Here it is Merry Christmas - Slade’s final tour 2025
By Elisha Harris
“It’s Christmaaaaas” are probably the first two words you hear when you try and think of ICONIC 1970’s band “Slade.” Every generation is aware of the iconic Christmas song as it rotates around the holidays alongside Mariah Carey, Michael Buble and Wham!
The younger generation, however, are likely blind to just how influential and powerful Slade’s legacy is to the music industry. Pioneering the “glam-rock” genre with their unique, glittery outfits and camp, often satirical accessories & costumes. SLADE’s fantastic run of “chart-topping” in the uk - with 17 Top 20 hits between 1971 and 1976 - they managed to be the highest performers of the time. Even more impressive, they were competing with the likes of T-Rex, ABBA and David Bowie.
With their catchy anthems, sing-a-long inducing choruses and unique stomping beats, it’s no surprise that their music led to the influence of famous artists and genres. These include punk, grunge and Brit-pop - with major artists of these genres such as the Ramones, Nirvana and Oasis stating them as inspiring artists. Noel Gallagher even famously stated “No Slade = No Oasis.”
A few weeks ago, I sent an email to Slade’s manager asking if I could arrange a photo pass to capture their final tour in Manchester. The moment I received the notification saying I’d been added to the guest list, I jumped up in my seat, telling my friend “I’m going to take photos of the fun Christmas band!”
What Slade’s manager wasn’t aware of, was that this would be my first time having a photo pass for any concert at this level of industry. With excitement also comes panic. Should I get there 5 hours early? What can I take into the venue? What if slade jump off the stage to personally kick me out because I accidentally get in the way?
Eventually, I get to the o2 Ritz at around 6:45. for a doors open at 7pm.
Whilst standing in the guest list queue, I chat to a group of people behind me - one of whom had a beautiful white coat. It turned out I had been speaking to David Hill’s [Slade’s former guitarist and current frontman] sister, Carol Hill.
Carol was a lovely lady who shared some fantastic stories with me. When talking about their first number 1, she said “I heard that song for the first time and said ‘that one’s going to be a hit.’ He [David Hill] said ‘oh come on you have to say that you’re my sister.’ I said ‘no it’s not that - something about the clapping. It’s just special.’” She then went on to recount the moment they found out about getting number one. “We were waiting for it to come up on top of the pops. They’d already been in the charts for a while and when it’d gotten to the top few we panicked because we thought that they’d somehow just left the charts altogether. Then, they announced that for the first time ever - Slade were number 1. We were ecstatic.”
I entered the venue and stated my name at the box office, receiving a photo pass and instantly feeling important. “Oh look at me. I have a photo pass.” I thought whilst I waded through the sea of Slade fans - nostalgic for the music of 50-60 years prior. These fans gathered together to celebrate this band that dominated the 70’s and influenced major historical changes to music. Meanwhile, I’d previously called them “the Christmas band”
The thing about music is “you don’t know what you don’t know.” If you’re in your 20’s, you grew up with music from the 2000’s - which would not be the way it is without the movements and musical statements of the previous years. As a 24 year old - this is why I believe it’s so important to learn about and listen to different music from before we were born. Not just for education - it’s also fun! I had an amazing time getting to listen to Slade and witness them on stage.
I used my pass to get into the backstage area by the barriers, feeling like a government agent. I was told there was a table on the side where I could leave my bags and that the entire show from front to back was available to take photos of from the barriers unless they receive complaints from the client. This is rare in concert photography as they usually only allow you around 3 songs before you have to leave the stage.
Their opening act came on at 7:45pm; “sons of the 70’s” who are a tribute band to the decade - playing famous hits by bands like Black Sabbath, AC/DC and Queen. Their crowd work, stage presence and music ability was to such a high standard that it was easy to see why they were chosen as the warm up act. They had a fun energy, often looking at the camera with a cheeky nod and smiling at the crowd like they were having just as much fun as they were.
They wisely chose a well known array of songs that would get people dancing and ready to have fun. Already the atmosphere was upbeat and friendly - with even members of the audience posing for photos (clearly the glam rock era inspired a love for the spotlight.)
It was clear that I wasn’t the only one that knew Slade for their major Christmas hit, as most people in the crowd were wearing some form of Christmas paraphernalia. Especially with the concert being so close to Christmas - 22nd December 2025 - the audience was filled with a shared feeling of festivity. At the same time, the love of 70s glam rock was still there, shown especially in the way people would scream the lyrics to the songs and raise their hands in the air.
At 9pm, the band members of Slade entered the stage one by one as the audience gets louder and louder. The smiles widen on people’s face as they flash back to their youths with the opening notes of ‘Take me bak ome.’
Dave Hill once said [directed to former Front-Man Noddy Holden] “you write em, I’ll sell em.” This was referring to his extravagant outfits and stage performances. It’s plain to see that David LOVES to perform and he has a strong passion and dedication for the band Slade. No one is more aware of Slade’s impact than David Hill. That’s why he’s carried on performing with the band until now and that’s why his performances stay so dynamic and fresh.
David announced that he has been working on a solo album. He states “it will be about his life, family and kids” - he has also said in interview with eonmusic “It's upbeat, a bit of rock, a bit of reggae.” David’s album is expected to be released in spring 2026.
David Hill bringing his nephew out on stage for the song ‘My friend Stan’
Taking over for Noddy Holden as vocalist was John Berry - who joined in 2003. John was a powerhouse of musical talent with a look to go with it. He captured the emotions and vibrancy of the song whilst playing along with the campiness and glamour.
They all had fun on stage. Which is what music is about.
By the time they’d reached the last encore, after jamming hit after hit, the crowd was on fire with anticipation waiting for those last two songs.
When they started the opening bars of “cum on feel the noize” everyone was up on their feet - jumping, dancing and screaming for an entire generation. To end it all - they played the hit we all know. It bounced off the walls just like the audience and was so special to hear and share the Christmas cheer with everyone.
So I have one question for you.
Are you hanging up the stocking on your wall?