Don Powell on Slade, Survival and Starting Over

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Don Powell, the legendary Slade drummer reflects on his life: from Boy Scout parades to recording 'Merry Xmas Everybody' in a sweltering New York summer, all while dodging expectations and, on occasion, death itself. With candour and good humour, Don talks about his latest project Don & The Dreamers, his time in Slade and the 50th anniversary of Slade in Flame.

00:00:03 *Introduction to Don & The Dreamers*
Jason Barnard introduces Don Powell's new single with Don & The Dreamers, "Hurdy Gurdy Man." Don discusses why they chose to cover it and their organic recording process.

00:04:34 *The 50th anniversary of Slade in Flame*
Don talks about the recent 50th anniversary re-release and remastering of the film "Slade in Flame."

00:08:31 *The music from Slade in Flame*
Jason notes that the music from the film, including songs like "How Does It Feel" and "Far Far Away," represents some of Slade's best material. Don explains that while "How Does It Feel" wasn't one of their biggest UK hits, it received significant radio play in America.

00:10:09 *Don's autobiography and early drumming days*
Don discusses his autobiography and shares stories from his early drumming days.

00:11:43 *Early career and the Black Country music scene*
Don talks about his early career with bands like The Vendors, supporting acts like The Hollies in late 1963. Jason and Don discuss the vibrant Black Country music scene of the 1960s.

00:14:56 *Formation and evolution of Slade*
Don discusses reuniting with early members of The N' Betweens and how the band evolved as Dave Hill, Jim Lea and Noddy Holder joined. He talks about their early singles and how they were renamed to Ambrose Slade.

00:18:26 *Working with Chas Chandler and developing their sound*
Don explains how Chas Chandler became their manager and producer. He discusses Slade's Play It Loud album where he contributed lyrics.

00:22:06 *Breakthrough success and hit singles*
Don describes how "Get Down and Get With It," originally part of their stage show, became their first chart entry. He explains how "Coz I Luv You," which featured a distinctive snare drum pattern. Don mentions his contribution to writing "Look Wot You Dun" and discusses how the band was labeled as "glam" mainly due to their colourful outfits.

00:25:53 *Slade Live album and peak success*
Don explains that recording Slade Live was Chas Chandler's idea after noticing their strong live performances.

00:29:03 *The car accident and recording Merry Christmas Everybody*
Don discusses the devastating car accident in 1973 that left him seriously injured. Don explains he returned to touring quickly, and the story of recording "Merry Christmas Everybody" in the summer of 1973.

00:33:23 *Later career and American success*
Don discusses the album Nobody's Fools, as one of his favorite Slade albums despite not achieving the commercial success of earlier releases. Don talks about their mixed success in America, noting that Quiet Riot later took "Cum On Feel the Noize" to number one in the US .

00:37:12 *The Reading Festival comeback and legacy*
Don recounts Slade's unexpected comeback at the 1980 Reading Festival, where they stepped in to replace Ozzy Osbourne. Don reflects on Slade's influence on later bands like Oasis.

00:39:33 *Current projects and collaborations*
Don discusses his current projects, including the Don Powell Band and talks about releasing "Na Na Na" as a nod to drummer Cozy Powell. Don expresses gratitude for still being active in music.

*Further information*
Don & The Dreamers, "Hurdy Gurdy Man" is out now
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