By Daryl Easlea
Slade were one of the most iconic groups of the 1970s and have influenced countless bands throughout the ages, from Oasis to Quiet Riot and beyond. Although the original quartet (Dave Hill, Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, and Don Powell) ceased working as a unit in the nineties, memories of the group remain strong, thanks largely to their festive single, 'Merry Xmas Everybody'. But Slade were always about more than just one song.
Whatever Happened to Slade? charts their emergence and groundbreaking success through to their dissolution and post-Slade careers, considering the strength of their influence on music and popular culture.
Drawing on hours of new interviews and meticulous research, with a foreword by Bob Geldof and an afterword by Jim Moir, Whatever Happened To Slade? reassesses a band that won hearts and perforated eardrums across four incident-filled, bittersweet decades.
A Sunday Times Book of the Year 2023
“An extensive, entertaining and illuminating look at the mercurial if qualified success story of one of Britain’s greatest hit making bands. A must have for the music buff.” Phil Jupitus
“A clear headed analysis” Record Collector
“Slade should be revered. Here’s a book that does that.” Bob Geldof
“The combination of Daryl’s writing skills, research and contributions from fans has cumulated in a book that gives Slade the serious recognition it deserves.” Jim Lea (Slade)
"Makes me want to go and investigate the obscure corners of the catalogue, which is always the sign of a great bio." Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree)
“At last! An author with insight, sympathy and commitment has written a substantial book about Slade that dissects the highs and lows of a career that is unique in the annals of British pop” Chris Charlesworth, Just Backdated
“Daryl Easlea analyses Slade’s phenomenal career with a serious eye, placing them in context between Bowie and Mud and evoking a world of ‘backstreet boozers with their pickled eggs and Big D peanut displays.’” Victoria Segal, The Sunday Times
“One of the joys of the informative and thoroughly readable new book . . . is the context in which it places both the band’s music as well as the young men who made it.” Ian Winwood, The Daily Telegraph
**** “A true labour of love” Andy Fyfe, Mojo
**** “(A) comprehensive analysis of all things loud and yobbish” Joel McIver, Record Collector
8/10 “A thorough, detailed, probably definitive appraisal.” David Stubbs, Classic Rock
“An engaging account of . . . one of the most underrated and influential bands of the 1970s.” Iain Key, Louder Than War
“The definitive final word on the band’s four-decade career” The Afterword
“An appropriately foot-stomping account of the Slade story” Peter Gallagher, Shindig
“An excellent in-depth history of the much-undervalued band whose Merry Xmas Everybody has become such an important part of the festive season.” Choice Magazine
“This is the new Slade bible” Don Powell (Slade)
Publication Date: 29.08.24
ISBN: 9781915841490
Extent: 480 pages
Format: Paperback
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