Dave Hill, founding lead guitarist of Slade, has released “Play It To The Crowd”, the first single from his debut solo album, “Dirty Foot Lane”, which is due on 30 October. Written during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the song celebrates the return of live music and the shared energy between performers and audiences.

The arena-rock track was made with Hill’s long-time collaborator John Berry, producer Rob Childs and Django Holder, with Berry taking lead vocals. The ten-track album is described as autobiographical, drawing on Hill’s working-class upbringing, family life, ambition, mental health and career in music; its title refers to a real place near where he grew up and still lives.