A communal farewell sung with open hearts and voices raised against the passing of time
When Slade released “My Oh My” in late 1983, the song climbed to number two on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the band’s most enduring late-career triumphs. Originally appearing on the album Till Deaf Do Us Part, it marked a striking shift in tone from their stomping glam rock anthems toward something more reflective and emotionally generous. More than forty years later, the live performance of “My Oh My” in Gifhorn on 01.06.2024 proves that the song has lost none of its power, instead gaining new meaning through time, memory, and shared experience.
At its core, “My Oh My” was always different. Where Slade once thrived on volume, bravado, and riotous energy, this song embraced melody, sentiment, and an almost hymn-like sense of unity. Written during a period when the band was navigating changing musical landscapes and an uncertain commercial future, it feels like a conscious reaching outward. Not a retreat, but an invitation. The lyrics speak directly to the listener, acknowledging distance, absence, and the ache of separation, while offering reassurance that connection can endure despite it all.
In the 2024 Gifhorn performance, that emotional core becomes even more pronounced. Time has transformed the song from a contemporary ballad into a living memory. When the opening chords ring out, they carry decades of history with them. This is no longer just a song from Till Deaf Do Us Part. It is a bridge between generations, sung by performers and audience members who have lived full lives since first encountering it. The melody moves gently, almost reverently, allowing space for reflection rather than demanding attention.
What has always set “My Oh My” apart is its sense of collective ownership. Even in its original studio form, it felt designed for voices beyond the band. Live, that intention becomes unmistakable. In Gifhorn, the crowd does not simply listen. They participate. The chorus rises not as a performance but as a shared affirmation, turning the song into a communal act of remembrance and gratitude. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotion to surface without obstruction, proving that Slade understood when to step back and let feeling lead.
Lyrically, the song remains deceptively straightforward. It does not rely on grand imagery or dramatic narrative. Instead, it speaks in plain language about longing, hope, and reunion. That directness is precisely why it endures. Over time, the words have expanded in meaning, absorbing personal associations from countless listeners. In 2024, those lyrics resonate not only as a message between lovers or friends, but as a dialogue between past and present.
Seen through the lens of this live performance, “My Oh My” stands as one of Slade’s most emotionally honest creations. It reminds us that strength in music is not always found in volume or rebellion, but in vulnerability and connection. In Gifhorn, the song feels less like a moment revisited and more like a truth reaffirmed. A reminder that even as years pass and voices change, the need to sing together remains unchanged.