My oh my Slade back at roots

Even without Noddy Holder Slade's latest incarnation raised the roof in Bilston for their 40th anniversary homecoming concert - and what a show-stopper it was.

See also: Dave Hill video interview

Flamboyant guitarist Dave Hill seemed to enjoy his performance more than ever as more than 500 people who had packed into Bilston's Robin 2 club sang, danced and cheered him on last night.

Together with original drummer Don Powell, substitute singer Mal McNulty and John Berry on base, the band belted out their classic hits, some of which are still among the most instantly recognisable tunes around.

The ever-popular 70s band, which has enjoyed six number ones and six hit albums over the past four decades, is still pulling in the crowds throughout Britain.

But being back in the Black Country and where they used to rehearse years ago when it was a house was an extra special occasion.

Speaking before taking to the stage for a 75-minute set, Dave said: "I think the Robin is a special gig, the kind that most bands like to play and for us it was a reminder of how we first started.

"This was where we learned our trade and we had a lot of hits for a good reason because they still sound good today.

"It makes me feel good to have grown up here at a good time and there's nothing like being home." The encores were two of Slade's biggest successes, Cum on Feel the Noize and, of course, Merry Christmas Everybody. One epitomises the group's roaring rock sound of the 1970s that made them superstars and the other is arguably the most famous Christmas song ever written.

Shaun Burton, Robin 2 duty manager, said it was a fantastic atmosphere and everybody loved having Slade back.

"They were great as always and they were met by an excellent audience," he said.

After the performance, Don Powell's drumsticks, Dave Hill's plectrum and support band Mud's drumsticks were auctioned off to support Radio WM's annual toy appeal.

Review by Andy Rea