“Look Wot You Dun” marked another glittering success for the British glam rock giants Slade. Following the chart-topping “Coz I Luv You”, this single cemented the band’s reputation for crafting powerful, playful, and infectious rock tunes.
Written by Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, and Don Powell, the song perfectly captures Slade’s signature blend of driving rhythm, catchy melodies, and witty wordplay — all wrapped in the deliberately misspelled title that became a hallmark of their style.
Slade – Look Wot You Dun
At the time of its release, Slade were on the verge of superstardom. With “Look Wot You Dun”, they built upon the momentum of their earlier hits by blending heavy rock riffs with irresistible pop hooks.
The song’s playful lyrics tell the story of love gone wrong — but in true Slade fashion, it’s delivered with more fun than sorrow. Noddy Holder’s gravelly, powerful vocals drive the emotion home, while Jim Lea’s multi-instrumental talent shines through on piano, bass, and electric violin.
Interestingly, “Look Wot You Dun” was one of the few Slade tracks to feature keyboard work prominently, showing the band’s willingness to experiment beyond their usual hard rock sound.
Musically, the song balances boogie rock energy with glam flair. The crunchy guitar riff, pounding drums, and Holder’s commanding voice make it instantly recognizable.
The track’s title — intentionally misspelled like many Slade hits — reflected their connection to British working-class humor and slang, making their songs feel authentic and approachable.
It’s the kind of track that begs for audience participation — a trademark Slade achievement.
“Look Wot You Dun” was written in Jim Lea’s mother’s living room, showcasing the band’s DIY approach to songwriting.
The title was intentionally misspelled, a trend Slade would continue with hits like “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” and “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me.”
The track’s music video, filmed for Top of the Pops, became one of their most iconic early TV appearances.
It appeared on the compilation album Sladest (1973), which hit #1 in the UK.
The song was later covered by several European artists, proving its lasting popularity beyond Britain.
