It is not Christmas without Slade or until Noddy declares, “It’s Christmas.” Alas, no Noddy in the band anymore, yet Dave Hill and his current band of troubadours have kept the flag flying for good time rock ‘n’ roll. As the tour states, It’s Christmaaaas! The Final Tour, so despite having not seen the band since Noddy’s departure, it only seemed right to catch them live once more.
Slade
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – 17 December 2025
Words: Adrian Stonley
Photography: Robert Sutton
It has been declared that Slade are not just for Christmas. Yet, let’s be honest, if there is one band who can still retain credibility over a Christmas song, then they are the ones.
Yet tonight was always going to be one of those great nights where you get the best of both worlds, and Slade are a band that have a fabulous catalogue of hits stretching across the last fifty or so years. With that in your cannon, then tonight was going to be nothing but a good time.
So, we left all our worries at the door, rolled back the clock and let our hair down for ninety minutes or so (at least those of us who still have hair).
Opening with Take Me Back ‘Ome they set out their intent for the night. Don’t hold back, let’s go.
Tonight was about the hits and particularly about Dave Hill’s interpretations. Actually, a Slade song is always a Slade song, and the band that Dave has now surrounded himself with are more than adept.
No, it is not Slade as some of us remember them, but with Dave now approaching eighty, he still remains sprightly and enthusiastic and that enthusiasm was spread throughout the audience tonight. It was infectious.
Quite honestly, if Dave still wants to front his version of Slade, and it is done with the blessings of the other band members, then why not? Who are we to decide when they should call it a day? All the time Dave retains the love for the music and the legacy of the band then long may it continue.
Music-wise, tonight was pure greatest hits. There have been very few rock ‘n’ roll bands that can write such infectious tunes as Slade have over the years, and it is physically impossible to stand still once those opening chords blast through.
Look Wot You Dun, Run Runaway, Coz I Luv You. The list goes on. It is all high adrenaline stuff.
Everyday slows matters down for a few minutes while the audience, as one, with hands in the air sing along the lyrics with the band. My Friend Stan and The Bangin’ Man bring the tongue-in-cheek naughtiness out in the band, and it is really nice to hear these old songs again after so long.
But of course, the tour de force is always going to be the closing of the set as the band pushes the energy levels up another notch with Gudbuy T’Jane and Mama Weer All Crazee now. Yes, we’re still Crazee after all these years, and who cares? No one here tonight.
Perhaps the main set was a little short, running in at exactly an hour, but as earlier, Dave is no spring chicken anymore, so we probably need to be a little understanding. At least he is still up on stage.
The return gap is minimal as they return to the piano intro to the great singalong My Oh My, and the audience is in full voice once more, arms waving and beer sloshing.
Cum On Feel The Noize is highly anticipated and sees a further raucous rendition before we come to the close of the set with that song.
As Dave returns to the stage, complete with a Slade-embossed Santa hat, there is only one tune left to play, and it may well have been the main reason many were here tonight.
So Merry Christmas Everyone. Noddy may not have made the announcement, but Slade did. It is official. It’s Christmaaas!!!!
