AS LONG as music is being played over the airwaves you will hear Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade announcing the start of the festive season.
Well on a chilly night in December, Slade arrived in Bournemouth for what is billed as the last tour to belt out some of their greatest hits and more beside.
Slade at Boscombe O2 (Image: rockstarimages.co.uk)
The O2 was busy with a crowd that were of surprisingly mixed ages which was good to see and as soon as Slade took to the stage it was clear that everyone was there to have a good time.
The volume on and off stage was set to eleven and remained there for most of the proceedings.
Slade at Boscombe O2 (Image: rockstarimages.co.uk)
The classic and possibly my favourite Slade song Everyday put in an early appearance and proved to be an ideal audience participation moment as everyone in the crowd knew every word.
It's a song that has stood the test of time as have many of tuners on tonight's set.
It's easy to forget just how huge Slade were in the seventies. With every other song being a huge hit.
Slade at Boscombe O2 (Image: rockstarimages.co.uk)
They have so many iconic songs from My Friend Stan, Mama We All Crazy Now, Gudbuy T' Jane to Far Far Away all of which made it on to the set list tonight.
To be honest although Slade had most of their hits during the glam rock years tonight's emphasis was on rock proving that they are just a fantastic rock band (although there were occasional flashes of sequin).
Holder, Lee and Powell may be long gone but the band can still deliver the goods with Dave Hill supplying the guitar riffs that sound as fresh as they ever did while John Berry, Russell Keefe and Alex Bines power away providing the backbone of the band.
Slade at Boscombe O2 (Image: rockstarimages.co.uk)
An encore of My Oh My, Cum On Feel The Noize and of Merry Christmas Everybody had the O2 rocking with the festivities continuing into the street as the crowd made their way home to dig out that vinyl or fire up Spotify to relive what was a great night.