Dave Hill

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Dave Hill
Dave Hill in 1981.jpg
Hill in 1981
Background information
Birth nameDavid John Hill
Born (1946-04-04) 4 April 1946 (age 77)
Holbeton, Devon, England
Origin Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England
Genres Glam rock, hard rock
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, bass guitar
Years active1966–present

David John Hill (born 4 April 1946) [1] [2] is an English rock musician. He is the lead guitarist, a backing vocalist and the sole continuous member in the English band Slade. Hill is known for his flamboyant stage clothes and hairstyle.

Contents

Early life

Born in Flete House, Holbeton, Devon, the son of a mechanic, he moved with his parents to Penn, Wolverhampton, when he was a year old. [2] He attended the city's Springdale Junior School and Highfields Secondary school. He bought his first guitar from a mail-order catalogue and received some guitar lessons from a science teacher at his school. He then formed a band called The Young Ones with some school friends. He worked in an office for Tarmac Limited for over two years after leaving school. [3]

Slade

Hill in his Slade stage clothes in 1973 Dave Hill - Slade - 1973.jpg
Hill in his Slade stage clothes in 1973

Hill originally played with drummer Don Powell in a band called The Vendors, whose name was then changed to The N' Betweens. The pair then met bass player Jimmy Lea and singer Noddy Holder, whereafter Slade was born. [3]

Though Hill is left-handed, he plays guitar right-handed. [4] Hill's best known guitar was the "John Birch Superyob" that was built in 1973. The guitar was used by Madness guitarist Chris Foreman in the video for Madness' song "Shut Up" and was later owned by Marco Pirroni of Adam and the Ants. [5]

Hill is known for his outrageous costumes. [6] The music journalist Stuart Maconie commented:

[H]e usually wore a jumpsuit made of the foil that you baste your turkeys in and platforms of oil-rig-derrick height. All of this though paled in comparison with his coiffure, a sort of demented tonsure with a great scooping fringe. He even had one outfit around 1973 famously called his 'Metal Nun' suit but later styles were much toned down. [7]

His costumes and antics caused some friction with the more serious Lea. This led to a show-down in a BBC dressing room before a recording of Top of the Pops , where Hill replied to the band's criticism of his dress by saying "You write 'em Jim, I'll sell em!" [6] Although he was famous for his hairstyle, in 1977 he shaved his entire head completely bald and kept it that way before growing his trademark hairstyle back a few years later.

During 1983, both Hill and Powell were working on a Dave Hill solo project with local musicians around the Midlands area. By 1984, the project had not been completed. The then-editor of the Slade fan club, [8] Haden Donovan, described the project as "very interesting and very un-Slade-like." [9]

In 1989, Hill formed his own group, Blessings in Disguise. This featured Holder, ex-Wizzard keyboard player Bill Hunt, Craig Fenney and Bob Lamb. [10] The debut single, released in 1989 for the Christmas market, was a ballad cover of The Everly Brothers' "Crying in the Rain" with Holder drafted in for lead vocals, backed by a Hill/Hunt composition, "Wild Nights". [11] The record was a commercial failure. The band also recorded a cover of the Elvis Presley song "A Fool Such As I" which was unreleased. [12] [13]

Hill performing with Slade at Weymouth Pavilion in 2016 Dave Hill of Slade at Weymouth Pavilion in November 2016.jpg
Hill performing with Slade at Weymouth Pavilion in 2016

Hill attended the launch of a £2 million appeal to raise funds for Queen Alexandra College for the Blind in Birmingham. There he heard a song called "A Chance to Be", sung by blind and visually-impaired children. Hill was so moved by the occasion that he agreed to perform and produce the recording of the song. The two writers of the song were staff at the institute, Daniel Somers and Colin Baines. Hill's band name, Blessing in Disguise, was picked as the group name and the single featured ex-Shakatak female vocalist Norma Lewis rather than Holder. The B-side was a track written by Hill entitled "You're the Reason that I'm Strong". It was the last recording made by the group and was released in 1991. [14] [15]

Slade finally split up in 1992, but Hill decided to carry the group on as Slade II. Don Powell joined him and the band has continued to this day with various line-ups. In 1997 the name of Slade II was shortened back to Slade. The band released the album Keep on Rockin' in 1994, which has also been re-packaged as Superyob, and also as Cum on Let's Party! [16]

Personal life

He embraced the image of a yob for performances. As well as the references to "Superyob" above, Hill, since a young age used the numberplate "YOB 1" on his cars. [17] Hill married his wife Jan in Mexico City in the 1970s, and they have three children: Jade, Bibi, and Sam. [18] They live in Lower Penn, Staffordshire, England, where Hill occasionally teaches music at Lower Penn School and Penn Hall School. [19] In 2010 during a concert in Nuremberg, Germany, Hill suffered a stroke, from which he recovered to continue touring and recording. [20]

In December 2016, Hill was knocked down by a cyclist in Brighton. He suffered a broken elbow as a result of the accident, and Slade called off shows planned for early 2017. [21]

Hill and his wife are Jehovah's Witnesses. [22] [23]

Autobiography

Hill published his autobiography, entitled So Here It Is: The Autobiography, in November 2017. [24]

Hill had first announced the idea of releasing a biography in the early 1990s. In a 1992 interview with the Slade fan club, he said: "I approached John Ogden of the Wolverhampton Express and Star with a view to putting down some of my experiences and stories, to see if a book could be produced that would be entertaining and amusing." [25]

Later in November 2016, Hill announced he was in the process of writing an autobiography, with a possible 2017 release through Unbound, subject to it reaching the online pledge target. [24] He revealed: "I've written my autobiography for my fans and for my family, especially my grandkids. I've got plenty of funny tales but also some others which show that my life hasn't been all rock 'n' roll." [24] So Here It Is: The Autobiography was released on 16 November 2017. [26] Noddy Holder provided the foreword and Noel Gallagher the afterword. [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slade</span> British rock band

Slade are an English rock band formed in Wolverhampton in 1966. They rose to prominence during the glam rock era in the early 1970s, achieving 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones on the UK Singles Chart. The British Hit Singles & Albums names them the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles. They were the first act to have three singles enter the charts at number one; all six of the band's chart-toppers were penned by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea. As of 2006, total UK sales stand at 6,520,171, and their best-selling single, "Merry Xmas Everybody", has sold in excess of one million copies. According to the 1999 BBC documentary It's Slade, the band have sold more than 50 million records worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noddy Holder</span> Musical artist

Neville John "Noddy" Holder is an English musician, songwriter and actor. He was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the English rock band Slade, one of the UK's most successful acts of the 1970s. Known for his unique and powerful voice, Holder co-wrote most of Slade's material with bass guitarist Jim Lea including "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Merry Xmas Everybody". After leaving Slade in 1992, he diversified into television and radio work, notably starring in the ITV comedy-drama series The Grimleys (1999–2001).

<i>Nobodys Fools</i> 1976 studio album by Slade

Nobody's Fools is the sixth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released in March 1976 and reached No. 14 in the UK. The album was produced by Chas Chandler.

<i>Return to Base</i> 1979 studio album by Slade

Return to Base is the eighth studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 1 October 1979 by Barn Records, and did not enter any national album charts. At the time of the album's release, the band's success had waned and were receiving little fortune. Forced to play at small halls and clubs around the UK, the only income they were reliant on was Noddy Holder and Jim Lea's songwriting royalties. Their recent singles had sold poorly and they were no longer drawing in large audiences. Prior to their last-minute call up for the 1980 Reading Festival, they were on the verge of disbanding.

<i>Slade Smashes!</i> 1980 compilation album by Slade

Slade Smashes is a compilation album by the British rock band Slade. It was released 1 November 1980 and reached No. 21 on the UK charts. The album was issued by Polydor in the wake of new interest in the band following their successful appearance at the 1980 Reading Festival, filling in for Ozzy Osbourne. The album featured most of the band's big hits from their early and mid 1970s heyday in the UK as well as three of the band's singles from post-1977. This collection, alongside the band's subsequent 1981 studio release We'll Bring the House Down, further cemented Slade's comeback in the UK and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myzsterious Mizster Jones</span> 1985 single by Slade

"Myzsterious Mizster Jones" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the third single from their twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. "Myzsterious Mizster Jones" reached number 50 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for five weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Sheila</span> 1985 song by Slade

"Little Sheila" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the fourth and final single from the band's twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Friend Stan</span> 1973 single by Slade

"My Friend Stan" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1973 as the first single from the band's fourth studio album Old New Borrowed and Blue. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 2 in the UK, spending eight weeks on the chart. The single was certified UK Silver by BPI in October 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universe (Slade song)</span> 1991 single by Slade

"Universe" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in December 1991 as the second single from their compilation album Wall of Hits (1991). It was written and produced by bassist Jim Lea. "Universe" reached number 76 in the UK Singles Chart and was the band's last single before disbanding in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Does It Feel (Slade song)</span> 1975 single by Slade

"How Does It Feel" is song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 as the second single from the band's first soundtrack album and fifth studio album Slade in Flame, in promotion of the film of the same name. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 15 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam)</span> 1975 single by Slade

Thanks for the Memory (Wham Bam Thank You Mam) is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1975 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 7 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In for a Penny</span> 1975 single by Slade

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Call It Quits</span> 1976 single by Slade

"Let's Call It Quits" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1976 as the second single from their sixth studio album Nobody's Fools. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 11 in the UK, remaining in the charts for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheels Ain't Coming Down</span> 1981 single by Slade

"Wheels Ain't Coming Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the opening track from their eighth studio album Return to Base. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Slade. In 1981, the song re-appeared on the band's follow-up album We'll Bring the House Down and was released as the second single from it in March, which reached No. 60 in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slam the Hammer Down</span> 1984 single by Slade

"Slam the Hammer Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1984 as a promotional-only single from the band's American studio album Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Lea.

<i>Six of the Best</i> (EP) 1980 EP by Slade

Six of the Best is an extended play (EP) by the British rock band Slade, released in 1980. Six of the Best includes six tracks; three new tracks and three taken from the band's 1979 studio album Return to Base. All songs were written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, except "I'm a Rocker" which was written by Chuck Berry. The EP was produced by Slade and failed to enter the UK charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ginny, Ginny</span> 1979 single by Slade

"Ginny, Ginny" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1979 as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Return to Base. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Ginny, Ginny" failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Won't Give In</span> 1987 single by Slade

"We Won't Give In" is a song by English rock band Slade which originally appeared on the soundtrack of the 1986 British drama film Knights & Emeralds. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Lea. In 1987, it was released as the fourth and final single from the band's fourteenth studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize, and reached number 121 in the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild Winds Are Blowing</span> 1969 single by The Slade

"Wild Winds Are Blowing" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1969 as a non-album single under the name "The Slade". The song was written by Bob Saker and Jack Winsley, and produced by Chas Chandler. It failed to make an appearance in the UK charts.

<i>Keep On Rockin</i> (Slade II album) 1994 studio album by Slade II

Keep on Rockin! is the only studio album by Slade II. The album was released in 1994 and has seen various re-issues and guises under alternative names such as Wild Nites (1999), Cum on Let's Party! (2002) and Superyob (2003).

References

  1. ↑ Moseley, Brian (May 2011). "Flete House Maternity Home, Holbeton". The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History. Plymouth Data. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Slade star's Devon roots". BBC Devon. 15 November 2006. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  3. 1 2 Bradley, Steve (24 July 2010). "Dave Hill from Slade talks about his roots". Birmingham Mail . Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "Arts and Entertainment". Yorkshire Evening Post . 10 November 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  5. ↑ "60 Seconds: Marco Pirroni". Metro . 20 November 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  6. 1 2 Hutchinson, Martin; Savage, Wayne (28 November 2012). "Ipswich: Regent rocks to the sound of Slade and Sweet". East Anglian Daily Times . Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  7. ↑ Maconie, Stuart (2004). Cider With Roadies (1st ed.). London, UK: Random House. p. 34. ISBN   0-09-189115-9.
  8. ↑ "1984 Slade Fan Club". Sladefanclub.com. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  9. ↑ [ dead link ]
  10. ↑ 7" vinyl single of "Crying in the Rain" sleeve notes.
  11. ↑ "Blessings in Disguise featuring Noddy Holder and Dave Hill – Crying in the Rain / Wild Nights – Mooncrest – DISGUISE 1". 45cat.com. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  12. ↑ "Dave Hill interview". Sladefanclub.weebly.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  13. ↑ Slade International Fan Club newsletter, July–August–September 1989.
  14. ↑ "Dave Hill single". Sladefanclub.weebly.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  15. ↑ Slade International Fan Club newsletter, July–August–September 1991.
  16. ↑ "Cum on Let's Party [Bonus Track]". AllMusic . Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  17. ↑ Webber, Richard (24 September 2012). "Slade's Dave Hill: 'Most of our earnings went on tax'". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  18. ↑ Webber, Richard (24 September 2012). "Slade's Dave Hill: 'Most of our earnings went on tax'". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  19. ↑ "Celebrity Midlanders Part One – Musicians". Express & Star . 13 October 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  20. ↑ "I played on despite stroke says Slade star Dave Hill". Birmingham Mail. 14 September 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  21. ↑ "Rockers Slade cancel shows after guitarist Dave Hill hit by bicycle". ITV. 29 December 2016.
  22. ↑ getreading (16 November 2007). "Dave Hill is ready for Christmas". Berkshire Live. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  23. ↑ Gleave, Ed (19 December 2020). "Slade's Dave Hill can't serenade wife with festive hit - as she doesn't do Xmas". Daily Star. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  24. 1 2 3 So Here It Is, The Autobiography. ISBN   9781783524228 . Retrieved 6 December 2018.{{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  25. ↑ Edmundson, Ian. "Dave Hill Interview with Malcolm Skellington from 'Percy', April 1992". Slayed.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  26. ↑ Hill, Dave (16 November 2017). So Here It Is: How the Boy From Wolverhampton Rocked the World With Slade. Unbound. ISBN   978-1-78352-420-4.
  27. ↑ Drew, Mark (21 October 2017). "Noel Gallagher: Oasis would never have formed if it wasn't for Slade". Express & Star. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
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