| Little Sheila | |
| Cover: | Sladesingle-littlesheila.jpeg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Slade |
| Album: | Rogues Gallery |
| Released: | April 1985 |
| Genre: | Electronic rock |
| Length: | 3:56 |
| Producer: | John Punter |
| Prev Title: | Myzsterious Mizster Jones |
| Prev Year: | 1985 |
| Next Title: | Do You Believe in Miracles |
| Next Year: | 1985 |
"Little Sheila" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1985 as the fourth and final single from the band's twelfth studio album, Rogues Gallery. The song was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by John Punter.
In North America, "Little Sheila" was released by CBS as the album's only single. The song received strong airplay in the US, and reached number 13 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart and number 16 on the Radio & Records AOR Tracks chart. "Little Sheila" was also the band's last entry on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached number 86.[1] In Germany, the song was issued by RCA as the fourth and final single from Rogues Gallery.
The song's music video was directed by Nick Morris and produced by Scott Millaney and Fiona O'Mahoney.[2] It achieved breakout rotation on MTV.[3]
The video features the band performing the song as part of a stage play, The Tragedy of Little Sheila, which follows the story of the titular character. The video is broken down into five acts:[4]
Guitarist Dave Hill borrowed his old trademark "Superyob" guitar from Adam and the Ants' guitarist Marco Pirroni for the video.[5]
Upon its release in the US, Nancy Erlich of Billboard commented, "Proto-metallists are still bashing away, raucous and good-natured as ever."[6] The radio programming guide The Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report remarked, "Predictability and consistency typically present themselves in the form of a double-edged sword – thus any new Slade offering required far more intellectualizing than one might initially realize. After much thought and debate, our experts have concluded that when it comes to power pop dynamics Mr. Holder's unique vocal presentation does in fact make the critical difference. We, therefore, unequivocally advocate prompt and thorough rotation for 'Little Sheila'."[7] Creem noted that Slade "can still knock off the catchy rock ditty, playing hooky as usual with 'Little Sheila'".[8]
7-inch single (North America)[9]
7-inch Single (Germany)[10]
12-inch Single (Germany)[11]
Slade
Production
Other
| Chart (1985) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Top Rock Tracks (Billboard)[12] | 13 | |
| US AOR Tracks (Radio & Records)[13] | 16 |