Slade guitarist Dave Hill has said there is no "look to the future now" for the iconic rock band as he revealed he doesn't keep in touch with most of his former bandmates despite their success with Christmas hit song Merry Xmas Everybody.
It comes as the renowned festive number first topped the charts fifty years ago and is still pulled out the bag for many celebrations over the Christmas period today although Dave confesses there's little chance they would ever get back together.
The 77-year-old told the Mirror: "That won’t happen, not even for a one-off gig. I cherish the memories of us years ago, but we’ve moved on in life and we’re all doing different things. Not everyone wants to continue. But Slade is not a job with me, it’s a life."
Dave is currently starting off a tour to mark the famous song’s anniversary and is now the only original member left in the band. He's still pals with ex-lead singer Noddy Holder but has no contact with bassist Jim Lea and drummer Don Powell.
Noddy was the first to quit the band in 1992 following reports of arguing among the group and shortly followed by Jim who was unwilling to go on without the lead singer at the time.
Dave and Don continued until they had a band meeting in 2010 as all four members regrouped hoping to host a farewell reunion tour which spiralled into more spats and the pair also went separate ways three years ago now.
Dave added: "I don’t feel sad about it at all. Everybody wanted to do different things. Back in 1992 Noddy wanted to get into other things, possibly radio. I think he didn’t want to continue. But he’s a good pal and I respect his decision. I don’t see Jim or Don at all.
"But me and Nod have always been in tune with each other and if he was interested in doing something I’d not be against it. We see each other frequently. He comes to my house and we’ve always got something to talk about. Friendship is very important as you age. We’re friends for life."
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The Wolverhampton band first formed in 1966 and shot to fame five years later with their first hit number one Coz I Luv You. Dave was often known for embracing his 'yob image' splashing out on a Rolls-Royce with a personalised ‘Yob 1’ number plate.
He was known as the most flamboyant member of the band with his trademark hairstyle, bizarre outfits and outrageous on-stage persona as he would bounce around in gigantic platform boots with a huge grin across his glitter-painted face.
"It was a wonderful time and I was always experimenting," he said. "I once wore a long frock covered in mirrors. Someone said I looked like a metal nun. I’d buy extraordinarily bright things and walk through Woolworths.
"If people noticed me, I’d then wear it on stage. I had an unusual hairstyle with long sides and a short fringe which gave me room to glitter my forehead."
The musician's passion for performing saw him still touring into his late 70s with new Slade members John Berry, Russell Keefe and Alex Bines.
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