Noddy Holder has said despite years of success with Slade, the band never had a rock and roll image.

The Merry Xmas Everybody singer said that he and his bandmates never went down the route of creating a bad boy image because they were too busy working hard.

He explained: “We never got into the drugs scene. I don’t know whether it was to do with our upbringing and where we came from in the Black Country.

“We didn’t change much internally when we became famous. We had that working-class ethic that we worked hard and we played hard. We were big party animals, but we knew when to stop.”

Noddy Holder
Noddy Holder (Anthony Harvey/PA)

He went on: “We were never a cool band, we were a successful band. We wanted to be a commercial band and to sell our music around the world. We wanted number one singles and albums, from the day we formed in 1966. We weren’t bothered about what the critics said about us.”

Noddy is now not in touch with Dave Hill and Don Powell, who are still touring as Slade with two new musicians, but said he does not feel bitter about it like Jim Lea, who he wrote many of their hits with, does.

He said: “We had 25 years as a band and I didn’t want to get into a ruckus with them. I don’t want hassle. We never get together. We’ve been in the same room about twice in the last 20 years.

“I would much rather we were close friends and that we could go out for a meal together and have a laugh about the old days, but some of them have chips on their shoulders which are 30 years old.”

Slade
Slade (PA)

Talking about the culture of TV singing contests now, he said: “We had Opportunity Knocks and New Faces. The only difference now is that they are big, spectacular TV shows.

“To me, they don’t say anything about current trends in music. I look upon them as a TV variety show. I don’t think they are a barometer for the music business at all. I mean, how many people can you name who won The X Factor? Very few have had long term success.”

Noddy continued: “Fame is not for the faint-hearted. If you are looking to get into the business just for fame, you might as well forget it, because you’re not going to be around for very long. What it takes to be around for a long time is hard work. Your first hit record is only the first rung on the ladder.”

The World According To Noddy by Nodder Holder is published by Constable, priced £8.99. Available now.