“How D’You Ride”: A Roaring Anthem of Unbridled Freedom
Ah, the 1970s. A time of flared trousers, platform shoes, and rock ‘n’ roll that truly rattled the rafters. And at the heart of that glorious din stood Slade, a band whose anthems were less about introspection and more about pure, unadulterated euphoria. Today, we’re casting our minds back to one of their lesser-celebrated, yet no less potent, tracks: “How D’You Ride”. Released as a single B-side to their colossal 1973 hit “Gudbuy T’Jane”, it might not have scaled the same dizzying heights of the charts as its A-side, which peaked at a respectable number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, but it certainly rode a wave of raw energy that was synonymous with the band’s golden era. It wasn’t a chart-topper in its own right, but for those of us who lived and breathed the music of that time, “How D’You Ride” perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Slade and the vibrant, slightly chaotic, musical landscape of the early ’70s.
For those of us who recall the days of fuzzy radio signals and vinyl crackle, “How D’You Ride” was more than just a song; it was an invitation. An invitation to let loose, to forget your worries, and to simply be. The story behind this track, like many of Slade‘s creations, is rooted in their relentless touring schedule and their innate ability to bottle the electrifying atmosphere of their live performances. Noddy Holder‘s distinctive vocal delivery, Dave Hill‘s flamboyant guitar work, Jim Lea‘s driving bass, and Don Powell‘s thunderous drums – all came together to forge a sound that was instantly recognizable and utterly infectious. It was born from the sweat and exhilaration of the stage, crafted in a time when bands honed their craft in gritty clubs and smoky pubs before ever stepping foot in a recording studio. This wasn’t some meticulously crafted studio concoction; this was a visceral expression of their live power, perfectly captured for posterity.
The meaning of “How D’You Ride” is, in its essence, a celebration of freedom and the joy of simply living in the moment. It’s a shout-out to the open road, to feeling the wind in your hair, and to the camaraderie of friends. The lyrics, though simple, paint a vivid picture of unburdened travel and adventure. “How d’you ride, when the sun is shining?” is less a question and more a declaration, a challenge to embrace the day and its possibilities. It speaks to that youthful yearning for escape, for throwing off the shackles of routine and embracing spontaneity. For many of us, it conjures up images of long summer days, road trips with the windows down, and the carefree spirit that defined our younger years. It’s a song about seizing the day, about the thrill of the journey itself, rather than the destination.
Reflecting on “How D’You Ride” now, after all these years, brings a wave of sweet nostalgia. It’s a reminder of a time when music felt less polished and more raw, when bands like Slade were less concerned with critical acclaim and more focused on connecting directly with their audience through sheer volume and undeniable energy. This track, though perhaps overshadowed by its more famous brethren, stands as a testament to Slade‘s enduring appeal and their ability to craft songs that, even decades later, can still make you want to crank up the volume and sing along at the top of your lungs. It’s a track that encapsulates the very essence of glam rock – loud, proud, and unapologetically fun. So, take a moment, close your eyes, and let “How D’You Ride” transport you back to a time when life felt a little simpler, a little louder, and a whole lot more rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a journey well worth taking.