SLADY GIG REVIEWS
REVIEW OF SLADY GIG AT THE DUBLIN CASTLE, CAMDEN TOWN
FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2020
COURTESY OF RICHARD COX
(The first journalist to champion Slade in the 1970's in the Derby Evening Telegraph)
PHOTO COPYRIGHT DAZ MONROE
(The first journalist to champion Slade in the 1970's in the Derby Evening Telegraph)
PHOTO COPYRIGHT DAZ MONROE
Valentine’s Night 2020 with Slady at The Dublin Castle
Hot, sticky, sweaty: it’s what Valentine’s Day should be all about! This year, laughing, waving, singing, shouting and a mass of dancing, bouncing bodies were added. This was Slady at The Dublin Castle in Camden Town.
The set list was classic Slade – Britain’s biggest rock/pop band of the early 70s and one that still has thousands of fans worldwide. From Take Me Bak ‘one through Cum On Feel The Noize to the final rocker, Get Down And Get With It, this was a musical blast from the present as much as the past.
Slady are unique. They are, on paper, a traditional tribute band with the big difference being they’re female, young and attractive, but listen and look. These girls are not simply mimicking stars of yesteryear: each is a musician in her own right. My memories go back 50 years this December when I first saw Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Don Powell and Dave Hill, whose individual personalities were based on four Black Country lads having a blast and playing great rock music. Slady leave me with the same impression. Before the gig, they were with the fans; when the support act, Tuppenny Bunters, were on, Slady were in the audience mingling, then in the bar and ‘When The Lights went Out’ at the end of the gig they were with us oldies feeling the justified adulation.
I’ll dispense with real names, it’s easier to use their Slady names: Gobby Holder, Jem Lea, Donna Powell and Davina Hill. I first saw them five months ago in Wolverhampton; this time it wildly different – the same musicians, but with a confidence and maturity that only comes from practice and diligently getting it right. Hard work in rehearsal always makes the smiles on stage look more relaxed. Gobby has made the commanding stage presence of Noddy her own; she rules those boards with a mirror top hat, platform shoes, and a powerful voice, just like the man did. Jem, like Jim Lea, is an accomplished musician who uses the bass as if it’s a musical baton to conduct the band’s drive. Donna tucks herself away behind the drum kit, and produces a stand-out, strong beat, much in the style of the ‘big man’ Don Powell. Like Don, she seems happiest letting her sticks and skins steal the limelight. Finally, Davina. Last year I felt she was the shy, retiring type hiding behind her guitar; this time she was in total control: picking out and soaring lead riffs that brought great songs to life. We now have a band that has amassed a vocal and physical following that, with help from manager Dave Kemp, will make 2020 a visionary year.
Slady are not a ‘close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in the presence of the originals’ tribute band. Open your eyes: these girls are simply loving the music they play. It just so happens that Holder, Lea and Powell (the original Slade) wrote the songs the girls like to sing. It’s music that gets right into the soul, via the gut and aching ears. Slady fill the hearts of fans of Slade music – and that was just right for a Valentine’s Day gig.
Tuppenny Bunters (fabulous name) are a woman/man keyboard and drums duo. They are fun, sometimes frantic, and a delight to hear. I had aural images of Sparks, then in crept Jethro Tull and elements of Chas and Dave! They are well worth hearing again.
(Photo nicked Daz Monroe - what a top guy he is.)
Hot, sticky, sweaty: it’s what Valentine’s Day should be all about! This year, laughing, waving, singing, shouting and a mass of dancing, bouncing bodies were added. This was Slady at The Dublin Castle in Camden Town.
The set list was classic Slade – Britain’s biggest rock/pop band of the early 70s and one that still has thousands of fans worldwide. From Take Me Bak ‘one through Cum On Feel The Noize to the final rocker, Get Down And Get With It, this was a musical blast from the present as much as the past.
Slady are unique. They are, on paper, a traditional tribute band with the big difference being they’re female, young and attractive, but listen and look. These girls are not simply mimicking stars of yesteryear: each is a musician in her own right. My memories go back 50 years this December when I first saw Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Don Powell and Dave Hill, whose individual personalities were based on four Black Country lads having a blast and playing great rock music. Slady leave me with the same impression. Before the gig, they were with the fans; when the support act, Tuppenny Bunters, were on, Slady were in the audience mingling, then in the bar and ‘When The Lights went Out’ at the end of the gig they were with us oldies feeling the justified adulation.
I’ll dispense with real names, it’s easier to use their Slady names: Gobby Holder, Jem Lea, Donna Powell and Davina Hill. I first saw them five months ago in Wolverhampton; this time it wildly different – the same musicians, but with a confidence and maturity that only comes from practice and diligently getting it right. Hard work in rehearsal always makes the smiles on stage look more relaxed. Gobby has made the commanding stage presence of Noddy her own; she rules those boards with a mirror top hat, platform shoes, and a powerful voice, just like the man did. Jem, like Jim Lea, is an accomplished musician who uses the bass as if it’s a musical baton to conduct the band’s drive. Donna tucks herself away behind the drum kit, and produces a stand-out, strong beat, much in the style of the ‘big man’ Don Powell. Like Don, she seems happiest letting her sticks and skins steal the limelight. Finally, Davina. Last year I felt she was the shy, retiring type hiding behind her guitar; this time she was in total control: picking out and soaring lead riffs that brought great songs to life. We now have a band that has amassed a vocal and physical following that, with help from manager Dave Kemp, will make 2020 a visionary year.
Slady are not a ‘close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in the presence of the originals’ tribute band. Open your eyes: these girls are simply loving the music they play. It just so happens that Holder, Lea and Powell (the original Slade) wrote the songs the girls like to sing. It’s music that gets right into the soul, via the gut and aching ears. Slady fill the hearts of fans of Slade music – and that was just right for a Valentine’s Day gig.
Tuppenny Bunters (fabulous name) are a woman/man keyboard and drums duo. They are fun, sometimes frantic, and a delight to hear. I had aural images of Sparks, then in crept Jethro Tull and elements of Chas and Dave! They are well worth hearing again.
(Photo nicked Daz Monroe - what a top guy he is.)
REVIEW OF SLADY GIG AT THE PRINCE ALBERT BRIGHTON
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2019
COURTESY OF SUSSEX SCENE
ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT IAN BOURN
WEBLINK TO ARTICLE: CLICK HERE
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2019
COURTESY OF SUSSEX SCENE
ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT IAN BOURN
WEBLINK TO ARTICLE: CLICK HERE
SLADY Drop a Christmas banger of a gig in Brighton
Slady were back! They were up for it, the sold out crowd were up for it. A night of Slade banging tunes by the only female Slade tribute? Wots not to like?
“Us lot at SLADY got together coz we luv Slade, performing on stage and bringin the house down.”
Slady were back in Brighton, at The Prince Albert. There had been a buzz around town for these guys, the gig was originally booked in for the Hope And Ruin, but shuffled back to the Albert during the year. And again, the SOLD OUT Prince Albert crowd proved that there is a thirst to see these guys do what they do. Slady have been around for a little while with various line ups. Brighton was lucky to get another chance to see and most definitely hear the noize from Slady. They claim to be the world’s only all female tribute band to legendary 1970’s glam rock band Slade. I had another quick google search and that claim would still seem to stand!
Slady were back! They were up for it, the sold out crowd were up for it. A night of Slade banging tunes by the only female Slade tribute? Wots not to like?
“Us lot at SLADY got together coz we luv Slade, performing on stage and bringin the house down.”
Slady were back in Brighton, at The Prince Albert. There had been a buzz around town for these guys, the gig was originally booked in for the Hope And Ruin, but shuffled back to the Albert during the year. And again, the SOLD OUT Prince Albert crowd proved that there is a thirst to see these guys do what they do. Slady have been around for a little while with various line ups. Brighton was lucky to get another chance to see and most definitely hear the noize from Slady. They claim to be the world’s only all female tribute band to legendary 1970’s glam rock band Slade. I had another quick google search and that claim would still seem to stand!
SLADY: The Band
Great job on the names!
Gobby Holder – guitars, vocals and that hat, and glitter
Some great vocals along with some top notch guitar playing, some great moves and all the while kept the huge Noddy Holder mirrored hat on.
Great job on the names!
Gobby Holder – guitars, vocals and that hat, and glitter
Some great vocals along with some top notch guitar playing, some great moves and all the while kept the huge Noddy Holder mirrored hat on.
Jem Lea – some mean Bass guitar and vocals, and glitter
Jem Lea tucked to the side of the stage hammered out some top quality bass lines and also some fine backing vocals.
Jem Lea tucked to the side of the stage hammered out some top quality bass lines and also some fine backing vocals.
Davina Hill – guitars and vocals, and glitter
On lead guitar duties was Davina Hill, she also put in some fine backing vox work. I have to give her a shout for some really good strong guitar leads and various breaks. During When The Lights Go Out she nailed down some top playing. Great stuff!
On lead guitar duties was Davina Hill, she also put in some fine backing vox work. I have to give her a shout for some really good strong guitar leads and various breaks. During When The Lights Go Out she nailed down some top playing. Great stuff!
Donna Powell – on the drums and vocals, and glitter
The lady at the back, Donna Powell put down some strong patterns and fills, working with Jem to fill in the whole Slady sound, and also dropping in some nice background vocal work.
The lady at the back, Donna Powell put down some strong patterns and fills, working with Jem to fill in the whole Slady sound, and also dropping in some nice background vocal work.
The Set
Slady took to the stage, Gobby adjusted her hat – with added festive lighting and we were off. The all out rocker Take Me Bak ‘Ome, a smash for Slade way back in 1972, was on first. Last time Slady played the Albert, the sound gremlins surfaced for the first couple of songs. Not tonight. Slady blistered through that first opening salvo and they then tore straight into Cum On Feel The Noize. Oh my! dear reader the difference from the first gig to this was huge, and matched by the fine sound. Slady were just killing it, and doing it in style. How to start your gig! The crowd surged forward, well as best they could, as it was packed in there, hot and humid – a perfect atmosphere for a rock and roll gig!
Look wot u don was up next and that was hammered at us and then straight into skweeze me pleeze me. The mixed audience was loving this. There had been some party packs given to the early arrivals and it included a party hat and balloon and a few Slady items. Brilliant and every so often a balloon was batted towards the stage. This audience was here for a good time.
Skweeze Me Pleeze Me was up next. These guys were not going to let us go. A helluva decent glittertastic racket filled the Albert! We then had a couple of lesser known Slade bangers, Lights Are Out featuring some wicked guitars licks and riffs that Dave and Noddy woulda been proud of! That led nicely into Don't Blame Me.
Skweeze Me Pleeze Me was up next. These guys were not going to let us go. A helluva decent glittertastic racket filled the Albert! We then had a couple of lesser known Slade bangers, Lights Are Out featuring some wicked guitars licks and riffs that Dave and Noddy woulda been proud of! That led nicely into Don't Blame Me.
Then another fave with Slady doing Slade proud with Coz I Love You and a howler of Mama Weer All Crazee Now. The crowd who had used the two previous songs to catch their breath were back up for it with these two. Arms raised along with some fine Brighton voices to go with those two tracks. These guys really fuelled a good time atmosphere. It must be nearly Christmas? Worlds Gone Crazee and Darlin Be Home Soon were up next. A perfectly sourced set building up the crowd, calming them down, just a bit…
Crazee Partee Timez
Crazee Partee Timez
We then had the brilliant Bangin Man and Everyday. After that a moment to pause and then Gobby shattering windows, glasses and noise limitations let rip with “It’s Christmas!” Merry Christmas Everybody was delivered with the power of a glam powered steam hammer. It smacked us silly as we all joined in. Looking back into the crowd all I could see was hot sweaty faces and everyone, and I DO MEAN EVERYONE! was singing. The Ladies of SLADY nailed it. They actually seemed surprised to see such a reaction from the packed out venue.
The last one tonight was the classic Get Down Get With It. Pure class Slady. Great job! Be assured going to see Slady, you are going to get a good handful of the standard greatest hits, but you will also get some nice surprises. Slady generated an electric atmosphere for the crowd, and no doubt some new fans. The audience here tonight were well into it bopping and singing along in unison.
Tonight was definitely a hell raising, foot stomping night which delivered class tunes, one after the other. Scene Sussex fell head over heels for these guys back in July and we just knew this was a grower. Well played Guys – Come back soon, Brighton loves ya x MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU x
Tonight was definitely a hell raising, foot stomping night which delivered class tunes, one after the other. Scene Sussex fell head over heels for these guys back in July and we just knew this was a grower. Well played Guys – Come back soon, Brighton loves ya x MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU x
REVIEW OF SLADY GIG AT THE PRINCE ALBERT BRIGHTON
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2019
COURTESY OF PLUGGED IN BRIGHTON
WEBLINK TO ARTICLE: CLICK HERE
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2019
COURTESY OF PLUGGED IN BRIGHTON
WEBLINK TO ARTICLE: CLICK HERE
Get Down And Get With It: Slady @ Prince Albert
Gobby Holder. Davina Hill. Donna Powell. Jem Lea. Get down. Get with them. Slady! Slady! Slady!
You maybe didn’t know about Slady, the world’s only all-female Slade tribute act. Now you do.
A sold-out Prince Albert on December 13th got their second dose of the band in just over six months. In the time since their last visit, they had gotten better and louder. Led by Gobby Holder they served up an hour of super yobbish glam rock and pop. Ending not with Merry Christmas Everybody, don’t worry they played it, but with Get Down and Get With It which encapsulated all that’s great about Slady.
The sell-out crowd was slightly older and the nostalgia broke in waves of singing, dancing, stomping, and sheer bloody joy. That’s making you feel like it’s your birthday and Christmas all on the same day. Tribute bands get a bad rap but Slady certainly won’t from those who saw them tonight. Bostin!
Slady aren’t just for Christmas but at the end of the year, their glitter shines a little brighter. Christmas 2020 anyone? The Albert again? Paper crowns?
You maybe didn’t know about Slady, the world’s only all-female Slade tribute act. Now you do.
A sold-out Prince Albert on December 13th got their second dose of the band in just over six months. In the time since their last visit, they had gotten better and louder. Led by Gobby Holder they served up an hour of super yobbish glam rock and pop. Ending not with Merry Christmas Everybody, don’t worry they played it, but with Get Down and Get With It which encapsulated all that’s great about Slady.
The sell-out crowd was slightly older and the nostalgia broke in waves of singing, dancing, stomping, and sheer bloody joy. That’s making you feel like it’s your birthday and Christmas all on the same day. Tribute bands get a bad rap but Slady certainly won’t from those who saw them tonight. Bostin!
Slady aren’t just for Christmas but at the end of the year, their glitter shines a little brighter. Christmas 2020 anyone? The Albert again? Paper crowns?
