Dave Hill: My Story How the boy from Wolverhampton rocked the world with Slade
Ойын-сауық
unbound.com/books/dave-hill
Hi, it's Dave here, from Slade.
Over the years, when people hear stories about my life, they always say: 'Write it down, Dave!'
So, I've written my autobiography for you, my fans, and for my family, especially my grandkids. I turned seventy this year and for fifty of those years Slade have been a major part of my life. It seems the right time to finally to share my story with you. I've got plenty of funny tales but also some others which show that my life hasn't been all rock 'n' roll.
Most of all, I wanted to tell it as it is, and tell it my way, that's why I'm publishing my book with Unbound.
I was born in castle and then grew up in a council house in Wolverhampton. I had a smashing mum and dad, but things were tough growing up in post war Britain and my life really changed when I heard rock 'n' roll music. I said goodbye to an office job at Tarmac and never looked back. I played in various groups before fame came knocking at my door.
Slade's success didn't happen overnight but boy, were we big when we took off! We had 23 top twenty hits and six number one singles. Three of these went straight to the number one spot - a first, not even matched by The Beatles. Topping it all was 'Merry Xmas Everybody', which sold over one million copies. We also had six smash LPs, and one time had the number one and two spots on the LP chart. All this made Slade the biggest band in the UK in the 70s, and we were massive all over the world, too.
Slade had some great years but fashions change and the break-up of the original band was heartbreaking. I thought that would be it for me.
I battled through depression and got over a stroke, and decided to carry on doing the thing which I do best: I went back on the road with Slade. I've seen more of the world, and more fans, in the last twenty-five years than I did when the band were at their most famous.
Writing my book has been bit like researching an episode of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' I discovered that my mum and dad had pretended to be married, and even had a false wedding. Also, the burden of having an illegitimate daughter, my half sister, was a shame that nearly drove my mum to suicide. There's quite a few other surprises in my book too. Like the time Carol, my sister, was kidnapped and Jan, my wife, was held hostage in a bank robbery...
I'll always be the boy from Wolverhampton, where I still live, with my wife of over forty years, surrounded by my kids and grandkids. I'm also still Dave Hill, Superyob, rocking the world with Slade!
Influence
Many musicians have cited Slade as an influence, including grunge bands Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins, punk and indie pioneers the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Undertones and the Clash, heavy metal acts such as Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard and Quiet Riot and rock groups including Cheap Trick and Oasis.
Пікірлер: 27
I'm still a Slade fan after 45 years and will be buying the book!..Cheers Dave!
@Johnny-dz6vl
2 жыл бұрын
I saw SLADE in 1973 in Australia never forgotten loved it and am still a fan. Loudest and the best 😎
My childhood hero....had a HUGE impact on my life....
@gordonlandreth9550
2 жыл бұрын
I saw him play with Slade in San Francisco in 1973 , and I must say he was having so much fun playing the music , everybody there was noticing him .
Dave !! your a complete living legend. where do you still find the energy,
You are special, Dave. I love Slade and have to say just discovered Slade in 2014. The music of Slade and the energy of the band is really rare. So glad you wrote something about all of your experiences, and look forward to reading it.
Dave Hill is one of my idols! Much love and respect for all you have done and still do. - C. P. Kaestner Author and artist
Need to get your book Dave! Have to say that you were always my favourite! In early 1972 I used to cut all my friends fringes in a half moon shape,just like yours,with nail scissors. Then I was obviously in demand! Remember havin' tickets to see you all at the age of 15,in Blackpool August,1972. But ended up givin' my tickets away 'cos I met a guy.... Biggest mistake of my life!!!
I've just pre ordered the book. I'm 62 and remember the first big hit Cuz I luv you. It's still one of my all time favourite songs....and yes, I had a massive crush on Dave. He was different.
We love you Dave 💚😉🎶 rock on boy
I realy realy hope that the 4 of you could come togehter and play for us in Norway, we miss Jim and Noddy, still it is fantasic to enjoy Slade of 2017.
Hi Dave , loving the book highly recommended to any music fan . My late uncle turned me on to slade back in the late 70's when i was 11 y.o , 40 years later still a huge fan. Please bring slade back to Australia for another tour u have many fans here .
Dave, your image in the Slayed album cover caused me an impact when I saw it for the first time. I think this still impress me today. I would like to meet you one day... it would be a dream
Whilst I appreciate this is little more than a book advert, you have to say that Dave is a lovely guy, warm and genuine. Hope he kicks on and we see and hear a lot more of him.
You seem a lovely fellow !!!! ... (very happy go lucky) ....(like the bass player from The Eagles).... (just musical) !!! ... Wow your life must be a "roller coaster ride" .... with massive changes and no traces of the past to connect you to any stability ???? ... Maybe that's why it's known as "ROCK AND ROLL" ???? ... You look well !!! MANY THANKS
Dave, I have just finished your book and loved it! Well done. I grew up with Slade, and to this day, I never get tired of listening to your music.
Great man dave 👍
Fair play to Dave playing the music that today is still timeless, get back with don though,you’ve known each other for decades,
Wolverhampton council should erect a massive statue of Slade somewhere in West Park. A full colour statue to show off the flamboyant outfits.
What a man well done and hope you keep on rocking
Hi Dave I will definitely be buying the book, I like you and your music but more than anything I love learning about history of the Midlands in my parents generation ( post War onwards). I grew up in Kidderminster/ Wolverhampton and have a childhood memory of seeing the Yob 1 number plate near my uncle's home on Goldthorn Hill. I would love to know what happened to that plate, it would be my dream to own it one day! All the best x
Saw u guys in the mid 70s in memphis yall were great an still are
❤️
are you doing a signing in Nottm Dave
had it 4 crimbo fitting really
Since he told Don Powel that he didn´t want to play with him any more because he wasn´t good enough he is for me the biggest pillock in the world...Dave Hill is just a 3rd rate eukele player compared to Jim Lea´s guitar playing. Dave Hill would have been better joining the Diddy Men with Ken Dodd.