We Won't Give In

Last updated

"We Won't Give In"
Slade-We-Wont-Give-In-Single.jpg
Single by Slade
from the album You Boyz Make Big Noize
B-side "Ooh La La in L.A."
Released23 November 1987
Recorded1987
Length3:38
Label Cheapskate
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Jim Lea
Slade singles chronology
"You Boyz Make Big Noize"
(1987)		"We Won't Give In"
(1987)		"Let's Dance"
(1988)
Audio sample

"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. [1]

Contents

Background

"We Won't Give In" was written and recorded in 1986 for the soundtrack of the British drama film Knights & Emeralds , alongside another song, "Wild Wild Party", after Slade were approached by the film's producers. [2] Holder has described "We Won't Give In" as a "heavy ballad" and "Wild Wild Party" as a "real party record" and a "big stomping rocker". [3] [2] In addition to appearing in the film, both tracks were included on the accompanying soundtrack, released by 10 Records on vinyl and cassette in September 1986. [2] The label was originally interested in releasing "We Won't Give In" as a single from the soundtrack but the band's label, RCA, refused to give permission. Guitarist Dave Hill told the Slade Fan Club in 1987, "This was thought by many people to be a good one for a single when it came out last year on the film soundtrack. The film company wanted it out as a single but RCA, who owned the rights, said no." [4]

"We Won't Give In" was also included on the band's fourteenth studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize, released by RCA in April 1987. The disappointing commercial success of the album and its singles led RCA to drop Slade. Later in the year, the band decided to release "We Won't Give In" as a single over the Christmas period through their own independent label, Cheapskate, with the permission of RCA/BMG. The single was Jim Lea's idea and, although the rest of the band initially expressed reservations, the band ultimately decided to release it. In a September 1987 interview for the Slade Fan Club, Lea revealed,

"I want to release 'We Won't Give In' as a single this Christmas. I feel that it is a good idea because whichever way you look at it, we have the wind blowing behind us at that time of year. Last Christmas we were offered five TV shows and we hadn't even got anything out. Unfortunately, at the moment, nobody else seems to share my point of view over this and would rather keep Slade away from Christmas this year. There is a sort of wound licking process going on internally within the band which is understandable. We have spent the past two years recording and then promoting the new album but haven't seen any reward for our efforts in terms of chart success." [5]

Released on 23 November 1987, the single failed to reach the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart, stalling at number 121. [1] It was the first Slade UK single (of new material) not to reach the top 100 since 1981's "Knuckle Sandwich Nancy". [6] In a 1988 fan club interview, drummer Don Powell said of the failure of the "You Boyz Make Big Noize" and "We Won't Give In" singles, "I really don't know why we have problems like that. We seem to get the token plays, but the records tend not to bite and get dropped. Obviously we are disappointed and will have to decide what we are going to do next. At the moment, no one in the UK seems to want to know." [7] Holder added in a 1988 interview, "Everyone we spoke to loved both of those records but they just didn't catch on at all." [3]

Promotion

On 21 December 1987, the band appeared on BBC One's lunchtime show Daytime Live and performed "We Won't Give In". [8] They also performed "Merry Xmas Everybody" but without guitarist Dave Hill; comedian Eddie Large, who was a fellow guest on the show, told Slade his lifelong ambition was to play on stage with them and so Hill let him take his place when performing the song. [9]

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single, Chris Welch of Kerrang! wrote, "Slade have a habit of getting a big hit every five years just when they seem to be on the way out again, and this might well do it for them. It's rather slow and measured and a shade gloomy for Christmas fare, but it's good to hear Noddy Holder roaring away." [10] Nicky Brown of the Gateshead Post remarked, "Not while the royalties from 'Merry Xmas Everybody' keep rolling in, eh lads! Toytown rock from people who don't know any better." [11] In 2007, rock music journalist Chris Ingham described the song as "the closest thing to a bona fide Slade classic on the album" and added, "A rousing, attractive anthem of resolution in the face of harshness, it rings out like a theme song for Slade and their inspiring tenacity." [12]

Formats

7-inch single (UK) [13]

  1. "We Won't Give In" – 3:38
  2. "Ooh La La In L.A." – 3:52

Personnel

Slade

Production

Charts

Chart (1987)Peak
position
UK Singles Chart [1] 121
UK Heavy Metal Singles (Spotlight Research) [14] 14

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.

<i>You Boyz Make Big Noize</i> 1987 studio album by Slade

You Boyz Make Big Noize is the fourteenth and final studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 27 April 1987 and reached No. 98 in the UK charts. The album was largely produced by bassist Jim Lea, although some tracks were produced by John Punter and Roy Thomas Baker. It was the last studio album by the original lineup, prior to their split in 1992.

<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>The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome</i> 1983 studio album by Slade

The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome is the eleventh studio album by the British rock group Slade. It was released on 3 December 1983 and reached No. 49 in the UK charts. The album was produced largely by bassist Jim Lea. The two UK Top 10 singles released from the album, "My Oh My" and "Run Runaway", were produced by John Punter.

<i>Wall of Hits</i> 1991 compilation album by Slade

Wall of Hits is a compilation album by the British rock band Slade. It was released on 11 November 1991 and reached No. 34 in the UK Albums Chart. The album was issued by Polydor and included the last two singles to be recorded by the band: "Radio Wall of Sound" and "Universe".

<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">Let's Dance (Chris Montez song)</span> 1962 song written and produced by Jim Lee

"Let's Dance" is a 1962 hit single by Chris Montez, written and produced by Jim Lee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio Wall of Sound</span> 1991 single by Slade

"Radio Wall of Sound" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in October 1991 as the first single from their compilation album Wall of Hits. Written and produced by bassist Jim Lea, the single reached No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart. It remained in the top 100 for five weeks and became Slade's last hit single, discounting later chartings of "Merry Xmas Everybody".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We'll Bring the House Down (song)</span> 1981 single by Slade

"We'll Bring The House Down" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1981 as the lead single from their ninth studio album We'll Bring the House Down. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Slade. The band's first single to reach the UK Top 40 since 1977, the song peaked at No. 10 in the UK, remaining in the chart for nine weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gudbuy T'Jane</span> 1972 song by British rock band Slade

"Gudbuy T'Jane" is a song by the British rock band Slade, released in 1972 as the second single from their third studio album Slayed? It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. It reached No. 2 in the UK, remaining in the charts for thirteen weeks. The song was certified UK Silver by BPI in 1973. In the United States, the song reached No. 68. It was also included on the band's 1973 compilation album Sladest.

<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">Ruby Red (song)</span> 1982 single by Slade

"Ruby Red" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1982 as the third single from the band's tenth studio album, Till Deaf Do Us Part. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Slade. "Ruby Red" reached number 51 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Believe in Miracles</span> 1985 single by Slade

"Do You Believe in Miracles" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as a single. It was also included on the band's studio/compilation album Crackers (1985). The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. It reached number 54 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for six weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Still the Same (Slade song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

"Still the Same" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the lead single from their fourteenth and final studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter. "Still the Same" peaked at number 73 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for four weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Boyz Make Big Noize (song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

You Boyz Make Big Noize is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Lea. Named after the band's 1987 album of the same name, the song reached number 94 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for the one week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's What Friends Are For (Slade song)</span> 1987 single by Slade

That's What Friends Are For is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the second single from their fourteenth and final studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Roy Thomas Baker. "That's What Friends Are For" reached number 95 in the UK Singles Chart.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ooh La La in L.A.</span> 1987 single by Slade

"Ooh La La in L.A." is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1987 as the third single from their fourteenth studio album, You Boyz Make Big Noize. 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">Shooting Me Down</span> 1988 song by Chrome Molly

"Shooting Me Down" is a song by English rock band Chrome Molly, released by I.R.S. as a non-album single on 14 November 1988. The song was written by Slade members Jim Lea and Noddy Holder, and was produced by Lea.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Paul Lythe, ed. (January–March 1988). "News Round-Up: Snippets". Perseverance: Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  2. 1 2 3 Trevor Slaughter, ed. (June–August 1986). "Noddy Holder Interview 5.6.86". Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  3. 1 2 Paul Lythe, ed. (April–June 1988). "Noddy Holder Interview 20/4/88: 'Your Questions to the Band'". Perseverance: Quarterly Newsletter for the Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  4. ↑ Trevor Slaughter, ed. (April–June 1987). "Dave Hill Interview 27.3.87". Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  5. ↑ Trevor Slaughter, ed. (October–December 1987). "Jim Lea Interview 30.9.87". Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  6. ↑ "Slade; full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. ↑ Paul Lythe, ed. (January–March 1988). "At Home with Don - February 10th 1988". Perseverance: Quarterly Newsletter for the Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  8. ↑ Paul Lythe, ed. (January–March 1988). "News Round-Up: Slade Appear on "Daytime Live"". Perseverance: Quarterly Newsletter for the Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  9. ↑ Gamble, Jenny (January–March 1988). ""Daytime Live" Report". Perseverance: Quarterly Newsletter for the Slade International Fan Club. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via sladefanclub.com.
  10. ↑ Welch, Chris (5 December 1987). "Singlez". Kerrang! . No. 165. p. 22. ISSN   0262-6624.
  11. ↑ Brown, Nicky (17 December 1987). "Nicky Brown's Pop and Piffle: Singled Out" . Gateshead Post. p. 22. Retrieved 18 October 2023– via British Newspaper Archive.
  12. ↑ You Boyz Make Big Noize (UK 2007 CD reissue liner notes). Slade, Chris Ingham. Salvo. 2007. SALVOCD011.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ We Won't Give In (UK 7-inch single sleeve notes). Slade. Cheapskate. 1987. BOYZ 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ "Singles". Kerrang! . No. 170. 16 January 1988. p. 47. ISSN   0262-6624.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.