Slade’s Noddy Holder Among the First Patients to Undergo New Chemotherapy Regimen

Slade’s Noddy Holder Reflects on His Cancer Journey

Slade’s Noddy Holder shared that he was among the first patients in the UK to receive a “new chemotherapy regimen” that ultimately saved his life.

The band’s frontman was given a prognosis of six months to live following his diagnosis of esophageal cancer in 2018. However, he has since made a remarkable recovery after undergoing groundbreaking treatment at a hospital in Manchester.

During an interview with BBC Breakfast, Holder noted that he was one of the early recipients in the UK of a novel chemotherapy specifically aimed at his type of adenocarcinoma.

“Fortunately for me, I’m still here five years later,” he remarked on the show. An NHS spokesperson contributed: “There are various forms of esophageal cancer, and Noddy had a type of adenocarcinoma that we believed might respond positively to this new chemotherapy.”

Overcoming Challenges with a Positive Attitude

Reflecting on his diagnosis and treatment during a segment on Sky News, Holder expressed concern for his family and their reactions rather than his own. He recounted visiting Christie’s Hospital in Manchester, saying, “Well, it’s been six months? Is this all? Is this the end of the road?”

“They mentioned that the only option was an experimental treatment that had never been tried on anyone over 60, given its significant difficulty.” He continued, “However, the doctor encouraged me, stating that my positive outlook and mindset could aid in my battle. He asked if I was ready for the challenge, to which I replied, ‘What choice do I have?…’ I went for it. It was tough, really tough, but five years later, I’m still standing.”

Holiday Traditions and Musical Inspirations

Holder also shared that he wakes his wife every Christmas morning by exclaiming the famous line “It’s Christmas” from Slade’s 1973 holiday classic “Merry Xmas Everybody.”

In an interview on BBC Breakfast, his wife Susan Holder revealed that he makes a cup of tea before waking the whole house and neighbors with his festive cheer.

Last year, Holder disclosed the true inspiration behind the song, which drew some influence from the success of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Merry Christmas (War Is Over).” He described the recording as “the hardest song we’ve ever had to create,” especially after bandmate Don Powell had to relearn drumming following a near-fatal car accident in Wolverhampton earlier that year.