J.R. - Do you think your music appeals to a different age group than it did fifteen or twenty years ago?
Noddy - I think we pick up a new audience as the years go by with each new album, many not knowing we have been going for twenty years. We have a solid following in Europe that have been there for the past fifteen years or so and have all our recordings - many now with families of their own which they bring with them to shows. They seem to have a large age span.
J.R. - Are you content with what you have accomplished over the past twenty years?
Noddy - Yes. We would have liked to had more record success in the U.S.A. in the early years obviously, but I think we left our mark everywhere and some bloody good records. Love us or hate us, you didn't ignore us - it's only rock and roll and we still like it!!
J.R. - Do you think it inappropriate for the US to classify Slade as heavy metal?
Noddy - Yes. I think our music does not fit into any definite category. We have done all sorts over the years, but are mostly known for our heavier material, especially in the U.S.A.
J.R. - Do you think this is a misunderstanding?
Noddy - I think so. We always have good melodies with good hooks that we hope are easily memorable with an anthem type singalong quality that crosses all sorts of markets - We are very proud of our catalogue of songs over the years, even in the less successful periods.
J.R. - Do you feel Slade contributed substantially to the direction rock and roll took in the early seventies?
Noddy - In our way. A lot of bands tell us we influenced them in the early seventies. We never followed what was going on around us but just carried on in our own sweet way and style as we do today, and I think this has helped us to last twenty years.
J.R. - Then you feel Slade has definately left an impression?
Noddy - Yes all over the world. But we would have liked to be stronger in the U.S.A. as I said before. However, I think many of your bands know a lot about us.
J.R. - If you could go back and change anything about your career, what would it be?
Noddy - How we initially approached our career in the U.S.A. I think when we originally came, the radio wasn't playing our sort of music nationally. Where we did get play reflected in size of audiences we played to and record sales. Basically, we've enjoyed ninety-five percent of our successes.
J.R. - When you do something that is obviously very good and it gets overlooked, where do you feel the fault lies?
Noddy - Who knows; time, place and luck are all contributing factors...nobody has all the answers.
J.R. - What stands out in your mind as the single most disappointing moment of your career?
Noddy - Certain songs we believed were very good not seeing any success...But you can't win them all.
J.R. - Can you relate any humorous ones?
Noddy - Not for print.
J.R. - Any advice for aspiring musicians?
Noddy - Stick at it only if you love it one-hundred percent. There will be plenty of heartaches along the way.
J.R. - Any tips?
Noddy - Keep a sense of humor.
J.R. - Do you still find the U.S. a challenge?
Noddy - Yes. Every territory is a challenge with every new album, and reaction to the songs is still very important to us as we approach new songs with new excitement.
J.R. - How do you see yourself today?
Noddy - In a mirror.
