Slade Newcastle City Hall 18th December 1981
The last time I saw the original Slade line-up live in concert was at Newcastle City Hall on 18th December 1981. Slade were where they should be, performing to sold out concert halls up and down the country. It was great to see them back at the City Hall, Slade were very clearly enjoying themselves, and it being close to Christmas festivities, of course they played that song. We were a few rows from the front, and my ears were ringing for days afterwards.
Slade played a couple of more times in the north east, at Newcastle University in 1982, and on 17th December 1983 at Durham University. It is possible that I was at the Durham gig, but without a ticket or programme I can’t be sure. I do have vague memories of seeing Slade there, but I think it may have been in the 1970s. On 18th December 1983, the night after playing in Durham Slade played the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, which was to be the original band’s last ever full UK show. A UK tour was scheduled for 1985, but was cancelled.
The front cover of the tour programme shows Slade on stage at Reading in 1980. The concert was recorded and released as the live album “Slade on Stage”. Reviewing the album, Kerrang said: “Watching Slade live is one of the most exhilarating experiences known to mankind. 
Its a completely over the top manic and raucous package, delivered at a pace that makes even Kiss seem like old men. So pin back your ears, reinforce your walls and listen to Noddy Holder bellowing through 10 gems including ‘Take Me Bak ‘Ome’ and ‘We’ll Bring The House Down’. Some light relief is supplied by ‘Everyday’. What are you waiting for? Go Out and buy it now.”
Setlist: Rock and Roll Preacher; When I’m Dancin’ I Ain’t Fightin’; Take Me Bak ‘Ome; Till Deaf Do Us Part; M’Hat, M’Coat; Everyday; A Night to Remember; Lock Up Your Daughters; Gudbuy T’Jane; We’ll Bring the House Down; Get Down and Get With It
Encore: Mama Weer All Crazee Now; Cum on Feel the Noize; Merry Xmas Everybody; Born to Be Wild
That concludes my Slade memories, which I’ve enjoyed writing. Looking back makes me realise just how great a rock band Slade were, and how important they were to me.
I’ve seen the “new” Slade a couple of times recently, and may go to see them again one day. They put on a fun show, but it just isn’t the same without Noddy and Jim (sorry Dave and Don). Now a reunion of the original band would be something to see 🙂 but I guess that’s not going to happen.
17 Aug
Slade Newcastle City Hall 18th December 1981
Posted August 17, 2014 by vintagerock in Slade. Tagged: classic rock, concert, concerts, gig, gigs, heavy metal, heavy rock, music, pop, rock, rock n roll. 3 Comments
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Posted by Ian Edmundson on May 24, 2016 at 3:47 pm
I think the programme cover is a Donington pic. 🙂
Ian @ http://www.slayed.co.uk
Posted by Bryan Neighbour on March 8, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Would you believe that Slade tour was my first ever gig? I was 15 and took my first love on our first date! We went to Hammersmith and what a night! What a band. I remember they came out to a wonderful reception and there was a problem with Don’s drum seat . Rather than lose the crowd they started playing this slow hurry up tune whilst they fixed his seat and the crowd clapped along as if it was one of their hits. Just shows their experience right there. A thumbs up from Don and then when Noddy started the first song wow! Obviously too young to have seen them in their pomp. But just look at the set list. We were blown away and that started my live gig journey. So proud to say they were my first ever gig too. Supurb album too til deaf stonking. Next gig was Lizzy followed by UFO and so it began.
Posted by vintagerock on March 8, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Thanks for sharing your memories Bryan. Slade remain one of my favourite all-time bands. Always a class at. Wish they would come back. Happy days Peter