Slade drummer Don Powell claims he was fired by email after almost six decades of partnership

The drummer in Slade, Don Powell, has claimed his bandmate Dave Hill fired him in a “cold email”, following almost six decades of partnership.

Slade, which first formed in 1964, was one of the most successful bands of the glam rock era.

A statement on Powell’s website reads: “It is with great sadness and regret that Don needs to inform his fans that he now is no longer a member of Dave Hill’s Slade. Dave has sent Don a cold email to inform him that his services are no longer required, after working together and being friends since 1963.”

Hill disputes Powell’s claim, writing on Facebook: “I am sad to announce that Don and I will no longer be working together. Our parting of the ways has not come out of the blue and his announcement is not accurate.”

He added: “I wish Don every success in his future efforts. I will, of course, carry on and look forward to many future performances and meeting fans.”

When Slade first formed, Powell and Hill were original members alongside Noddy Holder and Jim Lea.

Unusually for a rock band, their Seventies Christmas song “Merry Xmas Everybody” became one of their biggest hits.

They secured six UK No 1 singles between 1971 and 1973, with 16 top 10 hits in total across their career.

Different musicians have joined and left the band over the years and, after a short split in 1992 when Holder and Lea left, Powell and Hill continued with other new members.

Powell has also announced a new Slade rival, called Don Powell’s Slade and featuring the band’s former bassist Craig Fenney.