Daryl Easlea - 'Whatever Happened To Slade? - When The Whole World Went Crazee'

I must admit to not being a Slade fan. In fact, prior to reading Daryl Easlea's latest literary offering, 'Whatever Happened to Slade? When The Whole World Went Crazee', I must admit to only knowing one song - and yes, it is that one. But this book inspired me to listen to some of their other work, and I have now been converted.

'Whatever Happened to Slade? When The Whole World Went Crazee' is nothing short of a rock 'n' roll revelation. With an encyclopedic knowledge of music history and a passionate love for the glam rock icons, Easlea delves deep into the untold story of one of Britain's most electrifying bands, Slade. This is the first definitive biography of the band in three decades, and it is the only title which would deserve this accolade.

The foreword is provided by Sir Bob Geldof, one of my own heroes. It was this which, amongst other things, first drew me in. I'm a Boomtown Rats fan, and a fan of Geldof's charitable work with Band Aid. Geldof says "Slade have slipped between the cracks of pop history. They shouldn't have been allowed to." After reading this book, I cannot agree with him more.

In this compelling and incredibly well researched book, Easlea peels back the layers of time to reveal the rise, fall, and triumphant resurgence of Slade during the tumultuous music scene of the 1970s. His writing is as vibrant and dynamic as the band itself, capturing the essence of an era where music was a lifeline and glitter was the order of the day.

Easlea's storytelling takes us on a wild ride through Slade's journey to stardom, from their humble beginnings in the Midlands to conquering the charts with anthems like "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" and "Cum On Feel the Noize." He paints vivid portraits of each band member, providing valuable insights into their personalities, struggles, and the unbreakable bond that held them together through it all.

One of the standout qualities of 'Whatever Happened to Slade?' is Easlea's ability to capture the essence of the band's music. He analyzes their hits with finesse, dissecting what made Slade a powerhouse on stage and in the studio. Reading this book is like listening to a greatest hits album, with each chapter unveiling a new facet of the band's brilliance.

Easlea doesn't shy away from the darker moments in Slade's career, such as financial woes and lineup changes. Still, he infuses these chapters with a sense of resilience that echoes the band's own spirit. 

'Whatever Happened to Slade?' also offers a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of the 1970s. Easlea expertly weaves in historical context, showcasing how Slade's music and image both reflected and influenced the era's evolving attitudes and tastes. It's a captivating journey through a pivotal period in music history.

Easlea's writing is engaging and peppered with anecdotes and interviews with key players in Slade's journey, providing readers with an intimate look at the band's inner workings and the industry's challenges. It's a testament to his dedication to unearthing the truth behind the glam rock legends.

In conclusion, 'Whatever Happened to Slade? When The Whole World Went Crazee' is a must-read for music enthusiasts, rock historians, and anyone who has ever cranked up a Slade song on their hi-fi. Daryl Easlea's deep passion for the subject matter and his captivating storytelling make this book a treasure trove of rock 'n' roll nostalgia. It's a reminder that, in a world that went 'crazee' for a moment, Slade stood tall and proud, and their music continues to delight generations.