City's role in rock band's rise to super stardom

LOCAL LABEL RESURRECTS LOST SINGLE BY GROUP

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

The 'N Betweens, who were later to become Slade

A DEVON record label has unearthed the origins of one of rock's greatest bands and Plymouth's key role in their rise to stardom.

Plymouth and Exeter based 'In a Spin Vinyl' has rescued and released a single by the 'N Betweens the band that would go on to become perennial Christmas favourites Slade.

Before they became Slade and had six number one singles, among 17 consecutive top 20 hits, the 'N Betweens cut a single called You Better Run, backed by Evil Witchman.

In a Spin, which has been giving new life to early efforts by famous bands such as The Status Quo and The Sweet, has now re-released a seven-inch vinyl of the two 'N Betweens tracks with a new sleeve design and just 250 copies pressed, making it a collector's must.

Label bosses even tracked down drummer Don Powell and secured an exclusive interview.

And In A Spin Vinyl co-founder John Griffiths, also of Exeter's record fair business HDR Music Group, revealed how Britain's Ocean City played a pivotal role in the formation of the Midlands hitmakers.

"In their garage era there were five of them in the 'N Betweens, with John Howells on vocals," said John. "They came to Newquay for a week-long gig and John was taken ill.