OLD NEWS ARCHIVE 5
Memory Lane, Wolverhampton
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During Don's recent 'flying visit' to Wolverhampton, he managed to find some time to visit some old haunts:
Wolverhampton Civic Hall
The Willenhall Baths
St Giles Youth Club, Willenhall
The site of the Astra Agency in Princess St, Wolverhampton
Photos of Don's "Memory Lane" tour of Wolverhampton are shown below. After the photos is Don's narrative as to why these places were important to Slade history...
Wolverhampton Civic Hall
The Willenhall Baths
St Giles Youth Club, Willenhall
The site of the Astra Agency in Princess St, Wolverhampton
Photos of Don's "Memory Lane" tour of Wolverhampton are shown below. After the photos is Don's narrative as to why these places were important to Slade history...
Don remembers St Giles Youth Club and Willenhall Baths:
St Giles Youth Club
This is where it all started.
Johnny Howells, Mick Marson and myself were all members of the YC.
In return for us playing there (almost) every Thursday (for nothing or sometimes just £2) we could use the club to rehearse (a photograph from there is in my biography).
That’s were we saw The Rockin’ Phantoms (who featued Noddy Holder as singer / guitarist).
John Squires was the Youth Club leader at the time, and Ada used to clean the club. (Would you believe we actually wrote a song / instrumental called ‘Ode To Ada’ (don’t know were it is now)...
Willenhall Baths
About twice a year, St Giles Youth Club used to hold ‘dances’ at the baths and ‘hire’ whoever was current band at the time.....
The first band booked was The Hollies (line-up: Alan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock & Bobby Elliott - Bobbie Elliott had just joined replacing Don Rathbone on drums. Would you believe they carried their own equipment in?
The single they had out when Bobby joined was ‘Searchin’..1963. Bobbie didn't actually play on the record, Don (Rathbone, not me) did....(wonder if he got his royalties)?
The first record Bobby played on was ‘Stay’ 1963 (listen to his great drummin’).
That night we played together....... they were paid £75, we were paid £4..... quite a difference!
The next band we played at the Baths with was Cream (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker).....
They all arrived (stoned out of their minds) and they had this old ‘hippie’ with them called Pete Brown. He actually wrote lyrics to many of their early songs!
They were paid £125.... and our fee went up to £6 ( £1.50 each).. We were then the line-up that became SLADE...
Also on the bill that night was Listen with Robert Plant on vocals (I think they got paid less than us)..
The dressing room at the baths was just the store room on the side of the stage. All the bands shared the same room (no egos then) - and Ginger Baker had his ‘double' Ludwig kit set up in there meaning no-one could move.
He was dancing all over his drums (stoned). I was totally oblivious to all of that, thinking “he must be rich”. My drums were still on HP! Also, I remember I was trying to hold a conversation with Eric Clapton..... No joy! He was ‘staring’ (totally out of it) into space!
I totally naïvely though ‘ahh he must be tired’! I remember a classic story from that night...... Robert Plant went up to Ginger Baker and said: “ Mr Baker, would you mind moving your drums, so we can all have some room." Ginger's reply was: “ NO - FUCK OFF”.... To which Robert sheepishly did.....
Anyway, the stage at the baths was on a slope, with a level riser for the drummers..... NOT for Ginger Baker though! He had the riser taken away and had his double-kit set up on the slopping stage!
Their opening song was NSU (a sexual disease).. Amazing really as this was 1966!..... Listen to the fantastic drum intro on that song by Ginger Baker.....
St Giles Youth Club
This is where it all started.
Johnny Howells, Mick Marson and myself were all members of the YC.
In return for us playing there (almost) every Thursday (for nothing or sometimes just £2) we could use the club to rehearse (a photograph from there is in my biography).
That’s were we saw The Rockin’ Phantoms (who featued Noddy Holder as singer / guitarist).
John Squires was the Youth Club leader at the time, and Ada used to clean the club. (Would you believe we actually wrote a song / instrumental called ‘Ode To Ada’ (don’t know were it is now)...
Willenhall Baths
About twice a year, St Giles Youth Club used to hold ‘dances’ at the baths and ‘hire’ whoever was current band at the time.....
The first band booked was The Hollies (line-up: Alan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock & Bobby Elliott - Bobbie Elliott had just joined replacing Don Rathbone on drums. Would you believe they carried their own equipment in?
The single they had out when Bobby joined was ‘Searchin’..1963. Bobbie didn't actually play on the record, Don (Rathbone, not me) did....(wonder if he got his royalties)?
The first record Bobby played on was ‘Stay’ 1963 (listen to his great drummin’).
That night we played together....... they were paid £75, we were paid £4..... quite a difference!
The next band we played at the Baths with was Cream (Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker).....
They all arrived (stoned out of their minds) and they had this old ‘hippie’ with them called Pete Brown. He actually wrote lyrics to many of their early songs!
They were paid £125.... and our fee went up to £6 ( £1.50 each).. We were then the line-up that became SLADE...
Also on the bill that night was Listen with Robert Plant on vocals (I think they got paid less than us)..
The dressing room at the baths was just the store room on the side of the stage. All the bands shared the same room (no egos then) - and Ginger Baker had his ‘double' Ludwig kit set up in there meaning no-one could move.
He was dancing all over his drums (stoned). I was totally oblivious to all of that, thinking “he must be rich”. My drums were still on HP! Also, I remember I was trying to hold a conversation with Eric Clapton..... No joy! He was ‘staring’ (totally out of it) into space!
I totally naïvely though ‘ahh he must be tired’! I remember a classic story from that night...... Robert Plant went up to Ginger Baker and said: “ Mr Baker, would you mind moving your drums, so we can all have some room." Ginger's reply was: “ NO - FUCK OFF”.... To which Robert sheepishly did.....
Anyway, the stage at the baths was on a slope, with a level riser for the drummers..... NOT for Ginger Baker though! He had the riser taken away and had his double-kit set up on the slopping stage!
Their opening song was NSU (a sexual disease).. Amazing really as this was 1966!..... Listen to the fantastic drum intro on that song by Ginger Baker.....
My Friend Stan
Whilst at lunch in Wolverhampton recently Don was approached by an old 'N Betweens fan, called Stan, who used to watch the band in the 1960's.
Don and Stan talked about old 'N Betweens gigs... and Stan reminded Don as to how a young Lenny Henry used to be the 'glass collector' at the 'N Betweens gigs at the Queen Mary Ballroom at Dudley Zoo on Sundays....
Stan asked if "Don's little mate (Dave Hill) still played badminton". Don was quick to respond "No, he doesn't" and then added "...the net was too tall!"
Don and Stan talked about old 'N Betweens gigs... and Stan reminded Don as to how a young Lenny Henry used to be the 'glass collector' at the 'N Betweens gigs at the Queen Mary Ballroom at Dudley Zoo on Sundays....
Stan asked if "Don's little mate (Dave Hill) still played badminton". Don was quick to respond "No, he doesn't" and then added "...the net was too tall!"
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C'est La Vie, ooh Cherie
Don met Steve Robinson at Bmf Peterborough in May.
Steve spoke briefly to Don at the bikefest but emailed Don at the website to inform him of his daughter's wedding, and to say that she had been name after the girl in the Slade song "C'est la vie"- Cherie.
Don sent his congratulations to the happy couple. The pic is of proud dad Steve with Cherie saying thank you to Don at the wedding, which took place on 31 May.
Steve plays with a 70's Glam Rock tribute band - and has been with them for 20 years. Don has inspired Steve to get in touch with the National Autistic Society and speak about doing some charity work with them.
Steve spoke briefly to Don at the bikefest but emailed Don at the website to inform him of his daughter's wedding, and to say that she had been name after the girl in the Slade song "C'est la vie"- Cherie.
Don sent his congratulations to the happy couple. The pic is of proud dad Steve with Cherie saying thank you to Don at the wedding, which took place on 31 May.
Steve plays with a 70's Glam Rock tribute band - and has been with them for 20 years. Don has inspired Steve to get in touch with the National Autistic Society and speak about doing some charity work with them.
Theresa Taylor tells how she first met Don in 1973...
Slade fan Theresa Taylor initially wrote Don an email asking Don if he remembered her, and a group of girls, waiting for Slade outside the Olympic Studios in Barnes in the 1970's. (Don responded that he did).
Webmaster then asked Theresa if she would like to share her stories of those days with the website readers... Theresa has kindly agreed. Here is her story....
Webmaster then asked Theresa if she would like to share her stories of those days with the website readers... Theresa has kindly agreed. Here is her story....
Theresa Taylor - 2014
"The first time I met Don...
It was the summer of 1973. I had just left primary school and was preparing to go to secondary which meant a whole summer of nothing to do!
My best friend at the time had introduced me to Slade earlier in the year and I couldn’t get enough of their music. My family were soon familiar with their music too.
I can’t remember how we came to know that Slade were recording at Olympic Studios, but I am guessing that we heard it through the grapevine. Barnes where I lived was (and still is) referred to as a village and it didn’t take long for the news to travel.
My best friend, her older sister and I were the core group who would wait outside. Sometimes we would be joined by another Barnes friend and a couple of friends from a few miles away. Now and again, fans from elsewhere would appear for an afternoon but most of the time we had the band to ourselves!
The first time we saw them was when they were leaving the studio after a day’s recording. Don at the time was walking with the aid of a stick as he was in the early stages of his recovery after his accident. Due to Don’s evident injuries, he would make for the car, but as time went by he would delay getting in to the car to stop with the rest of the band to sign autographs and chat briefly. Don has always been my favourite band member, but I could never talk to him other than to get his autograph as I was too shy. As we didn’t have a camera between us, I never got a photo. To help pass the time away while waiting, we would take our little transistor radios and listen out for the latest music news on Radio 1 specifically with Slade in mind of course. Slade would leave the studios at roughly the same time each day (around 6pm, I seem to remember). But we would wait there regardless for the whole day……just in case they left earlier (for TOTP recording or other commitments)
The band was always friendly and the road crew would periodically chat to us too. Robbie Wilson often asked us if we had nothing else to do, he was the only person who ever questioned why we waited outside all the time. Dave Hill once told us that Swinn ate sheep’s eyeballs. As the very young girls that we were we made suitable noises of disgust. Swinn just played along with Dave. Chas Chandler would often give us a glance and a smile too. I have a vague recollection of Lynsey de Paul attending recording sessions occasionally.
I don’t know what we did for food and drink, but if rained, we would all squeeze into the red phone box that was outside the studio. There we would go through the phone directories to look for the Hill’s, Holder’s. Lea’s and Powell’s with Midland addresses to try to find where they lived, then make plans to go to the Midlands. Stalkers in today’s parlance, but of course none of us had the money to travel there, so instead we made it our aim to find which hotel they stayed at when they were in London.
It was the summer of 1973. I had just left primary school and was preparing to go to secondary which meant a whole summer of nothing to do!
My best friend at the time had introduced me to Slade earlier in the year and I couldn’t get enough of their music. My family were soon familiar with their music too.
I can’t remember how we came to know that Slade were recording at Olympic Studios, but I am guessing that we heard it through the grapevine. Barnes where I lived was (and still is) referred to as a village and it didn’t take long for the news to travel.
My best friend, her older sister and I were the core group who would wait outside. Sometimes we would be joined by another Barnes friend and a couple of friends from a few miles away. Now and again, fans from elsewhere would appear for an afternoon but most of the time we had the band to ourselves!
The first time we saw them was when they were leaving the studio after a day’s recording. Don at the time was walking with the aid of a stick as he was in the early stages of his recovery after his accident. Due to Don’s evident injuries, he would make for the car, but as time went by he would delay getting in to the car to stop with the rest of the band to sign autographs and chat briefly. Don has always been my favourite band member, but I could never talk to him other than to get his autograph as I was too shy. As we didn’t have a camera between us, I never got a photo. To help pass the time away while waiting, we would take our little transistor radios and listen out for the latest music news on Radio 1 specifically with Slade in mind of course. Slade would leave the studios at roughly the same time each day (around 6pm, I seem to remember). But we would wait there regardless for the whole day……just in case they left earlier (for TOTP recording or other commitments)
The band was always friendly and the road crew would periodically chat to us too. Robbie Wilson often asked us if we had nothing else to do, he was the only person who ever questioned why we waited outside all the time. Dave Hill once told us that Swinn ate sheep’s eyeballs. As the very young girls that we were we made suitable noises of disgust. Swinn just played along with Dave. Chas Chandler would often give us a glance and a smile too. I have a vague recollection of Lynsey de Paul attending recording sessions occasionally.
I don’t know what we did for food and drink, but if rained, we would all squeeze into the red phone box that was outside the studio. There we would go through the phone directories to look for the Hill’s, Holder’s. Lea’s and Powell’s with Midland addresses to try to find where they lived, then make plans to go to the Midlands. Stalkers in today’s parlance, but of course none of us had the money to travel there, so instead we made it our aim to find which hotel they stayed at when they were in London.
When Theresa first met Don he was recording "My Friend Stan" at Olympic
The black limo they used had an easy number plate to memorise (JMU 11K?) and after a few trips to Central London on the trusty route number 9 bus, we tracked the hotel down. It was the Portman. Slade now had us waiting at the hotel too. We always stayed at a distance, but thinking back it must have been annoying for them. The eldest girl in our group attracted a lot of male attention. We did have some lucky escapes but we thought we were much more grown up and worldly wise than we really were.
When outside Olympic Studios we also had the pleasure of meeting David Bowie and Focus, a Dutch band who had a big hit with ‘Sylvia’. Badfinger who recorded there had a lovely roadie who would always watch out for us like an older brother. I want to call him Tag, but don’t remember for sure. Needless to say we used to wait outside the Studios sometimes when Slade were not there as it became ‘our place’. We once got an invite into the Studios, another bit of male attention for the eldest girl in the group, which we benefited from. We were played ‘Imagine’ in what I remember being the main studio, but I can’t say this for sure either.
We were always given stickers for new singles as they came out, those fabric type ones, which I would then get from the fan club when the next news letter was sent out. It was great to have them sooner.
Our other bit of good fortune was that Barnes was very close to the then Hammersmith Odeon. Our parents agreed for us to go to Slade concerts there. If the band spotted us in the audience they would individually acknowledge us with a nod or a smile. I used to have a fair few of Don’s drumsticks which I retrieved from the auditorium floor, but over the years and a half a dozen house moves later, I no longer own a single one.
I look back on the times outside Olympic Studios as the best days of my early teenage years. Slade were a huge influence on me then but other phases of my life occurred and different things took their place. In recent years I have returned to going to local gigs to see them ( I now live on the South coast) and still get that same buzz when they are on stage. I would love to be brave enough to say hi after a show but now, as then, I would be too shy to do it! (and I never got that photo!)".
When outside Olympic Studios we also had the pleasure of meeting David Bowie and Focus, a Dutch band who had a big hit with ‘Sylvia’. Badfinger who recorded there had a lovely roadie who would always watch out for us like an older brother. I want to call him Tag, but don’t remember for sure. Needless to say we used to wait outside the Studios sometimes when Slade were not there as it became ‘our place’. We once got an invite into the Studios, another bit of male attention for the eldest girl in the group, which we benefited from. We were played ‘Imagine’ in what I remember being the main studio, but I can’t say this for sure either.
We were always given stickers for new singles as they came out, those fabric type ones, which I would then get from the fan club when the next news letter was sent out. It was great to have them sooner.
Our other bit of good fortune was that Barnes was very close to the then Hammersmith Odeon. Our parents agreed for us to go to Slade concerts there. If the band spotted us in the audience they would individually acknowledge us with a nod or a smile. I used to have a fair few of Don’s drumsticks which I retrieved from the auditorium floor, but over the years and a half a dozen house moves later, I no longer own a single one.
I look back on the times outside Olympic Studios as the best days of my early teenage years. Slade were a huge influence on me then but other phases of my life occurred and different things took their place. In recent years I have returned to going to local gigs to see them ( I now live on the South coast) and still get that same buzz when they are on stage. I would love to be brave enough to say hi after a show but now, as then, I would be too shy to do it! (and I never got that photo!)".
After thoughts: Webmaster emailed Theresa to suggest that the first time she met Don would have been when he was recording "My Friend Stan" at Olympic Studios... Also, webmaster confirmed that the Portman Hotel was the band's regular London hotel. In 1974 the band stayed there for weeks during the filming of "Flame"...
Theresa responded: "I am so envious of your recall! Yes the first sticker we were given was for My Friend Stan, and then The Bangin' Man.
Outside the Portman we saw Jim and Louise and Don and Mari. Noddy and Dave and their respective partners must have stayed indoors or used cars to get around, opposed to the others' choice of walking.
I also remembered earlier tonight, while watching 'I Love 1973' with Noddy as narrator, that somebody (maybe a sound technician) (Webmaster: that was probably Alan O'Duffy) told us that Noddy was great to work with as he had an ADT voice (automatic double tracking).... Strange how some information comes back into the mind so easily :-)"
Theresa responded: "I am so envious of your recall! Yes the first sticker we were given was for My Friend Stan, and then The Bangin' Man.
Outside the Portman we saw Jim and Louise and Don and Mari. Noddy and Dave and their respective partners must have stayed indoors or used cars to get around, opposed to the others' choice of walking.
I also remembered earlier tonight, while watching 'I Love 1973' with Noddy as narrator, that somebody (maybe a sound technician) (Webmaster: that was probably Alan O'Duffy) told us that Noddy was great to work with as he had an ADT voice (automatic double tracking).... Strange how some information comes back into the mind so easily :-)"
Auction in aid of National Autistic Society...
Don has donated two signed t-shirts and two pairs of signed drumsticks, from the Peterborough BMF event, to be auctioned for his favoured charity - The National Autistic Society.
The t-shirts are 2XL in size and have the logo of the National Autistic Society on the front. They are both signed with "Thanks - Don Powell". Also, both sets of drumsticks have been used by Don, are covered in his tape (to some them splintering), and all sticks are signed.
To bid for one set of a t-shirt and two drumsticks, please email your bid to donpowellofficial@sky.com
The highest two bids received by 11pm on 1 June 2014 will win a t-shirt and drumsticks set. Webmaster will then contact the winners.
GO ON. THE BIDDING STARTS AT JUST £10 - MAKE A BID TODAY. HELP SUPPORT DON'S FAVOURED CHARITY - THE N.A.S.
The t-shirts are 2XL in size and have the logo of the National Autistic Society on the front. They are both signed with "Thanks - Don Powell". Also, both sets of drumsticks have been used by Don, are covered in his tape (to some them splintering), and all sticks are signed.
To bid for one set of a t-shirt and two drumsticks, please email your bid to donpowellofficial@sky.com
The highest two bids received by 11pm on 1 June 2014 will win a t-shirt and drumsticks set. Webmaster will then contact the winners.
GO ON. THE BIDDING STARTS AT JUST £10 - MAKE A BID TODAY. HELP SUPPORT DON'S FAVOURED CHARITY - THE N.A.S.
Don meets Robbie on his "Swing Both Ways" Tour
DON'S DIARY UPDATE - ROBBIE WILLIAMS' BAND IN DENMARK
Friday 9th May 2014
I’d just got back from the fitness-centre at 09:00 when Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams' drummer) called me to say the band's private plane was just about to leave Dusseldorf for Denmark and he would see me later.
Nearer to their arrival time, I drove to their hotel and I sat waiting, having tea and cake....... The band's arrival was shrouded in secrecy, even the hotel staff were sworn to be tight lipped.
Robbie Williams' luxurious bus arrived and everyone was ushered into the hotel. They had been secretly checked into their rooms well in advance, the whole crew using false names... (Maybe Robbie was under the name of Dave Hill ?!!!!!!!!!!!!).
I invited Karl to our house for pizza and apple-pie. I told him to bring whoever he wanted, and he bought some of Robbie's band mates....... I picked them up (as per the photos). It was quite amusing - as I was collecting these famous musicians, a guy who was at the hotel having a christening party for his baby came up and asked if I (out of everyone there) would mind being in a photo with his baby....
We had a great evening, very casual and I drove them back to their hotel around 12:00 midnight.
Friday 9th May 2014
I’d just got back from the fitness-centre at 09:00 when Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams' drummer) called me to say the band's private plane was just about to leave Dusseldorf for Denmark and he would see me later.
Nearer to their arrival time, I drove to their hotel and I sat waiting, having tea and cake....... The band's arrival was shrouded in secrecy, even the hotel staff were sworn to be tight lipped.
Robbie Williams' luxurious bus arrived and everyone was ushered into the hotel. They had been secretly checked into their rooms well in advance, the whole crew using false names... (Maybe Robbie was under the name of Dave Hill ?!!!!!!!!!!!!).
I invited Karl to our house for pizza and apple-pie. I told him to bring whoever he wanted, and he bought some of Robbie's band mates....... I picked them up (as per the photos). It was quite amusing - as I was collecting these famous musicians, a guy who was at the hotel having a christening party for his baby came up and asked if I (out of everyone there) would mind being in a photo with his baby....
We had a great evening, very casual and I drove them back to their hotel around 12:00 midnight.
At Don's house... Jerry Meehan, Karl Brazil, Don, Guy Chambers & Gary Nuttall
Saturday 10th May 2014
I was at the fitness-centre at 06:00 and did my usual 3 hours workout. I then went to the guys' hotel and had tea with them and also with Robbie’s Dad, Pete.
I came home to clean up.... Hanne, myself, Emilie, and friends Angela and Lena all drove to the Boxen Arena in Herning. We got all our passes, arranged by Karl.
Karl and Jerry showed us around the stage setting and their tour busses. They took us to the 'green room' for a chat and a drink. Had a great time talking to Pete again (who is singing on stage with Robbie on this tour). We talked about all the pub gigs we used to play around Stoke-On-Trent when we first started... Robbie came round to say hello. We spent quite some time chatting. He's a great guy, and would you believe, I signed a copy of my biography for him.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC SHOW, everything you expected.....and more!
Sunday 11th May 2014
I did my usual 3 hours workout, then I went to the band's hotel for tea and more biscuits... It was arranged for me to go to Robbie's show again tonight.
We took AnneKirstineand her boyfriend Mads, and Emilie's boyfriend Jakob with us.... also Hanne's Mum Lis, as it was Mother's Day.
Another fantastic show.
Robbie had this enormous U shaped walkway into the audience and when he came to about 50 metres from where we were sitting, he made eye contact with me, and put his thumbs up.... He then clasped his hands together and "bowed", showing his respect to me.... THEN he started to play "air drums" towards me!
We had drinks with everyone back at the hotel after the gig. A FANTASTIC WEEKEND! Hats off to all the guys: Robbie and his Dad Pete and especially Karl who made all of this possible...
I was at the fitness-centre at 06:00 and did my usual 3 hours workout. I then went to the guys' hotel and had tea with them and also with Robbie’s Dad, Pete.
I came home to clean up.... Hanne, myself, Emilie, and friends Angela and Lena all drove to the Boxen Arena in Herning. We got all our passes, arranged by Karl.
Karl and Jerry showed us around the stage setting and their tour busses. They took us to the 'green room' for a chat and a drink. Had a great time talking to Pete again (who is singing on stage with Robbie on this tour). We talked about all the pub gigs we used to play around Stoke-On-Trent when we first started... Robbie came round to say hello. We spent quite some time chatting. He's a great guy, and would you believe, I signed a copy of my biography for him.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC SHOW, everything you expected.....and more!
Sunday 11th May 2014
I did my usual 3 hours workout, then I went to the band's hotel for tea and more biscuits... It was arranged for me to go to Robbie's show again tonight.
We took AnneKirstineand her boyfriend Mads, and Emilie's boyfriend Jakob with us.... also Hanne's Mum Lis, as it was Mother's Day.
Another fantastic show.
Robbie had this enormous U shaped walkway into the audience and when he came to about 50 metres from where we were sitting, he made eye contact with me, and put his thumbs up.... He then clasped his hands together and "bowed", showing his respect to me.... THEN he started to play "air drums" towards me!
We had drinks with everyone back at the hotel after the gig. A FANTASTIC WEEKEND! Hats off to all the guys: Robbie and his Dad Pete and especially Karl who made all of this possible...
Sunday 18 May at the BMF Peterborough event...
DON LEADS THE LUNCHTIME CAVALCADE AROUND THE SHOWGROUND
Don and Tina (the longest serving steward at the BMF Peterboro event) lead the lunchtime cavalcade of hundreds of trikes and motorbikes around the Peterborough Showground and into the racetrack. Tina incidentally shared memories with Don of first seeing him play with Ambrose Slade - and then later in 1972 on the UK Slade Tour with Suzi Quatro.
Later Don was interviewed in the racetrack. He spoke about his work for the National Autistic Society - which was broadcast around the showground.
Don and Tina (the longest serving steward at the BMF Peterboro event) lead the lunchtime cavalcade of hundreds of trikes and motorbikes around the Peterborough Showground and into the racetrack. Tina incidentally shared memories with Don of first seeing him play with Ambrose Slade - and then later in 1972 on the UK Slade Tour with Suzi Quatro.
Later Don was interviewed in the racetrack. He spoke about his work for the National Autistic Society - which was broadcast around the showground.
DON RAISES FUNDS ON THE NAS STALL
Don spent time at the NAS stall - signing photos, cards and posing for pictures... His price? A donation to the NAS...
Don spent time at the NAS stall - signing photos, cards and posing for pictures... His price? A donation to the NAS...
DON MEETS GRAHAM HOSKINS
Pic - Susan Wilson
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Don with Graham Hoskins. Graham is a friend of Martin Chick, organiser of BMF Peterborough.
Graham is an entrepreneur, a professional speaker, TV documentary producer and occasional Adventure Biker. In 1990, Graham did his first charity bike ride after he found out that he had cancer. He and his best pal dressed as chickens and motorcycled from college in Plymouth to London and back. In 2005, they decided that a much bigger challenge was needed so they rode 4000 miles to Moscow and back in under 7 days for BBC Children In Need. Graham features on the Motorbike Diaries tv series. His next trip to be filmed is a motorcycle ride to the Arctic, accompanied by Martin. The ride will take place later this year. Martin introduced Don to Graham while at Peterborough. More updates on this story later.... |
DON VISITS THE SP FALCONRY STALL
Don visited the SP Falconry stall to see the falcons and owls...
Just as he arrived a big falcon was getting irate and becoming unruly. Don decided not to have his photo taken with that bird - instead he chose the smallest owl on display. He was called "Titch". Don said he chose him because he reminded him of a certain band mate... Unfortunately Don did not clarify with us which band mate he was referring to...
Just as he arrived a big falcon was getting irate and becoming unruly. Don decided not to have his photo taken with that bird - instead he chose the smallest owl on display. He was called "Titch". Don said he chose him because he reminded him of a certain band mate... Unfortunately Don did not clarify with us which band mate he was referring to...
DON LOOKS AT FUNERAL TRIKES
DON PRESENTS AWARDS TO THE MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITION "BEST OF SHOW" WINNERS
Don presented awards at the close of the day to all the "Best of Show" winners...
Don presented awards at the close of the day to all the "Best of Show" winners...
DON MOUNTS THE BEST IN SHOW BIKE
Saturday 17 May - Another day in Peterborough
On Saturday 17 May, Don spent another day supporting and promoting the NAS at the Peterborough event...
The weather was fantastic and the attendance at the BMF Bikefest was substantially higher than last year. Don mentioned to webmaster that he was aware of the FA Cup Final taking place - and had heard that Hull were beating Arsenal 2-0... Don said the next he knew about it was he was watching TV in his hotel and Arsenal were lifting the cup. He thought "How did that happen? (Arsenal beat Hull 3-2).
In the evening Don got to join the band Bad Dog on stage and played drums on their cover of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). (To read more about Bad Dog click here).
Don has already received the following email from Ben Lourie from Black Dog who said:
"Hi Don. Feel free to put this on your site! Was an absolute pleasure & an honour to meet you & have you get up & play with BAD DOG.... What a drummer! Best regards, Ben."
The weather was fantastic and the attendance at the BMF Bikefest was substantially higher than last year. Don mentioned to webmaster that he was aware of the FA Cup Final taking place - and had heard that Hull were beating Arsenal 2-0... Don said the next he knew about it was he was watching TV in his hotel and Arsenal were lifting the cup. He thought "How did that happen? (Arsenal beat Hull 3-2).
In the evening Don got to join the band Bad Dog on stage and played drums on their cover of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). (To read more about Bad Dog click here).
Don has already received the following email from Ben Lourie from Black Dog who said:
"Hi Don. Feel free to put this on your site! Was an absolute pleasure & an honour to meet you & have you get up & play with BAD DOG.... What a drummer! Best regards, Ben."
DON AUCTIONS A SIGNED NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY SHIRT
Friday 16 May - Don supports the NAS at the BMF Peterborough event
Don flew into Stansted on Friday 16 May and travelled to Peterborough Showground to support the National Autistic Society charity at the BMF Motorcycle event. He will stay all weekend - and leave the event on Sunday 18 May at 5pm.
Don met with Eric Kent and Sue Wilson to form a team to raise awareness of the NAS - and to raise funds for the charity - over the weekend.
Eric Kent, Susan Wilson and Don
On the Friday night Don guested on drums for three of the bands who were performing in the Peterborough Arena.
With the band Soldier - Don performed "Tush" (ZZ Top cover) and "Whole Lotta Rosie" (AC/DC cover).
With the band Grounded - Don performed "Honky Tonk Woman" (Rolling Stones cover) and "Paranoid" (Black Sabbath cover).
Don also performed two Slade numbers "Coz I Luv You" and "Gudbuy T'Jane" with old mates Bessie and The Zinc Buckets.
With the band Soldier - Don performed "Tush" (ZZ Top cover) and "Whole Lotta Rosie" (AC/DC cover).
With the band Grounded - Don performed "Honky Tonk Woman" (Rolling Stones cover) and "Paranoid" (Black Sabbath cover).
Don also performed two Slade numbers "Coz I Luv You" and "Gudbuy T'Jane" with old mates Bessie and The Zinc Buckets.
DON WITH BESSIE AND THE ZINC BUCKETS
This is what the Buckets said about playing with Don:
"The Don Bucket Experience , we had an amazing night at the BMF rally in Peterbourgh with Wor Don, he truly is an amazing bloke who we love !!! Sir Donald George Bucket !!!"
"The Don Bucket Experience , we had an amazing night at the BMF rally in Peterbourgh with Wor Don, he truly is an amazing bloke who we love !!! Sir Donald George Bucket !!!"
Click here to read The Buckets Facebook page.
DON WITH GROUNDED
This is what Rhino from Grounded said about playing with Don:
"Grounded had a blast on Friday & it was a real privilege to be able to meet & rock-out with Don...I hope he enjoyed the experience too!
Cheers, Rhino (vocals)"
To read Grounded's own review about playing with Don click here.
"Grounded had a blast on Friday & it was a real privilege to be able to meet & rock-out with Don...I hope he enjoyed the experience too!
Cheers, Rhino (vocals)"
To read Grounded's own review about playing with Don click here.
DON WITH SOLDIER
This is what Ian from Soldier said about playing with Don:
"I remember sitting watching Slade on TOTP’s as a teenager. As a child of the seventies I am a massive fan of Slade.
It was a huge thrill to be playing son a stage all those years later with DP behind us on the drums. A def highlight in my musical career.
Thanks for that, Ian"
To find out more about Solider click here.
"I remember sitting watching Slade on TOTP’s as a teenager. As a child of the seventies I am a massive fan of Slade.
It was a huge thrill to be playing son a stage all those years later with DP behind us on the drums. A def highlight in my musical career.
Thanks for that, Ian"
To find out more about Solider click here.
DON BEING INTERVIEWED BY TERRY - COMPERE AT THE PETERBOROUGH ARENA
A blast from the past...
We are pleased that Carole Williams has contacted Don's website to share a few memories, photos and postcards from the past...
Carole worked for the Astra Agency - who were agents for the 'N Betweens. She was also the secretary for the 'N Betweens Fan Club. (Carole was asked by, and did it for her mates, mostly in her own time, after she left Astra).
In the email below she tells us more about her past and shares two postcards that Don sent her many moons ago...
Carole worked for the Astra Agency - who were agents for the 'N Betweens. She was also the secretary for the 'N Betweens Fan Club. (Carole was asked by, and did it for her mates, mostly in her own time, after she left Astra).
In the email below she tells us more about her past and shares two postcards that Don sent her many moons ago...
PHOTOS
"I started at Astra in summer 1965 and met Dave and Don on the first Friday I was there. They came to collect their 'wages' and that was the start of a great friendship and many happy memories. When we first met it was the 'old' 'N Betweens. But our friendship continued, as did the Fan Club after "our Fab 4" got together....right from the start and after they knocked a few years off their age and got famous.... and I got married and had babies.
After local gigs we would all pile into the van with Swinn driving. When we got to my house I would go inside, make coffees, and toast a whole loaf of bread and we would all sit in the van and eat "supper". Many a morning my mom would get up and have to go over to the corner shop to get bread for breakfast!
I remember the day of Jim's audition...I sat at a table in the middle of the hall taking down names and addresses and the comments about each applicant.
I also remember when 'You Better Run' was released and Maurice (Jones) sent me out with Nod and Dave to take posters to record shops in the Midlands... They were supposed to go in and talk the talk...but they stayed in the van and sent the girl in! Happy times.
I always got on well with Don...a great mate....I just spent a few days with him and Hanne. It will be 50 years next year since our first meeting!
Love him loads.
Carole "
After local gigs we would all pile into the van with Swinn driving. When we got to my house I would go inside, make coffees, and toast a whole loaf of bread and we would all sit in the van and eat "supper". Many a morning my mom would get up and have to go over to the corner shop to get bread for breakfast!
I remember the day of Jim's audition...I sat at a table in the middle of the hall taking down names and addresses and the comments about each applicant.
I also remember when 'You Better Run' was released and Maurice (Jones) sent me out with Nod and Dave to take posters to record shops in the Midlands... They were supposed to go in and talk the talk...but they stayed in the van and sent the girl in! Happy times.
I always got on well with Don...a great mate....I just spent a few days with him and Hanne. It will be 50 years next year since our first meeting!
Love him loads.
Carole "
ORIGINAL 'N BETWEENS FAN CLUB MEMBERSHIP CARD
POSTCARD FROM DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 1965
The postcard from Dortmund is dated 5 November 1965 and says:
"Dear Carol (missed the E off!!)
Just a few lines to let you know how we are getting on. We are having a great time Weather good but a little windy, we've been promised snow before the months out.
See you when we get back.
Don"
"Dear Carol (missed the E off!!)
Just a few lines to let you know how we are getting on. We are having a great time Weather good but a little windy, we've been promised snow before the months out.
See you when we get back.
Don"
POSTCARD FROM PAIGNTON, DEVON - JUNE 1966
The postcard from Paignton was 7 June 1966... It reads...
"Dear Carol (still no E!)
Hope you are alright and keeping up the typing. (I think he meant working hard!)
I'll send you your cream on Thursday, and the best of luck! (He sent me a a pot of clotted cream in the post...it arrived safely before it turned rancid).
The weather is great, hope it keeps like it.
See you when we get back. Love Don xx"
"Dear Carol (still no E!)
Hope you are alright and keeping up the typing. (I think he meant working hard!)
I'll send you your cream on Thursday, and the best of luck! (He sent me a a pot of clotted cream in the post...it arrived safely before it turned rancid).
The weather is great, hope it keeps like it.
See you when we get back. Love Don xx"
Let Me Entertain You
Robbie Williams is currently touring Europe with his "Swing Both Ways" Tour.
Karl Brazil (Robbie's drummer) is a good friend of Don's. On Friday 9 May, Karl called Don from Dusseldorf where their private plane was just about to leave for Karup, Denmark. He asked if Don wanted to meet up... (Robbie was playing two gigs in Denmark - on 10 & 11th at the 15,000 capacity Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning).
Don reports that he drove to the band's hotel to meet him.... Don says he was sitting drinking tea, when the entourage arrived in a luxurious blacked-out windowed coach. Everyone except Karl was ushered secretly into the hotel....
However, some others from Robbie's team wanted a night out with Don. So, Karl, with Guy Chambers (Robbie's co-writer & musical director), Gary Nuttall his guitarist and Jerry Meehan his bass guitarist all drove with Don to his house...
They had a great evening, eating take-away pizza and drinking many bottles of wine (not Don of course) and swapping many ‘road’ stories.
Don later drove them back to their hotel around midnight...
Robbie's band arranged guest passes for Don and his family to see Robbie's two shows in Herning. WE WILL HAVE MORE TO FOLLOW ON THIS STORY....
Karl Brazil (Robbie's drummer) is a good friend of Don's. On Friday 9 May, Karl called Don from Dusseldorf where their private plane was just about to leave for Karup, Denmark. He asked if Don wanted to meet up... (Robbie was playing two gigs in Denmark - on 10 & 11th at the 15,000 capacity Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning).
Don reports that he drove to the band's hotel to meet him.... Don says he was sitting drinking tea, when the entourage arrived in a luxurious blacked-out windowed coach. Everyone except Karl was ushered secretly into the hotel....
However, some others from Robbie's team wanted a night out with Don. So, Karl, with Guy Chambers (Robbie's co-writer & musical director), Gary Nuttall his guitarist and Jerry Meehan his bass guitarist all drove with Don to his house...
They had a great evening, eating take-away pizza and drinking many bottles of wine (not Don of course) and swapping many ‘road’ stories.
Don later drove them back to their hotel around midnight...
Robbie's band arranged guest passes for Don and his family to see Robbie's two shows in Herning. WE WILL HAVE MORE TO FOLLOW ON THIS STORY....
Retrospective Gold Discs...
Readers might be keen to know that over recent years Don has received retrospective UK Gold Discs for several Slade singles...
"Thanks For The Memory" and "How Does It Feel" have now achieved Gold Disc status for selling 500,000 units...
Also, records such as "Look Wot You Dun", "Everyday", "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Far Far Away", which originally received Silver discs (for 250,000 sales), have now been upgraded to Gold Disc status.
The reason for the upgrades? It is something to do with the singles having been included on numerous compilation albums over the years - and that these sales are now included... Also, additional download sales over the years have been included too.
Click here to see the BPI website... Unfortunately their information on Slade's awards is particularly out of date...!
Below: See some pics of Don's newer Gold Discs.
"Thanks For The Memory" and "How Does It Feel" have now achieved Gold Disc status for selling 500,000 units...
Also, records such as "Look Wot You Dun", "Everyday", "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Far Far Away", which originally received Silver discs (for 250,000 sales), have now been upgraded to Gold Disc status.
The reason for the upgrades? It is something to do with the singles having been included on numerous compilation albums over the years - and that these sales are now included... Also, additional download sales over the years have been included too.
Click here to see the BPI website... Unfortunately their information on Slade's awards is particularly out of date...!
Below: See some pics of Don's newer Gold Discs.
"When I first met Don..."
Don received an interesting email this week from a lady who used to be a big fan in the 70's.
She was a member of a gang of girl fans who used to regularly wait outside the Olympic Studios when Slade recorded there in 1974. She met Don countless times and says that he never tired of giving his autograph... often on a daily basis. She told how it was a thrill to then get recognised by the band in the audience at London gigs and the filming of Flame...
Webmaster has asked the lady if she would like to share her stories with the readers of Don's website... We will update you if she hopefully agrees!
With this in mind, the website thought it would to run a feature called "When I first met Don...."
We would like to know reader's stories of when they first met Don... Was it in Slade's heyday in the 1970's? Or was it more recently at one of Don's book signings? Was it a case that you simply bumped into Don when he was travelling - or did you get to meet him after a gig? It will be interesting to hear your stories - and please send any photos if you have any....
Please email: donpowellofficial@sky.com
She was a member of a gang of girl fans who used to regularly wait outside the Olympic Studios when Slade recorded there in 1974. She met Don countless times and says that he never tired of giving his autograph... often on a daily basis. She told how it was a thrill to then get recognised by the band in the audience at London gigs and the filming of Flame...
Webmaster has asked the lady if she would like to share her stories with the readers of Don's website... We will update you if she hopefully agrees!
With this in mind, the website thought it would to run a feature called "When I first met Don...."
We would like to know reader's stories of when they first met Don... Was it in Slade's heyday in the 1970's? Or was it more recently at one of Don's book signings? Was it a case that you simply bumped into Don when he was travelling - or did you get to meet him after a gig? It will be interesting to hear your stories - and please send any photos if you have any....
Please email: donpowellofficial@sky.com
HERE ARE SOME OF YOUR RESPONSES:
"I’ve been a Slade fan for more years than I can remember but in 1977 when I was 16 I was eventually old enough to see my first gig at the Rainbow in 1977 on the WHTS tour. I’ve been to 30+ gigs since, the most recent at High Wycombe only last December. Over the year though the best gig I went to was at the West Runton Pavillion in 1979 - a small sweaty rock club in the middle of nowhere!! My only regret is missing out in the 1980 Reading Festival - I didn’t go because I thought that the band was more or less finished and that you were in danger of getting a rough ride from a heavy metal audience. I should have known better!!!
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you twice - the first was quite bizarre. We were queuing to see a special screening of Flame at a small cinema in the West End in the early 1980’s and when I turned round you were in the queue right behind me!! We only spoke very briefly as the queue quickly moved in the cinema but you were a real gent and took the time to say hello, even though you were with some mates.
The 2nd time was at the British guitar show at the Birmingham about 10 years ago when you were walking round the exhibition floor before playing a short mid-afternoon gig. Again you were very polite, shook my hand and wished me all the best.
I waited patiently for your autobiography to be published and was at the front of the queue at Waterstones on the day it was published and thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I’m about to read it again. It was SO much better than Nod’s book in my opinion, yours was far more ‘down to earth’. I think Nod played it far too safe.
Keep on rocking’ Don and I hope to bump into you again one of these days."
Peter Everett
+ + + + + + + + + + +
"Hi my name is Liam Telling.
Although I am a very big Slade fan, I have not been a Slade fan long.
I first met Don on the 13th of November 2013 when I went to see Slade for the first time at Chatham Central theatre. My dad and I left home early that evening and set off to Kent looking forward to seeing the Sweet but I was looking forward to seeing Slade the most, we arrived about half seven, parked outside and went for a drink before making our way to the venue.
After drinks it was time go in but before finding our seats I purchased a programme and tour t-shirt, we then found our seats and the show began first The Sweet which were great, very lively and we were in the swing and having a great time, then came the interval and I was buzzing too see Dave, Don and the rest of Slade.
The interval flew by and now it was time for Slade, they were off with a bang and I was in amazement, singing and jumping about, don still had his power and dave was still as crazy as ever.
I was lucky enough to know friends of mine in the front row and I managed to join them. I was now inches away from my Idols Don Powell and Dave Hill.
The show was amazing, but soon flew by. But my night was not yet over, i had been determined to meet my two idols. My dad was keen to leave and miss the traffic as he was keen to get home but I refused.
After the show I made my way to the stage where I met many other roadies and fans past and present. It was then a waiting game, how long would it take the mighty Slade to exit the theatre? It was only about half an hour in fact.
When they did exit everyone went mad and I was in shock, my idols were there in front of me. I first saw Mal, then john and finally out came Don and Dave. I first approached Don and immediately asked for a photograph and he was more than happy to oblige. He was an amazing man, so kind and great to the fans. I then met Dave Hill he was the same. That was the best night of my life and the first time I met Mr.Don Powell."
Liam Telling
"I’ve been a Slade fan for more years than I can remember but in 1977 when I was 16 I was eventually old enough to see my first gig at the Rainbow in 1977 on the WHTS tour. I’ve been to 30+ gigs since, the most recent at High Wycombe only last December. Over the year though the best gig I went to was at the West Runton Pavillion in 1979 - a small sweaty rock club in the middle of nowhere!! My only regret is missing out in the 1980 Reading Festival - I didn’t go because I thought that the band was more or less finished and that you were in danger of getting a rough ride from a heavy metal audience. I should have known better!!!
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you twice - the first was quite bizarre. We were queuing to see a special screening of Flame at a small cinema in the West End in the early 1980’s and when I turned round you were in the queue right behind me!! We only spoke very briefly as the queue quickly moved in the cinema but you were a real gent and took the time to say hello, even though you were with some mates.
The 2nd time was at the British guitar show at the Birmingham about 10 years ago when you were walking round the exhibition floor before playing a short mid-afternoon gig. Again you were very polite, shook my hand and wished me all the best.
I waited patiently for your autobiography to be published and was at the front of the queue at Waterstones on the day it was published and thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I’m about to read it again. It was SO much better than Nod’s book in my opinion, yours was far more ‘down to earth’. I think Nod played it far too safe.
Keep on rocking’ Don and I hope to bump into you again one of these days."
Peter Everett
+ + + + + + + + + + +
"Hi my name is Liam Telling.
Although I am a very big Slade fan, I have not been a Slade fan long.
I first met Don on the 13th of November 2013 when I went to see Slade for the first time at Chatham Central theatre. My dad and I left home early that evening and set off to Kent looking forward to seeing the Sweet but I was looking forward to seeing Slade the most, we arrived about half seven, parked outside and went for a drink before making our way to the venue.
After drinks it was time go in but before finding our seats I purchased a programme and tour t-shirt, we then found our seats and the show began first The Sweet which were great, very lively and we were in the swing and having a great time, then came the interval and I was buzzing too see Dave, Don and the rest of Slade.
The interval flew by and now it was time for Slade, they were off with a bang and I was in amazement, singing and jumping about, don still had his power and dave was still as crazy as ever.
I was lucky enough to know friends of mine in the front row and I managed to join them. I was now inches away from my Idols Don Powell and Dave Hill.
The show was amazing, but soon flew by. But my night was not yet over, i had been determined to meet my two idols. My dad was keen to leave and miss the traffic as he was keen to get home but I refused.
After the show I made my way to the stage where I met many other roadies and fans past and present. It was then a waiting game, how long would it take the mighty Slade to exit the theatre? It was only about half an hour in fact.
When they did exit everyone went mad and I was in shock, my idols were there in front of me. I first saw Mal, then john and finally out came Don and Dave. I first approached Don and immediately asked for a photograph and he was more than happy to oblige. He was an amazing man, so kind and great to the fans. I then met Dave Hill he was the same. That was the best night of my life and the first time I met Mr.Don Powell."
Liam Telling
Liam Telling and Don
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Following the request from the Webmaster on Don's website, I would like to share my story of when I first met Don.
I knew it was in February 1983, but I couldn't remember the exact date. However, thanks to Don recently publishing his 1983 diary on his website, I can now date the event precisely to Tuesday, February 15th, 1983.
I had recently moved to London and was really excited to hear that Radio One was holding their Great Pancake Race in Regent's Park one lunchtime. I can't remember who else famous was there (refer to Don's diary to fill in the gaps) apart from DJ David "Kid" Jensen, but I was so excited that Don Powell from Slade was going to be there!
I had only been working in my new job for a couple of weeks at so I wasn't able to ask for a 2 hour lunch break (like I would today if I had an emergency Slade event to attend at lunchtime!) Also, still being fairly new to the capital and finding my way around, it was quite a rush to get from where I worked in Wigmore Street up to Regent's Park, see Don and get back to work in an hour.
Bang on 12 o'clock, I left the office and ran to Bond Street tube station and got the Central Line to Oxford Circus and then changed to the Bakerloo Line to Regent's Park. When I got to Regent's Park, I saw Don straight away, and went over to say hello and get an autograph. I didn't even have a camera with me. I don't actually remember watching the race itself, or seeing any other famous people (apart from the aforementioned Kid Jensen).
What I can remember is that Don was wearing a white vest, navy shorts (very short shorts!) and black leather gloves. Don remarked that he was freezing cold and he was shivering as he signed an old diary I had taken with me. He was running on the spot to try and keep warm and kept blowing onto his hands and rubbing them together. I was too scared to say much, other than agree with him that the weather was cold, and that I had been a fan since 1971. Then I had to rush straight back to work. Not one of the most exciting stories, but it is still very special for me, as it was the first time I had met Don."
KOR
Di Daley
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Hi Webmaster
Funnily enough it was you who first introduced me to Don when Slade 2 first played in the UK in November 1993 at Caister Holiday Park. We also met Les Gray of Mud at the bar, but I am ashamed to admit that I was simply too shy to speak to anyone!
On a more funnier note, my next encounter with Don came a good few years later at a 1970's weekender at Butlins in Bognor Regis. The night before Slade were playing I spotted Don standing at the back of the hall near the bar watching Showaddywaddy. This time I had the courage to say hi and he came over and stood and chatted with my pals till the gig ended.
Don had flown into England early and was there on his own and I'm pleased to say that we even managed to persuade him to join us at the late nite bar on the site for a bottle of water where we batted on until the early hours. As a Slade lifer it was just great to listen to the man telling us a few tales - including the nasty run in with Sharon Osbourne which made me chuckle all over again when I saw it in the book!
As the evening wore on Don was getting noticed more and more by a number of females and for a laugh he told them that I was Slade's tour manager and that they should see me the following night to get backstage passes.
Sadly I never got the chance to say farewell to Don at the end of the weekend but I hear their temporary tour manager had a great time despite misplacing those backstage passes!!!
Peter Baker
"Following the request from the Webmaster on Don's website, I would like to share my story of when I first met Don.
I knew it was in February 1983, but I couldn't remember the exact date. However, thanks to Don recently publishing his 1983 diary on his website, I can now date the event precisely to Tuesday, February 15th, 1983.
I had recently moved to London and was really excited to hear that Radio One was holding their Great Pancake Race in Regent's Park one lunchtime. I can't remember who else famous was there (refer to Don's diary to fill in the gaps) apart from DJ David "Kid" Jensen, but I was so excited that Don Powell from Slade was going to be there!
I had only been working in my new job for a couple of weeks at so I wasn't able to ask for a 2 hour lunch break (like I would today if I had an emergency Slade event to attend at lunchtime!) Also, still being fairly new to the capital and finding my way around, it was quite a rush to get from where I worked in Wigmore Street up to Regent's Park, see Don and get back to work in an hour.
Bang on 12 o'clock, I left the office and ran to Bond Street tube station and got the Central Line to Oxford Circus and then changed to the Bakerloo Line to Regent's Park. When I got to Regent's Park, I saw Don straight away, and went over to say hello and get an autograph. I didn't even have a camera with me. I don't actually remember watching the race itself, or seeing any other famous people (apart from the aforementioned Kid Jensen).
What I can remember is that Don was wearing a white vest, navy shorts (very short shorts!) and black leather gloves. Don remarked that he was freezing cold and he was shivering as he signed an old diary I had taken with me. He was running on the spot to try and keep warm and kept blowing onto his hands and rubbing them together. I was too scared to say much, other than agree with him that the weather was cold, and that I had been a fan since 1971. Then I had to rush straight back to work. Not one of the most exciting stories, but it is still very special for me, as it was the first time I had met Don."
KOR
Di Daley
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Hi Webmaster
Funnily enough it was you who first introduced me to Don when Slade 2 first played in the UK in November 1993 at Caister Holiday Park. We also met Les Gray of Mud at the bar, but I am ashamed to admit that I was simply too shy to speak to anyone!
On a more funnier note, my next encounter with Don came a good few years later at a 1970's weekender at Butlins in Bognor Regis. The night before Slade were playing I spotted Don standing at the back of the hall near the bar watching Showaddywaddy. This time I had the courage to say hi and he came over and stood and chatted with my pals till the gig ended.
Don had flown into England early and was there on his own and I'm pleased to say that we even managed to persuade him to join us at the late nite bar on the site for a bottle of water where we batted on until the early hours. As a Slade lifer it was just great to listen to the man telling us a few tales - including the nasty run in with Sharon Osbourne which made me chuckle all over again when I saw it in the book!
As the evening wore on Don was getting noticed more and more by a number of females and for a laugh he told them that I was Slade's tour manager and that they should see me the following night to get backstage passes.
Sadly I never got the chance to say farewell to Don at the end of the weekend but I hear their temporary tour manager had a great time despite misplacing those backstage passes!!!
Peter Baker
Want to get your booked signed?... Head to Peterborough...
Webmaster is still receiving a few emails from fans asking if they can get their copy of Don's biography ("Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade") signed by Don...
The best place to go is to the BMF event in Peterborough the weekend of 16/17/18 May. (For details click here). Don will be at the event on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday. He will be at the National Autistic Society stall at arranged times during the day - if he is not there, they will know his whereabouts... Don will gladly sign all books, pose for photos etc - all you have to do is drop a few coins in the charity bucket he will be carrying!
The book can still be ordered from Amazon UK - and is now priced at £13.37. To purchase click here.
The best place to go is to the BMF event in Peterborough the weekend of 16/17/18 May. (For details click here). Don will be at the event on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday. He will be at the National Autistic Society stall at arranged times during the day - if he is not there, they will know his whereabouts... Don will gladly sign all books, pose for photos etc - all you have to do is drop a few coins in the charity bucket he will be carrying!
The book can still be ordered from Amazon UK - and is now priced at £13.37. To purchase click here.
Don answers your questions...
Don answers your questions in his 2014 Q&A. To read his answers click here.
Don to return to Bilston for Christmas gig
Slade have announced a Christmas gig at the Robin in Bilston on Thursday 18th December.
Support group are female rock band JOANovARC who are friends of Don - and who he has played with before...
Advance tickets are £20 and can be purchased here.
Support group are female rock band JOANovARC who are friends of Don - and who he has played with before...
Advance tickets are £20 and can be purchased here.
Don to appear the BMF May show in Peterborough
Don has agreed to attend the BMF Show in Peterborough for the weekend of Friday 16 May to Sunday 18 May. The show will be held at the Peterborough arena.
Don will be on site all through the weekend and will once again be asking people to support the good work of the NAS (National Autistic Society).
He’ll also be picking up the drum sticks and putting in some ‘guest’ appearances with the bands on the main stage on Friday and Saturday evening!
Click here for more details.
Don will be on site all through the weekend and will once again be asking people to support the good work of the NAS (National Autistic Society).
He’ll also be picking up the drum sticks and putting in some ‘guest’ appearances with the bands on the main stage on Friday and Saturday evening!
Click here for more details.
Update on Don's Freedom of Bilston...
Sue Wilson has provided Webmaster with an update on the motion to grant Don the Freedom of Bilston...
"Hi all,
As most of you have probably seen, if you are a frequent visitor to Dons website, there is a campaign at present to award Don the freedom of Bilston.
I have been contacted by John Wright, the Democratic Support Manager at Wolverhampton Council. I sent in a letter of support, to this motion, relating to Dons charity work, which he has been doing for the National Autistic Society, and for whom I also fundraise.
At the present moment there are no immediate plans to grant the Freedom of the city, to any individual, due to the financial circumstances of the council. This could change in the near future, and John is happy to take communication from any person who thinks that Don is deemed a worthy candidate.
What we would like you all to do, is to, drop an e-mail to the following address, stating what you think are supporting reasons, why Don Powell should receive the Freedom of Bilston. The more people who contact the council with their support, the greater the chance there is, of Don receiving this honour.
We will also be addressing the local Bilston councillors, and hopefully one of them will add some weight to the campaign.
Please send your e-mails to-
John.Wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Many thanks, Sue"
"Hi all,
As most of you have probably seen, if you are a frequent visitor to Dons website, there is a campaign at present to award Don the freedom of Bilston.
I have been contacted by John Wright, the Democratic Support Manager at Wolverhampton Council. I sent in a letter of support, to this motion, relating to Dons charity work, which he has been doing for the National Autistic Society, and for whom I also fundraise.
At the present moment there are no immediate plans to grant the Freedom of the city, to any individual, due to the financial circumstances of the council. This could change in the near future, and John is happy to take communication from any person who thinks that Don is deemed a worthy candidate.
What we would like you all to do, is to, drop an e-mail to the following address, stating what you think are supporting reasons, why Don Powell should receive the Freedom of Bilston. The more people who contact the council with their support, the greater the chance there is, of Don receiving this honour.
We will also be addressing the local Bilston councillors, and hopefully one of them will add some weight to the campaign.
Please send your e-mails to-
John.Wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Many thanks, Sue"
Q&A is back
Webmaster has received a few questions for Don by email over the last few weeks... So Don has agreed to do another Q&A session.
Some of the questions we have received so far are:
"In one word describe Noddy, Dave and Jim?"
"What was the last tv programme you watched?"
"When you are not touring do you ever practice drumming?"
"What souvenirs from the Slade hey-day have you lost, that you wish you would have kept?"
If you have any questions you would like to add - please email them to donpowellofficial@sky.com by 1 May 2014.
Don't forget to mention your name - and where you live.
Some of the questions we have received so far are:
"In one word describe Noddy, Dave and Jim?"
"What was the last tv programme you watched?"
"When you are not touring do you ever practice drumming?"
"What souvenirs from the Slade hey-day have you lost, that you wish you would have kept?"
If you have any questions you would like to add - please email them to donpowellofficial@sky.com by 1 May 2014.
Don't forget to mention your name - and where you live.
Don reads the George Harrison book...
Don has enjoyed reading the George Harrison biography "Behind The Closed Door" by Graeme Thomson. Don received the book free from Omnibus - as it is one of the perks for being "signed" to them...
Don says of George's biography: "There are a lot of stories mentioned that you already know from the Beatle era.... Him being the "innocent" mop-top - but you also get to read about another side of him. Not always nice - but still a great read."
The book mentions that Richard Loncraine, the Director of the Flame movie, went on to work on many films made by George's Handmade Film company.
Also, Slade Road Manager Swinn tells in book how George Harrison gatecrashed Don's wedding party to ex-wife Joan. The party was held at Portland Recording Studios in Portland Place, London - and George just sat out of the way and was happy to smoke joints....
Don says of George's biography: "There are a lot of stories mentioned that you already know from the Beatle era.... Him being the "innocent" mop-top - but you also get to read about another side of him. Not always nice - but still a great read."
The book mentions that Richard Loncraine, the Director of the Flame movie, went on to work on many films made by George's Handmade Film company.
Also, Slade Road Manager Swinn tells in book how George Harrison gatecrashed Don's wedding party to ex-wife Joan. The party was held at Portland Recording Studios in Portland Place, London - and George just sat out of the way and was happy to smoke joints....
Slade Alive! documentary on Sky TV
Don watches Sky TV at home in Denmark...
He caught a documentary about the Slade Alive LP that was broadcast the other day on the Sky Channel 192 called the Showcase 2 channel. During midday and 3pm a series of programmes are broadcast under the banner of "Heyday TV" - and it was this series that aired the Slade Alive documentary.
The programme was basically the broadcast of the existing DVD called "The World's Greatest Albums - Slade Alive - The Ultimate Critical Review".
Don really enjoyed the show - which included critics reviewing the album and Slade performance clips from various tv shows.
The programme is bound to be shown again - look out for it on your Sky Planner....
He caught a documentary about the Slade Alive LP that was broadcast the other day on the Sky Channel 192 called the Showcase 2 channel. During midday and 3pm a series of programmes are broadcast under the banner of "Heyday TV" - and it was this series that aired the Slade Alive documentary.
The programme was basically the broadcast of the existing DVD called "The World's Greatest Albums - Slade Alive - The Ultimate Critical Review".
Don really enjoyed the show - which included critics reviewing the album and Slade performance clips from various tv shows.
The programme is bound to be shown again - look out for it on your Sky Planner....
Status Quo book
Don emailed us at the website to provide another ‘snippet’ of information...
Don wrote: "First, the Status Quo book ‘Still Doin' It’ by Bob Young is a good read. Secondly on the page headed ‘The Pirates Hotel, Penzance' there are photos of Slade and Quo together on our Australian tour in 1973..... We have remained the greatest of friends ever since. Our very first UK tour in 1972 was with them too It was for Mel Bush. He thought it would be a great combination! A respect and huge admiration between both bands still remains today "...
Don wrote: "First, the Status Quo book ‘Still Doin' It’ by Bob Young is a good read. Secondly on the page headed ‘The Pirates Hotel, Penzance' there are photos of Slade and Quo together on our Australian tour in 1973..... We have remained the greatest of friends ever since. Our very first UK tour in 1972 was with them too It was for Mel Bush. He thought it would be a great combination! A respect and huge admiration between both bands still remains today "...
Don's Diary Updates & his 2001 Falklands Diary...
Don has updated his diary for last weekend's concert at the Kulture Hall Steinweg in Germany. To read it click here.
Additionally Don has written his memories from Slade's 2001 trip to The Falklands. To read it click here.
Additionally Don has written his memories from Slade's 2001 trip to The Falklands. To read it click here.
An old jacket will never let you down...
Don received an email from Dan Weller - including a pic of Don being reunited with an old jacket a few years ago...
Hi Don
Just thought I would email you this pic of you and I when I brought your old Cisco kid jacket down to Folkestone for you to sign. It was great meeting you a few times around that time, 2003ish.
Such a genuinely nice bloke and a pleasure to meet a true star, who is also humble. A rarity. Oh, and I still love those beautiful lyrics you always came up with. They had a huge influence on me.
Love, Dan Weller, Margate
Don remembers the jacket: "It was actually a jacket from a suit (only ever worn on TOTP's). I got it from 'Granny Takes A Trip' at the far end of the King's Road in London. I also had a black one (same style). Don't ask me what happened to them - old girlfriends took them as souvenirs I think (my drinking days)."
Webmaster: The jacket was worn to promote "Cum On Feel The Noize" on Top Of The Pops in 1973.
Hi Don
Just thought I would email you this pic of you and I when I brought your old Cisco kid jacket down to Folkestone for you to sign. It was great meeting you a few times around that time, 2003ish.
Such a genuinely nice bloke and a pleasure to meet a true star, who is also humble. A rarity. Oh, and I still love those beautiful lyrics you always came up with. They had a huge influence on me.
Love, Dan Weller, Margate
Don remembers the jacket: "It was actually a jacket from a suit (only ever worn on TOTP's). I got it from 'Granny Takes A Trip' at the far end of the King's Road in London. I also had a black one (same style). Don't ask me what happened to them - old girlfriends took them as souvenirs I think (my drinking days)."
Webmaster: The jacket was worn to promote "Cum On Feel The Noize" on Top Of The Pops in 1973.
Photo via Gary Jordan
NEW! A chat with Alan O'Duffy...
Webmaster was pleased to catch up with sound engineer Alan O'Duffy to ask about his memories of working with Slade as their sound engineer...
"I first got involved with Slade when Coz I Luv You was being recorded. An engineer called George Chkiantz had done the first mix, but the band weren't happy with it" said Alan. "I did another mix which worked, and I became involved with Slade from that day onwards."
"Don recently sent me a email detailing all the Slade hits that I was involved with. He was being kind as he mentioned six No1 singles. However, I only worked on five. I didn't get involved with Merry Xmas Everybody as this was recorded in America."
"I particularly liked Don - but I liked all the band".
"It was an endeavour working with Slade. The way that it worked was that Jim and Nod would have an idea. They would bring it to the studio and we would have the 'experience' of creating it into a song - it was not an automatic process."
"What I liked was that when Slade went into a studio, they would strive to make a brilliant record. Jim would insist that the singles were 'compatible stereo'. We would cut them in stereo but monitor the tracks in mono. That way the singles would sound great on both stereo and mono radio. Jim was always on top of how the records sounded - and was well respected by me."
I asked Alan about his recollections of Don's accident. "When Don surfaced from his accident I remember being so concerned for him. He was about the same age as me". (Don was 26 and Alan was 25).
"Because of Don's amnesia as a result of the accident, he told me he would be waking up in a hotel not knowing where he was - he would be worried and anxious.... He wouldn't know what was happening."
"That was why I suggested keeping a diary. I said that before going to bed he could put an entry like 'Had a great gig in Coventry - met so and so after the show'. That way when Don woke up he could read the previous night's entry and know exactly where he was and what was happening. I wanted to help Don as I thought the world of him."
"As soon as I saw Don after the accident I wanted to make a point of saying to him 'We're with you on this'. I was haunted about Don's food situation and that he wouldn't be able to smell or taste things. He was always likely to eat something that was off...."
Back to Alan's studio work with Slade. "Slade had huge determination and focus. I so enjoyed working with them that I turned down a long term job working with Paul McCartney so that I could be with them. It is for this reason that I'm not a multi-millionaire today!"
"In the studio Don always provided the sound that drove the band. Slade had their heads screwed on and there was never any 'airy fairy' nonsense. There was always a concious effort to make each record as good as it could be. They were super professional in the studio. They were not there to get drunk or laid...."
"It was the same with the band's live shows - they wanted to make their shows the best shows on earth."
"When I was with Slade we recorded all our tracks at Olympic in Barnes. It was a simple process - there would only ever be me, Chas and Slade in the control room. Also I remember that we would always make Slade records sound as loud as possible. We wanted them to sound louder than any other record when they were played in the clubs..."
"Most of my Slade work was booked for the daytime. We would typically start recording at 10/11am and go on til around 8pm. The band were always so disciplined. They would really care and would turn up with the attitude 'let's do things better than we did yesterday'.
"I once had a really awkward situation that I was booked to work with Slade - but my good friend Steve Marriott from Humble Pie wanted me to work him at the same time.... I agreed to work with them both! I worked with Slade on the daytime session, after which I would grab dinner at the Italian across the road to Olympic. I would then return to the studio around 9pm to work with Humble Pie on a night-time session from 9pm til around 4/5am. I would then sleep on a coach in the office at Barnes before Slade turned up the next morning. It was crazy. I did this for around two weeks - and was only catching four or five hours sleep a night!"
"Don sent me a link to a YouTube clip of Slade performing My Friend Stan on Top of The Pops the other day. It still sounded outrageously good! Noddy had a great vocal sound - it was Noddy's vocals that all Slade songs were based around."
"Nobody knows this but I actually sang backing vocals on a Slade track. I can't for the life of me remember which track it was - except that the vocals went really high at the end of the song. A guy called Tony Burns did the vocals with me..."
Alan concluded "Slade were just so under-rated as just a pop band....."
As soon as webmaster finished talking to Alan, Alan sent him an email. He'd thought of something we wanted to add:
"Hi Dave. I last year worked with Agnetha Faltskog - the beautiful blond lead singer with Abba - a lovely woman.
Thinking back to the amazing Slade track record, the musical construction of their songs was always so
good, so sophisticated, great chordal changes...
Slade might be embarrassed to consider that in terms of musical competence and imagination they were a Wolverhampton reflection of the mirrored talent of ABBA!
Put that on your web site!! Great to talk to you. Alan."
Alan worked with Slade from late 1971 until they relocated to the USA in 1975. Alan said he never went with them to the USA - but he would have loved too. "I was just a hired hand I'm afraid....." Apart from his success with Slade recorded and mixed three number one US albums.
"I first got involved with Slade when Coz I Luv You was being recorded. An engineer called George Chkiantz had done the first mix, but the band weren't happy with it" said Alan. "I did another mix which worked, and I became involved with Slade from that day onwards."
"Don recently sent me a email detailing all the Slade hits that I was involved with. He was being kind as he mentioned six No1 singles. However, I only worked on five. I didn't get involved with Merry Xmas Everybody as this was recorded in America."
"I particularly liked Don - but I liked all the band".
"It was an endeavour working with Slade. The way that it worked was that Jim and Nod would have an idea. They would bring it to the studio and we would have the 'experience' of creating it into a song - it was not an automatic process."
"What I liked was that when Slade went into a studio, they would strive to make a brilliant record. Jim would insist that the singles were 'compatible stereo'. We would cut them in stereo but monitor the tracks in mono. That way the singles would sound great on both stereo and mono radio. Jim was always on top of how the records sounded - and was well respected by me."
I asked Alan about his recollections of Don's accident. "When Don surfaced from his accident I remember being so concerned for him. He was about the same age as me". (Don was 26 and Alan was 25).
"Because of Don's amnesia as a result of the accident, he told me he would be waking up in a hotel not knowing where he was - he would be worried and anxious.... He wouldn't know what was happening."
"That was why I suggested keeping a diary. I said that before going to bed he could put an entry like 'Had a great gig in Coventry - met so and so after the show'. That way when Don woke up he could read the previous night's entry and know exactly where he was and what was happening. I wanted to help Don as I thought the world of him."
"As soon as I saw Don after the accident I wanted to make a point of saying to him 'We're with you on this'. I was haunted about Don's food situation and that he wouldn't be able to smell or taste things. He was always likely to eat something that was off...."
Back to Alan's studio work with Slade. "Slade had huge determination and focus. I so enjoyed working with them that I turned down a long term job working with Paul McCartney so that I could be with them. It is for this reason that I'm not a multi-millionaire today!"
"In the studio Don always provided the sound that drove the band. Slade had their heads screwed on and there was never any 'airy fairy' nonsense. There was always a concious effort to make each record as good as it could be. They were super professional in the studio. They were not there to get drunk or laid...."
"It was the same with the band's live shows - they wanted to make their shows the best shows on earth."
"When I was with Slade we recorded all our tracks at Olympic in Barnes. It was a simple process - there would only ever be me, Chas and Slade in the control room. Also I remember that we would always make Slade records sound as loud as possible. We wanted them to sound louder than any other record when they were played in the clubs..."
"Most of my Slade work was booked for the daytime. We would typically start recording at 10/11am and go on til around 8pm. The band were always so disciplined. They would really care and would turn up with the attitude 'let's do things better than we did yesterday'.
"I once had a really awkward situation that I was booked to work with Slade - but my good friend Steve Marriott from Humble Pie wanted me to work him at the same time.... I agreed to work with them both! I worked with Slade on the daytime session, after which I would grab dinner at the Italian across the road to Olympic. I would then return to the studio around 9pm to work with Humble Pie on a night-time session from 9pm til around 4/5am. I would then sleep on a coach in the office at Barnes before Slade turned up the next morning. It was crazy. I did this for around two weeks - and was only catching four or five hours sleep a night!"
"Don sent me a link to a YouTube clip of Slade performing My Friend Stan on Top of The Pops the other day. It still sounded outrageously good! Noddy had a great vocal sound - it was Noddy's vocals that all Slade songs were based around."
"Nobody knows this but I actually sang backing vocals on a Slade track. I can't for the life of me remember which track it was - except that the vocals went really high at the end of the song. A guy called Tony Burns did the vocals with me..."
Alan concluded "Slade were just so under-rated as just a pop band....."
As soon as webmaster finished talking to Alan, Alan sent him an email. He'd thought of something we wanted to add:
"Hi Dave. I last year worked with Agnetha Faltskog - the beautiful blond lead singer with Abba - a lovely woman.
Thinking back to the amazing Slade track record, the musical construction of their songs was always so
good, so sophisticated, great chordal changes...
Slade might be embarrassed to consider that in terms of musical competence and imagination they were a Wolverhampton reflection of the mirrored talent of ABBA!
Put that on your web site!! Great to talk to you. Alan."
Alan worked with Slade from late 1971 until they relocated to the USA in 1975. Alan said he never went with them to the USA - but he would have loved too. "I was just a hired hand I'm afraid....." Apart from his success with Slade recorded and mixed three number one US albums.
Video of Don's recording session with Ela Roxx and her band!
Don's 1983 Diary
Don describes 1983 as: "The best year of the 1980's for me".
He has kindly transcribed his actual diary for readers of his website to read exactly what he was up to during the year.
To read the diary click here.
He has kindly transcribed his actual diary for readers of his website to read exactly what he was up to during the year.
To read the diary click here.
Who's that on Don's drums?
Don sent webmaster a scan of this article from his Danish local newspaper.
"This photo was in the local paper last Saturday....
It’s taken at a "Culture House" for young people, where staff encourage them to pursue their hobbies etc.
As you can see they also help musicians in their hobbies.
About a year ago I donated the drums you see in the photo... They have kindly left the ’SLADE’ front skin on them. The photo has raised quite a bit of interest..."
"This photo was in the local paper last Saturday....
It’s taken at a "Culture House" for young people, where staff encourage them to pursue their hobbies etc.
As you can see they also help musicians in their hobbies.
About a year ago I donated the drums you see in the photo... They have kindly left the ’SLADE’ front skin on them. The photo has raised quite a bit of interest..."
Tribute video for 50 years service...
Thanks to Dave Jewell who sent Don this tribute video to commemorate 50 years service.
Click here to see it.
Click here to see it.
Don's next archive diary year is... 1983
By popular request, the next Diary Year that Don will write-up will be the archive diary for 1983.
Watch this space - it will be published here in a week or so.
Don says: "Just flicking through the diary, it's gonna be a good one!"
Watch this space - it will be published here in a week or so.
Don says: "Just flicking through the diary, it's gonna be a good one!"
When Don came face to face with another drummer called Powell...
Don Powell - Dudley 2014
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Don used to constantly get asked about drummer Cozy Powell. On his recent trip to the UK Don explained what happened when they actually came face-to-face... "We met many years ago, while Slade were rehearsing at Rich Bitch rehearsal studios in Selly Oak (with the new line up). Cozy Powell was also there rehearsing with Neil Murray (bass player). They were about to go on tour with Brian May.... |
Cozy Powell
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Over the years there had always been speculation about Cozy and myself being brothers, or that we are the same person....
We both suddenly came ‘face to face’ in the canteen at Rich Bitch and he said "Are you me or am I you?". He went on to say he got asked all the time if he was me.....Ha...."
Cozy played drums with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Whitesnake and Black Sabbath. He died on 5 April 1988 in a car crash.
We both suddenly came ‘face to face’ in the canteen at Rich Bitch and he said "Are you me or am I you?". He went on to say he got asked all the time if he was me.....Ha...."
Cozy played drums with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Whitesnake and Black Sabbath. He died on 5 April 1988 in a car crash.
Another one of Don's Archive Diaries is on the way...
Q. What made Don keep a diary?
A. It was the suggestion of Slade sound engineer Alan O'Duffy... Alan learned that Don was really struggling with his memory following his car crash. Alan was the guy that first put the suggestion to him about using a diary to help his memory...
Don's tip for any of today's rock star's is to keep one too. It really helps when you come to write your memoires!
Check out Alan O'Duffy's website at www.alanoduffy.com
In the meantime readers will be pleased to know that Don has agreed to write up another one of his archive diaries...
This time we have chosen the most popular year you have requested in your emails. The results will be published here in the next few weeks.
A. It was the suggestion of Slade sound engineer Alan O'Duffy... Alan learned that Don was really struggling with his memory following his car crash. Alan was the guy that first put the suggestion to him about using a diary to help his memory...
Don's tip for any of today's rock star's is to keep one too. It really helps when you come to write your memoires!
Check out Alan O'Duffy's website at www.alanoduffy.com
In the meantime readers will be pleased to know that Don has agreed to write up another one of his archive diaries...
This time we have chosen the most popular year you have requested in your emails. The results will be published here in the next few weeks.
Our own Great British Bake Off with Don Powell...
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Despite Don losing his sense of taste following his car crash in 1973, he stills loves a piece of cake.
On Don's recent trip to the UK, we thought that we would ask him to take part in our own version of the Great British Bake Off. We provided Don with some of Britain's favourite cakes: Mini Chocolate Classics, Angel Layer Cake, Carrot Cake and Blueberry Muffins. Which would be his favourite? And why? The answer follows soon.... |
...and the winner was Carrot Cake
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Whilst doing the Bake Off test Don explained about his sense of taste.
Although he has lost his sense of taste since 1973, the senses on his tongue still work so that he can determine whether food he eats is either sweet, sour, spicy or salty. He likes the sweetness that he gets when eating cakes or chocolate - that is why he enjoys them so much. |
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Carrot Cake - Don liked the good moist texture and enjoyed the sweet icing. 7/10 WINNER!
Blueberry Muffin - Don could feel the spongy texture but it had absolutely no taste to him. 3/10
Mini Chocolate Classics - Liked the sweetness once more. Liked the chocolate texture on the top of the cake. 6/10
Angel Layer Cake - No taste. Absolutely bland. Stodgy. Didn't like it. 3/10
Don went on to say that he really eats now for necessity and not enjoyment. He explained difficulties he might have when cooking something like chicken... When you cook a chicken that is "off" you would normally be able to tell this immediately because of the smell. However, this would not be the case with Don as he would not be able to smell it... Secondly, anyone with normal senses would also be able to tell immediately by taste if chicken was "off". Once again - this wouldn't happen with Don. The first he would know about the chicken not being good would be when it actually made him ill...
With food in general, Don still has cravings. One craving he gets is for Fish and Chips. This is because he can remember what they tasted like - and he now enjoys the sensation of the salt and the vinegar on his tongue.
Blueberry Muffin - Don could feel the spongy texture but it had absolutely no taste to him. 3/10
Mini Chocolate Classics - Liked the sweetness once more. Liked the chocolate texture on the top of the cake. 6/10
Angel Layer Cake - No taste. Absolutely bland. Stodgy. Didn't like it. 3/10
Don went on to say that he really eats now for necessity and not enjoyment. He explained difficulties he might have when cooking something like chicken... When you cook a chicken that is "off" you would normally be able to tell this immediately because of the smell. However, this would not be the case with Don as he would not be able to smell it... Secondly, anyone with normal senses would also be able to tell immediately by taste if chicken was "off". Once again - this wouldn't happen with Don. The first he would know about the chicken not being good would be when it actually made him ill...
With food in general, Don still has cravings. One craving he gets is for Fish and Chips. This is because he can remember what they tasted like - and he now enjoys the sensation of the salt and the vinegar on his tongue.
Campaign for Don to receive Freedom of Bilston...
The campaign for Don to receive the Freedom of Wolverhampton is building...
See attached letter (right) - Tom Fellows from Bilston has mentioned in his letter to the Express and Star that Don should be "recognised".
If you think Don deserves to be recognised by Wolverhampton Council and given the Freedom of Wolverhampton then please drop an email to John Wright at the Council requesting that Don be considered.
The more emails the Council receive, the more they will consider the request...
John Wright's email address is: john.wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Further update to follow.
See attached letter (right) - Tom Fellows from Bilston has mentioned in his letter to the Express and Star that Don should be "recognised".
If you think Don deserves to be recognised by Wolverhampton Council and given the Freedom of Wolverhampton then please drop an email to John Wright at the Council requesting that Don be considered.
The more emails the Council receive, the more they will consider the request...
John Wright's email address is: john.wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Further update to follow.
An "eventful" flight home for Mr Powell...
After his brief visit to the UK, Don flew home to Denmark from Stansted on Sunday 2 March. It was an eventful flight...
Don said: "I had an awful journey home - my plane was delayed (almost 2 hours) and eventually diverted from Billund to Aarhus (during the flight). This was because an enormous cargo plane had mis-judged the runway at Billund and decided to 'plough' all around the runway and got stuck, half on the tarmac and half on the surrounding grass, virtually closing Billund for all incoming and outgoing flights....... Ryannair let us use our phones, so I could at least alert Hanne to divert to Aarhus to meet me.
There were a lot of irate passengers believe me..... I believe we are eligible for a 'free' cup of tea next time at Billund Airport. ( I might 'plum' for the money instead.....) ".
Don said: "I had an awful journey home - my plane was delayed (almost 2 hours) and eventually diverted from Billund to Aarhus (during the flight). This was because an enormous cargo plane had mis-judged the runway at Billund and decided to 'plough' all around the runway and got stuck, half on the tarmac and half on the surrounding grass, virtually closing Billund for all incoming and outgoing flights....... Ryannair let us use our phones, so I could at least alert Hanne to divert to Aarhus to meet me.
There were a lot of irate passengers believe me..... I believe we are eligible for a 'free' cup of tea next time at Billund Airport. ( I might 'plum' for the money instead.....) ".
Just for fun... What Greatest Hits was Don buying in HMV?
JUST FOR FUN...
After Don's signing session in Merry Hill he got tasked with buying three Greatest Hits CDs for his family in Denmark.
Two of the CDs were by bands beginning with the letter "K" and the other was by a band who had the first initial "C". Who will be the first reader to guess the correct answer?
Leave your responses on Don's Facebook page - click here.
PS For those fans who were in HMV - you are not allowed to take part!
UPDATE: The Greatest Hits CDs that Don bought were Kiss, The Kinks and The Carpenters.
After Don's signing session in Merry Hill he got tasked with buying three Greatest Hits CDs for his family in Denmark.
Two of the CDs were by bands beginning with the letter "K" and the other was by a band who had the first initial "C". Who will be the first reader to guess the correct answer?
Leave your responses on Don's Facebook page - click here.
PS For those fans who were in HMV - you are not allowed to take part!
UPDATE: The Greatest Hits CDs that Don bought were Kiss, The Kinks and The Carpenters.
Don catches up with Vive Le Rock magazine - 1 March
1 March 2014 - Don caught up with the recent Vive Le Rock glam rock article while Don waited his slot at the WH Smith signing at the Merry Hill Centre.
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WH Smith signing the Merry Hill Centre, Dudley - 1 March
Thanks to everyone who turned out at Don's signing session at WH Smiths in Merry Hill on 1 March 2014.
Don's favourite moment: A Mum asked if her young son and daughter could have their picture taken with Don.
Don overheard the seven year old boy sigh and say: "If I must...."
Don laughed as he responded with an apology saying "Sorry to ruin your day!"
Don's favourite moment: A Mum asked if her young son and daughter could have their picture taken with Don.
Don overheard the seven year old boy sigh and say: "If I must...."
Don laughed as he responded with an apology saying "Sorry to ruin your day!"
Don with Ranjit (WH Smith Store Manager) and Matt Bourne (Omnibus Press)
Don gets a press call at Merry Hill
Plenty of press attention at Don's Merry Hill signing on 1st March.
Both the Wolverhampton Express and Star and the Merry Hill website took plenty of photos and interviewed fans...
Both the Wolverhampton Express and Star and the Merry Hill website took plenty of photos and interviewed fans...
A Powell relative greets Don in Dudley...
After being in touch by email, Lizzie Carr (was Powell) meets up with Don in Dudley on 1 March.
Dave Donovan reunites with Don at Dudley signing - 1 March
David Donovan, brother of ex Slade Tour Manager Haden, turned up at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre signing on 1 March. David is a drummer, and an old friend of Slade from the 1970's. He worked for the band in the 1980's as their driver. Recently he contributed several stories to the "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" book.
David's wife Sue joined David in meeting Don. One of the many stories they discussed was Don ruining Sue's yellow trousers in 1982... David and Sue were at MCP's Maurice Jones' after-show party for the Birmingham Odeon gig - and Don spilled red wine over Sue's yellow trousers... As a precaution Sue decided to wear plum coloured trousers when she met Don at Merry Hill this time!
David now run's Donovan's Music Store in Amblecote, Stourbridge (Slade fans are always welcome to pop in for a chat). On Tuesday mornings he teaches drums at Baxter College in Kidderminster and then on Friday mornings he teaches drums at the New Elizabethan School in Hartlebury.
David's wife Sue joined David in meeting Don. One of the many stories they discussed was Don ruining Sue's yellow trousers in 1982... David and Sue were at MCP's Maurice Jones' after-show party for the Birmingham Odeon gig - and Don spilled red wine over Sue's yellow trousers... As a precaution Sue decided to wear plum coloured trousers when she met Don at Merry Hill this time!
David now run's Donovan's Music Store in Amblecote, Stourbridge (Slade fans are always welcome to pop in for a chat). On Tuesday mornings he teaches drums at Baxter College in Kidderminster and then on Friday mornings he teaches drums at the New Elizabethan School in Hartlebury.
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Don's old school mate turns up at Dudley signing...
Don was amazed to meet up with old school friend, Peter Harpin, at the Dudley book signing on 1 March. Peter came from Moxley and was in the same class as Don at Etheridge Secondary Modern School.
Don recognised Peter as soon as him saw him in the queue. "He hadn't changed a bit" said Don. Peter used to play in fellow Wolverhampton band The Cadenzas in the 1960's.
Don recognised Peter as soon as him saw him in the queue. "He hadn't changed a bit" said Don. Peter used to play in fellow Wolverhampton band The Cadenzas in the 1960's.
The "Long-Distance Book Signing" Award goes to Amy James-Collins
The "Long-Distance Book Signing Award" goes to..... Amy James-Collins from Cornwall.
Amy attended Don's book signing at Dudley on the 1 March. She made the trip, driving from Hayle in Cornwall with her husband Adam.
Amy was keen to meet Don as he had inspired her to play drums after he sent her a set of drumsticks. Amy learned her trade playing along to Slade songs... Whilst chatting, Amy mentioned she came from Hayle (in Cornwall). Don knew exactly where it was... Don's family had holidayed the when he was 14 - a holiday also attended with Swinn!
Amy attended Don's book signing at Dudley on the 1 March. She made the trip, driving from Hayle in Cornwall with her husband Adam.
Amy was keen to meet Don as he had inspired her to play drums after he sent her a set of drumsticks. Amy learned her trade playing along to Slade songs... Whilst chatting, Amy mentioned she came from Hayle (in Cornwall). Don knew exactly where it was... Don's family had holidayed the when he was 14 - a holiday also attended with Swinn!
Don on Billy Butler's Radio Merseyside Show - 27 February
Don joined Billy Butler on his Radio Merseyside Show on 27 February.
To listen to the show click here. At around 23.00 Billy plays Far Far Away and at 32.00 Don is interviewed.
All Liverpool photos: Di Daley (who assisted Don keeping to his schedule in Liverpool - thanks X)
To listen to the show click here. At around 23.00 Billy plays Far Far Away and at 32.00 Don is interviewed.
All Liverpool photos: Di Daley (who assisted Don keeping to his schedule in Liverpool - thanks X)
And meets fans after the radio show...
Book signing in Liverpool - 27 February 2014
Thanks to all the fans who turned out for the book signing of "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" at Waterstones, Liverpool on 27 February... When Don left the store they only had one copy of the book left!
Thanks to Di Daley for all the photos below relating to Don's Liverpool trip.
Thanks to Di Daley for all the photos below relating to Don's Liverpool trip.
And Mal Nulty turns up to show his support...
Di Daley and Mal Nulty
Don re-united with Bunny boys...
Bunny in 1975
After the Liverpool signing Don met up with old buddies Terry McCusker and Dave Dover who were in 70's band Col Bagshot. They went for a drink in The Beehive... Slade fans might remember them from when they added a girl singer called Linda Millington, and renamed themselves as Bunny. Dave played bass and Terry played drums with the band.
Bunny were signed by Chas Chandler and released "Baby You Are Getting To Me" on Polydor. They supported Slade on their 1974 European and 1975 UK Tours...
The guys later worked with Slade again when they provided backing vocals on Slade recordings in the Portland Studios in the 1980's...
Bunny were signed by Chas Chandler and released "Baby You Are Getting To Me" on Polydor. They supported Slade on their 1974 European and 1975 UK Tours...
The guys later worked with Slade again when they provided backing vocals on Slade recordings in the Portland Studios in the 1980's...
Book signings reminder...
Final reminder that Don will be signing copies of "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade"...
In Liverpool on Thurs 27 February - details click here.
And in Dudley on Saturday 1 March - details click here.
In Liverpool on Thurs 27 February - details click here.
And in Dudley on Saturday 1 March - details click here.
Email from Belgium..
Email from Belgium:
"Hi Don
I'm a Slade fan since 1974.
Here are 3 pics I took in London in 1978, the day of the Music machine gig. I was 14 and I couldn't attend it, my father didn't allow me to go ...
If you want to use the pics, no problem if you mention my name. I got my name in the Slade supporter club (1981 May- June issue)."
Best wishes
Philippe de Kemmeter
(Belgium)
Webmaster: Thanks for the email. We have added the pics of the Music Machine (on the 30 October 1978) to Don's 1978 Diary page. Good to see how the venue looked on the actual day. For Don's 1978 Diary click here...
"Hi Don
I'm a Slade fan since 1974.
Here are 3 pics I took in London in 1978, the day of the Music machine gig. I was 14 and I couldn't attend it, my father didn't allow me to go ...
If you want to use the pics, no problem if you mention my name. I got my name in the Slade supporter club (1981 May- June issue)."
Best wishes
Philippe de Kemmeter
(Belgium)
Webmaster: Thanks for the email. We have added the pics of the Music Machine (on the 30 October 1978) to Don's 1978 Diary page. Good to see how the venue looked on the actual day. For Don's 1978 Diary click here...
Rhythm Magazine
The January 2014 issue no.224 carried a five page interview with Don...Thanks to John Berry for sharing.
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And another great review... Record Collector Magazine.
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Great book review in this month's Classic Rock Magazine...
Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" got a great review in this month's Classic Rock Magazine (cover date April 2014 - pic of Queen on the cover).
Buy a copy to read the 8/10 review!
Thanks to Nomis for this bit of info.
Buy a copy to read the 8/10 review!
Thanks to Nomis for this bit of info.
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Don sends us a photo of August...
Webmaster received a message from Don:
"Hi. I thought this might look nice on the web-site.... It's a pic of our little Grandson, August, learning to play Slade on the Piano."
(The gifted musician August is the son of Emilie and her boyfriend Jakob).
"Hi. I thought this might look nice on the web-site.... It's a pic of our little Grandson, August, learning to play Slade on the Piano."
(The gifted musician August is the son of Emilie and her boyfriend Jakob).
August rattles off a tune...
Time change for Merry Hill signing...
**** Please note that Don's book signing at WH Smiths in Merry Hill will now be at 1pm on Saturday 1 March ***
Di Daley gets the queue started for the Merry Hill signing...
UPDATED Feb/March book signings...
"Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" news...
We are pleased to advise of more confirmed book signings.
Details are as follows:
We are pleased to advise of more confirmed book signings.
Details are as follows:
- Thursday 27 February - Waterstones Liverpool One, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DL
- Friday 28th February - It has not been possible to arrange a book signing this day.
- Saturday 1 March - WH Smith, Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill, Dudley, West Midlands - 1pm CONFIRMED (Store phone number 01384 79485)
Pic Di Daley
* IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SIGNED COPY OF THE BOOK - BUT CANNOT ATTEND THE SIGNINGS - THEN CALL ONE OF THE STORES. THEY CAN TAKE YOUR ORDER OVER THE PHONE - AND GET YOU A PERSONALISED SIGNED COPY POSTED TO YOUR HOME *
Also, Don has agreed to be interviewed on Billy Butler's Radio Merseyside Show before the Liverpool signing on Thursday 27 February. Don will be on air with Billy from 2.30pm.
Or... to simply just buy your copy of "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" from Amazon - click here.
Also, Don has agreed to be interviewed on Billy Butler's Radio Merseyside Show before the Liverpool signing on Thursday 27 February. Don will be on air with Billy from 2.30pm.
Or... to simply just buy your copy of "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" from Amazon - click here.
Tom Fletcher from McFly gets the book...
Tom Fletcher 13 February 2014
Motion for Don to receive the Freedom of Wolverhampton... Support needed!
Webmaster has been made aware of a motion put forward to nominate Don for the Freedom of Wolverhampton.
After a few months of trying - and after eventual contact with the Mayor - the council have responded:
"Hi. Thank you for your email requesting that the Council consider awarding Freedom of the City or a similar award to Don Powell of Slade.
Your email was passed to me by the Mayor’s office and the content has recently been raised with the Leader of the Council.
I can inform you that the Council does not make such awards in response to an individual request. Instead the Council waits until we have received a number of similar requests and then decides which, if any, it would want to agree to. Consequently we will hold on to your request until we are in a position consider it. Sadly I cannot give you a timescale when a decision will be taken but I can assure you that a formal decision will be made at some point in the future."
John Wright
Democratic Support Manager, Delivery
Don is aware of the motion - and is thrilled and honoured that this motion has been raised.
Don's Webmaster Comment:
"I think that all Don's fans and friends should lend their support to Don's nomination.
I personally think that Don is a worthy candidate because:
Additionally, Noddy Holder has recently been offered (and accepted) the Freedom of Walsall. A ceremony is taking place on 24th June to give Nod his honour.... If Nod can receive this recognition, then why can't Don?
If you have the time, and would like to show your support to this motion, then please email John Wright at the following email address.
john.wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Please add a few words as to why you think Don should receive recognition (and especially if you live in the Black Country please mention that you are a "local"). Many thanks - and I will update the website with any progress that we make.... Spread the word! "
Webmaster
After a few months of trying - and after eventual contact with the Mayor - the council have responded:
"Hi. Thank you for your email requesting that the Council consider awarding Freedom of the City or a similar award to Don Powell of Slade.
Your email was passed to me by the Mayor’s office and the content has recently been raised with the Leader of the Council.
I can inform you that the Council does not make such awards in response to an individual request. Instead the Council waits until we have received a number of similar requests and then decides which, if any, it would want to agree to. Consequently we will hold on to your request until we are in a position consider it. Sadly I cannot give you a timescale when a decision will be taken but I can assure you that a formal decision will be made at some point in the future."
John Wright
Democratic Support Manager, Delivery
Don is aware of the motion - and is thrilled and honoured that this motion has been raised.
Don's Webmaster Comment:
"I think that all Don's fans and friends should lend their support to Don's nomination.
I personally think that Don is a worthy candidate because:
- He was born in Bilston - a suburb of Wolverhampton in 1946.
- He has played drums with Slade since 1966 - a band who's name is synonymous with Wolverhampton
- The success of Slade worldwide - fans in Europe / Russia / Poland / Australasia / North America etc
- Even though Don now lives in Denmark - he still considers Wolverhampton as his "home" town.
- Don's endless charity work over the years (National Autistic Society predominantly)
- Don's undoubted good character..... The list goes on.
Additionally, Noddy Holder has recently been offered (and accepted) the Freedom of Walsall. A ceremony is taking place on 24th June to give Nod his honour.... If Nod can receive this recognition, then why can't Don?
If you have the time, and would like to show your support to this motion, then please email John Wright at the following email address.
john.wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Please add a few words as to why you think Don should receive recognition (and especially if you live in the Black Country please mention that you are a "local"). Many thanks - and I will update the website with any progress that we make.... Spread the word! "
Webmaster
