Slade fans feel the noize at Sladefest

Mar 24 2008 By Gurdip Thandi

IT'S EASTTTEEEEEER! Slade fans from across Britain and beyond flocked to the Midlands to Feel The Noize at a convention dedicated to their heroes.

Sladefest saw fans of the Black Country legends in their element at the Robin 2 club, in Bilston, yesterday.

Highlights included a live performances from tribute act Flamin' Slade, Paul Cookson, who is the Slade poet laureate, videos of the band and a quiz.

Original members Dave Hill and Don Powell even sent recorded video messages for the fans.

And, although their famous festive hit Merry Christmas was three months out of season, Wolverhampton even received a little snow to at least help people get in the spirit of that song.

Rick Raven, drummer with Flamin' Slade, who formed the band with lead singer and Noddy Holder lookalike Ed Ringer in 2000, said: "We love coming here to where the band grew up and the fans have taken to us.

"Slade were massive in the 70s and had six number ones when you had to sell a lot of records to get a number one. I met Ed through our love for the band."

Fans started arriving early for the convention, many dressed up in kipper ties, platform shoes, wigs and shiny flares.

Holly Jewell, aged 11, from Cardiff, said: "I love Slade and my favourite song is Everyday."

Dedicated fans the Sladettes, who are made up of devoted female fans from London, Cardiff, Derbyshire and even Europe, attended their fourth Sladefest in a row.

Fiorella Clerc, aged 44, who flew over from Switzerland, said: "I have seen Slade twice and have been a huge fan for many years.

"I have come to Sladefest twice before and I have a wonderful time every time so I'm happy to have returned this year."

Her fellow Sladette Dee Bishop added: "Slade are brilliant. We have been fans since we were teenagers and we love coming every year."

Stu Reuder, aged 45, from Blackburn, came dressed in a Noddy wig.

He said: "We love coming to Bilston because the band grew up around these parts."