Walking into the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire felt like a massive family reunion for people who refuse to grow up. You look around and see a room full of fans who probably bought the first record on vinyl in 1971. They did not come for a quiet sit-down or a polite look back at the glory days. They came to scream their heads off and make some noise.
First things first. It was fucking loud. We are talking about a visceral, bone-shaking volume that smaller modern bands would not dare approach. There is only one guitar in this version of Slade and Dave Hill has it turned up to eleven. It was thick. It was jagged. It was unapologetic.
When Hill hit the stage looking like a sprightly, radioactive ornament, you realized that rock and roll is not just about youth. Just a man who refuses to pack it in. He still very much has it. He has the theatricality, the grin, and that singular, brick-heavy riffing style.
The weight of the legacy was carried brilliantly by the men flanking him. Russell Keefe on keyboards handled the lead vocals with such grit and authentic soul that he sounded like an original member who had been there since the first stomp. Meanwhile, bassist John Berry was gelling perfectly with Hill. He was putting on a real show and feeding the energy of the front row rather than just lurking in the back.
The setlist hit every nerve. “Coz I Luv You” still carries that menacing swing, while “Everyday” provided the most soulful moment of the night. The songs actually sounded better than ever. They were fresher and heavier than the dusty vinyl would suggest. By the time they hit “Gudbuy T’Jane” and “Mama Weer All Crazee” Now, the capacity crowd was singing at the top of their spirited lungs with rock n roll joy.
The encore was a glorious bit of chaos. “My Oh My” swelled with grand, pub-rock pathos before “Cum On Feel the Noize” nearly took the roof off the building. They finished with “Merry Xmas Everybody” as only they can in December. For four minutes, the cynical world outside ceased to exist.
This is billed as the Final Tour. While the road eventually claims everyone the music heard tonight certainly does not sound ready for retirement. Based on the power of this performance it does not need to be the end. Dave Hill proved that the noise is still very much alive.
