Slade: Cum On Feel The Noize

Today’s Friday First selection is the original version of a song that was the biggest hit for American metal band: Quiet Riot. While “Cum on Feel the Noize” was the fourth number one record for Slade in the UK, it barely scratched the surface on the American charts peaking at #98. Although Slade was constantly in the American rock press in the early to mid 70s, they failed to gain anything more than a cult following until their 1983 top 20 hit “Run Run Away.”

When Slade’s version was released in 1973, it debuted at the #1 slot on the British charts. The last time that had occurred was with the Beatles’ “Get Back” in 1969. Although Slade was not well known to the American public, the band had lasting effects on American rockers. Members of Kiss, Cheap Trick, and Quiet Riot point to Slade as a defining influence in their careers. Slade was known for their anthemic song writing, their stage show, and the unique vocals of Noddy Holder. All are seen on this live version for British television.

Studio Version in Stereo

Quiet Riot – Remake

In 1983, Los Angeles heavy metal band Quiet Riot released their highly successful LP “Metal Health.” The first single, variously known as “Bang your Head (Metal Health)” and “Metal Health (Bang your Head),” propelled to the #31 slot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. “Bang your Head” was immediately followed the album’s second single, “Cum on Feel the Noize,” a Top 5 hit in the US and certified gold single.

The “Metal Health” album was Quiet Riot’s best selling LP. It was a number one LP in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the US, the album sold in excess of 6 million copies and was certified sextuple platinum status – a feat that Quiet Riot could never duplicate even though they recorded a second Slade hit, “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” for their follow-up LP, “Condition Critical.”