Slade’s “Cum On Feel The Noize” Remains a Defining Moment of British Glam Rock
Few songs capture the explosive spirit of early 1970s British rock music quite like “Cum On Feel The Noize” by Slade. More than five decades after its release, the song continues to stand as one of the defining anthems of the glam rock era and a powerful reminder of the band’s remarkable impact on popular music.
Formed in Wolverhampton, England, Slade rose from humble beginnings in the West Midlands to become one of the most successful British groups of the decade. Their achievement was extraordinary. The band scored 17 consecutive Top 20 singles in the United Kingdom and reached number one six times. Even more impressively, all six chart topping singles were written by the creative partnership of lead singer Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea.
The performance of “Cum On Feel The Noize” recorded at the TopPop studios on March 5, 1973, arrived during the height of Slade’s popularity. At that point, the group had become a dominant force in British rock, combining infectious melodies, heavy guitar riffs, and a larger than life stage presence that helped define the glam rock movement.
Central to the band’s success was the unmistakable voice of Noddy Holder. His powerful vocal delivery remains one of the most celebrated in rock history. The strength, energy, and raw character of his singing gave Slade a sound that few groups could match. His voice carried both excitement and intensity, creating a sense of momentum that became a trademark of the band’s biggest recordings.
Holder’s reputation among fellow musicians has long been exceptional. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne once praised him as having perhaps the greatest voice in rock and roll, a remarkable tribute from one of the genre’s most respected figures.
The song’s influence extended far beyond its original release. American rock band Quiet Riot famously recorded a cover version in the 1980s. Although the group was initially reluctant to record the track, it became one of their biggest hits and introduced Slade’s music to a new generation of rock fans. Quiet Riot later paid tribute to the band again with a cover of “Mama Weer All Crazee Now.”
Today, “Cum On Feel The Noize” remains a lasting symbol of rock music at its most joyful, energetic, and unforgettable. It is a recording that reflects Slade’s enduring legacy and the extraordinary talent that made them one of Britain’s greatest rock bands.