So Here It Is: The Autobiography by Dave Hill book review

Look wot ’e did!

Cover art for So Here It Is: The Autobiography by Dave Hill book

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Just like In Flame, the band’s movie from 1975, this autobiography of Slade’s superyob guitarist has a dark undercurrent. Described by former bandmate Noddy Holder as “infuriating, zany, demanding and impatient, but also very funny” and remembered for those preposterous outfits on Top Of The Pops, this is probably how few of us view Hill. However, like his mother Dave has suffered from depression. The writing of this book and the unearthing of some family skeletons have, he says, acted as therapy.

Its contents touch upon almost 50 years with Slade and drummer Don Powell, almost half of that time without Holder and bassist Jim Lea, from becoming the biggest band in the land to trying – and failing – to break America and re-birth at the Reading Festival in 1980. Having resumed his life and career after suffering a stroke onstage in Germany, So Here It Is certainly has the human touch.

Dave Ling

Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.