IT may seem early to be thinking about Christmas, with most of us not yet embarked on summer holidays.

Not so when you are a member of one of the biggest bands of the 1970s famous for a seasonal classic hit.
That’s why tickets for Slade’s Christmas 2018 tour are already on sale.
As an extra treat for 70s pop fans on five of the dates, including at Manchester Academy 2 on December 22, Slade will be supported by Mud II.
The death of lead singer, Les Gray, aged only 57, in 2004 put the band’s future in doubt.
However, after consultation with original members and Les Gray’s estate it was decided to put the current line-up together and tour as Mud II.
So, the double bill promises to ensure Christmas comes early in the best possible way; 45 years after the release of Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’.
Slade enjoyed 23 Top 20 singles, including six number ones such as: Take Me Bak ‘Ome, Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Cum On Feel The Noize and Skweeze Me Pleeze Me.

Led by founder members Dave Hill and Don Powell, the band’s latest additions are ex Mud bass guitarist John Berry, frequently spied in the guise of the Big Issue seller in Eastenders, and new lead vocalist Mal McNulty, a former lead vocalist of Sweet.
Slade remain one of the most exciting bands on the road and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll.
MUD II feature Phil Wilson, Chris Savage and Marc Michalski. Phil has played with a number of 60s and 70s bands including: Brian Poole, Screaming Lord Sutch and Brian Connolly’s Sweet.
Drummer Phil joined Mud in 1998 and is a powerhouse of a drummer whose style suits Mud’s music perfectly.
Chris’s relationship with Les Gray’s Mud spans over 18 years.
He was initially introduced to the music industry in the Mike Batt/Abba production of Abracadabra, during which he worked alongside Elaine Paige and BA Robertson.
In 1996, Chris joined the Glen Mitchell band whose albums were produced by the legendary Chip Young (Elvis’s Producer) and reached number one in the country charts.
During these times Chris has always continued to be involved in all things Mud! and is at his happiest meditating in his Tiger skin creepers.
Marc is the newest member of the band joining just before the 2005 Christmas tour.
He has been playing bass guitar for over 20 years, working with the likes of Chris Andrews, Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull, Blodwyn Pig) and Andy Pyle (Gary Moore, BB King, Paul McCartney).
For details of how to get tickets ring the Academy box office on 0161 832 1111 or go online to www.manchesteracademy.net