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Hundreds of fans hit Facebook site set up for Slade’s Dave Hill
Wednesday 21st July 2010, 11:30AM BST.
Slade star Dave Hill
Hundreds of Slade fans from across the world have posted get well messages on a website that has been set up to wish stricken guitarist Dave Hill a speedy recovery.
The 64-year-old suffered a minor stroke after coming off stage in Germany 11 days ago. He is recovering at his home in Wolverhampton after flying back to the UK at the weekend.
More than 520 fans from Australia, America and all over Europe have left messages to the Black Country popstar who was on a mini-tour with fellow 70s glamrock band Sweet when he fell ill.
He was taken to hospital and a further two dates, in Sweden and Switzerland, were cancelled. The Facebook account, called Get Well Soon Dave, was set up by 20-year-old Claire Gibbons of Carlton Close, Coseley, who has been a fan since she was a toddler and used to listen to her dad David’s Slade records.
She said: “It’s difficult to contact celebrities so I was hoping that by setting up a Facebook page he would see how much fans think of him.
“He’s my hero, I was really upset when I read about the stroke. I can’t believe how much support we’ve got – there were 370 hits in the first 24 hours.
“We’ve asked people to post their photos and memories of Dave.”
Although she was too young to remember the band in their heyday, the newly-qualified teacher says she is one of the band’s biggest fans. Abbie Carter, who manages Hill, has been in touch with her and thanked her for setting up the page.
“She really liked it and said she would be showing Dave,” said Claire, who has met the band at various gigs.”They’re a local band and really lovely guys. Dave’s always had time for fans. This is just our way of showing how much we care about him.”
Hill, a grandfather, is recovering at his home in Lower Penn.
A 49-year-old Facebook user who goes by the name of Doc Martyn was impressed by the number of messages posted already.”It just goes to show how much Dave is a legend to all of us. I hope he does get to see this page so he will see how much we are all behind him,” he wrote.
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It’s really great news that he’s recovering very well. He’s my hero too and I was upset when I heard about the illness.
I love listening to Slade music as it makes me happy and because Dave Hill has brought so happiness to all of his fans from all over the world.
Get soon, Dave and take care.
From Faye xxx
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The super yob lives on,keep on rockin dave.
Cheers Jeff,the 39 year slade fantic.
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I’m so glad to hear that Dave is making a full recovery, I would like to thank everyone that has kept us in touch with Dave’s progress.
Dave you’re a star…Keep on Rockin
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Have been a fan since day one,your all up there with the `icons`Swift recovery Dave.Keep `Buggering in`.Don`t let the bastards `grind` you down !!!
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Dave Hill, legend..
Solo for Luk wot you dun…amazing.
Slade..amazing..
Im 24 and even though they were before my time they still have a massive timeless sound…
Get well soon bro, Wolverhampton needs you to keep the glam alive!
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The first concert I ever went to? Wolverhampton Civic Hall late 72? I just cant remember exactly when… Suzi Quattro, Thin Lizzie (Superb band) and Slade top of the bill!
Reputedly Noddies Old man and Old Lady were in the house and sure enough right behind us an old couple singing along. What halcien days!!
I now “bumble along” on the guitar and regularly bash out a Slade tune or two… What a superb local band and sorely missed by people of my era.
Dave I for one wish you well, and if I was to see you in, say, the Springhill, Penn, I would gladly buy you a pint and shake you by the hand for introducing me to good old stompin guitar driven music!
I have yet to hear a better version than Slades Born to be Wild…a true rock group if ever there was one.
Get well soon my friend!
Moriarty…
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Been a fan of Slade since 1971.
KOR Davey boy get well soon from your Welsh fans.
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Get well soon Dave, you’re a legend!
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Glad yer on the mend H all our Luv x
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Get well soon Dave, a true Blackcountry legend, Keep on Rockin!
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Get well soon Dave. The band was formely called The ‘Nbetweens and played and practiced regulary at St. Giles Youth Club in Willenhall. A coach load of us went to a Battle of the Bands somwhere in Staffordshire once to cheer them on and during the interval some of us went to their dressing room to say hello and I remember strumming away at Dave’s guitar. They won, naturally.
My father in law tried to book them to play at our wedding reception, but unfortunatley they had another booking that night.
So Dave my memories of you are everlasting, the last time I saw you was in Ikea in Wednesbury so I,ll see you there again soon.
Geoff & Pat Pearson
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Hi Dave do get well and we ar all thinking of you. All the best from a fan and friend from wolverhampton Stu Goldcrusher Goldsmith
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Was so shocked to hear of this!!! But am so relieved to hear that he is recovering….
“Wish you the very best in getting back to good health Dave!! Just go a bit more easy when you get back into them platforms on stage!!! You can still be a WICKED guitarist in hush puppies ya know!!!!” KOR…Dee xx
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hi Dave,been watching Slade since ’82 B-Ham Odeon although I was hooked from’73 when you guyz were and still are the best around.Keep yer chin up mate and we all hope to see you back out there very soon.KOR.Phil.ps,my missus bought me a guitar so if you find yourself at a loss anytime I’d gladly appreciate some lessons.
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Hi Dave
Get well soon from all of us down under,I’m the one from Adelaide with the kids at the airport and The front page .Last time I saw you was at Skegness 2003.
Been a Slade fan since 1971 and you were my friends in need to get through my teenage years.So I’m here now for you.
KOR always regards Dutchie(Emiel)
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Hi dave ,
get well soon from little ali dave , and john and jane x, back stagers , we all love you and see you on stage soon xxxx
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Hi Dave
Shocked to hear about what happened, but wishing you all the luck in the world for your speedy recovery.
I was a massive Slade fan in my early teens, and couldn’t believe my luck when my brother met your sister Carol and then married her! Thanks for all the fantastic years of great music, what a talent.
So here’s to your recovery, enjoy your recuperation and look forward to the fantastic Christmas concerts!
Take care
Annette
xxx
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One of the best gigs I ever did see ( and I saw a lot) Slade at the Music Machine London back in 1979 ish. Get well soon
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