Slade: The Early Years Revisited in a Powerful 1999 BBC Documentary
First broadcast in 1999, the BBC documentary series Slade offers one of the most honest and revealing portraits ever made of the band’s rise from Midlands hopefuls to one of Britain’s most explosive pop and rock phenomena. Presented in five parts for YouTube, Part One: The Early Years focuses on the formative period when Slade were still finding their sound, their look, and their collective identity.
The documentary opens with a reminder of what made Slade instantly recognizable. They were loud, unapologetic, and built to ignite joy. Commentators describe them as a “proper gers band,” a group whose raw energy and sense of fun connected directly with audiences long before image and branding became industry obsessions. At the center stands Noddy Holder, whose voice is repeatedly acknowledged as one of the greatest and most distinctive in rock music.
The story begins in the mid 1960s, when Holder joined The Inbetweens, alongside guitarist Dave Hill, drummer Don Powell, and classically trained violinist Jim Lea. Their first rehearsals took place in pubs and modest rooms near Noddy’s home, with their first documented gig occurring on April 1, 1966, an appropriately symbolic start for a band that would later embrace humor and spectacle as weapons of mass appeal.
Early singles such as You Better Run achieved only local success, but persistence defined these years. The band endured years of touring in vans, sharing meals and chasing opportunities, long before national recognition arrived. A pivotal turning point came with manager Chas Chandler, formerly of The Animals and manager of Jimi Hendrix. Chandler reshaped the band’s name to Slade and pushed a controversial skinhead image that brought both attention and danger. The documentary does not romanticize this era, recounting tension, misunderstanding, and moments of genuine fear, but also acknowledging the discipline and resilience it forged.
Despite industry resistance and setbacks, Slade’s breakthrough came through relentless live performance and audience connection. Songs like Get Down and Get With It transformed their shows into communal events built on clapping, stamping, and shared momentum. The documentary vividly captures how Slade turned atmosphere into art.
Perhaps most revealing is the account of the creation of Coz I Luv You. Written in a half hour session fueled by rhythm, instinct, and camaraderie, the song marked the moment Slade crossed from promise into dominance. From that point on, their ascent became unstoppable.
The Early Years does not merely chronicle success. It explains it. Through firsthand recollections, humor, and reflection, this documentary shows how Slade’s sound, spirit, and brotherhood were forged long before the chart-topping years, making it essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand why Slade mattered, and still do.