Devon label resurrects lost single by group that went on to huge successDon Powell with a poster for the release of the single by his band the ‘N Betweens before they changed their name to Slade. The single has been re-released by Plymouth’s In a Spin Vinyl(Image: Submitted)

A Devon record label has unearthed the origins of one of rock’s greatest bands – and Plymouth’s key role in their rise to stardom.

Plymouth-and-Exeter-based In a Spin Vinyl has rescued and released a single by the ‘N Betweens – the band that would go on to become perennial Christmas favourites Slade.

Before they became Slade and had six number one singles, among 17 consecutive top 20 hits, the ‘N Betweens cut a single called You Better Run, backed by Evil Witchman.

In a Spin, which has been giving new life to early efforts by famous bands such as The Status Quo and The Sweet, has now re-released a seven-inch vinyl of the two ‘N Betweens tracks with a new sleeve design and just 250 copies pressed, making it a collector’s must.

Label bosses even tracked down drummer Don Powell and secured an exclusive interview.

John Griffiths, of In a Spin Vinyl, with new releases of seminal singles by the ‘N Betweens and Tales of Justine(Image: William Telford)

And In A Spin Vinyl co-founder John Griffiths, also of Exeter’s record fair business HDR Music Group, revealed how Britain’s Ocean City played a pivotal role in the formation of the Midlands hitmakers.

“In their garage era there were five of them in the ‘N Betweens with John Howells on vocals,” said John. “They came to Newquay for a week-long gig and John was taken ill.

“They also had a gig in Plymouth and Noddy Holder took over on vocals – John’s days were numbered.

“They were also sharing a rehearsal room with Robert Plant and did think about whether he could take over the vocals, but realised Noddy could do it.”

The ‘N Betweens, later to become Slade. L-R Jim Lea, Dave Hill, Noddy Holder, Don Powell(Image: Submitted)

The classic line-up of Noddy, Don, Jim Lea and Dave Hill went on to enormous success as Slade, and for the re-release of that early ‘N Betweens single, produced by famous American producer Kim Fowley, John Griffiths tracked Don to his home in Denmark and interviewed him for the lavish six-page colour insert.

He said: “Don remembers quite a bit, it was great to chat to him about those times and he was so happy someone was going to do this (re-release the single).”

The single had originally come out in 1966 and Don said: “I’m very proud of these tracks, people from the time still often talk about them.

“It’ll be interesting to see the reaction to its release again and with new packaging. If I remember, it was quite a decent recording.”

The Tales of Justine and ‘N Betweens singles, re-released by In a Spin Vinyl, come in lavish packaging with new sleeves and inserts(Image: William Telford)

In A Spin Vinyl has made a huge name for itself with music fans by finding and re-releasing four forgotten singles by key 1960s artists each year.

Set up by John and Plymouth brothers Jon and Rob Way, with help from Claire Rayner, it aims to reissue two classic pop nuggets as new seven-inch records twice a year.

The first releases, in 2024, were by blues singer Duffy Power, an early effort from pre-Quo group The Traffic Jam, The Primitives and Apostolic Intervention. In April this year it re-issued early work by The Status Quo and The Sweet.

Now, along with the ‘N Betweens single, it has brought out another forgotten 1960s gem: Tales of Justine’s single Albert, backed with Monday Morning.

The three-piece, from Hertfordshire, featured frontman David Daltry – cousin of The Who singer Roger Daltry.

The psychedelic single is described as “fabulous” and “rare” was recorded in the studio by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who would go on to become titans of musical theatre with offerings such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Session bassist John Paul Jones even played on it – before going on to join Led Zeppelin. But it was a flop.

However, the Tales of Justine original is now highly collectable, selling, like all the original singles saved by In a Spin, for anything from £400 to £600.

The In a Spin re-release comes in a die-cut picture sleeve with a four-page colour insert, and a promo pin badge for the first 75 sold.

Priced £18, as is the ‘N Betweens waxing, both are available from https://www.inaspinvinyl.co.uk/

The cover image of a sunflower on the Tales of Justine record was created by Bristol-based designer Eva Holder.

The records are pressed by Plymouth’s DMS Vinyl, with sleeves printed by VertiWorks Design and Print in Bridport. In A Spin Vinyl is planning its next two releases in Spring 2026.

Click here to join PlymouthLive on WhatsApp and we’ll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .