Dave Hill recently discussed his decision to tour under the Slade name with his own version of the band. He addressed the topic in an interview shared on EON Music.
When asked how his current touring version of Slade came to be, Hill explained that the decision was encouraged by both Noddy Holder, the band’s original frontman, and Len Tuckey, Suzi Quatro’s husband. Tuckey recognized a significant market opportunity in Europe for ’70s music performances.
“I was in touch with Suzi Quatro’s husband Len Tuckey about forming a band or something, and he advised me—and I’d already spoke to Nod—and he said, ‘you’ve got to go out and use the name, Dave,'” Hill recalled. “He said, ‘everybody knows you. You and Nod are the most recognizable people in the band.'”
Tuckey pointed out the strong demand for classic music in European markets, particularly in Germany and Sweden. Large-scale promoters organize festivals featuring multiple bands in venues holding up to 20,000 people. This opportunity proved especially appealing following the fall of the Berlin Wall, when Eastern Germany was eager for Western entertainment.
“That’s all I’d got to do,” Hill explained. “I didn’t play a full set, but I played about half an hour, and it was really great fun, because he put some ’60s bands on, and I’d bought their records; there were The Searchers and The Tremolos and the Hollies, lots of my favorite groups. The combination of the ’60s and ’70s made for a big audience.”
Since those early days of touring with the Slade name, Hill’s version of the band has become a fixture on the European music scene. Bandsintown reports that Dave Hill’s Slade is actively touring throughout Europe in late 2025 and into 2026. The band performs at numerous dates and venues across the UK and continental Europe. They have become particularly known for their appearances on the German festival scene, where they regularly perform at large venues that can accommodate thousands of fans.
The touring lineup has evolved over the years to support Hill’s vision. Dave Hill’s official touring pages indicate that the current line-up features Dave Hill on lead guitar, John Berry handling lead vocals, bass, acoustic guitar and violin, Russell Keefe on keys and vocals, and Alex Bines on drums. This configuration allows the band to deliver comprehensive performances of Slade’s classic catalog while maintaining the energy and authenticity that audiences expect.
Hill’s commitment to touring has remained strong. Rock News revealed that the band is currently undertaking a “Final Tour” series in December 2025. The tour includes UK dates at venues like White Rock Theatre in Hastings, Picturedrome in Holmfirth, and multiple O2 Academies in Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Oxford. Hill’s enduring passion for performing Slade’s music is evident, though he has indicated plans to reduce extensive touring and focus on more selective performances after this final tour series concludes.
European tour dates regularly include Germany, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Spain, and France. The band’s popularity on the continent demonstrates the lasting appeal of Slade’s ’70s rock catalog and Hill’s dedication to keeping the band’s legacy alive on stages across the world.
