FOR a couple of hours we were transported back to our teens as the mighty Glam rockers Slade and Sweet put in an epic performance in what could almost be classed as a seventies Battle of the Bands.

Sweet was first, and they played a set that was a hard act to follow.

Most of the hits got an airing, along with a couple of tracks from their new covers album.

Bookended by Hell Raiser and Ballroom Blitz, the onslaught was pretty much relentless.

What tends to be overlooked is the fact that this band had some heavy chops beck in the day, and that heaviness was more than evident on tracks like Blockbuster and Action.

Sole remaining original member Andy Scott dedicated Love is Like Oxygen to Mick Tucker and Brian Connolly, band members who are sadly no longer with us, and the musicianship was exemplary as in the middle of the afore-mentioned song, the band launched into Fanfare for the Common Man.

The rest of the band played their part – none more so than new lead singer Peter Lincoln – well I say new, it’s six years since he jumped ship from Sailor to replace Mal McNulty who is now with er Slade.

Speaking of which, Slade – boasting two original members in the diminutive Dave Hill and Don Powell, had a more straight-forward approach to rock music.

It was no-nonsense, foot-stomping rock which had everybody on their feet.

I think ‘brutal’ is the word I’m looking for.

Powell fair hammered the drums into submission with such venom that it is no wonder he wears a gum-shield.

Singer Mal McNulty screamed the vocals, just like Noddy Holder in his heyday, and John Berry took the part of Jimmy Lea effortlessly.

The hits, well, what can you say?

The band brought the house down with We’ll Bring The House Down’, and it was full speed ahead from then on.

Slade’s quiet (?) side was apparent on Far Far Away, Everyday and My Oh My, but the rest had our ears ringing for hours afterwards.

Gudbuy t’Jane, Mama Weer All Crazee Now and of course Cum On Feel the Noize were all crowd pleasers.

Dave Hill cavorted around the stage and we were treated to a sight of his Superyob silver guitar.

And of course, it being Slade, what else could they finish with but Merry Xmas Everybody.

The decibel levels had been totally ignored and a good time was had by all – it was a real party atmosphere.

But as a battle? I’d give the result to Sweet by a length.