Slade star Dave Hill’s debut album honours city

Slade guitarist Dave Hill is to release his first solo album, Dirty Foot Lane, drawing on memories of growing up in Wolverhampton and people close to him. The record marks a new chapter after Slade’s break-up and reflects both his local roots and personal experiences.

The 10-track album takes its name from a lane near Hill’s childhood home. Produced with Django Holder, son of Hill’s friend and former bandmate Noddy Holder, it mixes rock, blues and folk, and includes a collaboration with American country singer John Berry. Hill, 80, said the songs draw on real stories, including loss, mental health struggles and the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns; he also hopes to release two more albums.