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IT'S GRRRISTMAS!

Slade have split after 53 years as guitarist Dave Hill dumps drummer Don Powell by email

GLAM rock idols have split after guitarist Dave Hill axed drummer Don Powell by email.

The pair, both 73, played on the festive hit Merry Xmas Everybody.

 Slade have split after 53 years after guitarist Dave Hill, far left, dumped drummer Don Powell, centre right, by email
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Slade have split after 53 years after guitarist Dave Hill, far left, dumped drummer Don Powell, centre right, by emailCredit: Getty - Contributor

Don got the axe on Monday after more than 50 years.

His website stated he was no longer in Dave Hill’s Slade.

It added: “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.

“However, the great news is that Don is now fully fit to play drums again."

He is coming back with his band who will be called Don Powell’s Slade.

He is forming it with ex-Slade 2 bass guitar member Craig Fenney.

 John Berry, Mal McNulty and Dave Hill (from left) perform at O2 World in Berlin, Germany
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John Berry, Mal McNulty and Dave Hill (from left) perform at O2 World in Berlin, GermanyCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Dave (pictured) and Don, both 73, played on the festive hit Merry Xmas Everybody
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Dave (pictured) and Don, both 73, played on the festive hit Merry Xmas EverybodyCredit: PA:Press Association

Original singer Noddy Holder, who is estimated to be worth £20million, left in 1992 amid feuding between the members.

Speaking in 2015 he said: “It really saddens me that the four guys who were in Slade can’t get together and sit round the dinner table.

“Five years ago I got the four of us together so we could air our grievances face to face, but it was so painful I’d never want to repeat it.

“I was shocked.”

Slade were the first group to have three singles enter the charts at No 1.

 Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea and Don Powell (from left), at their home town University of Wolverhampton, in September, 2002
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Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea and Don Powell (from left), at their home town University of Wolverhampton, in September, 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
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