im Lea Steps Into the Spotlight with a Singular Solo Performance at Wolverhampton’s Robin 2 (2002)
In 2002, Jim Lea, best known as the songwriter, keyboardist, and creative backbone of Slade, made a rare and unexpected appearance as a solo performer. Filmed live at Wolverhampton’s Robin 2 Club, this intimate concert has since taken on a unique significance: it remains the only documented live performance Jim Lea has ever given as a solo artist.
The show was highly anticipated at the time, largely because Lea had long avoided the spotlight outside the framework of Slade. Renowned for his studio craft, melodic instincts, and meticulous approach to sound, he was rarely seen fronting a stage alone. That rarity gave the Robin 2 performance an almost mythical status among fans, even before it took place.
One of the standout moments of the night was Lea’s rendition of Hey Joe. Stripped of arena-scale theatrics, the performance leaned into atmosphere and interpretation rather than volume. Lea approached the song with restraint and intelligence, allowing phrasing, tone, and timing to carry the emotional weight. It was a reminder that his musical identity extended far beyond glam rock anthems and chart success.
The Robin 2 Club provided the ideal setting. Known for its close proximity between artist and audience, the venue amplified the sense of occasion. There was no distance, no illusion, and no attempt to recreate past glories. Instead, the night felt personal, almost private, as if the audience had been invited into a moment Jim Lea rarely chose to share.
Looking back, this 2002 performance stands as a singular chapter in Jim Lea’s career. Not a launch of a solo path, nor a reinvention, but a brief opening of a door that quickly closed again. For fans and historians alike, it remains a fascinating document of an artist who shaped British rock from behind the scenes, stepping forward just once to let his own voice be heard.