Slade’s “Far Far Away” in East Germany A Rare Broadcast Capturing a Rock Moment in 1977
In nineteen seventy seven, Slade brought one of their most enduring songs, Far Far Away, to audiences behind the Iron Curtain with a performance on the East German youth television programme Rund. This appearance remains one of the more intriguing televised rock moments of the era, illustrating how British rock music found a place even in tightly controlled media environments. The performance is preserved in video form and continues to be shared among fans of the band and of rock history.
Slade were at the height of their popularity in the mid to late nineteen seventies. Known for their anthemic songwriting, distinctive vocals, and connection with youth audiences, they had already secured a string of hits across the United Kingdom and Europe. Far Far Away, released earlier in nineteen seventy seven, was one of these highlights. Written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, the song combines melodic introspection with Slade’s characteristic sense of direct rock energy. Its lyrical theme of longing for home resonated with listeners, and its structure balanced acoustic warmth with a memorable electric hook.
When Slade appeared on Rund, it represented more than a television slot. The band were crossing cultural and political boundaries at a time when Western rock music was not always welcome or commonplace in state controlled broadcast environments. East Germany in nineteen seventy seven maintained strict oversight of media, and Western pop and rock often reached audiences through unofficial channels. A performance by a major British rock act on an official programme was therefore noteworthy, both for its rarity and for the access it provided to young viewers who otherwise had limited opportunities to see such artists.
The performance itself reflects Slade’s strengths as a live band rooted in straightforward musicianship. Holder’s voice carries the melody with clarity and emotion, while the band’s tight backing supports the song’s blend of reflective lyricism and energetic drive. Far Far Away works well in this context, offering a balance of thoughtful verse and engaging chorus that translates effectively in a live broadcast setting.
From a historical perspective, the Slade performance on Rund provides insight into how rock music interacted with media systems outside Western Europe and the United States. It invites consideration of how artists reached audiences beyond commercial charts and familiar tours, and how a song about distance and return could take on added resonance in a region defined by separation and restricted movement.
More than four decades later, the footage remains valuable to fans and historians alike. It stands as a testament to Slade’s international impact and to the ways in which music could cross barriers, both cultural and political, in the late twentieth century. Far Far Away on East German television is not just a performance. It is a piece of rock history that continues to draw interest and appreciation.