Slade’s roots go back to the 1960s when guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell played together in various bands in the West Midlands. Eventually, they joined forces with singer Noddy Holder and multi-instrumentalist Jim Lea, forming a group originally known as Ambrose Slade in 1966. The band was discovered by manager and former Animals bassist Chas Chandler, who helped shape their sound and image. Under Chandler’s guidance, the group shortened their name to Slade and adopted a working-class, skinhead image in hopes of standing out in the crowded UK rock scene. Although this early approach gained attention, it wasn’t until they embraced a more flamboyant, glam-rock style that their popularity skyrocketed. Slade achieved their first major UK chart success with the single "Get Down & Get With It" in 1971, followed by a string of hits that defined the glam rock era. Their breakthrough came with "Coz I Luv You" (1971), a high charting hit that established their unique spelling and raucous, sing-along style. Between 1971 and 1975, Slade dominated the UK charts, scoring number 1 singles and many consecutive Top 20 hits. Their best-known songs from this era include: "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (1972), "Cum On Feel The Noize" (1973), "Gudbuy T’ Jane" (1972) and "Merry Xmaƨ Everybody" (1973) - a perennial holiday classic. Slade’s sound was loud, energetic, and catchy, with Noddy Holder’s powerful voice and Jim Lea’s songwriting playing pivotal roles. Their use of phonetic, intentionally misspelled song titles became a trademark. By the mid 1970s, punk rock began to eclipse glam in popularity, and Slade's fortunes declined. Attempts to break into the American market were only moderately successful. However, a significant turning point came in 1980 when they filled in last minute for Ozzy Osbourne at the Reading Festival, delivering a performance that revitalized their image and introduced them to a new generation of rock fans. This resurgence led to a harder-edged sound, reflected in albums like "We'll Bring The House Down" in 1981, which returned them to the UK charts. Slade continued to release albums through the 1980s, including "The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome" in 1983, which featured the hits "My Oh My" (1983) and "Run Runaway" (1983) - both of which also found success in the U.S. Despite their continued output, internal tensions grew. Jim Lea left the band in 1992, and Noddy Holder retired shortly after, effectively ending the classic lineup. Following Holder and Lea’s departures, Dave Hill and Don Powell formed Slade II with new members, performing under that name throughout the 1990s and 2000s, before reverting simply to Slade. Over time, Hill remained the sole original member, and the lineup continued to tour. Slade’s influence is profound, especially in glam rock and heavy metal. Bands like Kiss, Quiet Riot, Oasis, and Cheap Trick have cited them as inspirations. Quiet Riot’s cover of “Cum On Feel The Noize” in the 1980s became a U.S. hit, introducing Slade’s music to a new audience. Their enduring appeal is especially felt during the holidays, as "Merry Xmaƨ Everybody" remains one of the UK’s most beloved festive songs. Slade’s blend of anthemic rock, outrageous style, and working-class authenticity made them one of the most iconic bands of the 1970s. Their legacy endures through their music, which continues to resonate with fans across generations, especially every Christmas season.