An intimate rock concert a.k.a. Slade at Aldis

Slade… a band almost everyone knows, even if many people might not realise it at first. But as soon as the opening notes of Far Far Away or My Oh My begin to play, the audience instantly recognises them. The British legend, founded back in 1966, is still performing and proving that some rock melodies simply never grow old.

This time, Slade arrived at Aldis in Hradec Králové, where fans were treated to a rather different concert experience than what is usually expected from a classic rock show. So why an "intimate" rock concert? Mainly because of the venue itself and the layout of the hall. Instead of being packed tightly together beneath the stage in a club-like crowd, the audience sat comfortably in rows of seats. And that created a very special atmosphere.

The hall was full, and it was interesting to watch how each visitor enjoyed the concert in their own way. Some stayed comfortably seated and quietly absorbed the music, while others couldn't resist standing up during the more energetic songs. Then there were the die-hard fans who experienced the evening entirely in their own fashion – like the man standing by the corner of the stage with a Slade scarf, visibly savouring the opening notes of the first ballad with an almost nostalgic expression. He held the scarf high above his head and waved it much like people today wave illuminated mobile phones instead of the once-traditional lighters. Times may change, but some concert moments simply remain timeless.

The band won over the audience almost immediately. Communication between the fans and the musicians worked nearly nonstop throughout the evening. The crowd reacted to every familiar melody, sang along to the choruses and clearly showed that Slade still hold a firm place in the hearts of Czech audiences. The band obviously enjoyed that energy and happily gave it right back.

The concert featured the greatest hits that have accompanied several generations of listeners. And it was precisely during those moments that it became most apparent just how deeply Slade's songs are rooted in rock history. The audience frequently sang together with the band, and some choruses echoed through the hall almost like a choir.

However, the evening also brought one unpleasant moment. Toward the end of the concert, Dave Hill fell on stage. The situation briefly worried the audience, but the crew quickly helped him back onto his feet. And it was precisely then that the professionalism and energy of this rock legend became clear – Dave Hill practically returned to the performance immediately, launching into a guitar solo as if nothing had happened at all.

The entire editorial team now mainly hopes that he is doing well and that fans will still be able to look forward to more concerts from this legendary band, which, even after nearly six decades on the scene, has lost neither its energy nor its ability to unite audiences across generations.