Get ready to rock one last time – Dave Hill’s Slade is hitting the road for their farewell tour, and Birmingham is on the map! But here’s where it gets emotional: Could this be your final chance to see the legendary band live? If you’ve been dreaming of one more night with Slade, mark your calendars for Saturday, December 20th, at Birmingham’s O2 Academy.
Led by the iconic Dave Hill on lead guitar, the lineup features John Berry on lead vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, and violin, Russell Keefe on vocals and keys, and Alex Bines on drums. This isn’t just any tour stop – Birmingham holds a special place in the band’s heart. And this is the part most people miss: The original Slade formed in Wolverhampton in 1963, and Birmingham was their stomping ground in the early days. Hill reminisces about working alongside a young Black Sabbath and rubbing shoulders with Jeff Lynne and other local legends. 'Birmingham was always the place to go for guitars and gear,' Hill reflects, highlighting the city’s role in their musical journey.
Born in Flete House near Kingsbridge, Devon, during World War Two (after the local hospital was bombed), Hill grew up in Wolverhampton. Now, he’s not just saying goodbye to Slade – he’s also working on a solo album produced by Django Holder, son of his Slade bandmate, Noddy Holder. Here’s the controversial twist: While some fans might mourn the end of an era, Hill sees this as a new beginning. 'Django is a fantastic producer,' he says. 'Working with him feels right, especially with Nod’s encouragement.' The album, slated for a 2026 release (before Hill turns 80), is a biographical tribute to Slade’s members and the Midlands community that shaped his career.
But Hill isn’t just about music – he’s also using his voice for mental health advocacy. As an ambassador for mental health in the West Midlands, he’s spoken openly about his struggles. 'I lost my mom to mental health issues, but she saw me succeed before she passed,' he shares. Partnering with Lenny Henry’s sister, Hill emphasizes the need for awareness: 'I understand the horrors of it, and I want to help others.'
So, as Slade prepares to take the stage one last time, the question remains: Is this truly the end, or just a new chapter? Will Hill’s solo album carry the spirit of Slade? And how will his mental health advocacy shape his legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
