Slade and the Quiet Confidence of “Still the Same” on The Tom O’Connor Roadshow 1987
In 1987 Slade appeared on The Tom O’Connor Roadshow to perform Still the Same, a song that reflected a more reflective and mature chapter in the band’s long career. Far removed from the explosive glam rock anthems that defined their early seventies success, this performance revealed a group comfortable with nuance, experience, and emotional restraint. It was not a look back at old material, but a presentation of a then current song that captured Slade’s evolving identity.
Still the Same was written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea and released in 1987 as part of the album You Boyz Make Big Noize. The song was also issued as an official single, marking Slade’s continued commitment to new material during a period when many of their contemporaries were relying heavily on nostalgia. Rather than attempting to recreate past glories, Slade chose to express resilience and self awareness, themes that aligned naturally with the band’s longevity.
The Tom O’Connor Roadshow provided an ideal platform for this kind of song. Known for its conversational tone and relaxed studio atmosphere, the programme allowed musical guests to present performances that emphasized personality and substance over spectacle. Slade’s appearance fit that format well. The band delivered Still the Same with clarity and restraint, allowing the song’s message to take center stage. Noddy Holder’s vocal performance was controlled and expressive, carrying a sense of lived experience that could not have been replicated earlier in the band’s career.
Musically, the arrangement avoided excess. Jim Lea’s compositional strength was evident in the song’s structure, while the band’s tight interplay underscored years of shared musical understanding. There was no attempt to force the song into a glam rock framework. Instead, Slade presented it as a contemporary rock statement, grounded and confident.
Audience response during the broadcast was attentive rather than explosive, reflecting the nature of the song itself. Still the Same did not demand sing along participation or dramatic gestures. Its power lay in its honesty. For viewers, the performance reinforced the idea that Slade were still a relevant creative force in 1987, capable of writing and delivering songs that resonated beyond their classic era.
Today, this television performance stands as an important document of Slade in their later period. It captures a band that understood who they were, what they had achieved, and how to move forward without denying their past. Still the Same remains a quiet but meaningful statement of artistic continuity and self belief.