Slade Drummer Don Powell Recovering From Stroke, Starts New Band
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Don Powell, the drummer for Slade for over five decades, has recovered from a stroke that he suffered in late February 2020, and is planning to return to touring with the newly formed Don Powell Band.
The musician turned 74 on September 10. The stroke occurred at his home in Denmark on Feb. 29, just weeks after he claims he was fired via a “cold email” by the band’s lead guitarist, Dave Hill. The news about Powell’s health was posted on his Facebook page on March 2.
The post noted, “Luckily his step-daughter Emilie, who is a doctor, was at his house in Denmark and Don is now at home recovering and being cared for by his wife and family.”
In a series of posts in August and September on his Facebook page, Powell wrote, “I’m really happy to tell you that I’m now working with some great musicians who, are SO well respected amongst their peers, on something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – The Don Powell Band.”
The band includes bass guitarist Craig Fenney who was in the original version of Slade II, and lead vocalist Ian “Curly” Davies, who has performed in many shows on London’s West End.
As for his recovery, Powell acknowledged his fans, “I just want to thank everyone for your WONDERFUL support. You don’t know how humbled you’ve made me, knowing you’re all there for me.”
Slade were formed in England in the ’60s and rose to prominence during the glam rock era in the 1970s with an astounding 17 consecutive Top 20 U.K. singles, with six of them reaching #1. That success followed them throughout Europe.
The group failed to click with U.S. audiences. One of their #1 U.K. hits, “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” peaked at just #76 on the Hot 100 in America.
Slade’s 1973 hit, “Cum on Feel the Noize,” which also topped the U.K. chart, reached just #98 in the U.S. It was later recorded by Quiet Riot and went to #5 in 1983.
The news of Powell’s stroke followed his surprising announcement on Feb. 3. “It is with great sadness and regret that Don needs to inform his fans that he now is no longer a member of Dave Hill’s Slade.
“Dave has sent Don a cold email to inform him that his services are no longer required, after working together and being friends since 1963.”
Hill offered a terse reply, on what’s identified as the Official Slade page on Facebook. “I am sad to announce that Don and I will no longer be working together our parting of the ways has not come out of the blue and his announcement is not accurate. I wish Don every success in his future efforts.”
Powell was born Sept. 10, 1946, and grew up in the West Midlands area of the U.K. He formed Slade with Hill, singer “Noddy” Holder, and multi-instrumentalist Jim Lea, who became the band’s most prominent songwriter.
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4 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationWow – real nice Dave Hill! That’s no way to treat a friend or band mate. Whatta ahole!
Slade without Noddy is not the same
Go for it Don. And many thanks for your drumsticks which i caught at one gig at manchester with the sweet. Great night..2 great bands.
Go for it don but look after yourself m8