Slade reunion latest: Dave Hill on the band's comeback question

12 December 2023, 11:49

Slade's Dave Hill interview: 50 years of 'Merry Xmas Everybody' and how John Lennon helped make it

By Mayer Nissim

Dave Hill is still touring as Slade, but could the original lineup get back together?

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Slade are out on the road at the moment for their annual Christmas jaunt, but as all Slade-heads will be well aware, Dave Hill is the sole founding member in the band's current lineup.

Noddy Holder and Jim Lea quit the band in 1992, while Don Powell was axed from the group three years ago in controversial circumstances.

There was a failed attempt at a reunion in 2010, but in the last couple of years there have been consistent rumours that the Holder, Lea, Hill and Powell lineup could get back together for live shows, including Glastonbury.

Noddy Holder's manager poured cold water on the suggestions at the start of this year, and now Dave Hill has seemingly shut the door on the prospect.

"That won't happen, not even for a one-off gig," Dave told The Mirror.

Dave Hill on tour with Slade in 2021. Picture: Getty Images

"I cherish the memories of us years ago, but we’ve moved on in life and we're all doing different things. Not everyone wants to continue. But Slade is not a job with me, it's a life."

He added of the band's split and his relationship with his ex-bandmates: "Back in 1992 Noddy wanted to get into other things, possibly radio.

"I think he didn't want to continue. But he’s a good pal and I respect his decision. I don't see Jim or Don at all. But me and Nod have always been in tune with each other and if he was interested in doing something I'd not be against it.

Slade (Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill, Don Powell) in 1971. Picture: Getty Images

"We see each other frequently. He comes to my house and we’ve always got something to talk about. Friendship is very important as you age. We're friends for life."

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of some of Slade's very biggest hits, including 'Cum on Feel the Noize', 'Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me', 'My Friend Stan' and – of course – 'Merry Xmas Everybody'.

The band's chart-topping Christmas single was promoted this year with a new Top of The Pops video, combining two of the band's iconic 1973 performances of the song.