Slade drummer Don Powell is celebrating 50 years since Slade's No.1 album Slayed? with his new band, Don & The Dreamers. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Slayed? was one of Slade’s most successful albums, going straight to number 1 in the UK as well as across other parts of the world and remaining in the UK chart for 34 weeks and the US chart for 26 weeks in a period when the band were dominant both in the charts and on the UK rock scene, often outperforming chart rivals such as Wizzard, T. Rex, Suzi Quatro, Roxy Music, and even David Bowie.
Having had twelve Top 5 hit singles in the UK, three of which went straight to no. 1, Slade remain one of the most successful UK bands ever, especially taking their Christmas hit Merry Xmas Everybody into consideration.
Don and his new project Don & The Dreamers have now released are releasing a new cover of Slade’s Far Far Away, along with the special 50-year jubilee Slade reissue SLADEST.
Don & The Dreamers are Curly Erik (vocals), Don on drums, Henrik Littauer on piano), Knud Møller on guitar and Helge Solberg on bass and between them, they have appeared on more than 1000 records.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Ha, my naughty sense of, humour. Don’t suffer fools too gladly. Very thoughtful.
How would you describe your music?
I’m not out to preach a message. I want to make people feel happy.
Who are your musical inspirations?
From way back, Buddy Holly. The Beatles.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Back in the early 60s, Joe Brown and Billy Fury at the Gaumont cinema Wolverhampton.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Problems by The Everly Brothers.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel.
Favourite lyrics of all time?
Bridge Over Troubled Water.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sorry, this is getting repetitive haha but Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Slade Are For life not just for Christmas.
