Slade: Merry Xmas Everybody Single (1974)

A Merry Xmas Flame Repress

Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single repress with picture sleeve in the UK on November 16, 1974, on Polydor (catalogue: 2058 422). Backed with “Don’t Blame Me,” this festive glam-rock anthem and gritty B-side (both written by Lea, Holder, produced by Chas Chandler), were reissued in a unique sleeve tied to Slade In Flame film promotion. No chart entry on this repress. Issued in plastic injection solid centre, picture sleeve with title misspelled “Merry Christmas Everybody” on cover but “Merry Xmas Everybody” on label, it’s a cheeky ‘70s holiday reissue.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Merry Xmas Everybody”

Written-By – Lea, Holder. Producer – Chas Chandler.

B-Side: “Don’t Blame Me”

Written-By – Lea, Holder. Producer – Chas Chandler.

Release Details:

Label: Polydor (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Printed By – Delga Press Limited.

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7" Single

Repress, Picture Sleeve, Plastic Injection Solid Centre (2058 422)

A: “Merry Xmas Everybody” – Written-By – Lea, Holder – Producer – Chas Chandler

B: “Don’t Blame Me” – Written-By – Lea, Holder – Producer – Chas Chandler

Notes: 70's repress housed in picture cover. Photos on front taken late 1974 for Slade In Flame (cinemas early 1975). Sleeve title incorrectly spelled “Merry Christmas Everybody”; record label reads “Merry Xmas Everybody”. One of 13 singles from the promo box set “Polydor Christmas Hit Kit” (late 1974), all in unique picture covers.

Country Variations:

UK (Polydor 2058 422)

Released November 16, 1974. 7-inch repress with picture sleeve.

Japan (Polydor DP 1953)

1974. 7-inch, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo.

Spain (Polydor 2058 422)

1974. 7-inch, 45 RPM, Single.

Production and Context:

Written by Noddy Holder & Jim Lea, produced by Chas Chandler. Originally a 1973 #1 smash, this 1974 repress tied into Slade In Flame film promo with new sleeve photos. Part of the “Polydor Christmas Hit Kit” box set with 12 other artists (Eric Clapton, Rubettes, Hollies, etc.), each in exclusive picture sleeves. Sleeve printed by Delga Press Limited.

Chart Performance:

No UK chart entry for this repress.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Merry Xmas Everybody” is the ultimate glam Christmas anthem, “Don’t Blame Me” a raw B-side rocker. Original UK repress picture sleeve vinyls fetch £5–£15 on eBay/Discogs, full “Polydor Christmas Hit Kit” box (£100+). Verify catalogue 2058 422 and sleeve/label title mismatch.

Streams on Spotify via Slade compilations keep the holiday spirit alive. This Flame-era repress is a must-have for Slade completists and ‘70s glam collectors.

Have you unwrapped this Slade Xmas repress in your collection? Does the sleeve spelling blunder make you chuckle? 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.