Legendary British singer who made music history 50 years ago with iconic tune looks unrecognizable on a walk – but can YOU guess who it is?
He made music history with his hit song in 1973.
The song instantly changed the party scene and is guaranteed to be on every festive playlist in the UK.
The legendary singer released the hit with his British rock band, which is said to have influenced numerous artists, including Nirvana, Sex Pistols and the Clash.
But despite achieving worldwide fame in the 1970s, he has retreated from public life in recent years and rarely makes public outings.
So can you guess who it is?
Now look to the future: a legendary British singer who made music history 50 years ago with an iconic tune seems unrecognizable during a walk – but can you guess who it is?
That’s right, it’s Noddy Holder from Slade!
It may not be ‘Christmaaaaaaaaaas’, but that didn’t stop Holder from donning one of his signature scarves as he enjoyed a walk around Manchester on Thursday with his beloved wife Suzan Price.
Opting for a more understated look than his flamboyant glam rock style of the 1970s, the musician added a khaki jacket that he paired with black trousers.
The Slade singer, who co-wrote Merry Xmas Everybody with bassist Jim Lea, looked gleeful as he looked at Cartier through the window.
The single was Slade’s sixth and final UK number one and was rumored to bring in up to £500,000 in royalties a year.
The band formed in 1966 in Wolverhampton with drummer Don Powell and violinist/bassist Jim Lea alongside Holder and Dave Hill.
They went on to become one of the biggest British rock bands of the 1970s, enjoying huge success with six number one singles.
Their biggest hit was Merry Christmas Everybody in 1973, with the memorable chorus: ‘So here it is, Merry Christmas/Everybody’s having fun…’
Everyone’s having fun: that’s right, it’s Noddy Holder from Slade! (photo left in 1970)
Classic: It may not be ‘Christmaaaaaaaaaas’, but that didn’t stop Holder from donning one of his signature scarves with beloved wife Suzan Price in Manchester on Thursday
Acknowledged: A young fan stopped to chat with the rocker, no doubt talking about his hit song
Low key: The musician opted for a more understated look than his flamboyant 1970s glam rock style, adding a khaki jacket that he paired with black trousers
Pricey buy: The Slade singer, who co-wrote Merry Xmas Everybody with bassist Jim Lea, looked cheerful as he looked at Cartier through the window
Holder and Lea left the band in 1992, while Hill and Powell continued to perform as Slade with a variety of other singers and musicians.
But in 2020, Powell said he was fired from the band. He claimed Hill fired him without warning by email, something Hill denies.
And in 2015, Holder said, “It saddens me that the four guys who were in Slade can’t get together and sit around the dinner table.
“Five years ago I got the four of us together to voice our grievances, but it was too painful.”
Holder and Hill sparked speculation that the band was reforming when they posted a photo together in February.
The singer and guitarist posed for a photo taken by Holder’s author wife Suzan, which she uploaded to Instagram.
She captioned the image: ‘Lunch today. I won’t answer any further questions.’
Holder and Hill have not performed together since Holder left the band in 1992. He has since said it would be a “miracle” to get all four original members back together.
Legendary: Slade, studio group portrait, London, 1975. Clockwise from bottom left: Dave Hill, Don Powell, Noddy Holder, Jim Lea