Slade: C'est La Vie Single (1982)

Slade’s Kamikaze Waltz

released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on November 19, 1982, Slade’s “(And Now - The Waltz) C’est La Vie” on RCA (catalogue: RCA 291 / PB 68015) was backed with “Merry Xmas Everybody (Live & Kickin’)” by Slade & The Assorted Nutters Choir, this sweeping ballad and raucous live B-side (both written by Lea, Holder), were issued as the lead single from The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome (and later Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply). It peaked at No. 50 on the UK Singles Chart for 7 weeks. Issued in standard, German, Dutch, Australian, Irish, and Irish mispress variants, mastered by Porky, it’s a dramatic ‘82 glam reissue pair.

Single Overview

A-Side: “(And Now - The Waltz) C’est La Vie”

Written-By – Lea, Holder. Producer – Jimmy Lea (for Perseverance Ltd.).

B-Side: “Merry Xmas Everybody (Live & Kickin’)”

Written-By – Lea, Holder. Producer – Slade. Performed with The Assorted Nutters Choir.

Release Details:

Label: RCA (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Paper Four-Prong

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – RCA Ltd.

Copyright © – RCA Ltd.

Published By – Whild John Music Ltd. (A), Barn Publishing (Slade) Ltd. (B).

Marketed By – RCA Ltd.

Produced For – Perseverance Ltd.

Mastered By – Porky (5).

Picture Sleeve ©1982 RCA Ltd.

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7" Single

RCA – RCA 291, PB 68015

Standard release as above

Released November 19, 1982. 7-inch standard.

Country Variations:

The single was released in several countries, all commercial, with the same tracks

Germany (RCA PB 68015)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo. Picture Sleeve

Netherlands (RCA RCA-291)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo. Picture Sleeve

Australia (RCA Victor 104099 / RCA 104099)

Vinyl, 7", Single, 45 RPM. Company Sleeve

Ireland (RCA RCA 291 / PB 68015)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single. Company Sleeve

Ireland (RCA RCA 291 / PB 68015)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress – B-side label present but no track cut (some correct versions exist). Company Sleeve

Production and Context

Produced by Jimmy Lea (A, for Perseverance Ltd.) and Slade (B). Lead single from The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome (1983) and US counterpart Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply (1984). A-side a dramatic waltz-ballad, B-side a live festive anthem with choir. Kerrang! called it “indispensable,” Sounds praised its “sweeping grandeur” and “festive fury.”

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 50 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 7 weeks.

Entry Date: November 27, 1982.

Peak: No. 50 (December 4, 1982).

Weeks on Chart: 7 (Nov 27, 1982 – Jan 8, 1983).

Chart Run: No. 67 (Nov 27), No. 50 (Dec 4), No. 55 (Dec 11), No. 56 (Dec 18), No. 64 (Dec 25), No. 64 (Jan 1), No. 85 (Jan 8).

Legacy and Collectibility

“C’est La Vie” is a soaring glam ballad, “Merry Xmas Live” pure holiday chaos. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch £3–£8 on eBay/Discogs, Irish mispress (£15–£30). Verify Porky mastering and mispress B-side. Streams on Spotify via The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome. This waltz-to-festive romp is a must-have for Slade ballad and live fans.

Have you waltzed to this Slade C’est La Vie? Does the live Xmas still bring the house down? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube.