OLD NEWS ARCHIVE 7
Don diary update - Slade in Denmark
Copyright - Andreas Lundby
Saturday 8 February 2014
I was up at 07:00am to use the bathroom first...... All the family were at home and I know from experience that if I waited any later there would be no hot water left!
So, I managed to get in and clean up first....... very pleasant.
Anyway I took Rocky for his morning ‘sabbatical’ through the forest and by the lakes. I took him to Hanne’s Father - so that he could ‘dog sit' for us for the day...
I packed the car with what equipment I needed for the gig, picked up Angela (Hanne’s work colleague from the hotel - who was going to her first Slade, or any, concert) to drive to Næstved - about a three hour drive on the island of, Sjælland...... We stopped a couple of times for tea and cake on the way.
We had the sat-nav and drove straight to the gig. Abbie and Robin were there, together with Sweet's crew - Damian (Andy Scott’s son - on sound) and Adam (backline). Adam was helping us this weekend, as Tim is in Australia with The Hollies.
I set my drums up with the help of Toot - the fantastic English backline roadie. We just relaxed at the gig all afternoon.
We didn’t need a hotel...)
Many, many friends were there - including: Marion (who works in Copenhagen Airport, who always manages to find our lost baggage and somehow manages to hold flights back for us if we are delayed - a diamond) and Mikael Helmut (the theatre director, who did ‘Oliver T’ with Slade music, and his girlfriend Anna... and a Danish singer Karen ( I’m going to be playing drums on her new CD - watch this space).
All the guys eventually turned up H, Mal & John (haven’t seen them since the Christmas tour) - this was our first gig since then, the same for Sweet). They also arrived. BIG hugs and laughs all round..... Finally Malcolm Skellington (who used to run our UK Fan Club) and his wife Fran turned up......
We did our sound-check..... There was ‘fantastic’ catering supplied for everyone...... Our son Andreas arrived by many trains from his boarding school in Englesholm. (A big family outing!.....)
The Walkers (a Danish band, big in the ‘70’s) went on first..... then Sweet, who did a fantastic job (as always) getting the crowd up and ready......
Then OUR TURN. What a fantastic night for us..... Couldn’t do any wrong, the crowd clapped, cheered and sang along to every song.... FANTASTIC....
The organisers were SO over the moon..... To prove it, I made a comment to the main man as to how I liked his ‘sweat-shirt’. He took it off and gave it to me.... (It was freezing)!
Many sandwiches were made for our drive home, together with cakes, water, tea...... We made a detour to drop Andreas off at his school. Also, we dropped off Angela, who couldn’t believe her experience........ Hanne and myself got home at 04:00am.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY...... Thank you all....
I was up at 07:00am to use the bathroom first...... All the family were at home and I know from experience that if I waited any later there would be no hot water left!
So, I managed to get in and clean up first....... very pleasant.
Anyway I took Rocky for his morning ‘sabbatical’ through the forest and by the lakes. I took him to Hanne’s Father - so that he could ‘dog sit' for us for the day...
I packed the car with what equipment I needed for the gig, picked up Angela (Hanne’s work colleague from the hotel - who was going to her first Slade, or any, concert) to drive to Næstved - about a three hour drive on the island of, Sjælland...... We stopped a couple of times for tea and cake on the way.
We had the sat-nav and drove straight to the gig. Abbie and Robin were there, together with Sweet's crew - Damian (Andy Scott’s son - on sound) and Adam (backline). Adam was helping us this weekend, as Tim is in Australia with The Hollies.
I set my drums up with the help of Toot - the fantastic English backline roadie. We just relaxed at the gig all afternoon.
We didn’t need a hotel...)
Many, many friends were there - including: Marion (who works in Copenhagen Airport, who always manages to find our lost baggage and somehow manages to hold flights back for us if we are delayed - a diamond) and Mikael Helmut (the theatre director, who did ‘Oliver T’ with Slade music, and his girlfriend Anna... and a Danish singer Karen ( I’m going to be playing drums on her new CD - watch this space).
All the guys eventually turned up H, Mal & John (haven’t seen them since the Christmas tour) - this was our first gig since then, the same for Sweet). They also arrived. BIG hugs and laughs all round..... Finally Malcolm Skellington (who used to run our UK Fan Club) and his wife Fran turned up......
We did our sound-check..... There was ‘fantastic’ catering supplied for everyone...... Our son Andreas arrived by many trains from his boarding school in Englesholm. (A big family outing!.....)
The Walkers (a Danish band, big in the ‘70’s) went on first..... then Sweet, who did a fantastic job (as always) getting the crowd up and ready......
Then OUR TURN. What a fantastic night for us..... Couldn’t do any wrong, the crowd clapped, cheered and sang along to every song.... FANTASTIC....
The organisers were SO over the moon..... To prove it, I made a comment to the main man as to how I liked his ‘sweat-shirt’. He took it off and gave it to me.... (It was freezing)!
Many sandwiches were made for our drive home, together with cakes, water, tea...... We made a detour to drop Andreas off at his school. Also, we dropped off Angela, who couldn’t believe her experience........ Hanne and myself got home at 04:00am.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY...... Thank you all....
Updated on this site now... Don's 1978 Diary
A few weeks ago we advised that Don had offered to write-up another one of his diaries for the website. We asked you to email your requests for the year to be used...
The winning email came from Piotr Walecki from Poland... He asked for "1978 - because of the Polish tour - it's obvious :-) "
Don has written up the diary and it is available to see here.
(4 February 2014: Now updated with missing diary pages from when Don's entries were written on separate sheets - after Don's diary was stolen, then later returned by the police).
The winning email came from Piotr Walecki from Poland... He asked for "1978 - because of the Polish tour - it's obvious :-) "
Don has written up the diary and it is available to see here.
(4 February 2014: Now updated with missing diary pages from when Don's entries were written on separate sheets - after Don's diary was stolen, then later returned by the police).
Obituary: Peter Kauff
It was while updating Don's 1978 Diary pages for this website, and researching the last 1978 entry mentioning Peter Kauff that we became aware of his recent passing.
Peter was Slade's agent in the USA and worked for numerous years in the mid 1970's with the band booking their gigs.
He was born on 1 October 1941 in Brooklyn and passed away on 17 December 2013. Sad news.
Don says: "Peter was Chas's partner in America. He was a great guy, very funny, had a great sense of humour."
Peter was Slade's agent in the USA and worked for numerous years in the mid 1970's with the band booking their gigs.
He was born on 1 October 1941 in Brooklyn and passed away on 17 December 2013. Sad news.
Don says: "Peter was Chas's partner in America. He was a great guy, very funny, had a great sense of humour."
Status Quo's John Coghlan reads Don's biography
Gwen Dale, Glenn Stark and Di Daley went to see John Coghlan's band play in Southampton on 25 January...
They noticed that John in reading Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" and sent in the pic (left).
Thanks guys!
They noticed that John in reading Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" and sent in the pic (left).
Thanks guys!
Don replaces his maracas in Germany...
Don has updated his website diary so it includes his trip to Germany last week, where he found a replacement for his maracas....
Confused? Read Don's January 2014 diary entry by clicking here. |
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Don featured on BBC1's ONE SHOW today - 16 January
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Don's Interview with Matt Allwright on BBC1's ONE SHOW was shown tonight. The interview was recorded before Slade's gig in Eastbourne last month.
UK and Overseas viewers can catch it on YouTube by clicking here. |
Don and Noddy on LBC 1977
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1977 is the buzz-word on this site at the moment.
Last week Don published his diary for 1977 - and in it he mentioned that on 3 December 1977 that he and Nod did an interview for LBC in London. Webmaster has uncovered some radio interview recordings on old cassette tapes. One is a recording of the Therese Birch interview (with Nod). You can hear it on the player below... (Don and Noddy on Jellybone with Therese Birch - LBC - Saturday 3 December 1977). |
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...also there is a tape of Don's interview with Radio Luxembourg's Ken Evans on the Valderma Stars Horoscope Show has been found too...
Unfortunately the quality is poor on this one - as the radio reception of Radio Luxembourg was always poor in London! Don was interviewed in January 1977 - at the release of Gypsy Roadhog. |
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And finally we have a recording of Nod and Don on the Billy Butler Show on Liverpool's Radio City. Don's 1977 diary mentions that he did this interview on 31 March.
(Nod does most of the talking, and our recording is poor. However, the quality improves after 08.15). |
Don joins the Noize
Don flies to Germany on Thursday 16 January to work with German artiste called Noize...
More to follow on these pages.
More to follow on these pages.
Slade at the BBC - repeated BBC 4 - Saturday 18 January - 11pm
The "Slade @ the BBC" documentary is repeated again on Saturday 18 January at 11pm - on BBC4.
The Slade tracks featured on the documentary are:
01 Intro
02 Martha My Dear /Monster Music Mash 1969
03 Wild Winds Are Blowing /Monster Music Mash 1969
04 Coz I Luv You /TOTP 1971
05 Mama Weer All Crazee Now /TOTP 1972
06 Gudbuy T' Jane /TOTP 1972
07 Cum On Feel The Noize /TOTP 1973
08 My Friend Stan /TOTP 1973
09 Everyday /TOTP 1974
10 How Does It Feel /Crackerjack 1975
11 Gypsy Roadhog /Blue Peter 1977
12 My Baby Left Me But That's Alright Mama /TOTP 1977
13 Give Us A Goal /Cheggers Plays Pop 1978
14 We'll Bring The House Down /TOTP 1981
15 My Oh My /Harty 1983
16 Run Runaway /The Rod and Emu Show 1984
17 All Join Hands /TOTP 1984
18 Do You Believe In Miracles /Juice 1985
19 Radio Wall Of Sound /TOTP 1991
20 Merry Xmas Everybody /TOTP 1973
The Slade tracks featured on the documentary are:
01 Intro
02 Martha My Dear /Monster Music Mash 1969
03 Wild Winds Are Blowing /Monster Music Mash 1969
04 Coz I Luv You /TOTP 1971
05 Mama Weer All Crazee Now /TOTP 1972
06 Gudbuy T' Jane /TOTP 1972
07 Cum On Feel The Noize /TOTP 1973
08 My Friend Stan /TOTP 1973
09 Everyday /TOTP 1974
10 How Does It Feel /Crackerjack 1975
11 Gypsy Roadhog /Blue Peter 1977
12 My Baby Left Me But That's Alright Mama /TOTP 1977
13 Give Us A Goal /Cheggers Plays Pop 1978
14 We'll Bring The House Down /TOTP 1981
15 My Oh My /Harty 1983
16 Run Runaway /The Rod and Emu Show 1984
17 All Join Hands /TOTP 1984
18 Do You Believe In Miracles /Juice 1985
19 Radio Wall Of Sound /TOTP 1991
20 Merry Xmas Everybody /TOTP 1973
New Salvo Advert for Slade back-catalogue
A new Salvo advert promoting the re-issue of Slade's back-catalogue is appearing in magazines this month (click on pic to the left).
To see what Slade re-issues are available from Salvo click here.
To see what Slade re-issues are available from Salvo click here.
You can look at another of Don's Diaries - you chose the year
Don has offered to delve into his diaries once more.
Don really enjoyed looking back at 1977 and piecing together what went on that year. He has offered to do it once more.
Is there a particular year that you would like to see documented day-by-day?
Please email donpowellofficial@sky.com by Thurs 16 January naming the year you would like to look at, and why. Please include your name in the email. We will chose a random entry and Don will write up his diary for that year.
(Don holds most of his diaries from 1976 onwards)
Don really enjoyed looking back at 1977 and piecing together what went on that year. He has offered to do it once more.
Is there a particular year that you would like to see documented day-by-day?
Please email donpowellofficial@sky.com by Thurs 16 January naming the year you would like to look at, and why. Please include your name in the email. We will chose a random entry and Don will write up his diary for that year.
(Don holds most of his diaries from 1976 onwards)
1977 uncovered.... Don's 1977 Diary at a glance...
The detailing of the "missing" 1977 German Tour dates (see below) has prompted a few emails and some debate about exactly what shows Slade performed in 1977. (Dave Graham from the Slade In England website particularly wanted some clarification as to what went on that year).
Don has kindly found his diary for 1977 and typed up the key events that happened that year. It makes really interesting reading because as well as gigs, all recording sessions and tv performances are also detailed.
Background: In late 1976 Slade had returned from the USA. Don was now living in a flat in Hampstead, London.
To read Don's 1977 Diary click here.
Don has kindly found his diary for 1977 and typed up the key events that happened that year. It makes really interesting reading because as well as gigs, all recording sessions and tv performances are also detailed.
Background: In late 1976 Slade had returned from the USA. Don was now living in a flat in Hampstead, London.
To read Don's 1977 Diary click here.
Missing 1977 German Tour dates with Pussycat & The Rubettes...
Slade & German Tour Bus 1977 - picture provided by David Graham
The DP website team and Chris Selby work hard to try and keep the "Don's Gigs" pages on this website correct - and we are always on the look-out to add gigs that we have missed to the list.
We are really grateful to Steffan Decker who sent us the following email.
"Dear Admin, Dear Don,
I browsed through the donpowellofficial.com site around Xmas and found many interesting things, pictures and so on. I enjoyed it very much. But I missed an important gig in the gig list of 1977, the first Slade gig I attended! Therefore I enclose two scans of a German music magazine of that time which carried out a tour with 10 gigs all over Germany in 1977. Slade was on the bill on all of these gigs touring with Pussycat, The Rubettes and Supermax. I saw them on May 15 in Frankfurt. It was a great great experience for me and made me pick up with guitar playing myself which I still do as a singer and guitarist in a rockband. Due to the fact that Supermax could not play on that night, Slade were to perform a longer show and they started the evening. The set list included Far Far Away and Everyday as well as Born to Be Wild And Come On Feel The Noize.
Maybe I find the ticket if I have another look and I will send a scan of this as well.
So you can add another 10 dates to the list of “Don’s gigs in 1977”.
Cheers and Keep on Rocking
Steffen Decker, Frankfurt, Germany"
We are really grateful to Steffan Decker who sent us the following email.
"Dear Admin, Dear Don,
I browsed through the donpowellofficial.com site around Xmas and found many interesting things, pictures and so on. I enjoyed it very much. But I missed an important gig in the gig list of 1977, the first Slade gig I attended! Therefore I enclose two scans of a German music magazine of that time which carried out a tour with 10 gigs all over Germany in 1977. Slade was on the bill on all of these gigs touring with Pussycat, The Rubettes and Supermax. I saw them on May 15 in Frankfurt. It was a great great experience for me and made me pick up with guitar playing myself which I still do as a singer and guitarist in a rockband. Due to the fact that Supermax could not play on that night, Slade were to perform a longer show and they started the evening. The set list included Far Far Away and Everyday as well as Born to Be Wild And Come On Feel The Noize.
Maybe I find the ticket if I have another look and I will send a scan of this as well.
So you can add another 10 dates to the list of “Don’s gigs in 1977”.
Cheers and Keep on Rocking
Steffen Decker, Frankfurt, Germany"
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Webmaster comment: We are delighted to add these 10 "missing" German gigs to the "Don's Gigs" pages.
If you know of a gig that is missing from our database please email christopher.selby1@btinternet.com and/or donpowellofficial@sky.com with the info. We do need to see a scan of a ticket-stub / press advert / press review just to verify that the gig did take place!
If you know of a gig that is missing from our database please email christopher.selby1@btinternet.com and/or donpowellofficial@sky.com with the info. We do need to see a scan of a ticket-stub / press advert / press review just to verify that the gig did take place!
Don to talk on BBC1's One Show about his amnesia
Keep an eye-out in the next week or so...
Don filmed an interview in the afternoon of the Eastbourne concert on 19 December with the One Show team (BBC1).
They spoke to Don primarily about his amnesia and also asked Dave Hill to comment how it affects him and Slade.
Don's footage will been shown very soon on the tea-time BBC1 show.
Don filmed an interview in the afternoon of the Eastbourne concert on 19 December with the One Show team (BBC1).
They spoke to Don primarily about his amnesia and also asked Dave Hill to comment how it affects him and Slade.
Don's footage will been shown very soon on the tea-time BBC1 show.
The Express and Star pays tribute to Don and Dave
The Wolverhampton Express and Star (3 January 2013) has a feature on Don and Dave's 50th anniversary.
To read it click here.
To read it click here.
Don and Dave featured in the Birmingham Mail
The Birmingham Mail 2 January 2013 features an article about Don and Dave Hill's 50 years of gigging together.
To read the online version click here.
To read the online version click here.
"Lost" My Friend Stan performance from Germany found...
Thanks to Gaz for letting us know that the previously lost German TV performance of My Friend Stan from 1973 has now been found. The clip is via German broadcaster Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (equivalent of TOTP2).
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all the readers of the website - Don xxx
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Safety comes first for Don for New Years Eve and 2014 - Photo: Andreas Lundby
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Webmaster comment: "A very Happy New Year to everyone who has looked at this website in the last year.
We are absolutely thrilled that we received our highest ever daily "hit" figure yesterday (New Years Eve) when we recorded 837 readers looking at our announcement page. Thank you for your great support!"
We are absolutely thrilled that we received our highest ever daily "hit" figure yesterday (New Years Eve) when we recorded 837 readers looking at our announcement page. Thank you for your great support!"
Don's Christmas Message
Don and a friend... As this picture was taken Don said the words: "Me and Dave Hill....."
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What was in Don's Christmas Stocking?
The nice people at Google Nexus sent Don a nice little stocking filler for Christmas...
No prizes for guessing what it was!
No prizes for guessing what it was!
Vive Le Rock Magazine - Jan / Feb 2014 issue
Just a reminder that the January/February issue of Vive Le Rock magazine is available in all good newsagents.
Slade fan Dick Porter has contributed a lengthy feature on Glam, and of course Slade are there at the heart of it! Also he retrospectively looks at the Flame movie - he comments "Slade made one of the best rock movies of all time, but alienated young fans in the process..."
Don himself was interviewed for the article and has many quotes in the pages:
"We went totally the opposite way with the colour thing and I think it worked for us"....
"It was the time to be as outrageous as the band had ever been, to keep up with competition from the other glam rock bands".
Dick Porter also reviews "Look Wot I Dun - My Life in Slade" in the mag. He gives it an awesome review... Look at the mag to see how many marks he gave it out of 10!
There are some great pics in the mag too - so get your copy now - price £4.95
Slade fan Dick Porter has contributed a lengthy feature on Glam, and of course Slade are there at the heart of it! Also he retrospectively looks at the Flame movie - he comments "Slade made one of the best rock movies of all time, but alienated young fans in the process..."
Don himself was interviewed for the article and has many quotes in the pages:
"We went totally the opposite way with the colour thing and I think it worked for us"....
"It was the time to be as outrageous as the band had ever been, to keep up with competition from the other glam rock bands".
Dick Porter also reviews "Look Wot I Dun - My Life in Slade" in the mag. He gives it an awesome review... Look at the mag to see how many marks he gave it out of 10!
There are some great pics in the mag too - so get your copy now - price £4.95
Thanks for the Amazon reviews!
Don would like to thank everyone who has spent time posting reviews of his biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" on the Amazon website.
Don has been overwhelmed by the great comments.
To see the Amazon comments click here - and scroll down the page until you get to Customer Reviews.
Don has been overwhelmed by the great comments.
To see the Amazon comments click here - and scroll down the page until you get to Customer Reviews.
How Don spent Christmas Day...
Q. How did Don spend Christmas Day?
A. Reading "A Life" - Robert Plant's biography. Don says: "I think he's read mine???" |
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Don flies home...
Sunday 22 December: The Slade & Sweet tour ended last night with a sell-out show in Salisbury.
Don flew home to Denmark this morning so that he can celebrate Christmas with his family.
Many thanks to all the fans who made the tour a great success (with many venues selling out). Additionally, thanks to everyone for their support in buying Don and Lise's book - and attending the numerous UK and Danish signing sessions.
There are discussions regarding further book signings in the UK in January. We will keep you updated as soon as we have details.
Don flew home to Denmark this morning so that he can celebrate Christmas with his family.
Many thanks to all the fans who made the tour a great success (with many venues selling out). Additionally, thanks to everyone for their support in buying Don and Lise's book - and attending the numerous UK and Danish signing sessions.
There are discussions regarding further book signings in the UK in January. We will keep you updated as soon as we have details.
Nexus Advert version 3 for "Everyday"
A third Google ad for the Nexus 7 tablet (featuring Slade's 1974 hit Everyday( is now being shown on tv. It was filmed in Malaysia a depicts a young hitch-hiker using Google Translate to get himself a ride to the airport.
Thanks to Gary Jordan for providing the link.
Thanks to Gary Jordan for providing the link.
Robbie Williams, McFly & Ant and Dec perform "Merry Xmas Everybody"
Robbie Williams, McFly & Ant and Dec hit the streets of London to perform "Merry Xmas Everybody" during ITV's festive charity show "Text Santa" on Friday night (20 December).
Email from the youngest Slade fan...
Don received an email from David - who held the record of being the youngest Slade fan... Maybe there have been some more recent recruits to the fan-base that has stripped him of his record now?...
"Hi there.
I just wanted to say it was a great honour to meet Don at Waterstones in Glasgow.
I have been a Slade fan since I first heard Mama Weer All Crazee Now on TOTP2 at the age of 7. That was in 1997! I'm now 23 and still love the band as much as I did back then.
I used to be the youngest member of the official fan club, when it was run by Malcolm Skellington and attended 2 of the conventions at the Connaught Hotel in the late 90's and more recently, applied to be Mals replacement in the group. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was at meeting another member of my favourite group! I brought along my "Play It Loud" LP to get signed, and it now sits proudly on my living room wall along with my Ambrose Slade poster for the Rasputin Club.
Here is my photo with one of my all time heroes. Certainly a lifetime highlight for myself."
KOR
David Bateman
"Hi there.
I just wanted to say it was a great honour to meet Don at Waterstones in Glasgow.
I have been a Slade fan since I first heard Mama Weer All Crazee Now on TOTP2 at the age of 7. That was in 1997! I'm now 23 and still love the band as much as I did back then.
I used to be the youngest member of the official fan club, when it was run by Malcolm Skellington and attended 2 of the conventions at the Connaught Hotel in the late 90's and more recently, applied to be Mals replacement in the group. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was at meeting another member of my favourite group! I brought along my "Play It Loud" LP to get signed, and it now sits proudly on my living room wall along with my Ambrose Slade poster for the Rasputin Club.
Here is my photo with one of my all time heroes. Certainly a lifetime highlight for myself."
KOR
David Bateman
Slade at Liverpool Royal Court Theatre - 30 year anniversary
18 December 2013 marked the 30 year anniversary of the original Slade's last complete UK gig...
The concert took place on 18 December 1983 at the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. "My Oh My" was No.2 in the UK charts - and the last song they played together was "Merry Xmas Everybody".
The concert took place on 18 December 1983 at the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. "My Oh My" was No.2 in the UK charts - and the last song they played together was "Merry Xmas Everybody".
Music Radar website interview
Click here to read a short interview Don did with the Music Radar Drum website.
Merry Xmas Everybody campaign 2013
Don attends rock stars lunch...
Don with Henry Marsh - photo: Lesley-Ann Jones
Tuesday 17 December - Don left Birmingham early in the morning to travel to La Strada Restaurant in Barnes in West London.
Don attended the annual Christmas Lunch of ex-clients of rock PR man Keith Altham. This December's lunch was organised by none-other than author, John (Slade In Flame) Pidgeon... From Slade, Noddy Holder was there.
Don said "Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett (of The Shadows) were there too. Brian Bennett took over from Tony Meehan as the drummer with The Shadows. I told him that his drum solo "Little B" from the "Out Of The Shadows" LP is still my favourite drum solo. He was quite taken back when I told him."
Another drummer was there too - Clem Cattini - who was drummer with The Tornados ("Telstar"). He became a session musician and played on no less than 55 No1's - apart from hundreds of other hits."
"I chatted with Chris Charlesworth (who said how happy he was that my biog was doing so well)."
Don also talked with Henry Marsh (from pop band Sailor - married to Dee Dee from Pan's People), Chris Welch (Melody Maker) and Bob Young (ex Quo Tour Manager).
Don attended the annual Christmas Lunch of ex-clients of rock PR man Keith Altham. This December's lunch was organised by none-other than author, John (Slade In Flame) Pidgeon... From Slade, Noddy Holder was there.
Don said "Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett (of The Shadows) were there too. Brian Bennett took over from Tony Meehan as the drummer with The Shadows. I told him that his drum solo "Little B" from the "Out Of The Shadows" LP is still my favourite drum solo. He was quite taken back when I told him."
Another drummer was there too - Clem Cattini - who was drummer with The Tornados ("Telstar"). He became a session musician and played on no less than 55 No1's - apart from hundreds of other hits."
"I chatted with Chris Charlesworth (who said how happy he was that my biog was doing so well)."
Don also talked with Henry Marsh (from pop band Sailor - married to Dee Dee from Pan's People), Chris Welch (Melody Maker) and Bob Young (ex Quo Tour Manager).
Don on Radio 5 Live's Phil Williams Show
Don talked about the Slade v Wizzard Christmas battle - and the Slade and Roy Wood gigs on the same night in Birmingham - on Radio 5 Live (Tuesday 17 December). The interview featured on the Phil Williams show.
To listen online click here.
To listen online click here.
Vive Le Rock Magazine
Slade fan Dick Porter has an interesting retrospective feature about Glam Rock in the January / February 2014 issue of Vive Le Rock Magazine.... and of course, Slade feature heavily.
The magazine can be purchased from Saturday 21 December in all major newsagents or if you want to buy it online click here.
The magazine can be purchased from Saturday 21 December in all major newsagents or if you want to buy it online click here.
Last chance for signed merchandise in 2013...
Don't forget to visit Suse on the merchandise stall if you are attending the last few dates on the current Slade Xmas tour.
Suse has signed copies of Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" and the "Live at Koko" DVD for sale.
Book £20, DVD £15
Suse has signed copies of Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" and the "Live at Koko" DVD for sale.
Book £20, DVD £15
Birmingham filming
Don and Dave Hill were interviewed by Midlands tv news before the Birmingham Town Hall concert on 16 December. The film crew also filmed some of the live show. Watch out for a feature on Midland Today on BBC1 news today (Wednesday 17 December).
Alternatively, to see the programme online click here.
Alternatively, to see the programme online click here.
Andy Scott quote...
Slade performed at the Golden Years Festival in Antwerp, Belgium on Saturday 14 December.
The act line-up had Sweet performing after Slade. Slade had just finished their set with "Merry Xmas Everybody", and as Andy Scott walked onstage his opening words were: "How are we gonna follow that? The greatest Xmas record going..."
The act line-up had Sweet performing after Slade. Slade had just finished their set with "Merry Xmas Everybody", and as Andy Scott walked onstage his opening words were: "How are we gonna follow that? The greatest Xmas record going..."
Bill Hunt in audience at Birmingham show
Bill Hunt, a previous member, and co-founder, of Wizzard was a guest of Slade at the Birmingham Town Hall gig.
Bill caught most of the Slade set - before leaving the gig early to catch another gig in Birmingham... He moved on to Roy Wood's gig at the Symphony Hall.
Bill caught most of the Slade set - before leaving the gig early to catch another gig in Birmingham... He moved on to Roy Wood's gig at the Symphony Hall.
Don joined by family at Birmingham gig
Ian Powell and wife Mel attended the Slade gig at Birmingham Town Hall on Monday 16 December 2013.
Ian is Don's nephew (son of his brother Derek) - and lives local to the gig in Cannock, Staffordshire. Ian and Mel joined Don for post gig drinks (of tea!) at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Birmingham.
(The Holiday Inn was previously known as the Albany Hotel - where Slade traditionally stayed when playing gigs in Birmingham in the 1970's...)
Ian is Don's nephew (son of his brother Derek) - and lives local to the gig in Cannock, Staffordshire. Ian and Mel joined Don for post gig drinks (of tea!) at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Birmingham.
(The Holiday Inn was previously known as the Albany Hotel - where Slade traditionally stayed when playing gigs in Birmingham in the 1970's...)
Birmingham Town Hall memories
Don remembers driving his white Bentley to a previous Slade gig at the Birmingham Town Hall on 8 June 1973.
Don parked his car in Birmingham City centre, while playing the gig. Unfortunately he collapsed during the show - and was taken to hospital with exhaustion. When he eventually returned to collect his car, and remembers that fans had covered it with traffic cones, scratching all the roof and bonnet!
Don parked his car in Birmingham City centre, while playing the gig. Unfortunately he collapsed during the show - and was taken to hospital with exhaustion. When he eventually returned to collect his car, and remembers that fans had covered it with traffic cones, scratching all the roof and bonnet!
Just for Christmas - Don recounts some stories from being on the road...
Don recounts some stories from life of the road with Slade...
services. Haden drove off - and only found out his passenger was missing when he was flagged down by a
passing car that Norman had commandeered - with Norman hanging out the window telling him to pull over!
- Don told of how the much loved Slade roadie Johnny Jones had a baptism of fire when he joined the road crew... The band had asked JJ to simply guard the front of the stage - so that fans get up during the gig. But the task went to pieces when he received a punch straight in the face when trying to control the Slade crowd in the 1970's!
- Roadie Haden Donovan used to be a school-teacher and suffered had the embarrassment of being spotted by numerous ex-pupils when we worked with Slade at a Wolverhampton Civic Hall gig. They all asked "Hello Sir. What are you going here?"
- Another humorous story happened with Haden when Slade toured the States. The responsibility of driving Slade's big articulated truck would be shared between a member of Slade US Crew and a member of the traditional crew who had flown over from the UK. Haden was driving the truck one day - whilst American roadie Norman slept in the back.
services. Haden drove off - and only found out his passenger was missing when he was flagged down by a
passing car that Norman had commandeered - with Norman hanging out the window telling him to pull over!
- Don was once taking a break from touring in 1973 and drove round to his Mum and Dad's in his white Bentley. They weren't at home so he decided to visit his sister Carol. He forget the time - and was still in Carol's house when the kids came out from school.... A riot took place as local kids spotted the Bentley and realised Don was "in the building". Hundreds of kids banged on the doors and pressed their faces against the windows. Don had to literally battle his way to his car, without the help of anyone else, and make a quick getaway!
David Essex pops in to say hello to Don
David Essex came over to say hello to Don on Saturday 14 December at his hotel in Antwerp.
David is part of the Golden Years concert which takes place at the Sportpaleis - along with Slade, Alvin Stardust, The Sweet, Dave Edmunds, Albert Hammond and The Rubettes. Thanks to Sue Wilson for the photo - Sue is pictured with David and Don. |
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Don in Rhythm magazine
Thanks to John Berry for letting us know that Don's interview with Rhythm Magazine is in the January issue - which is on sale now in major UK newsagents.
ITV features the Slade v Wizzard battle - 40 years on!
ITV ran a news piece on the 40 year anniversary of the 1973 battle for the Christmas No1 - between Slade and Roy Wood's Wizzard.
The feature was shown in all ITV regions except Granada - where it will be shown later this week. To see an interview with Don and Dave Hill - as well as vintage footage of "Merry Xmas Everybody" performed on the 1973 Les Dawson Xmas show - click here.
The feature was shown in all ITV regions except Granada - where it will be shown later this week. To see an interview with Don and Dave Hill - as well as vintage footage of "Merry Xmas Everybody" performed on the 1973 Les Dawson Xmas show - click here.
Don interviewed on Metal Express Radio
Don was interviewed by Mick Burgess from Metal Express Radio recently.
To go to the Metal Express Radio's home page click here.
To go directly to the interview click here.
To go to the Metal Express Radio's home page click here.
To go directly to the interview click here.
York Book Signing - 5 December
"Hi Don.
We were so proud to have met you in York. Thanks for signing the 3 books, specially the one for Eileen and Alayna in memory of my great friend and producer of the "Genesis of Slade" CD - John Haxby R.I.P.
You guys rocked the Opera House which was packed and rockin'. You really raised the roof. Everybody enjoyed it.
Oh and thanks - I caught your Drum Stick.The feel good factor after seeing you guys is amazing. You still cheer us all up after all these years. Have a great Christmas and all the best to you and your loved ones for the New Year.
Col & Sue"
We were so proud to have met you in York. Thanks for signing the 3 books, specially the one for Eileen and Alayna in memory of my great friend and producer of the "Genesis of Slade" CD - John Haxby R.I.P.
You guys rocked the Opera House which was packed and rockin'. You really raised the roof. Everybody enjoyed it.
Oh and thanks - I caught your Drum Stick.The feel good factor after seeing you guys is amazing. You still cheer us all up after all these years. Have a great Christmas and all the best to you and your loved ones for the New Year.
Col & Sue"
Slade - two singles in the UK Top 75
Slade have two singles in the UK Charts published on 8 December 2013.
"Merry Xmas Everybody" enters (yet again) on it's 40th anniversary of release at no.57
"Everyday" unfortunately stumbles to no.73
"Merry Xmas Everybody" enters (yet again) on it's 40th anniversary of release at no.57
"Everyday" unfortunately stumbles to no.73
Book featured in Sunday Times article - 8 December
Don and his biography, "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" by Lise Lyng Falkenberg, is featured in a Sunday Times article today (8 December 2013).
Emily from WTV interviews Don...
Emily from Warwick University interviewed Don during the current Slade tour...
Book signings...
Don's final scheduled book signing for 2013 took place on Thursday 5 December in York.
If any others are arranged in December, or next year, we will let you know here on the website.
Thanks to all the fans who supported the eight UK signings that have taken place already,
If any others are arranged in December, or next year, we will let you know here on the website.
Thanks to all the fans who supported the eight UK signings that have taken place already,
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall - 3 December 2013
Don outside The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall - where Slade played on 3 December 2013 - photo courtesy Sue Wilson
Glasgow book signing pics - 2 December 2013
Don enjoy his Glasgow book signing session in Waterstones on 2 December - photos courtesy of Sue Wilson
Whilst in Waterstones, Don noticed a book that he thought that he should buy for Dave Hill...
"Hi Don,
Great to meet you earlier today at your book signing with my son Lea. Last time I had the pleasure to shake your hand was as a teenager outside the old Apollo in 1981.
Anyone who doesn't consider Slade as the best live act EVER could never seen you, Dave,Noddy and Jimmy live...or probably more to the point heard IT!
After your gig at the Glasgow Apollo in Jan 1981 my ears were buzzing for hours, amazing. I have attached a couple of photos of you me and Lea.
Great drummer. Great guy. Thanks Don
Best regards and Keep on Rocking
Jim MacNichol"
Great to meet you earlier today at your book signing with my son Lea. Last time I had the pleasure to shake your hand was as a teenager outside the old Apollo in 1981.
Anyone who doesn't consider Slade as the best live act EVER could never seen you, Dave,Noddy and Jimmy live...or probably more to the point heard IT!
After your gig at the Glasgow Apollo in Jan 1981 my ears were buzzing for hours, amazing. I have attached a couple of photos of you me and Lea.
Great drummer. Great guy. Thanks Don
Best regards and Keep on Rocking
Jim MacNichol"
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Don wears a kilt in Dundee...
Don's big surprise for the Dundee show on 30 November was that he "donned" a kilt for the encores... He truly joined in with the St Andrew's Day celebrations.
Below are some retro pics of Slade when they previously played Dundee's Caird Hall on 1 May 1974... There were riots at this gig and the police had to get Slade out of the venue. We wonder how many fans that were in 1974 gig returned for the 2013? Can you see yourself in the scrum at the front of the stage? If you were one of these, please email us your recollections to donpowellofficial@sky.com
Please note in the photos below from 1974 that the Caird Hall was a seated venue!
Below are some retro pics of Slade when they previously played Dundee's Caird Hall on 1 May 1974... There were riots at this gig and the police had to get Slade out of the venue. We wonder how many fans that were in 1974 gig returned for the 2013? Can you see yourself in the scrum at the front of the stage? If you were one of these, please email us your recollections to donpowellofficial@sky.com
Please note in the photos below from 1974 that the Caird Hall was a seated venue!
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Julie Adamson from Perth has responded...
"I was there at the 1974 and 2013 gigs (I also went to the 2012 gig there too).
In 1974, I was 14 and went to my first ever concert with my cousin Mandy. My Dad drove us from Perth to go the gig. We both wore tartan waistcoats, covered in Slade badges. Mandy wore a Noddy hat that she'd made - I was covered in glitter as I liked Dave Hill.
All I remember of the gig is that as the band came onstage, that the crowd all stood up and surged forward. Rows of seats were smashed. We were sitting about 20 rows back, and couldn't get anywhere near the stage - and were possibly too frightened too... we were (and are) quite small. Instead we chose to stand on our seats so that we could see the band onstage. (We are not in the pic on the website!)
Old, New, Borrowed and Blue had just been released and Slade played tracks from it... I remember "Everyday" and "We're Really Gonna Raise The Roof" for sure. The gig was really loud, and the crowd noise was brilliant.
After the show my Dad intend to pick us up from the venue. It took him ages to find us, hundreds of kids were hanging around trying to meet the band. It was pandemonium.
I still see Slade when they come to town. I have so much respect for Don and Dave. Love to them both! Julie XX"
"I was there at the 1974 and 2013 gigs (I also went to the 2012 gig there too).
In 1974, I was 14 and went to my first ever concert with my cousin Mandy. My Dad drove us from Perth to go the gig. We both wore tartan waistcoats, covered in Slade badges. Mandy wore a Noddy hat that she'd made - I was covered in glitter as I liked Dave Hill.
All I remember of the gig is that as the band came onstage, that the crowd all stood up and surged forward. Rows of seats were smashed. We were sitting about 20 rows back, and couldn't get anywhere near the stage - and were possibly too frightened too... we were (and are) quite small. Instead we chose to stand on our seats so that we could see the band onstage. (We are not in the pic on the website!)
Old, New, Borrowed and Blue had just been released and Slade played tracks from it... I remember "Everyday" and "We're Really Gonna Raise The Roof" for sure. The gig was really loud, and the crowd noise was brilliant.
After the show my Dad intend to pick us up from the venue. It took him ages to find us, hundreds of kids were hanging around trying to meet the band. It was pandemonium.
I still see Slade when they come to town. I have so much respect for Don and Dave. Love to them both! Julie XX"
Slade sell out the Sage Theatre, Gateshead- 29 November 2013
Saturday 30 November - Slade and Sweet played to a sell out audience at the Gateshead Sage last night.... Chris Difford from Squeeze performed in the same venue in a different room at the same time.
Don and Dave Hill have both travelled North by train (a four hour journey) this afternoon to play in Dundee tonight... As it's St Andrew's Day, Don has promised some surprises on stage tonight... I wonder what he means?
Photos from Newcastle Sage - all courtesy of Doug Stafford.
Don and Dave Hill have both travelled North by train (a four hour journey) this afternoon to play in Dundee tonight... As it's St Andrew's Day, Don has promised some surprises on stage tonight... I wonder what he means?
Photos from Newcastle Sage - all courtesy of Doug Stafford.
What's the best Xmas song - X Factor's Gary Barlow decides...
Gary Barlow makes his decision - what is the best Xmas record... Slade or Wizzard?
Click here to find out.
Click here to find out.
Thanks to fans who attended Newcastle signing on 28 November
A big thanks to fans who attended the Newcastle book signing on 29 November. 35 books were sold and Don had a great time meeting everyone.... and the staff in Newcastle were great too...
After the event Don received this email from Nicholas Kriisa...
After the event Don received this email from Nicholas Kriisa...
"Hello Don
It was great to meet you today at your book signing at Waterstones in Newcastle. I have been a massive fan of Slade since I was 14 years old (I'm 23 years old now) after first hearing cover versions of Cum on Feel the Noize and Mama Were All Crazee Now by Quiet Riot. I then rushed out and bought your greatest hits album ('Wall of Hits'), and over the years I have collected every Slade album on CD (and most of them on vinyl too!). Slayed and Whatever Happened to Slade? are my two favourite albums. I attended my first Slade concert last year at Gateshead, which was a truely fantastic show.
Please find attached a photo from today's book signing of me with my girlfriend Vanessa.
Sincerely, Nicholas Kriisa"
It was great to meet you today at your book signing at Waterstones in Newcastle. I have been a massive fan of Slade since I was 14 years old (I'm 23 years old now) after first hearing cover versions of Cum on Feel the Noize and Mama Were All Crazee Now by Quiet Riot. I then rushed out and bought your greatest hits album ('Wall of Hits'), and over the years I have collected every Slade album on CD (and most of them on vinyl too!). Slayed and Whatever Happened to Slade? are my two favourite albums. I attended my first Slade concert last year at Gateshead, which was a truely fantastic show.
Please find attached a photo from today's book signing of me with my girlfriend Vanessa.
Sincerely, Nicholas Kriisa"
Nexus 7 tablet - Second "Everyday" tv advert
Thanks to Gary Jordan for letting us know that there is now a second tv advert being shown for the Nexus 7 tablet, featuring Slade's "Everyday". The second advert is 30 seconds long.
Slade's Russian Trip
Don and Slade returned to Russia to play two concerts in November. The band played Crocus City Hall in Moscow on 19th November and DK Lensoveta in St Petersburg on 21st November. To travel between the two gigs they used the train. This was ideal - as Don was keen for step-son Andreas, who accompanied him on the trip, to see the country...
Don advises that the highlight of the trip was when a young fan got onstage during the St Petersburg concert... He was an infant who ran round to Don's drum podium to present him some flowers... He was carrying some drumsticks for Don - which Don gladly signed for him after the gig. Don said you could "feel" the emotion from the crowd when the youngster approached him onstage... All photos copyright Andreas Lundby
Don advises that the highlight of the trip was when a young fan got onstage during the St Petersburg concert... He was an infant who ran round to Don's drum podium to present him some flowers... He was carrying some drumsticks for Don - which Don gladly signed for him after the gig. Don said you could "feel" the emotion from the crowd when the youngster approached him onstage... All photos copyright Andreas Lundby
Sightseeing in Moscow
Crocus City Hall, Moscow
Moscow train station
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DK Lensoveta, St Petersburg
Buxton Opera House
Slade played Buxton Opera House on Tuesday 26 November. Don, and the band, stayed in the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton - which is reputed to be the oldest hotel in England. An ancient Guest Book was on display in the entrance hall from 1860... It is uncertain whether of these guests made it to the Slade gig.
Thanks for the good turn out at the Sheffield signing
Don would like to thank the many fans who showed their support at the Waterstones Sheffield signing on Tuesday 26 Noevmber.
Don meets tribute band Slyde Alive in Sheffield - and gets the T-Shirt!
Don met Andrew and Tim from Slade tribute band Slyde Alive at the Sheffield signing... He was given one of their t-shirts, and wore it before the Buxton gig on Tuesday 26 November...
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Sheffield City Hall carnage - archive photos found...
These four Sheffield fans were at Don's Waterstones signing and are attending the Slade / Sweet concert at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday 27 November.
They advise that a member of staff at the City Hall has discovered some memorabilia in the basement of the hall. There are photos and articles relating to carnage caused by fans at a historic Slade gig - scores of broken seats by over-enthusiastic fans...
It is uncertain whether the gig concerned was in the one in 1973 or 1977 - but the result was that Slade were banned from playing the hall... And the venue kept the photos as evidence of the damage.
The four researchers were going to visit the City Hall after Don's book signing to see if they could access the photos.
If they are successful they have agreed to share the pics here...
They advise that a member of staff at the City Hall has discovered some memorabilia in the basement of the hall. There are photos and articles relating to carnage caused by fans at a historic Slade gig - scores of broken seats by over-enthusiastic fans...
It is uncertain whether the gig concerned was in the one in 1973 or 1977 - but the result was that Slade were banned from playing the hall... And the venue kept the photos as evidence of the damage.
The four researchers were going to visit the City Hall after Don's book signing to see if they could access the photos.
If they are successful they have agreed to share the pics here...
UPDATE FROM MARTIN HEPPLESTONE
(Martin is pictured above - third from the left)
"Regarding our conversation about Slade's appearance at Sheffield City Hall on 3rd May 1977 I have attached the press cutting of the review in theSheffield Star. It was certainly a night to remember for me as I had been waiting to see them since my sister saw them there in 1974.
They had just returned from the USA and WHTS was out. I was only 12 years old and my sister had queued for tickets and got us on the front row. I still havethe ticket stub!
When the lights went down for Slade there was a stampede
to the stage and I was lifted off my feet. It was pitch black except for the flashes of cameras around the hall. I was crushed against the stage and lifted up and down in time to Hear Me Callin'. I remember seeing a shiny bald head flashing in the camera flashes and thinking it's NOT Slade!
They're not bald!!! but, of course Dave had shaved his head. I was then pulled out of the crush onto the stage and when the lights came on there I was standing beside Noddy in front of thousands of Slade Fans. I was escorted to safety by a bouncer but still remember those cameras flashing and think it would be fantastic if someone had a photo of little ol' me on stage. I have a recording of the performance on tape but it is very, very poor quality. WHTS was my first album and is still my favourite. A great night and great memories!!!
I have contacted the manager of the City Hall by email regarding the photos and he has replied saying he has seen the photos and will try and dig them out of the archives. They are pulled out with work at the Hall at the
moment and has asked me to contact him again in the New Year which I will do...."
Martin Hepplestone
(Martin is pictured above - third from the left)
"Regarding our conversation about Slade's appearance at Sheffield City Hall on 3rd May 1977 I have attached the press cutting of the review in theSheffield Star. It was certainly a night to remember for me as I had been waiting to see them since my sister saw them there in 1974.
They had just returned from the USA and WHTS was out. I was only 12 years old and my sister had queued for tickets and got us on the front row. I still havethe ticket stub!
When the lights went down for Slade there was a stampede
to the stage and I was lifted off my feet. It was pitch black except for the flashes of cameras around the hall. I was crushed against the stage and lifted up and down in time to Hear Me Callin'. I remember seeing a shiny bald head flashing in the camera flashes and thinking it's NOT Slade!
They're not bald!!! but, of course Dave had shaved his head. I was then pulled out of the crush onto the stage and when the lights came on there I was standing beside Noddy in front of thousands of Slade Fans. I was escorted to safety by a bouncer but still remember those cameras flashing and think it would be fantastic if someone had a photo of little ol' me on stage. I have a recording of the performance on tape but it is very, very poor quality. WHTS was my first album and is still my favourite. A great night and great memories!!!
I have contacted the manager of the City Hall by email regarding the photos and he has replied saying he has seen the photos and will try and dig them out of the archives. They are pulled out with work at the Hall at the
moment and has asked me to contact him again in the New Year which I will do...."
Martin Hepplestone
Don out and about in Sheffield
Photos of Don out-and-about in Sheffield before his book signing at Waterstones.
Nexus 7 tablet advert now being shown in the USA!
We have received an email from an American Slade fan advising that the Nexus 7 "Everyday" advert is now being shown on American tv. Lee Jordan saw it on local television in Mid-Tennessee!
Will this prompt another American Slade hit?
Will this prompt another American Slade hit?
Slade Beer
Simon Sheppard advises us that the Kelham Island Brewery is now selling a new beer - called Skweeze Me Pleeze Me.....
November gossip....
- Don recently received a phone call from his credit card company to check that he was spending on his card in uptown New York and New Jersey in the United States... Of course he wasn't - but his card had been cloned and was fraudulently being used in the USA.
- Don's allergy... Don had been suffering with a skin complaint which has got worse over the years. After undergoing hospital tests Don was advised that he is allergic to.......perfume! So ladies, if you are going to one of Don's books signings,and want to give him a kiss of appreciation, you know what not to wear!
- Vladimir, the promoter of Slade's recent gigs in Moscow and St Petersburg, advises that Slade's two most popular songs in Russia are.... Ooh la la in LA and In For A Penny.
- Penny Irving, the 'N Betweens fan who used to see the band when she lived in the Bahamas in the 1960's, is going to attend Slade's upcoming gig in Southport - as she now lives there!
Everyday - Back in the UK Charts
In the UK Daily Hot 100 - the re-issue of Everyday reaches no 60 (as at 25 November 2013).
It's one month 'til Christmas - can the track make the Top 40?!!!
It's one month 'til Christmas - can the track make the Top 40?!!!
From Russia with love....
It's a blurry photo, but Don has sent the following message from Russia...
"Hi to everyone reading my site - I'm in Red Square.
Just to let you know I tried once more to get in to see Lenin's Tomb.... But once again was too late. Don"
"Hi to everyone reading my site - I'm in Red Square.
Just to let you know I tried once more to get in to see Lenin's Tomb.... But once again was too late. Don"
Everyday - featured in huge UK advertising campaign
The 1974 Slade hit "Everyday" is featured on a TV advert that is hitting the UK TV screens at the present time.
The advert is for the new Nexus 7 tablet - made by google.
The 60 second advert features "Everyday" in an uncut format.
The campaign is massive - and has seen "Slade Everyday" trending on the social network site Twitter. Downloads of the track are high on Itunes - with the song being placed as the highest downloaded Slade song this week (w/c 18 December)... Can it possibly make the charts?
To see "Everyday" featured on Frequency news website click here.
The advert is for the new Nexus 7 tablet - made by google.
The 60 second advert features "Everyday" in an uncut format.
The campaign is massive - and has seen "Slade Everyday" trending on the social network site Twitter. Downloads of the track are high on Itunes - with the song being placed as the highest downloaded Slade song this week (w/c 18 December)... Can it possibly make the charts?
To see "Everyday" featured on Frequency news website click here.
Photos from Ipswich Book Sigining
Jacquie Knott has emailed the website pictures (see below) from Don's book signing at Waterstones in Ipswich on 11 November.
Jacquie added "Here are a couple of pictures of Don with Neil of the Clolourblind Hedgehogs. He loved the book, and only stopped reading it to share bits that made him laugh."
Jacquie added "Here are a couple of pictures of Don with Neil of the Clolourblind Hedgehogs. He loved the book, and only stopped reading it to share bits that made him laugh."
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Andrew emailed in some pics and said "Hi Don. Thank you for making my day, meeting you at Ipswich and for signing my t-shirt."
Merry Xmas Everybody - 40th anniversary campaign - get involved!
We have heard about a campaign to get the Merry Xmas Everybody single back in the charts again - as high as possible in the countdown...
Please join in with the campaign if you intend to download it this year!
Please join in with the campaign if you intend to download it this year!
When Don met Kiss in Copenhagen...
Photo from earlier in the year when Don met Kiss....
Don's book available at UK, Europe and Russian Tour Dates
We are pleased to advise that an agreement has been reached with Omnibus Press - and Don's biography "Look What I Dun - My Life In Slade" will now be available to purchase at all UK, European and Russian tour dates!
KOKO DVD available at gigs and mail order
The Slade DVD "Live at KOKO" is finally available!
Signed copies(by all the band members) are available at the merchandise stall at all the UK, European and Russian dates until the end of the year. (Price £15 UK or €20 Europe).
Alternatively, unsigned copies can be ordered online at www.beckmanndirect.com or call 01624 816585.
Signed copies(by all the band members) are available at the merchandise stall at all the UK, European and Russian dates until the end of the year. (Price £15 UK or €20 Europe).
Alternatively, unsigned copies can be ordered online at www.beckmanndirect.com or call 01624 816585.
Lady Starduzt - Wall of Sound show link
Click here to listen to Lady Starduzt's recent interview with Don.
Souvenir for grabs?
Don beat the hell out of the drumstick (pictured below) at the Dartford sound check on Sunday 10th November...
If you'd like to win this souvenir of the current tour, send an email to donpowellofficial@sky.com headed DRUMSTICK - and add your name and address. We'll post it to the sender of the 10th email we receive.
Closing date Sunday 17th November. THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!
The winner was Mark Lion, from Sandhurst in Berkshire.
If you'd like to win this souvenir of the current tour, send an email to donpowellofficial@sky.com headed DRUMSTICK - and add your name and address. We'll post it to the sender of the 10th email we receive.
Closing date Sunday 17th November. THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!
The winner was Mark Lion, from Sandhurst in Berkshire.
Don locks Derek Acorah out of his own show...
Don flew in to Stansted on Sunday 10 November 2013, after a weekend at home in Denmark, to perform in Slade's sell-out gig at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford...
Don respected the two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday at 11am by stopping at UK Passport Control.
However, when Don arrived at the Dartford venue he was in for a shock. He hadn't been informed that an afternoon psychic show was taking place before the Slade & Sweet gig... Don walked through the backstage door and almost went straight on stage while checking out the venue! He passed a couple of guys outside having a cigarette - and let the backstage door slam behind him. He didn't realise that one of these people was chief psychic, Derek Acorah! Poor Derek had to bang on the doors for a few minutes to make staff aware that he had been locked out of his own show.
Maybe he should have predicted this was going to happen eh?
Don respected the two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday at 11am by stopping at UK Passport Control.
However, when Don arrived at the Dartford venue he was in for a shock. He hadn't been informed that an afternoon psychic show was taking place before the Slade & Sweet gig... Don walked through the backstage door and almost went straight on stage while checking out the venue! He passed a couple of guys outside having a cigarette - and let the backstage door slam behind him. He didn't realise that one of these people was chief psychic, Derek Acorah! Poor Derek had to bang on the doors for a few minutes to make staff aware that he had been locked out of his own show.
Maybe he should have predicted this was going to happen eh?
Don pranks Mr Hill!
When Don eventually got in the Dartford Orchard Theatre on Sunday 10 November, he went for a look round.
He found a Dressing Room with "Mr Scott" written on the door. (The dressing room was for Andy Scott of Sweet). He opened the door, and found a tiny shih tzu dog sitting there...
Prankster Don thought it would be cool if he swapped dressing room signs - so that "Mr Scott's" dressing room became "Mr Hill's" dressing room. Then as various band member's of Sweet and their road crew arrived at the venue he would say: "Have you seen what Dave Hill's got in his dressing room?" - and then would open the door to reveal the pocket puppy!
(The owner of the missing pocket pooch, Archie, was eventually reunited when she found him later that afternoon).
He found a Dressing Room with "Mr Scott" written on the door. (The dressing room was for Andy Scott of Sweet). He opened the door, and found a tiny shih tzu dog sitting there...
Prankster Don thought it would be cool if he swapped dressing room signs - so that "Mr Scott's" dressing room became "Mr Hill's" dressing room. Then as various band member's of Sweet and their road crew arrived at the venue he would say: "Have you seen what Dave Hill's got in his dressing room?" - and then would open the door to reveal the pocket puppy!
(The owner of the missing pocket pooch, Archie, was eventually reunited when she found him later that afternoon).
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Setting up Don's kit for the Dartford Orchard Theatre show
Andreas, Don's step-son, has taken up the role of Don's drum roadie on the current Slade and Sweet tour. (Andreas is having a gap year from University)... Don is especially looking forward to Andreas travelling to the Russian shows with him. Slade intend to travel between the Moscow and St Petersberg shows by train - this will be a great opportunity to show Andreas the country.
Don hopes to finally visit Lenin's tomb in Red Square, Moscow on this outing. Don has tried to visit the tomb on numerous occasions, but the queues have always been too long.
Here are some photos of setting up Don's Zildjian cymbals and Natal Drums for the Dartford show...
Don hopes to finally visit Lenin's tomb in Red Square, Moscow on this outing. Don has tried to visit the tomb on numerous occasions, but the queues have always been too long.
Here are some photos of setting up Don's Zildjian cymbals and Natal Drums for the Dartford show...
20,000 website hits - thank you!
www.donpowellofficial.com has now received over 20,000 website hits since we opened in December 2012.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your support!
Slade & Sweet Tour commences...
The latest Slade & Sweet UK Tour commenced on Tuesday 29 October in High Wycombe...
Check out the tour dates below - the concerts in Stoke, Ipswich, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow and York tie-in with Don book signings in Waterstone's branches....
Check out the tour dates below - the concerts in Stoke, Ipswich, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow and York tie-in with Don book signings in Waterstone's branches....
Don's Edinburgh weekend...
Don had a brilliant weekend in Edinburgh (Thursday 24 October - Sunday 27 October) - which culminated in the charity concert at Assembly Hall in Edinburgh. Slade performed alongside Alvin Stardust and The Rubettes to raise money for the National Autistic Society...
(All Edinburgh photos courtesy of Sue Wilson)
(All Edinburgh photos courtesy of Sue Wilson)
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER - CONCERT PRESS CALL
Above: Dave Hill and Don at the Thursday Press Call - John Hislop from the Edinburgh Reporter is with them.
FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER - HARD ROCK CAFE - EDINBURGH
Above: Don popped into the Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh for a meal with the team of organisers. The Hard Rock assisted the cause by giving everyone a free meal! (And the Hard Rock put on Twitter what a lovely guest Don had been).
Don gave a set of his drumsticks and a copy of his biography to the cafe.
Don is pictured above with Lesley (the Hard Rock Cafe Manager).
Don gave a set of his drumsticks and a copy of his biography to the cafe.
Don is pictured above with Lesley (the Hard Rock Cafe Manager).
FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER - INPROMTU CONCERT WITH "SIMPLE AS FUNK"
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Above: Don gave an unplanned performance with the band "Simple As Funk" on Saturday night.
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER - EDINBURGH CONCERT
Above: Dave Hill and Don re-united with Chas Chandler's widow, Madeleine... Don had contacted Madeleine earlier in the year when he made an appearance at the Kelso Bikefest. He promised to invite her to the Edinburgh show... He telephoned her on Thursday night - and she attended on Saturday!
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Above: Slade onstage on Saturday night.
Above: Don with Diane Henderson (DJ with TD1 Radio) and Alan Williams (Rubettes)
Everyone's reading Don's book
It's one hell of a read... Everyone's reading Don's biography "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade".
Happy Halloween to all our website readers - from donpowellofficial.com
Happy Halloween to all our website readers - from donpowellofficial.com
Six more book signings announced!
Don, Omnibus Press and Waterstones have announced six more book signings for "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade".
The dates all take place in locations where Slade are playing in the coming weeks - with Don doing signing sessions in the nearby Waterstones stores.
The six dates confirmed so far are:
Wednesday 6th November at 1pm
Waterstones
The Tontines Centre, Parliament Row, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1PW
Monday 11th November at 1pm
Waterstones
15-19 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BQ
Tuesday 26th November at 12.30pm
Waterstones
24-26 Orchard Square, Sheffield, S1 2FB
Thursday 28th November at 6pm
Waterstones
Emerson Chambers, Blackett Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7JF
Monday 2nd December at 5pm
Waterstones
174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 8BT
Thursday 5th December at 12.30pm
Waterstones
28-29 High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RX
The dates all take place in locations where Slade are playing in the coming weeks - with Don doing signing sessions in the nearby Waterstones stores.
The six dates confirmed so far are:
Wednesday 6th November at 1pm
Waterstones
The Tontines Centre, Parliament Row, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1PW
Monday 11th November at 1pm
Waterstones
15-19 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BQ
Tuesday 26th November at 12.30pm
Waterstones
24-26 Orchard Square, Sheffield, S1 2FB
Thursday 28th November at 6pm
Waterstones
Emerson Chambers, Blackett Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7JF
Monday 2nd December at 5pm
Waterstones
174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 8BT
Thursday 5th December at 12.30pm
Waterstones
28-29 High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RX
Don's book on Kindle...
Don interview on 6 Towns Radio
Whilst Don was recently in the UK, he did an interview with 6 Towns Radio.
You can hear the interview by clicking here.
You can hear the interview by clicking here.
Zildjian
Don is pleased to announce that he now officially endorses Zildjian cymbals.
To read about Don's recent visit to Zildjian in Wandsworth click here.
To read about Don's recent visit to Zildjian in Wandsworth click here.
Early reader comments on "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade"
I finshed reading the book last nite. I started it on Saturday morning but we were out for the rest of the day. I picked it up again on Sunday and just had to finish it.
I enjoyed reading about Don's early life as well as the Slade stuff. Even though I knew some of the story it was interesting reading it from a different point of view.
I think Don's story has a human element to it with the success and the tragic accident.I would urge all rock fans to read the book as it is a very honest down to earth account of Don's life, warts and all!
Alan James Whitney, Stafford
I enjoyed reading about Don's early life as well as the Slade stuff. Even though I knew some of the story it was interesting reading it from a different point of view.
I think Don's story has a human element to it with the success and the tragic accident.I would urge all rock fans to read the book as it is a very honest down to earth account of Don's life, warts and all!
Alan James Whitney, Stafford
I have just completed reading "Look Wot I Dun" in just 2 days. This is not because it is a short book with little substance-it is in fact an in depth look at Don Powell's life-warts and all. Lise Lyng Falkenberg has done an amazing job!
Warning! Do not start reading this book if you have other things to do! From the very first page I was totally absorbed in Don's story.
Being a Slade fan since 1971 I thought I probably knew all there was to know-how wrong could I be!
Even a non Slade fan (are there any?!) would enjoy reading this book because Don really has had a fascinating roller coaster of a life! Keep on rocking!!!
Julie Chamberlain, Chessington, Surrey
Warning! Do not start reading this book if you have other things to do! From the very first page I was totally absorbed in Don's story.
Being a Slade fan since 1971 I thought I probably knew all there was to know-how wrong could I be!
Even a non Slade fan (are there any?!) would enjoy reading this book because Don really has had a fascinating roller coaster of a life! Keep on rocking!!!
Julie Chamberlain, Chessington, Surrey
Unfortunately I was unable to make the book signing and Tea with Uncle Don, and had to cancel my accommodation booking and arrangements, but was very much thinking of the event at the time.
It was a nice surprise to find that my book had arrived from Amazon when I got home on the `book-launch Saturday`, and I got stuck into that that evening. The biography is excellent, well researched and gripping, and I finished it midweek.
I messaged Lise to say that I found it gritty, funny and in parts sad, as Don has been through so much in his life. And there were a few things that I didn`t know or realise before (I won`t mention these as it would spoil it for others). All in all an excellent biography, very well put together, and very candid. I can understand the obvious "gaps" are there to avoid anything brewing up, but a really good read - AND well worth the wait.
Thank you Lise and Don. I missed being able to be there, but I can see from all the reports and photos that you both gave generously of your time to the fans and the charity.
Great stuff, and well done! Thanks Russ Myners
It was a nice surprise to find that my book had arrived from Amazon when I got home on the `book-launch Saturday`, and I got stuck into that that evening. The biography is excellent, well researched and gripping, and I finished it midweek.
I messaged Lise to say that I found it gritty, funny and in parts sad, as Don has been through so much in his life. And there were a few things that I didn`t know or realise before (I won`t mention these as it would spoil it for others). All in all an excellent biography, very well put together, and very candid. I can understand the obvious "gaps" are there to avoid anything brewing up, but a really good read - AND well worth the wait.
Thank you Lise and Don. I missed being able to be there, but I can see from all the reports and photos that you both gave generously of your time to the fans and the charity.
Great stuff, and well done! Thanks Russ Myners
This is a great book!
Well-researched and well-written, this book is an honest, open account of the life of the legendary Slade drummer.
Funny and witty, but painfully honest at times, the book obviously covers the heyday of Slade and the glory that went with it. However it also goes into detail about the life-changing fallout of the tragic accident in 1973.
The book should appeal to the casual Slade and music fan, but it is the long-standing Slade fan who is the real winner here. The detailed accounts of life in the 60s with the various pre- Slade groups and the Grand Bahama Island stories are far more revealing than anything that was previously published either in the “Feel The Noize” book or Noddy Holder’s autobiography. The extent of the struggle during the Barn years and the eventual disintegration of the group are also covered with brutal honesty.
An honorary mention must go to Don’s Danish author Lise Lyng Falkenberg who spent countless hours over a number of years interviewing Don and then producing the finished document. For a non-native English speaker it is an extremely well-written book.
Martin Brooks, Burton Latimer, Northants
Well-researched and well-written, this book is an honest, open account of the life of the legendary Slade drummer.
Funny and witty, but painfully honest at times, the book obviously covers the heyday of Slade and the glory that went with it. However it also goes into detail about the life-changing fallout of the tragic accident in 1973.
The book should appeal to the casual Slade and music fan, but it is the long-standing Slade fan who is the real winner here. The detailed accounts of life in the 60s with the various pre- Slade groups and the Grand Bahama Island stories are far more revealing than anything that was previously published either in the “Feel The Noize” book or Noddy Holder’s autobiography. The extent of the struggle during the Barn years and the eventual disintegration of the group are also covered with brutal honesty.
An honorary mention must go to Don’s Danish author Lise Lyng Falkenberg who spent countless hours over a number of years interviewing Don and then producing the finished document. For a non-native English speaker it is an extremely well-written book.
Martin Brooks, Burton Latimer, Northants
Don's weekend in the North East...
Don flew in to the UK again and had a wonderful weekend in the North East.
First he performed a charity concert with his mates Bessie and the Zinc Buckets at the Trimmers Arms in South Shields on Friday 11 October. It was a concert to celebrate the Bucket's 30 years together...
Meanwhile - when Don returned to his Premier Inn Hotel, the staff decided to dress him as Santa... must because of a certain Slade song associated with Xmas!
Don later moved on to Magic radio in Newcastle , where Don met Tom Davies . They had a fundraising idea, using a coffin, for their "Cash for Kids" appeal, but Don had other ideas in re enacting Nod's role in Flame!
All photos courtesy of Sue Wilson
First he performed a charity concert with his mates Bessie and the Zinc Buckets at the Trimmers Arms in South Shields on Friday 11 October. It was a concert to celebrate the Bucket's 30 years together...
Meanwhile - when Don returned to his Premier Inn Hotel, the staff decided to dress him as Santa... must because of a certain Slade song associated with Xmas!
Don later moved on to Magic radio in Newcastle , where Don met Tom Davies . They had a fundraising idea, using a coffin, for their "Cash for Kids" appeal, but Don had other ideas in re enacting Nod's role in Flame!
All photos courtesy of Sue Wilson
Book publication date brought forward...
If you hadn't already realised, the publication date of "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" by Lise Lyng Falkenberg with Don Powell was brought forward to Monday 30 September...
The books is available to purchase in all good bookshops now. To order it via Amazon click here.
The books is available to purchase in all good bookshops now. To order it via Amazon click here.
Don reunited with Platinum Disc at Tea Event!
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Don was (temporarily) reunited (at the Tea event) with the Platinum Disc that he was awarded for 1,000,000 UK sales of "Merry Xmas Everybody" in 1973.
In 1989 Don donated the disc to a charity auction at Sotherby's in London (as mentioned in his book).
Mark Smith from Mansfield was keen to buy the disc and had to bid at the auction against the Hard Rock Cafe chain - who also wanted it too.
Luckily Mark won. He treasures the disc and has subsequently got the reverse of the disc signed by all original Slade members. He took it to the Tea event, as he had never got a photo taken of him together with Don and the disc. (As you can see from the photos below - the mission was accomplished)..... And for anyone else who might want to get hold of the disc - Mark would never sell it.
In 1989 Don donated the disc to a charity auction at Sotherby's in London (as mentioned in his book).
Mark Smith from Mansfield was keen to buy the disc and had to bid at the auction against the Hard Rock Cafe chain - who also wanted it too.
Luckily Mark won. He treasures the disc and has subsequently got the reverse of the disc signed by all original Slade members. He took it to the Tea event, as he had never got a photo taken of him together with Don and the disc. (As you can see from the photos below - the mission was accomplished)..... And for anyone else who might want to get hold of the disc - Mark would never sell it.
Have you read the book yet?
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We would like to hear from the fans who have read the book already... Or hear from you when you do.
Make sure to include your name and where you live.
If you have a photo of you reading the book, in any location, please include it!
If you have photos of you with Don at the book signings or the Afternoon Tea - please email them. We'd like to use them!
- How long did it take you to complete reading the book?
- What are you thoughts on the book? (General comments please - without spoiling it for others who haven't read it yet).
- If you live outside the UK, how did you get your copy of the book?
Make sure to include your name and where you live.
If you have a photo of you reading the book, in any location, please include it!
If you have photos of you with Don at the book signings or the Afternoon Tea - please email them. We'd like to use them!
Charity Mugs - all gone!
The Webmaster made a small supply of "I Had Tea With Don Powell" mugs for sale at the Tea event at Wolverhampton on 4 October.
The mugs all sold quickly - and the profits of £250 were added to the charity funds on the day.
Thanks to everyone who supported by buying one.
We have had a few emails from fans, who were not at the event, asking to buy one. Unfortunately they have all be sold and are no longer available.
The mugs all sold quickly - and the profits of £250 were added to the charity funds on the day.
Thanks to everyone who supported by buying one.
We have had a few emails from fans, who were not at the event, asking to buy one. Unfortunately they have all be sold and are no longer available.
Book signing at Waterstones in Wolverhampton - 4 October 2013
Waterstones Wolverhampton window - 4 October 2013
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Warterstones Wolverhampton store - 4 October 2013
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Don and Lise Lyng Falkenberg attended the official "launch" of the "Look Wot I Dun - My Life In Slade" book at Waterstones in Wolverhampton at midday on Friday 4 October.
Scores of fans formed a big queue - and greeted Don and Lise with applause when they entered the store.
After being briefly whisked into the Manager's office, to sign some copies of the book that needed to be reserved for fans who couldn't attend on the day, Don and Lise emerged.
They were all set to go.... but then realised that no-one had a pen to sign the books! (Typical Slade style eh?) After a pen was sought, off they went.
Waterstones shifted loads of books and literally hundreds of photos were taken. Don found time to sign anything that anyone wanted signing - and this was appreciated by everyone.
To read a write-up of the event in the Wolverhampton Express & Star - click here.
CLAIRE GIBBONS GETS INTERVIEWED BY THE WOLVERHAMPTON EXPRESS & STAR
Scores of fans formed a big queue - and greeted Don and Lise with applause when they entered the store.
After being briefly whisked into the Manager's office, to sign some copies of the book that needed to be reserved for fans who couldn't attend on the day, Don and Lise emerged.
They were all set to go.... but then realised that no-one had a pen to sign the books! (Typical Slade style eh?) After a pen was sought, off they went.
Waterstones shifted loads of books and literally hundreds of photos were taken. Don found time to sign anything that anyone wanted signing - and this was appreciated by everyone.
To read a write-up of the event in the Wolverhampton Express & Star - click here.
CLAIRE GIBBONS GETS INTERVIEWED BY THE WOLVERHAMPTON EXPRESS & STAR
Afternoon Tea with Don Powell - at the Quality Hotel
Afternoon Tea with Don flyer
Gary Jordan and Don
What a great afternoon the Afternoon Tea with Don Powell event turned out to be!
Fans marched down from the Waterstones' Store to the Quality Hotel in Tettenhall Road for a 3pm start. They were treated during the afternoon to a series of rare, interesting and funny video clips, projected on to a large screen to the left of the stage. The clips had been put together by Gary Jordan and Dave Hartness.
Clive Eakin (BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire DJ) then interviewed Don. Together they raced through:
Don's upbringing, Don's early bands, How Slade got together, the success, Don's car crash, returning from America, the Reading Festival, the return to success...
Clive then threw open the microphone and fans asked Don questions that they wanted answering... Don didn't hold back on his answers. He was asked about his relationship now with Nod and Jim, and whether he thought the original Slade would ever get back together again... (If you want to know the answers - you should have been there!)
A limited supply of "I had Tea with Don Powell" mugs were all sold - and Sandra ran her merchandise store, that included some wonderful prints for fans to purchase, and then get signed by Don.
Afternoon tea was then finally served. Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches and Cakes were consumed and Don mingled with fans. Once again he was asked for countless autographs and photographs - and chatted to everyone who wanted to have a word with him.
It was a roller-coaster of emotion during this great after afternoon. Friends met friends that they hadn't seen for years - and forget about the Tea, alcohol was consumed too!
At the end of the afternoon a tally-up indicated that the Tea event had raised £1,500 for the National Autistic Society (the Charity Don supports). Wow!
Sue Wilson: "I would like to thank everyone who attended for making the event such a success. Also, I would like to thank Don for finding time in his busy schedule to actually make the event happen".
Fans marched down from the Waterstones' Store to the Quality Hotel in Tettenhall Road for a 3pm start. They were treated during the afternoon to a series of rare, interesting and funny video clips, projected on to a large screen to the left of the stage. The clips had been put together by Gary Jordan and Dave Hartness.
Clive Eakin (BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire DJ) then interviewed Don. Together they raced through:
Don's upbringing, Don's early bands, How Slade got together, the success, Don's car crash, returning from America, the Reading Festival, the return to success...
Clive then threw open the microphone and fans asked Don questions that they wanted answering... Don didn't hold back on his answers. He was asked about his relationship now with Nod and Jim, and whether he thought the original Slade would ever get back together again... (If you want to know the answers - you should have been there!)
A limited supply of "I had Tea with Don Powell" mugs were all sold - and Sandra ran her merchandise store, that included some wonderful prints for fans to purchase, and then get signed by Don.
Afternoon tea was then finally served. Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches and Cakes were consumed and Don mingled with fans. Once again he was asked for countless autographs and photographs - and chatted to everyone who wanted to have a word with him.
It was a roller-coaster of emotion during this great after afternoon. Friends met friends that they hadn't seen for years - and forget about the Tea, alcohol was consumed too!
At the end of the afternoon a tally-up indicated that the Tea event had raised £1,500 for the National Autistic Society (the Charity Don supports). Wow!
Sue Wilson: "I would like to thank everyone who attended for making the event such a success. Also, I would like to thank Don for finding time in his busy schedule to actually make the event happen".
Promoters of the Tea event - Sandra Davidson, (Don), Sue Wilson and Dave Hartness
Photos below courtesy of Midlands Live
Don presented with his NAS badge by Eric Kent of the National Autistic Society
Don receives his NAS badge from Eric Kent
Thanks to the Quality Inn, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton
Don used the Quality Inn in Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton as his residential base for the book signings in Wolverhampton and Walsall - and his Afternoon Tea event.
The Tea event actually took place in the Conference & Banqueting suite where Don used to play gigs (with The 'N Betweens, Ambrose Slade and Slade) on Sunday nights.
Don showed the Hotel's Conference & Banqueting Executive, Darren Blood, where the band used to set up their stage - and the alcove where Don used to position his drums... The event went really smoothly and Don sends his thanks to Darren and his team.
The Tea event actually took place in the Conference & Banqueting suite where Don used to play gigs (with The 'N Betweens, Ambrose Slade and Slade) on Sunday nights.
Don showed the Hotel's Conference & Banqueting Executive, Darren Blood, where the band used to set up their stage - and the alcove where Don used to position his drums... The event went really smoothly and Don sends his thanks to Darren and his team.
Pete Whitehouse "Inside Tracks" show on WCR fm
On the evening of Thursday 3rd October Don recorded Pete Whitehouse's show "Tracks Of My Tears" for WCRfm 101.8, in their studios in Wolverhampton.
The programme involved Don choosing his favourite Top Ten tracks of all time...
What choice did he make? A suggestion might be on this page - click here.
The show is due to be aired in a couple of weeks. We will include a link so you can hear it once it has been broadcast.
The programme involved Don choosing his favourite Top Ten tracks of all time...
What choice did he make? A suggestion might be on this page - click here.
The show is due to be aired in a couple of weeks. We will include a link so you can hear it once it has been broadcast.
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How Britain Rocked Christmas
Look out for Don and Dave Hill on TV this Boxing Day.
They both recorded an interview in London on Tuesday 21 October for Channel 4. The footage is to be used in a documentary, tentatively titled, 'How Britain Rocked Christmas'.
Nico Wasserman directed the shoot and said to Don "We are very excited to feature Slade in the programme as we think you are the band that helped change Britain's attitude to Xmas music, giving it a much needed dose of rock 'n' roll... And in doing so have given us 40 years of great records".
The website will update you more about transmission details nearer the time. In the meantime read Don's Diary entries dated 20 and 21 October.
They both recorded an interview in London on Tuesday 21 October for Channel 4. The footage is to be used in a documentary, tentatively titled, 'How Britain Rocked Christmas'.
Nico Wasserman directed the shoot and said to Don "We are very excited to feature Slade in the programme as we think you are the band that helped change Britain's attitude to Xmas music, giving it a much needed dose of rock 'n' roll... And in doing so have given us 40 years of great records".
The website will update you more about transmission details nearer the time. In the meantime read Don's Diary entries dated 20 and 21 October.
More sad news...
Don received two more pieces of sad news this week...
First he received an email from Serena Martin:
"Hi Don, hopefully you remember my special friend Sally from Tenterden? We saw Slade (yet again!) at Tunbridge Wells about a year ago and you kindly spent time afterwards chatting to her outside. Unfortunately she passed away last Sunday after a 2 year battle with cancer, and I just wanted to tell you that the time you spent chatting to her was well appreciated and gave her such a lift. I believe "Coz I Love You " will be played at her funeral... and I hope that I can smile and remember our days together since we were 5 years old and the times we saw Slade in London in the 70's, Butlins in 2006 and last year. Thank you and Slade for so many happy memories xx"
Also Don heard from Mary Sinclair (following on from the article a few news items previous on this site titled 'Surprise Surprise':
"Hi Don,
I am emailing to you both just to say that Di died on Monday evening of this week.
Sadly she did not make her 58th birthday which is tomorrow, nor obviously Christmas which she had so hoped to hang on for. It was not to be. She died from a pulminary thrombosis embolism which would have been instant, and did not suffer according to the medics. Her husband John had taken the dog out for ten minutes and returned to find she had died whilst taking a rest on her bed.
We are all so sad she has gone but relieved to know she is not suffering anymore.
I just wanted to say a big thank you again for getting a card from Noddy to her in time. It did cheer her up so much, and no doubt it will be tucked inside her coffin!
Kind regards Mary Sinclair" (email copied to Noddy Holder).
Don was sad to hear of the passing of Sally and Di - and passes his condolences to their family and friends.
First he received an email from Serena Martin:
"Hi Don, hopefully you remember my special friend Sally from Tenterden? We saw Slade (yet again!) at Tunbridge Wells about a year ago and you kindly spent time afterwards chatting to her outside. Unfortunately she passed away last Sunday after a 2 year battle with cancer, and I just wanted to tell you that the time you spent chatting to her was well appreciated and gave her such a lift. I believe "Coz I Love You " will be played at her funeral... and I hope that I can smile and remember our days together since we were 5 years old and the times we saw Slade in London in the 70's, Butlins in 2006 and last year. Thank you and Slade for so many happy memories xx"
Also Don heard from Mary Sinclair (following on from the article a few news items previous on this site titled 'Surprise Surprise':
"Hi Don,
I am emailing to you both just to say that Di died on Monday evening of this week.
Sadly she did not make her 58th birthday which is tomorrow, nor obviously Christmas which she had so hoped to hang on for. It was not to be. She died from a pulminary thrombosis embolism which would have been instant, and did not suffer according to the medics. Her husband John had taken the dog out for ten minutes and returned to find she had died whilst taking a rest on her bed.
We are all so sad she has gone but relieved to know she is not suffering anymore.
I just wanted to say a big thank you again for getting a card from Noddy to her in time. It did cheer her up so much, and no doubt it will be tucked inside her coffin!
Kind regards Mary Sinclair" (email copied to Noddy Holder).
Don was sad to hear of the passing of Sally and Di - and passes his condolences to their family and friends.
drumBEAT! 2014 postponed...
We were sorry to hear from the organisers of drumBEAT! 2014 that the event, that was due to take place in Manchester next month, has been postponed until next year.
They have told us "We are extremely sad to inform you that due to an irresolvable logistical problem, that we have had no choice but to postpone the world record drum attempt until next year".
They have told us "We are extremely sad to inform you that due to an irresolvable logistical problem, that we have had no choice but to postpone the world record drum attempt until next year".
