|Rolls-Royce]], to earn money. The business never really took off, as Hill only drove one couple (a pair of fans).<ref name="Charlesworth"/>

Hill later recalled that during this period Slade "played the difficult gigs, the gigs where people have [[In a basket|chicken in a basket]] and then go on the dancefloor" but noted that they "had an armour of fantastic songs so nobody was going to argue with [them]."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hattenstone|first=Simon|author-link=Simon Hattenstone|date=8 March 2021|title=Slade guitarist Dave Hill: 'I'd come out of work, put on my costume and suddenly I'd be Superman!'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/mar/08/slade-guitarist-dave-hill-stroke-depression-glam-rock|access-date=17 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

===Comeback and heavy metal following (1980–1982)===
[[File:Slade at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.jpg|thumb|left|Slade performing at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff in December 1981.]]
[[Ozzy Osbourne]] was due to play the Reading Festival in August 1980, during his [[Blizzard of Ozz]] tour, but cancelled at short notice as his band was not ready, leaving the organisers searching for a last-minute replacement. Slade were suggested, but Hill, still demoralised, had effectively left the band and initially refused to take part when asked by the other band members. Eventually, Chandler went to his home and convinced Hill to play what should have been a farewell performance in front of 65,000 rock fans, instead of Slade's disbanding and disappearing without a trace. To Hill's astonishment, the band stole the show and quickly became the darlings of the music press and radio. Highlights of their performance were broadcast on [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''[[Friday Rock Show]]'' Reading special. Afterwards, the band signed to Cheapskate Records, owned by Chandler, Lea and his brother Frank, which gave the band more control of their material and products.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref name="Holder" />

The band's new-found success led to a hurriedly released extended play, ''[[Alive at Reading]]'', which reached number 44, the band's first chart action in the UK since 1977. Another extended play followed in November, titled "[[Xmas Ear Bender (EP)|Xmas Ear Bender]]" which peaked at number 70.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/cheap11 |title=Various Artists – Xmas Ear Bender – Cheapskate – CHEAP 11 |website=45cat.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> Polydor Records also saw an opportunity to capitalise on the band's new success and released the compilation ''[[Slade Smashes!]]'' at the beginning of November. The album was given plenty of promotion and spent 15 weeks in the UK chart, peaking at number 21.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The album was certified UK Gold in December, having by then sold over 200,000 copies.<ref name="autogenerated11">We'll Bring the House Down remaster booklet</ref>

Keen to keep momentum with their new fans, the band set out to write a song with hit potential. The idea for the new track came after a performance in [[Amsterdam]] at the [[Paradiso (Amsterdam)|Paradiso]] Club. An enthusiastic audience who would not go home were overheard chanting by Lea, who was downstairs in the dressing room. Realising the potential of the chant, the song "[[We'll Bring the House Down (song)|We'll Bring the House Down]]" was written and released in January 1981. Aimed at the new audience which consisted of mainly [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] fans, it showed Slade's heavier rock sound.<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref name="autogenerated18">Greatest Hits compilation booklet</ref> The single hit the number 10 spot in the UK, becoming Slade's first top ten hit since 1976.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> In March, an album consisting of four new tracks and six tracks from the previous album ''Return to Base'' was released. Also called ''[[We'll Bring the House Down]]'' it peaked at number 25.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref name=autogenerated11 />

"[[Wheels Ain't Coming Down]]", which originally appeared as the opening track on the album ''Return to Base'', was released in March 1981 and reached number 60 in the UK. Although not a hit, it served to keep Slade in the public eye while they were writing new material and planning a European tour.<ref name="Charlesworth"/> Slade's success at the 1980 Reading festival was helping them fill large venues<ref name=autogenerated15 /> and led to their being asked about a return in 1981. The band refused to return so soon, and opted to play the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington.

In May, the band released "[[Knuckle Sandwich Nancy]]" which featured lyrics commenting on the assault on Holder in the Welsh nightclub. Although eagerly wanted as a single by the band, Chandler was not entirely convinced and thus it was half-heartedly released and failed to chart. The band blamed Chandler for losing interest, and began to manage themselves. Chandler sold his share of Cheapskate Records and negotiated a favourable deal for the band with [[RCA Records]].<ref name="Charlesworth"/><ref name="autogenerated15">Till Deaf Do Us Part remaster booklet</ref> The new deal meant that Slade's records would get worldwide release except in the US and Canada. The next couple of UK singles were still released under the Cheapskate label but with RCA pressing and distributing the records, then a full RCA release could start.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/5494355_orig.jpg|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714230258/http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/5494355_orig.jpg|url-status=dead|title=5494355_orig.jpg (534x800 pixels)|archive-date=14 July 2012|access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref>

The band's first full release on the RCA label was the European hit single "[[Lock Up Your Daughters (song)|Lock Up Your Daughters]]" in late 1981. The track continued to follow a more [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] sound and made number 29 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The album ''[[Till Deaf Do Us Part]]'' followed in November 1981 and peaked at number 68. It remains Slade's most metal-directed and heaviest sounding album to date.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ginsberg |first=Geoff |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/till-deaf-do-us-part-r49496 |title=Till Deaf Do Us Part – Slade |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> An article in ''[[NME]]'' shortly after release claimed Slade were in trouble over the album cover, which featured an 'offensive' picture of a nail piercing an ear drum, and that many dealers were refusing to stock it.<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years 2">{{cite book| first= John| last= Tobler| year= 1992| title= NME Rock 'N' Roll Years| edition= 1st| publisher= Reed International Books Ltd| location= London| page= 364| id= CN 5585}}</ref> The cover was later changed on the CD reissue to a picture of the band in flames. In December, RCA released "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" for the first time since its initial outing. This time, however, it only managed to get to number 32.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

By early 1982, the band had released a new single from the ''[[Till Deaf Do Us Part]]'' album, "[[Ruby Red (song)|Ruby Red]]". Although a [[gatefold]] release with two extra live tracks, it only managed to reach 51 in the UK chart.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The opening track from the album, "[[Rock and Roll Preacher]]" was released exclusively in Germany in April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/pb5466 |title=Slade - Rock And Roll Preacher (Hallelujah I'm On Fire) / Knuckle Sandwich Nancy - RCA Victor - Germany - PB 5466 |website=45cat.com |date=23 October 2017 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> The first Slade single to have a [[12-inch single|12" single]] version, it peaked at number 49.<ref name="musicline1">{{cite web|url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/SLADE/single|title=Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts|date=19 December 2013|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219051613/http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/SLADE/single|archive-date=19 December 2013}}</ref> The song also became Slade's new show opener. In November, the band released a new single, "[[(And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie]]", which was aimed directly at the Christmas market. It only made number 50 in the UK but was a hit in Poland where it reached number two.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polskieradio.pl/ |title=Polskie Radio – najlepsze radio online w internecie |website=Polskieradio.pl |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The band's version of the party track "[[Hokey Cokey|Okey Cokey]]" was also re-released that year but failed to make an impact, much like the original release in 1979. Lastly, "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" was again re-released, this time only managing to get to number 67.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> December saw the release of Slade's third and final live album, ''[[Slade on Stage]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/vinyl/album/rcalp3107 |title=Vinyl Album - Slade - Slade On Stage - RCA - UK |website=45worlds.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> which peaked at number 58 in the UK but received a positive response from critics.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Lea continued working on solo projects throughout despite the upturn in Slade's fortunes.

===American breakthrough (1983–1984)===
Although Slade enjoyed some minor success, RCA Records had higher expectations and sent them away to write songs to be considered for release in 1983. The band came back with two possible singles, "[[My Oh My (Slade song)|My Oh My]]" and "[[Run Runaway]]". A raw demo of Holder singing "My Oh My" over Lea's piano was received with particular enthusiasm by RCA. The label was delighted with both the tracks and hired outside producer [[John Punter]] to work with the band to record them. This was the first time the band had another producer since Chandler. Punter's methods differed from those Slade were used to, in that the band recorded all their parts separately. This method eventually met with the band's approval, except for Holder, who believed this method was ruining their unique chemistry and was losing their rock and roll edge.<ref>The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome remastered album</ref> The power ballad "My Oh My" was released in November 1983, where it slowly climbed the charts and by December, Slade found themselves competing for the Christmas number 1 spot. The single peaked at number 2 behind [[a cappella]] group [[The Flying Pickets]] with their cover of [[Yazoo (band)|Yazoo's]] "[[Only You (Yazoo song)|Only You]]".<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The single was a success across Europe and topped the charts in Norway and Sweden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=My+Oh+My&cat=s|title=Slade - My Oh My - austriancharts.at|date=22 November 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122022307/http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=My+Oh+My&cat=s|archive-date=22 November 2011}}</ref> "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]", again re-released, made number 20 that year.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

The album ''[[The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome]]'', co-produced by Lea and Punter, was also released in December but, despite the strength of "My Oh My", had only made number 74 by the end of the year.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> To try to push the album further up the charts, January 1984 saw the release of "Run Runaway", a Celtic-flavoured rock jig featuring the return of Lea's fiddle.<ref name="autogenerated4">The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome remaster booklet</ref> The single peaked at number seven in the UK and was also successful in a number of other European countries.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=Run+Runaway&cat=s |title=Slade – Run Runaway |website=Swedishcharts.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The tactic of releasing a second single appeared to work and ''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' eventually reached number 49 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The album was far more successful in Sweden and Norway, where it peaked at number 1 and number 2 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://www.swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=The+Amazing+Kamikaze+Syndrome&cat=a |title=Slade – The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome |website=Swedishcharts.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> By the end of 1983, the band had finished what would prove to be their final UK tour.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.perseverancesite.co.uk/slade/history-info/index.htm |title=www.slayed.co.uk |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111003027/http://www.perseverancesite.co.uk/slade/history-info/index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In late 1983, Holder joined Lea in record production producing, among other things, [[Girlschool]]'s cover of the [[T-Rex (band)|T-Rex]] song "[[20th Century Boy]]" and the album ''[[Play Dirty (album)|Play Dirty]]'' which featured two Slade tracks, "Burning in the Heat of Love" and "High and Dry".<ref name="usuarios.multimania.es">{{cite web|url=http://usuarios.multimania.es/JimLea/portadas/discografia_ingles.html|title=discografia_ingles|date=6 April 2012|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406225657/http://usuarios.multimania.es/JimLea/portadas/discografia_ingles.html|archive-date=6 April 2012}}</ref> Toward the end of the year, American [[glam metal]] band [[Quiet Riot]] released a cover version of "[[Cum on Feel the Noize]]" on [[Pasha Records]] and distributed by [[Columbia Records]]. It became a hit, peaking at number five in the Billboard 100,<ref name="billboard1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/277257/quiet+riot/chart?f=379 |title=Quiet Riot – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> and helping their debut album ''[[Metal Health]]'' to the top, selling seven million copies on the way.<ref name="Holder"/> As a result, Slade's original was re-released in the UK but only reached number 98.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> However, the success of a Slade track in the US charts prompted CBS Records to sign Slade to their CBS Associated label and in mid-1984, released the single "Run Runaway".<ref name="autogenerated4"/> The single eventually peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of 17 weeks, and topped the American [[Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks|mainstream rock chart]].<ref name="billboard3">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/279564/slade/chart?f=305 |title=Slade – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> It was Slade's first and only top 20 hit in the States. Its success, it has been suggested, was partly due to the accompanying music video which was filmed at [[Eastnor Castle]] in [[Ledbury]], Herefordshire, England and was heavily shown on the MTV music channel.<ref name="autogenerated4"/> In August 1984, "My Oh My" was released in the US as a follow-up; it peaked at number 37 for a total of 11 weeks, again with the help of a heavily rotated music video on MTV.<ref name="billboard3"/> Quiet Riot meanwhile released another Slade song, "[[Mama Weer All Crazee Now]]", which peaked at number 51.<ref name="billboard1"/>

''The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome'' was reworked with a couple of alternative tracks and different artwork, and was released in North America as ''[[Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/zk39336 |title=CD Album - Slade - Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply - CBS Associated - USA |website=45worlds.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> The album was a success, getting to number 33 in the US and number 26 in Canada.<ref name="billboard3"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.6752a&type=1&interval=30&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0 |title=Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022013758/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.6752a&type=1&interval=30&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The final single from the album was "[[Slam the Hammer Down]]" which peaked at number 92.<ref name="allmusic2"/> A tour with [[Ozzy Osbourne]] was cancelled after several warm-up gigs, when Lea collapsed in the dressing room after a performance. He was later diagnosed with [[hepatitis C]]. The band returned to the UK and did not tour again, mainly due to differences within the band and problems in Holder's family life.<ref name="Holder"/><ref name="autogenerated4"/>

===Second decline in popularity (1985–1990)===
In mid-1984, Polydor released a new compilation, ''[[Slade's Greats]]'', which peaked at number 89, and during the autumn a full European tour was announced to promote the album.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Tickets were being sold before the band had agreed that the tour would actually take place: shortly afterwards, it was cancelled because Holder, who was facing a divorce from his first wife, was furious arrangements for the tour had gone ahead without his agreement.<ref name="Holder"/><ref>Rogues Galley remaster booklet</ref><ref name="autogenerated5">{{cite web|url=http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/interviews.htm|title=SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk|date=15 July 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715094253/http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/interviews.htm|archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> In late 1984, a new single, similar in style to "[[My Oh My (Slade song)|My Oh My]]" was released in the UK. Entitled "[[All Join Hands (Slade song)|All Join Hands]]", the song made number 15 in the chart.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" was also re-released, peaking at number 47 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

At the beginning of 1985, Slade released the single "[[7 Year Bitch (song)|7 Year Bitch]]" which stalled at number 60 in the UK when it failed to make radio playlists.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The band protested that there had been no reaction to [[Elton John]]'s "[[The Bitch Is Back]]" which was a hit record.<ref name="autogenerated10">Rogues Gallery remaster booklet</ref> The single did make number 39 in the German chart.<ref name="musicline1"/> A following single was released in March entitled "[[Myzsterious Mizster Jones]]". The single marked a return for Slade's trademark of spelling titles incorrectly, which had not been done since the 1973 hit "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me". Despite being a radio-friendly track, the single only peaked at number 50 in the UK<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Neither "7 Year Bitch" nor "Myzsterious Mizster Jones" was released in America but the single "[[Little Sheila]]" was, where it reached number 86 in the Billboard chart and number 13 in the American mainstream rock chart.<ref name="allmusic2"/> It was also released in Canada, where it got to number 50, and Germany.<ref name="billboard3"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0518&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0 |title=Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022013840/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0518&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

''[[Rogues Gallery (album)|Rogues Gallery]]'', an album heavily reliant on Lea playing on synthesizer and the majority of instruments, was released in the UK during March, and in America during May. Reported to be one of the band's most polished productions, the band aimed to produce an album where all tracks were potential hit singles.<ref name=autogenerated10 /> Despite receiving critical acclaim in both Europe and America, the album failed to live up to commercial expectations, partly due to the lack of live appearances, and Slade were unable to retain their new-found American audience or rekindled British following, causing the band to largely fade from sight once more. In the UK, the album reached number 60,<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> whilst in America it made number 132.<ref name="billboard3"/> The album was a hit in Norway, peaking at number 5. It also charted in other European countries.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=Rogues+Gallery&cat=a |title=Slade – Rogues Gallery |website=Norwegiancharts.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref>

In November, the band released a party album called ''[[Crackers (album)|Crackers – The Christmas Party Album]]'' which peaked at number 34 and was certified UK gold sales later that month.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Repackaged on several occasions under various names such as ''The Party Album'' and ''Slade's Crazee Christmas''; it contained Slade hits and songs that had been successful for other artists.<ref name=autogenerated17 /> Amazed at what [[Bob Geldof]] had achieved with [[Live Aid]], Holder penned the lyrics to "[[Do You Believe in Miracles (song)|Do You Believe in Miracles]]" which was also released in November.<ref name=autogenerated10 /> The single's earnings went to charity but it only peaked at number 54 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The final release of the year was another re-release of "Merry Xmas Everybody" which peaked at number 48 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

In 1986, two new Slade tracks, "We Won't Give In" and "Wild Wild Party", were used for the British film, ''Knights & Emeralds''.<ref>[[IMDbTitle:0091350|Knights & Emeralds (1986) – IMDb]]</ref> That same year, the rock band The Redbeards From Texas released a cover of the 1972 Slade hit, "Gudbuy T'Jane" and in late 1986; "Okey Cokey" was re-released for the second time but failed to chart, whilst "Merry Xmas Everybody" was once again re-released, peaking at number 71.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> 1986 also saw Slade's first official fan convention at the Finsbury Leisure Centre, Old Street, London.<ref name="davekempandslade81">{{cite web|url=http://www.davekempandslade.com/page81.htm|title=Dave Kemp and Slade website - Conventions|date=27 December 2010|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227070722/http://www.davekempandslade.com/page81.htm|archive-date=27 December 2010}}</ref>

To avoid becoming a 'Christmas' hit band, Slade did not release the single "[[Still the Same (Slade song)|Still the Same]]" in December 1986 but left it until February 1987.<ref name="autogenerated16"/> The single was not a major hit, reaching number 73 in the UK, leaving RCA wondering whether it might have been a better idea to release it at Christmas.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/><ref name="autogenerated16">You Boyz Make Big Noize remaster booklet</ref> Released in April, "[[That's What Friends Are For (Slade song)|That's What Friends Are For]]" suffered a similar fate, peaking at number 95.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Slade's final studio album, ''[[You Boyz Make Big Noize]]'', was released a week later. It was produced by [[Roy Thomas Baker]], Lea and Punter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/salvocd011 |title=CD Album - Slade - You Boyz Make Big Noize - Salvo - UK |website=45worlds.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> The album was poorly promoted with no accompanying tour or music videos and spent just one week in the UK chart, peaking at number 98.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> Like much of Slade's later material, it fared better in Norway where it got to number 12.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Slade&titel=You+Boyz+Make+Big+Noize&cat=a |title=Slade – You Boyz Make Big Noize |website=Norwegiancharts.com |date=23 July 2007 |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref>

Following the album's failure, RCA agreed to let Slade return to their own Cheapskate Records label, although RCA still continued distributing. A new single, also called "[[You Boyz Make Big Noize (song)|You Boyz Make Big Noize]]" was released in August. Influenced by the [[Beastie Boys]]' musical style, it lacked the synthesiser sound of the album.<ref name="autogenerated5"/> It was another commercial failure, just creeping into the top 100 at number 94.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The single did not feature on the European version of the album but became the title track for the American version which was also released in August.<ref name=autogenerated17 /> The album was not successful in America, neither was the single "[[Ooh La La in L.A.]]" despite receiving radio play in  Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/8764510_orig.jpg |title=Internet Archive's Wayback Machine |date=1 May 2012 |access-date=1 February 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501084259/http://sladefanclub.weebly.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/8764510_orig.jpg |archive-date=1 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wax.fm/vinyl-lp-releases/slade_ooh_la_la_in_l.html |title=Slade – Ooh La La in L.A. – Vinyl |website=Wax.fm |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref><ref>Cum on Feel the Noize: The Story of "Slade" book</ref> In late 1987, "We Won't Give In" was released as a single in the UK,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/boyz2 |title=Slade - We Won't Give In / Ooh La La In LA - Cheapskate - UK - BOYZ 2 |website=45cat |date=5 December 1987 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> where it peaked at No. 121.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sladefanclub.com/uploads/7/6/6/0/7660950/7840482_orig.jpg?1 |title=Fan Club Uploads |website=Sladefanclub.com |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> The band's 1987 official fan convention was held at The Royal Standard Convention, Walthamstow, London.<ref name="davekempandslade81"/>

In 1988, Slade released a cover of the [[Chris Montez]] song "[[Let's Dance (Chris Montez song)|Let's Dance]]"; a re-mix of the track from ''Crackers – The Christmas Party Album''.<ref name="autogenerated5"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/slade/lets_dance__1988_remix____far_far_away___how_does_it_feel___standing_on_the_corner/ |title=Let's Dance (1988 Remix) / Far Far Away / How Does It Feel / Standing on the Corner by Slade : Reviews and Ratings |publisher=Rate Your Music |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The band held their third official fan club convention at Drummonds Convention, King's Cross, London.<ref name="davekempandslade81"/> In late 1989, after what was initially supposed to be an 18-month break, Holder announced plans for a new album. Due to be released in 1990, the album never materialised, nor did the tour that would have followed had the album been a success.<ref name="auto">Noddy Holder Interview – Sky By Day 1989</ref> 1989 saw "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]" make another new chart appearance, this time reaching number 99 the week after "[[Let's Party (Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers song)|Let's Party]]" by [[Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers]], which sampled the song, topped the chart.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

In 1989, Hill formed his own group, Blessings in Disguise, with ex-[[Wizzard]] keyboard player Bill Hunt, Craig Fenney and Bob Lamb.<ref>Hill asked Noddy to be guest vocalist on the single Crying in the Rain sleeve notes</ref> During 1990, Lea released his own version of Slade's "[[We'll Bring the House Down (song)|We'll Bring the House Down]]" under the name The Clout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/artist/the-clout |title=The Clout Discography |website=45cat.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> At the end of the year, "Merry Xmas Everybody" was again re-released and peaked at number 93.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

In late 1990, both Holder and Lea produced a cover of "Merry Xmas Everybody" by the band The Metal Gurus, known mainly as [[The Mission (band)|The Mission]].<ref name="worlds1">{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdsingle/cd/gurcd1 |title=CD Singles - The Metal Gurus - Merry Xmas Everybody / Metal Guru - Mercury - UK - GURCD 1 |website=45worlds.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> The single peaked at number 55 in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Merry+Xmas+Everybody |title=The Official Charts Company – Merry Xmas Everybody by Metal Gurus Search |date=6 May 2013 |publisher=The Official Charts Company }}</ref> and both Holder and Lea appeared in the song's music video,<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/TwpYzfMsAWU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20111231133704/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwpYzfMsAWU&feature=related Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|author= YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwpYzfMsAWU |title=THE METAL GURUS – Merry Xmas Everybody |via=YouTube |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=23 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> whilst Holder provided lead vocals on one of the single's b-sides, another Slade cover, "Gudbuy T'Jane".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/73eIC2VR5Aw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140612054654/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73eIC2VR5Aw Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|author= YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73eIC2VR5Aw |title=Slade – The Metal Gurus – Gudbuy T'Jane (Noddy Holder on Vocal) |via=YouTube |date=29 April 2012 |access-date=23 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> All artist royalties from the sale of the single were donated to Childline.<ref name="worlds1"/>

===Brief comeback and break-up (1991–1992)===
In April 1991, the Slade fan club-organised a 25th anniversary party. The band, who were invited, played one song, [[Chuck Berry]]'s "[[Johnny B. Goode]]" which turned out to be their last live performance.<ref>[http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/chronology/chronology90s.htm] {{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In that same year, Lea produced the single "Where Have All the Good Girls Gone" for the Crybabys, which was not a success.<ref name="usuarios.multimania.es"/> Later, Polydor Records contacted Slade about a new compilation album. It was hoped that Slade would promote it by releasing two brand new singles and, if successful, would record a new studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/trivia.htm|title=SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk|date=15 July 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715093715/http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/trivia.htm|archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The first single, "[[Radio Wall of Sound]]", written by Lea and originally intended for a solo project, was released in October.<ref name=autogenerated18 /> The compilation album, ''[[Wall of Hits]]'' was released the following month, along with a video compilation under the [[Wall of Hits (video)|same name]]. Both the single and the album were moderately successful reaching number 21 and number 34 respectively.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> The album later went certified UK silver and in an attempt to promote it further, a second single, "[[Universe (Slade song)|Universe]]" was released in December. Despite a number of TV performances, the single failed to reach the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart. As a result, in January 1992, Polydor withdrew the option for a new album and future singles.<ref name="Holder"/>

In March 1992, the band returned to Rich Bitch Studios to record a new house/dance-style version of "We'll Bring the House Down". However, by the end of the month, Holder had decided to finally leave the band. He had become weary of the constant arguing and discontent within the band, and effectively managing their day-to-day affairs. He left after 26 years with the band to explore other career paths.<ref name="Look Wot I Dun">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3jj_AgAAQBAJ&q=%22walk+this+way%22+don+powell&pg=PT335|title=Look Wot I Dun: Don Powell of Slade|first1=Don|last1=Powell|first2=Lise Lyng|last2=Falkenberg|date=11 October 2013|publisher=Omnibus Press|access-date=28 October 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=978-1-78323-000-6}}</ref> Lea briefly considered Slade continuing with a new singer and thought about approaching [[Ian Hunter (singer)|Ian Hunter]], but ultimately chose to retire from the band as well.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Blake |first=Mark |title=The Cult Heroes: Look Wot You Dun |magazine=[[Planet Rock (radio station)|Planet Rock]] |date=October 2019 |issue=16 |page=71 |issn=2514-4626}}</ref> Powell filled the gap by helping out in a hotel his partner managed, but would soon re-join Hill to form Slade II later in the year.<ref name="Look Wot I Dun"/>

===Aftermath and recent years (1993–present)===
[[File:Slade - Sofia Rocks 2011 - 2.jpg|thumb|right|Slade performing in 2011, From left to right: John Berry, [[Dave Hill (guitarist)|Dave Hill]] and [[Mal McNulty]].]]
[[File:Don Powell Book Signing.jpg|thumb|[[Don Powell]] signing copies of his biography ''Look Wot I Dun – My Life in Slade'' at [[Liverpool One]]'s [[Waterstones]] in 2014]]

Slade II was formed in 1992 by Hill with Powell and three other musicians - Craig Fenney (bass), Steve Makin (guitar) and Steve Whalley (lead vocals and guitar). The suggestion to call the group Slade II came from Holder, but Lea was not happy with the Slade name being used at all. The group's name was only shortened to Slade again ten years later. Working solidly on the UK theatre circuit during the winter months and throughout Europe the rest of the year, the band released one studio album in 1994 entitled ''[[Keep on Rockin' (Slade II album)|Keep on Rockin']]'', which featured Steve Whalley on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/album-groupe-Slade-nom_album-Keep_on_Rockin_-l-en.html |title=Keep on Rockin ! (CD Album) : Slade – Spirit of Metal Webzine (en) |website=Spirit-of-metal.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The album was not successful, nor were the singles "Hot Luv" and "Black and White World". The band have seen many line-ups (including Dave Glover on bass, plus present incumbents Mal McNulty on guitar and vocals and John Berry on bass and vocals) but Hill and Powell have remained constant throughout.<ref name="Holder"/>

Slade were reunited for two events during 1996: the funeral of long-time Slade manager [[Chas Chandler]] and an episode of the television show ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' which featured Holder as the subject.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/members/chas.htm|title=SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk|date=20 October 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020225735/http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/members/chas.htm|archive-date=20 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/this-is-your-life-uk/noddy-holder/episode/777937/summary.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913042046/http://www.tv.com/this-is-your-life-uk/noddy-holder/episode/777937/summary.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=This is Your Life (UK): Noddy Holder Episode Summary on |website=Tv.com |date=3 September 2008 |access-date=15 July 2011 }}</ref> Also in 1996, a compilation entitled ''[[The Genesis of Slade]]'' was released, which contained rare and some previously unreleased material from The Vendors, Steve Brett & The Mavericks and The 'N Betweens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/tmc9606 |title=CD Album - The Vendors / Steve Brett And The Mavericks / The 'N Betweens - The Genesis Of Slade - TMC - Austria |website=45worlds.com |date=12 May 2014 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> During 1997, a new Slade compilation, ''[[Feel the Noize- Greatest Hits|Feel the Noize – Greatest Hits]]'', reached number 19 in the UK, while in the following year, a remix of "[[Merry Xmas Everybody]]", released under the name Slade Vs. Flush, made number 30.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/>

In 1999, BBC One broadcast a newly made documentary on the band, titled ''It's Slade'', which featured new interviews with all four members of the band, along with various other musical artists and celebrities such as [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Noel Gallagher]], [[Status Quo (band)|Status Quo]], [[Toyah Willcox]] and [[Suzi Quatro]]. It was narrated by Radio One's [[Mark Radcliffe (radio broadcaster)|Mark Radcliffe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.locatetv.com/tv/its-slade/7876822|title=It's Slade - LocateTV|date=10 March 2014|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310021801/http://www.locatetv.com/tv/its-slade/7876822|archive-date=10 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pf7kr|title=BBC Four - It's Slade|date=18 May 2013|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518065651/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pf7kr|archive-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> In 2000, Holder was appointed as a [[Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire]]<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=55710 |date=31 December 1919 |page=25 |supp=y}}</ref> for his services to music and his voice was famously recorded for lift announcements at the [[Walsall Art Gallery|Walsall New Art Gallery]].<ref name="autogenerated6">{{cite web|url=http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/members/nod.htm|title=SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk|date=20 October 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020222430/http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/members/nod.htm|archive-date=20 October 2011}}</ref>

In 2002, Slade II shortened their name to Slade and re-released their album ''Keep on Rockin' '' with a handful of new tracks included, retitled ''Cum on Let's Party''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/slade/cum_on_lets_party_/ |title=Cum on Let's Party! by Slade : Reviews and Ratings |publisher=Rate Your Music |date=26 July 2010 |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The band also released two new singles, titled "Some Exercise" and "Take Me Home". Both singles were released in Belgium through [[Virgin Records]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3jj_AgAAQBAJ&q=don+powell+some+exercise+take+me+home&pg=PT352 |title=Look Wot I Dun: Don Powell of Slade - Don Powell, Lise Lyng Falkenberg - Google Books |date= 11 October 2013|access-date=8 January 2018|isbn=978-1-78323-000-6 |last1=Powell |first1=Don |last2=Falkenberg |first2=Lise Lyng |publisher=Omnibus Press }}</ref> In 2003, [[prison|incarcerated]] serial killer [[Rosemary West]] announced her [[engagement]] to bassist Dave Glover. The supposed engagement was called off shortly afterwards and Glover was summarily fired from Slade by Dave Hill. Glover admitted having written to her about the case, but denied any romantic involvement.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/2003/01/26/slade-sack-guitarist-over-west-affair-50002-12572831/ |title=Slade sack guitarist over West affair |first=Fionnnuala |last=Burke |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |date=26 January 2003 |access-date=8 September 2013}}</ref> An American compilation was released by [[Shout! Factory]] in 2004, titled ''[[Get Yer Boots On: The Best of Slade]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/dk34008 |title=CD Album - Slade - Get Yer Boots On The Best Of Slade - Shout! Factory - USA |website=45worlds.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref>

In 2005, Steve Whalley, original singer for Slade II, left the band and was replaced by [[Mal McNulty]], who has sung for the band since.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/familytree.htm|title=SLADE @ www.slayed.co.uk|date=20 October 2011|access-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020220431/http://www.crazeeworld.plus.com/slade/2011/pages/familytree.htm|archive-date=20 October 2011}}</ref> In November 2005, Polydor released a new Slade compilation, ''[[The Very Best of Slade]]'', which peaked at number 39 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/30945/slade/ |title=Slade &#124; full Official Chart History &#124; Official Charts Company |website=Officialcharts.com |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> A DVD was also released for the first time, featuring a collection of Slade videos and promos.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dave Thompson |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-very-best-of-slade-video-mw0001029106 |title=The Very Best Of... Slade [Video&#93; - Slade &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> From 2006 to 2007, music label Salvo remastered and released all of Slade's catalogue, including a four-disc anthology set entitled ''[[The Slade Box|The Slade Box (Anthology 1969–1991)]]'' and a package of all live albums in one ''[[Slade Alive! - The Live Anthology]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/shop/releases.asp |title=Salvo |website=Salvo-music.co.uk |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627142747/http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/shop/releases.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The remastered series also included the release of a new compilation called simply ''[[B-Sides (Slade album)|B-Sides]]'', which featured all of the band's B-sides.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/shop/cdtop.asp?arid=234 |title=Salvo |website=Salvo-music.co.uk |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=14 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014234528/http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/shop/cdtop.asp?arid=234 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shout! Factory also released the compilation ''[[In for a Penny: Raves & Faves]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-for-a-penny-raves-faves-mw0000478224|title=In for a Penny: Raves & Faves - Slade - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>

In late 2006, UK chart rules changed to allow downloads of old singles eligible to chart, which allowed "Merry Xmas Everybody" to return to the chart. It has re-entered the UK Top 75 every Christmas since then, most successfully in 2007 when it peaked at number 20<ref name="officialcharts.com »"/> and in 2018 when it peaked at number 16.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/slade-merry-xmas-everybody/ | title=Merry Xmas Everybody | website=[[Official Charts Company|Official Charts]] }}</ref> In 2009, a new compilation was released, ''[[Live at the BBC (Slade album)|Live at the BBC]]''. It featured songs recorded for BBC sessions between 1969 and 1972, [[BBC Radio 1|Radio 1]] jingles recorded in 1973 and 1974, and, on the second disc, songs recorded live at the [[Paris Theatre]], London, in August 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/cdalbum/cd/salvodcd211 |title=CD Album - Slade - Slade Live At The BBC - Salvo - UK |website=45worlds.com |date=17 August 1972 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref> In November 2009, [[Universal Music]] released a new compilation entitled ''[[Merry Xmas Everybody: Party Hits]]'', which peaked at number 151 in the UK.<ref name="officialcharts.com"/> In 2010, all four original members of Slade attended a business meeting hoping that maybe this could lead to the band reuniting for a farewell tour. However, the meeting soon dissolved into the same continued arguments on matters spanning back to the band's original break-up, and led to such an idea being dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05rjgkf |title=BBC Radio 2 - Johnnie Walker's Sounds of the 70s, Christmas Eve Special: Noddy Holder, Noddy Holder in conversation |website=Bbc.co.uk |date=24 December 2017 |access-date=8 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h67oBAAAQBAJ&q=world+according+noddy |title=The World According To Noddy: Life Lessons Learned In and Out of Rock & Roll - Noddy Holder - Google Books |date= 18 September 2014|access-date=8 January 2018|isbn=978-1-4721-1565-2 |last1=Holder |first1=Noddy |publisher=Little, Brown Book }}</ref> Holder said in 2015: “It really saddens me that the four guys who were in Slade can’t get together and sit round the dinner table. Five years ago I got the four of us together so we could air our grievances face to face, but it was so painful I’d never want to repeat it. I was shocked.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/slade-split-up-after-53-years-091913714.html |title='Merry Xmas Everybody' rockers Slade split up after 53 years |website=Yahoo.com |date=5 February 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>

In 2011, Salvo released a remastered version of ''Sladest'' which included a previously unreleased studio version of the live track "Hear Me Calling".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005DQ3AOE |title=Sladest: Slade: Amazon.co.uk: Music |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=4 November 2011}}</ref> On the evening of 21 December 2012, BBC Four held Slade Night,<ref>{{cite news|title=Slade Night|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20796635|agency=BBC|publisher=BBC}}</ref> which consisted of a showing of the 1999 documentary ''It's Slade'', Slade at the BBC,<ref>{{cite web|title=Slade at the BBC|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01pdt89|website=BBC|access-date=11 December 2014}}</ref> and the band's 1975 film ''[[Slade in Flame]]'' respectively. ''Slade at the BBC'' is a compilation of the band's performances from the BBC archives throughout their career from 1969 to 1991, introduced by Noddy Holder.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/tc8ts/slade-at-the-bbc |title=Slade at the BBC |magazine=Radio Times |date=4 February 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> According to BARB, the viewing figure for ''It's Slade'' was 608,000 whilst ''Slade at the BBC'' had a total of 477,000 viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing/weekly-top-10 |title=Top 10 Programmes |publisher=BARB |date=13 April 2014 |access-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113222519/http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing/weekly-top-10 |archive-date=13 January 2013}}</ref>

After years of working with [[Lise Lyng Falkenberg]], since 2006, Powell's biography ''Look Wot I Dun – My Life in Slade'' was released on 14 October 2013, by Omnibus Press (Music Sales Ltd).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Look Wot I Dun: Don Powell of Slade: Amazon.co.uk: Don Powell, Lise Lyng Falkenberg: Books |id= {{ASIN|1783050403|country=uk}} }}</ref> The book is based on more than 50 hours of interviews with Powell as well as his own 20 years of diaries and notebooks he kept due to his problems with short-term memory following his 1973 accident.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bradley |first=Steve |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/slade-drummer-don-powell-prepares-121309 |title=Slade drummer Don Powell prepares to publish his autobiography |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=16 March 2010 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> Additionally the book featured contributions and quotes from interviews of 28 of Powell's friends, colleagues and family members.<ref name="salvo-music1">{{cite web |url=http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/news/artistnews.asp?MArId=2 |title=Salvo |website=Salvo-music.co.uk |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=14 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014233737/http://www.salvo-music.co.uk/news/artistnews.asp?MArId=2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It looks in detail at Slade's long career and Powell's life, which included booze-ups with Ozzy Osbourne. To promote the book, Powell appeared at a number of [[Waterstones]] book signings, as well as a charity "Tea with Don Powell" event, a question and answer session, where Powell discussed his life with Clive Eakin of BBC Coventry & Warwick. It was in support of the National Autistic Society.<ref name="salvo-music1"/> In 2015, the box set ''[[When Slade Rocked the World]]'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/when-slade-rocked-the-world-1971-75-super-deluxe-box-set/|title=When Slade Rocked the World 1971-75 / super deluxe box set - superdeluxeedition|website=Superdeluxeedition.com|date=22 July 2015 |access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>

On 3 February 2020, Powell announced on his official website that Hill had sent him a "cold email" informing him that his services were no longer required. Hill disputes this version of events, stating that Don Powell's version of the circumstances of the break-up were inaccurate. Powell also announced that he would be forming "Don Powell's Slade" with former Slade II bassist Craig Fenney.<ref name="Slade drummer Don Powell 'fired by email' after 57-year partnership">{{cite web |last1=Beaumont-Thomas |first1=Ben |title=Slade drummer Don Powell 'fired by email' after 57-year partnership |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/feb/05/slade-drummer-don-powell-fired-over-email-after-57-year-partnership |website=The Guardian |date=5 February 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> Powell was replaced by Alex Bines.<ref name="About page">{{cite web |title=Band page of Slade's official website |url=https://www.slade.uk.com/the-band |website=Official website |publisher=Slade |access-date=8 March 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807074721/https://www.slade.uk.com/the-band |url-status=dead }}</ref> Powell's statement was removed from his website shortly afterwards.

During 2020 and 2021, Powell, Holder and Lea conducted an extensive series of Zoom video interviews for the www.slayed.co.uk website and its forum at www.sladeforum.co.uk <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.perseverancesite.co.uk/slade/interviews/noize-interviews-index.htm |title=Slayed.co.uk |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111005717/http://www.perseverancesite.co.uk/slade/interviews/noize-interviews-index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> - comments from which were mined for the expanded second edition of the book on their unauthorised discography, ''The Noize''.

In late 2022, Lea and Powell reunited in the recording studio (with Johnny Howells and Mick Marson of the pre-Slade group The 'N Betweens) to record a number of songs for a Lea project. The only track that has been released so far was the very limited edition CD single of "[[Train Kept A-Rollin']]", on the Noize Recordings label. A video was made for the song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.perseverancesite.co.uk/slade/news2023.htm|title=SLADE @ slayed.co.uk|website=Perseverancesite.co.uk}}</ref> "The Train Kept A Rollin'" reached number 3 on the Heritage Chart on 14 May 2023.