Few songs capture the spirit of early 1970s glam rock quite like Slade’s “Cum On Feel The Noize.” More than fifty years after its original release, the song continues to stand as one of the defining anthems of British rock, celebrated for its infectious energy, unforgettable chorus, and undeniable influence on generations of musicians. A recently rediscovered performance from French television in 1973—later rebroadcast on Dutch television—offers fans a rare opportunity to witness the band at the height of their creative powers.
Far more than a nostalgic television appearance, this rare footage serves as a remarkable historical document. It preserves one of rock music’s most exciting live acts during a period when Slade dominated the charts and thrilled audiences across Europe. Watching the performance today, it’s easy to understand why the band became one of the biggest names of the glam rock era.
A Snapshot of Slade at Their Peak
By the beginning of 1973, Slade had already established themselves as one of Britain’s most exciting rock bands. Known for combining hard-driving guitar riffs with singalong choruses and an unmistakable sense of fun, the quartet had developed a sound that appealed to both dedicated rock fans and mainstream audiences.
The French television performance perfectly captures that momentum. Every member of the band performs with complete confidence, showcasing the chemistry that made Slade such a powerful live act. Rather than relying on elaborate staging or visual effects, the group lets the music speak for itself through sheer enthusiasm and stage presence.
Frontman Noddy Holder commands attention from the very first note. His instantly recognizable raspy voice delivers every lyric with passion and conviction, while his interaction with the audience creates the feeling of a live concert despite the television studio setting. Beside him, bassist and songwriter Jim Lea provides the driving musical foundation that helped make Slade’s songs instantly memorable.
The result is a performance that feels just as exciting today as it must have in 1973.
The Song That Changed Everything
Released in February 1973, “Cum On Feel The Noize” quickly became one of the defining records of Slade’s career. Written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea and produced by legendary producer Chas Chandler, the single demonstrated everything that made the band unique.
Unlike many rock songs of its era, “Cum On Feel The Noize” wasn’t built around technical complexity or elaborate arrangements. Instead, its brilliance came from simplicity. The pounding rhythm, unforgettable guitar hooks, and massive crowd-friendly chorus were designed to bring audiences together, encouraging everyone to sing along.
The strategy worked perfectly.
The single debuted directly at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the first song to achieve that feat since The Beatles’ “Get Back” several years earlier. Remaining at the top for four consecutive weeks, it sold hundreds of thousands of copies almost immediately and cemented Slade’s place among Britain’s biggest rock acts.
Even decades later, the opening chant and explosive chorus remain instantly recognizable to rock fans around the world.
Television Preserves a Piece of Rock History
While Slade appeared on numerous European television programs during the early 1970s, relatively few recordings have survived in excellent quality. That makes this French television performance especially valuable.
Unlike modern concerts that are routinely filmed from multiple angles in high definition, television appearances from the early seventies were often broadcast once and then lost or erased. Every surviving recording therefore becomes an important piece of music history.
The later Dutch rebroadcast played an equally important role in preserving the performance for future generations. Without these archival broadcasts and the dedication of collectors who safeguarded rare recordings, many memorable moments from rock’s golden era might have disappeared forever.
Today, viewers can appreciate not only the music itself but also the authentic atmosphere of 1970s television production. The camera work, lighting, fashion, and stage presentation offer a fascinating glimpse into how rock music was presented during one of its most creative periods.
Glam Rock at Its Finest
Few bands embodied glam rock as naturally as Slade.
While artists such as David Bowie and T. Rex explored theatrical personas and artistic reinvention, Slade approached glam with a more straightforward, working-class energy. Glitter, platform boots, colorful costumes, and bold hairstyles became part of the band’s identity, but underneath the visual style was a group of exceptional musicians focused on writing unforgettable rock songs.
That authenticity shines throughout this performance.
Rather than appearing overly rehearsed or manufactured, the band plays with the spontaneity of musicians who genuinely enjoy performing together. Their enthusiasm feels contagious, helping explain why audiences connected with them so strongly throughout the 1970s.
“Cum On Feel The Noize” perfectly reflects this philosophy. Every chorus invites participation, every guitar riff encourages movement, and every vocal line seems designed for thousands of fans to shout back together.
It remains one of the clearest examples of music written specifically to unite audiences.
Noddy Holder’s Unforgettable Performance
Any discussion of Slade inevitably returns to the remarkable voice of Noddy Holder.
His gritty, powerful vocal style became one of the band’s defining characteristics, giving their recordings an edge that separated them from many contemporaries. On this television appearance, Holder delivers one of his signature performances, balancing raw vocal power with genuine charisma.
Rather than standing still behind a microphone, he constantly engages with the audience through expressions, gestures, and infectious enthusiasm. Even viewers discovering Slade for the first time can immediately understand why Holder became one of Britain’s most beloved rock frontmen.
His vocal performance also highlights the remarkable consistency of the band. Despite the demanding touring schedule of the early 1970s, Slade regularly delivered energetic live performances that closely matched the excitement of their studio recordings.
A Legacy That Crossed Generations
The impact of “Cum On Feel The Noize” extended well beyond its original chart success.
In 1983, American heavy metal band Quiet Riot introduced the song to an entirely new audience with their own hit version. Their cover became a major success in the United States and played a significant role in launching Quiet Riot into international stardom.
For many American listeners, that version became their first introduction to Slade’s songwriting brilliance. It also demonstrated the remarkable versatility of the composition. Whether performed as glam rock or heavy metal, the song retained its irresistible energy and universal appeal.
Countless rock bands have since cited Slade as an influence, praising the group’s ability to combine memorable melodies with powerful live performances. Their emphasis on audience participation can still be heard in arena rock, punk, and even modern hard rock.
Why This Rare Footage Still Matters Today
In an era dominated by digital streaming and professionally produced concert films, there’s something uniquely captivating about watching authentic archival footage from the early days of rock television.
This French TV performance offers more than nostalgia—it provides genuine insight into one of Britain’s greatest live bands at the precise moment they were conquering Europe. Every frame captures the confidence, excitement, and joyful spirit that helped define an entire generation of popular music.
For longtime Slade fans, the recording is a treasured reminder of the band’s extraordinary live reputation. For younger audiences, it serves as an excellent introduction to one of glam rock’s most influential groups and one of the genre’s most enduring anthems.
More than fifty years after it first echoed through television speakers, “Cum On Feel The Noize” continues to inspire audiences with the same electrifying spirit that made it an instant classic. This rare 1973 performance proves that truly great rock music never loses its power—it simply finds new listeners with every passing generation.
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