The annual Slade Convention, held this year at Wolverhampton Arts Centre, was opened by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Paul Singh. Chris Selby of Wolverhampton Music Heritage CIC outlined the background to the plans for a monument to celebrate the town’s most famous sons along with the wider music scene from the late 60s onwards.
The mayor then stepped up to talk of his own experiences with Slade and recognising their importance to the music scene, and their enduring legacy. He then unveiled the concept drawing created by local sculptor Luke Perry. The statue is set to be an imposing 3m square set up of layered slabs.
Black Country sculptor Luke Perry may already be known to rock fans having already created the Phillip Lynott statue that was unveiled in 2021 in West Bromwich to recognise the birthplace of the Thin LIzzy frontman.
Selby, along with Andy Boden and Phil Dann of CIC then fielded questions from fans whose response was overwhelmingly positive. Following the presentation, the fundraising website was launched as they seek to raise the £31,000.00 needed to make the monument a reality. Through donations, auctions and other fundraising activities, the CIC hope to raise funds quick enough to get production underway for an unveiling ceremony to tie in with the 2027 Slade Convention weekend.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/8WO0wKvn
