Slade drummer, Don Powell, has announced that he has been fired, after more than 50 years in the band. He revealed that he was informed of the decision in “a cold email”. This essentially means the band have now split up, with Dave Hill being the only remaining member.
Taking to his website, on Monday (3rd February 2020) to announce the news, Powell wrote: “It is with great sadness and regret that Don needs to inform his fans that he now is no longer a member of Dave Hill’s Slade. Dave has sent Don a cold email to inform him that his services are no longer required, after working together and being friends since 1963.”
The post went on to reveal that Powell is set to make a return to the music scene, playing Slade songs with his new band – the suitibly titled, Don Powell’s Slade – which he has formed with ex-Slade bassist Craig Fenney.
Powell went on to write: “However, the great news is that Don is now fully fit to play drums again! He is coming back with his band who will be called Don Powell’s Slade. He is forming it with ex-Slade 2 bass guitar member Craig Fenney. We will post more news about the recruited members in due course. Don so looks forward to going on the road and seeing all the fans again.”
The announcement came as Powell also revealed that he is working on a new solo album. Annoucing the news, about his future plans, Powell wrote: “Don is currently recording a solo album. He is in North West England at the moment – recording tracks with Paul Cookson and Les Glover. All these tracks will be issued in Don’s debut solo album!
Additionally, as previously mentioned on this site, Don has finished and completed a new album with Don Powell’s Occasional Flames which will be released this year. Don hopes that all his loyal fans will support his new ventures which he is very excited about.”
Statement:
I am sad to announce that Don and I will no longer be working together our parting of the ways has not come…Posted by The Official Slade page on Tuesday, 4 February 2020
Last remaining Slade member, Dave Hill has taken to the band’s official Facebook page to responded to the accusation that Powell had been fired via email. Refuting the accusation, Hill wrote: “I am sad to announce that Don and I will no longer be working together. Our parting of the ways has not come out of the blue and his announcement is not accurate. I wish Don every success in his future efforts.”
