Slade Score a Christmas Classic No.1

🎄 On this day 17 December 1973

On this day in music history, Slade blasted their way to No.1 on the UK singles chart with the iconic “Merry Xmas Everybody.” It became the band’s sixth UK chart-topper, cementing their place as glam-rock royalty and giving Britain a festive anthem that refuses to fade.

Released at the height of Slade mania, “Merry Xmas Everybody” became an instant sensation. It sold over one million copies in its first week one of the fastest-selling singles in British history. It claimed the coveted Christmas No.1 for 1973 and has returned to the charts regularly ever since, boosted by downloads, streaming, and generations discovering its magic anew.

Written by Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, the song was famously recorded in the middle of a scorching New York summer. Its warm, nostalgic lyrics captured the reality and sparkle of 1970s British Christmases family chaos, glittering decorations, holiday cheer, and the thrill of a new year on the horizon.

And, of course, Holder’s legendary scream of “It’s Christmaaaaas!” became one of the most recognisable moments in any UK holiday song. In a 2007 national poll, it was crowned the UK’s favourite Christmas song a testament to Slade’s enduring charm and the track’s timeless appeal.

Walk in the Footsteps of Britain’s Rock Legends on my Rock & Roll tour where we explore the Soho venues, and stories that shaped the very artists who defined British music from the glam era to punk, from The Stones to Bowie, Hendrix to The Police?

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