Slade’s Story Revisited in 1986 Documentary Perseverance: Part One
An important chapter in British rock history is captured in Perseverance, an excellent Slade documentary first broadcast in 1986. Part One of this five-part series offers a rare and insightful look into the band’s journey, mindset, and enduring resilience during a period often overlooked in mainstream retrospectives.
Aired on the Music Box cable channel, the documentary features in-depth interviews with all four members of Slade: Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill, and Don Powell. The interviews are conducted by Gaz Top, a presenter known for his genuine enthusiasm for music and his relaxed, fan-aware approach. Rather than focusing solely on chart success, Part One sets out to explore Slade as working musicians navigating change, longevity, and identity beyond their 1970s commercial peak.
The opening segment establishes the central theme suggested by the title Perseverance. Slade are portrayed not as a nostalgia act, but as a band determined to continue evolving in an industry that had shifted dramatically by the mid-1980s. Each member reflects candidly on the pressures of fame, internal dynamics, and the realities of sustaining a rock career after mainstream attention has moved on.
What makes Part One particularly compelling is its balance between honesty and optimism. The band speak openly about challenges while maintaining a strong sense of unity and pride in their legacy. There is a clear emphasis on Slade’s work ethic, their bond as a group, and their refusal to compromise their musical identity.
Visually, the documentary adopts a straightforward, unpolished style typical of 1980s music television, which only adds to its authenticity. Rather than flashy editing, the focus remains firmly on conversation, reflection, and the personalities that made Slade one of Britain’s most distinctive rock bands.
As the first installment of the series, Part One lays a solid foundation for the episodes that follow. It reframes Slade not just as hitmakers of the glam rock era, but as survivors with a deep commitment to their craft. For longtime fans and newer listeners alike, Perseverance stands as a valuable document of a band determined to keep moving forward.