Wolverhampton’s new Little Civic was officially launched last night – with a little help from some famous friends.

Live music venue The Slade Rooms was formally opened by two of the men who inspired its name.

Black Country music legends Dave Hill and Don Powell, from Wolverhampton-based glam rockers Slade, were on hand to cut the ribbon.

Later 80s singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw gave his first ever performance in the city.

Dave and Don, who founded Slade, said it was “an amazing honour” to have the venue named after them.

Bilston-born Don, aged 63, said: “We’re very proud of what’s been done here today.

“It’s been a fantastic day, this is a fantastic venue – I would say please enjoy it.”

Dave, who still lives in Lower Penn, Wolverhampton, added: “It’s an amazing honour to have a venue named after us. I love this city and its people.”

The 500-capacity venue, which has taken over the former C4 nightclub, also has a classroom to be used by music technology students from the City of Wolverhampton College.

The Little Civic moved from its former home near the Civic Hall in North Street after its 10-year lease there ended.

Earlier in the day, Don and Dave were at the Civic Hall to witness their names being added to a Black Country wall of honour, joining Slade frontman Noddy Holder, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin singer Jonn Penney and composer Edward Elgar.

Dave, who is now a grandfather, said the Civic Hall held happy memories for the band, who are best-known for hits Merry Christmas Everybody and Cum On Feel the Noize.

“We played here so many times when we were young,” he said.

“Mondays used to be the biggest night then. Sometimes we used to perform for the Beatties’ staff party.”

Don added: “Those were the days when we used to get £12 between us for a gig, and £2 of that had to go to Dave’s dad for driving us here.

“But it’s a real honour to be added to the wall. It’s very humbling. What’s strange is I haven’t been back to the Civic Hall for a long time but it hasn’t changed. I thought that after playing big stadiums it would seem small but it doesn’t.”

Fans of Nik Kershaw later took over the venue for an hour-and-a half acoustic set

Nik, whose hits include I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me and The Riddle, and who will become a father for the fourth time later this year at the age of 52 said he was impressed with the venue.

“It looks very nice,” said Nik, who is back on the road for the first time in seven years.