Let's Call It Quits

The song "Let's Call It Quits" by Slade, featured on their 1976 album Nobody's Fools, carries a fascinating backstory tied to the band's attempt to break into the American market. Released as the second single from the album, it reached No. 11 in the UK charts but faced a legal hiccup when American musician Allen Toussaint claimed it resembled his 1973 track "Brickyard Blues." In a 1986 fan club interview, bassist Jim Lea insisted he had never heard Toussaint’s song, but the band settled out of court, granting Toussaint half the song’s royalties. Critics at the time had mixed reactions: Melody Maker’s Caroline Coon praised lead vocalist Noddy Holder’s “marvelous, raucous form” but called the song weaker than Slade’s earlier work, while Sounds hailed it as their “best record in ages,” with Holder “bellowing tender words of love.” The song’s raw, bluesy edge and “slinky rock groove,” as noted by Chris Ingham in the 2007 album remaster liner notes, reflected Slade’s shift toward a more American soul-pop sound, a move that stirred some controversy among UK fans who felt the band was drifting from their glam rock roots.

Another tidbit about "Let's Call It Quits" comes from its music video, which featured the band performing on a black-and-white checkered floor surrounded by large mirrors. Their manager, Chas Chandler, was reportedly disappointed with the video’s outcome, feeling it didn’t capture the song’s gritty energy. The track itself was promoted on UK TV shows like Supersonic and Jim’ll Fix It, and its B-side, “When the Chips Are Down,” was exclusive to the single until it appeared on the 2007 B-Sides compilation. In a 2000 appearance on The Frank Skinner Show, Noddy Holder joined Skinner and Katy Hill to perform the song, showcasing its enduring appeal. Harborough Mail’s Alex Gordon described it as “raw, rough and tough,” predicting it would re-establish Slade as a forceful name in British rock, a sentiment that resonated with fans despite the band’s struggles to crack the US market.

Slade’s journey began in the mid-1960s in Wolverhampton, England, rooted in the Black Country’s working-class culture. The band’s core members—Noddy Holder (vocals), Jim Lea (bass), Dave Hill (guitar), and Don Powell (drums)—came together as The ’N Betweens, initially playing R&B and Motown-inspired music. Guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell started in a group called The Vendors, while Holder was with Steve Brett & The Mavericks. After crossing paths on a ferry to Germany for gigs, The ’N Betweens persuaded Holder to join in 1966, with Lea already on board. Spotted by promoter Roger Allen, they signed with Philips Records under the name Ambrose Slade, inspired by a secretary’s handbag and shoes. Their debut album, Beginnings, flopped, but manager Chas Chandler, formerly of The Animals, pushed them to ditch the “Ambrose” and embrace the glam rock wave. A cover of Little Richard’s “Get Down and Get With It” hit No. 16 in 1971, and their first original single, “Coz I Luv You,” penned by Holder and Lea, soared to No. 1, marking the start of their chart dominance with 17 consecutive UK Top 20 hits, including six No. 1s.

Slade’s official online presence includes their website, though it’s more of a historical archive than an active hub. Their official Facebook page keeps fans updated on legacy releases and band news, while their Instagram shares nostalgic photos and clips. On X, the band’s account posts about reissues and tributes, engaging with their loyal fanbase. For deeper fan interaction, the Slayed website offers a treasure trove of discography details, photos, and historical articles. The Slade Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where “Zoo Freaks” can connect, share memories, and discuss tracks like “Let’s Call It Quits.” Another fan-driven site, Slade Fan Club, provides newsletters and updates, keeping the spirit of Slade’s glam rock era alive for new and longtime fans alike.