Slade's former frontman Noddy Holder is a national treasure. Would anyone in Britain even remember the annual celebrations marking the birth of son of God, Jesus Christ, were it not for the Walsall Warbler bellowing "It's Chriiiiistmaaaas!" at us from mid-November onwards? Unlikely. Beyond that, Neville John Holder MBE is a beloved actor, an author, a former quiz show host, a TV critic, an inspiration for a character in Bob The Builder and an all-round showbiz legend. Yes, he might have inadvertently contributed to the success of god-awful heavy Californian metal band Quiet Riot, but that can't be held against him in a court of law.
Less well known is the fact that Holder is a keen fan of indie/alternative rock. This came to light when Slade's redoubtable vocalist/guitarist was recruited by the now-defunct British music magazine Select to review a selection of single releases in their March 1996 issue. Artists who faced Holder's scrutiny included Oasis, who had just released a cover of Slade's Cum On Feel The Noize as a B-side to future national anthem Don't Look Back In Anger, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lush, Rocket From The Crypt, The Flaming Lips, Nick Cave with PJ Harvey and more.
