| Revision as of 10:52, 10 March 2005 edit210.50.178.125 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 11:07, 10 March 2005 edit undo210.50.178.125 (talk)No edit summaryNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{mergefrom}} ] | |||
| '''Sweet''' (referred to as "'''The Sweet'''" on one album) were a popular ] ] group of the ]. | '''Sweet''' (referred to as "'''The Sweet'''" on one album) were a popular ] ] group of the ]. | ||
| Although Sweet were largely known for their Glam image and several teeny bop anthem top 40 singles, they were nevertheless a fine hard rock/pop act that released some excellent albums throughout a 10 year career. At their peak in the 1970s, Sweet had sold 50 million records worldwide. Such was their domination of the charts in Europe that the band had 8 number 1 singles in Germany with |
Although Sweet were largely known for their Glam image and several teeny bop anthem top 40 singles, they were nevertheless a fine hard rock/pop act that released some excellent albums throughout a 10 year career. At their peak in the 1970s, Sweet had sold 50 million records worldwide. Such was their domination of the charts in Europe that the band had 8 number 1 singles in Germany with pop orientated tunes as '''‘Co Co’''', '''‘Little Willy’''', '''‘Wig Wam Bam’''' before the success continued apace with the rock anthems '''‘Blockbuster’''', '''‘Hellraiser’''', '''‘Ballroom Blitz’''', '''‘Teenage Rampage’''' and '''‘Fox On The Run’'''. Worldwide, Sweet scored 16 top 40 hit singles during an 8 year period. | ||
| Sweet consisted of ] Brian Connolly, ] Michael Tucker, ] Steve Priest, and ] ]. A product of the very successful ] songwriting team (]/ ]), Sweet are perhaps best remembered for their outrageous stage gear - glitter and platform boots and heavy makeup - practically defining the camp extreme of the ] look. Scott would later say it only happened because they needed an excuse to meet ''Top Of The Pops'' dancers ] and figured that going to the ] room was a good method of doing so. | Sweet consisted of ] Brian Connolly, ] Michael Tucker, ] Steve Priest, and ] ]. A product of the very successful ] songwriting team (]/ ]), Sweet are perhaps best remembered for their outrageous stage gear - glitter and platform boots and heavy makeup - practically defining the camp extreme of the ] look. Scott would later say it only happened because they needed an excuse to meet ''Top Of The Pops'' dancers ] and figured that going to the ] room was a good method of doing so. | ||
| Line 11: | Line 9: | ||
| Formed during 1968 in London by members from UK group Wainwright's Gentleman, ] Brian Connolly and ] Mick Tucker, as Sweetshop, they soon added bassist Steve Priest and guitarist Frank Torpy and shortened the band's name to Sweet. | Formed during 1968 in London by members from UK group Wainwright's Gentleman, ] Brian Connolly and ] Mick Tucker, as Sweetshop, they soon added bassist Steve Priest and guitarist Frank Torpy and shortened the band's name to Sweet. | ||
| After signing to Fontana and releasing a unsuccessfull single ‘Slow Motion', Torpy quit and guitarist Mick Stewart subsequently joined. Sweet then signed to Parlophone, releasing three successive singles, which failed to chart. Stewart then left and was replaced by ex-Elastic Band guitarist ]. | After signing to Fontana and releasing a unsuccessfull single '''‘Slow Motion'''', Torpy quit and guitarist Mick Stewart subsequently joined. Sweet then signed to Parlophone, releasing three successive singles, which failed to chart. Stewart then left and was replaced by ex-Elastic Band guitarist ]. | ||
| In March of 1971 Sweet's 'Funny Funny’ single became their first British hit, climbing to number 13. This was to herald no less than 15 hit singles in a row; the most successful being their first UK number 1 top 40 hit 'Blockbuster'. | In March of 1971 Sweet's ''''Funny Funny’''' single became their first British hit, climbing to number 13. This was to herald no less than 15 hit singles in a row; the most successful being their first UK number 1 top 40 hit ''''Blockbuster''''. | ||
| As the group's popularity grew, Sweet put in a heavy schedule of TV promotional appearances, including numerous ‘Top Of The Pops' slots, and soon picked up an eager teenage audience. The band capitalised on the Glam explosion, rivalling ], ] and ] for outrageous stage gear. | As the group's popularity grew, Sweet put in a heavy schedule of TV promotional appearances, including numerous ‘Top Of The Pops' slots, and soon picked up an eager teenage audience. The band capitalised on the Glam explosion, rivalling ], ] and ] for outrageous stage gear. | ||
| From 1971 to 1974 the band employed the services of songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who also wrote at the time for ] and ]. The duo penned the majority of Sweet's big hit singles. The band themselves only started to take the songwriting reins from the 'Sweet Fanny Adams' album onwards, ironically giving Sweet their first top 40 chart album and proving that beneath all the |
From 1971 to 1974 the band employed the services of songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who also wrote at the time for ] and ]. The duo penned the majority of Sweet's early big hit singles. The band themselves only started to take the songwriting reins from the ''''Sweet Fanny Adams'''' album onwards, ironically giving Sweet their first top 40 chart album and proving that beneath all the glamour there was a heavy rock band of considerable talent. | ||
| Many writers feel that '''‘Sweet Fanny Adams’''', released in 1974, to be the band’s first legitimate album as further chart success with '''‘Teenage Rampage’''' promoted the record and another album track, ''''Peppermint Twist'''', gave the band a no.1 single in Australia. | |||
| A second album was released during 1974, called |
A second album was released during 1974, called ‘'''Desolation Boulevard’'''. Sweet had also gained public praise from The Who's guitarist, ]. Unfortunately, in June of 1974 Brian Connnolly was attacked prior to the group going on as support to ] at Charlton Athletic’s Football Ground ‘The Valley’, and had to take time out from singing as his throat was badly bruised. | ||
| In late 1974, Sweet dropped their Glam image in favour of a more conventional hard rock appearance. Sweet were now concentrating on proving their musical talents on album tracks. | In late 1974, Sweet dropped their Glam image in favour of a more conventional hard rock appearance. Sweet were now concentrating on proving their musical talents on album tracks. | ||
| During 1976, Sweet attempted to |
During 1976, Sweet attempted to gain popularity America promoting their '''‘Give Us A Wink'''' album with a heavy schedule of over 50 dates and at one point played with ] in a tribute to mark the death of ] guitarist ]. | ||
| The 1976 and 1977 years featured Sweet as a heavy metal pop act. Albums such as ''''Give Us a Wink'''', and ''''Off the Record'''', were undoubtedly |
The 1976 and 1977 years featured Sweet as a album orientated heavy metal pop act. Albums such as ''''Give Us a Wink'''', and ''''Off the Record'''', were undoubtedly Sweet's heaviest studio albums. | ||
| Sweet split from from RCA in late 1977. The first album for new label Polydor, '''‘Level Headed’''', found Sweet experimenting with classical music, which was |
Sweet split from from RCA in late 1977. The first album for new label Polydor, '''‘Level Headed’''', found Sweet experimenting with classical music, which was an approach not dissimilar to UK band ]. The band undertook a successful British tour in early 1978. '''Love is Like Oxygen''' was their last UK hit in 1978. | ||
| In ] Brian Connolly left the band under acrimonious circumstances and neither he nor the band fully recovered. Brian was particularly suffering from the effects of substantial ] intake. Brian suffered several ]s at the height of his excess. | In ] Brian Connolly left the band under acrimonious circumstances and neither he nor the band fully recovered. Brian was particularly suffering from the effects of substantial ] intake. Brian suffered several ]s at the height of his excess. | ||
| Line 35: | Line 33: | ||
| Before Connelly announced his departure in February 1979, his vocals were wiped from the recorded material for the ensuing '''‘Cut Above The Rest'''' album and Sweet continued on as a trio, with Scott and Priest now handling lead vocals. Sweet finally disbanded in 1982. | Before Connelly announced his departure in February 1979, his vocals were wiped from the recorded material for the ensuing '''‘Cut Above The Rest'''' album and Sweet continued on as a trio, with Scott and Priest now handling lead vocals. Sweet finally disbanded in 1982. | ||
| In 1988, Sweet briefly re-formed to complete a video musical documentary. Some re-worked studio versions of '''Action''', and '''Ballroom Blitz''' |
In 1988, Sweet briefly re-formed to complete a video musical documentary. Some re-worked studio versions of '''Action''', and '''Ballroom Blitz''' were also recorded. | ||
| Brian died from ] failure in ] having been content in his final years to appear in retrospective documentaries to demonstrate the damage he had inflicted upon himself. | Brian Connolly died from ] failure in ] having been content in his final years to appear in retrospective documentaries to demonstrate the damage he had inflicted upon himself. | ||
| Mick Tucker died in ] from ] at the age of 54. | Mick Tucker died in ] from ] at the age of 54. | ||
| Andy Scott continues to tour as the only remaining member of Sweet. Steve Priest is now a session musician. | Andy Scott continues to tour as the only remaining member of Sweet. Steve Priest is now a Los Angeles session musician and recording engineer. | ||
| == Discography == | == Discography == | ||
Revision as of 11:07, 10 March 2005
Sweet (referred to as "The Sweet" on one album) were a popular British glam rock group of the 1970s.
Although Sweet were largely known for their Glam image and several teeny bop anthem top 40 singles, they were nevertheless a fine hard rock/pop act that released some excellent albums throughout a 10 year career. At their peak in the 1970s, Sweet had sold 50 million records worldwide. Such was their domination of the charts in Europe that the band had 8 number 1 singles in Germany with pop orientated tunes as ‘Co Co’, ‘Little Willy’, ‘Wig Wam Bam’ before the success continued apace with the rock anthems ‘Blockbuster’, ‘Hellraiser’, ‘Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Teenage Rampage’ and ‘Fox On The Run’. Worldwide, Sweet scored 16 top 40 hit singles during an 8 year period.
Sweet consisted of singer Brian Connolly, drummer Michael Tucker, bassist Steve Priest, and guitarist Andy Scott. A product of the very successful Chinnichap songwriting team (Nicky Chinn/ Mike Chapman), Sweet are perhaps best remembered for their outrageous stage gear - glitter and platform boots and heavy makeup - practically defining the camp extreme of the glam rock look. Scott would later say it only happened because they needed an excuse to meet Top Of The Pops dancers Pan's People and figured that going to the make-up room was a good method of doing so.
History
Formed during 1968 in London by members from UK group Wainwright's Gentleman, vocalist Brian Connolly and drummer Mick Tucker, as Sweetshop, they soon added bassist Steve Priest and guitarist Frank Torpy and shortened the band's name to Sweet.
After signing to Fontana and releasing a unsuccessfull single ‘Slow Motion', Torpy quit and guitarist Mick Stewart subsequently joined. Sweet then signed to Parlophone, releasing three successive singles, which failed to chart. Stewart then left and was replaced by ex-Elastic Band guitarist Andy Scott.
In March of 1971 Sweet's 'Funny Funny’ single became their first British hit, climbing to number 13. This was to herald no less than 15 hit singles in a row; the most successful being their first UK number 1 top 40 hit 'Blockbuster'.
As the group's popularity grew, Sweet put in a heavy schedule of TV promotional appearances, including numerous ‘Top Of The Pops' slots, and soon picked up an eager teenage audience. The band capitalised on the Glam explosion, rivalling Gary Glitter, Wizzard and Slade for outrageous stage gear.
From 1971 to 1974 the band employed the services of songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who also wrote at the time for Mud and Suzi Quatro. The duo penned the majority of Sweet's early big hit singles. The band themselves only started to take the songwriting reins from the 'Sweet Fanny Adams' album onwards, ironically giving Sweet their first top 40 chart album and proving that beneath all the glamour there was a heavy rock band of considerable talent.
Many writers feel that ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, released in 1974, to be the band’s first legitimate album as further chart success with ‘Teenage Rampage’ promoted the record and another album track, 'Peppermint Twist', gave the band a no.1 single in Australia.
A second album was released during 1974, called ‘Desolation Boulevard’. Sweet had also gained public praise from The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend. Unfortunately, in June of 1974 Brian Connnolly was attacked prior to the group going on as support to The Who at Charlton Athletic’s Football Ground ‘The Valley’, and had to take time out from singing as his throat was badly bruised.
In late 1974, Sweet dropped their Glam image in favour of a more conventional hard rock appearance. Sweet were now concentrating on proving their musical talents on album tracks.
During 1976, Sweet attempted to gain popularity America promoting their ‘Give Us A Wink' album with a heavy schedule of over 50 dates and at one point played with Ritchie Blackmore in a tribute to mark the death of Free guitarist Paul Kossoff.
The 1976 and 1977 years featured Sweet as a album orientated heavy metal pop act. Albums such as 'Give Us a Wink', and 'Off the Record', were undoubtedly Sweet's heaviest studio albums.
Sweet split from from RCA in late 1977. The first album for new label Polydor, ‘Level Headed’, found Sweet experimenting with classical music, which was an approach not dissimilar to UK band ELO. The band undertook a successful British tour in early 1978. Love is Like Oxygen was their last UK hit in 1978.
In 1979 Brian Connolly left the band under acrimonious circumstances and neither he nor the band fully recovered. Brian was particularly suffering from the effects of substantial alcohol intake. Brian suffered several cardiac arrests at the height of his excess.
Before Connelly announced his departure in February 1979, his vocals were wiped from the recorded material for the ensuing ‘Cut Above The Rest' album and Sweet continued on as a trio, with Scott and Priest now handling lead vocals. Sweet finally disbanded in 1982.
In 1988, Sweet briefly re-formed to complete a video musical documentary. Some re-worked studio versions of Action, and Ballroom Blitz were also recorded.
Brian Connolly died from liver failure in 1997 having been content in his final years to appear in retrospective documentaries to demonstrate the damage he had inflicted upon himself.
Mick Tucker died in 2002 from leukaemia at the age of 54.
Andy Scott continues to tour as the only remaining member of Sweet. Steve Priest is now a Los Angeles session musician and recording engineer.
Discography
- Gimme Dat Ding (1 side only), 1971
- Funny How Sweet CoCo Can Be, 1971
- Biggest hits, 1972
- Sweet Fanny Adams, 1974
- Desolation Boulevard, 1974
- Strung Up (Double Album), 1975
- Sweet Singles Album, 1975 (released in Australia)
- Give Us A Wink, 1976
- Off The Record, 1977
- Level Headed, 1978
- Cut Above The Rest, 1979
- Water's Edge, 1980
- Identity Crisis, 1982
Hit singles
- 1971 "Funny Funny" #13 UK
- 1971 "Co-Co" #2 UK
- 1971 "Alexander Graham Bell" #31 UK
- 1972 "Poppa Joe" #11 UK
- 1972 "Little Willy" #4 UK; #3 US (1973 release)
- 1972 "Wig-Wam Bam" #4 UK
- 1973 "Blockbuster" #1 UK
- 1973 "Hell Raiser" #2 UK
- 1973 "The Ballroom Blitz" #2 UK; #5 US (1975 release)
- 1974 "Teenage Rampage" #2 UK
- 1974 "The Six Teens" #9 UK
- 1975 "Fox on the Run" #2 UK; #5 US (1976 release)
- 1975 "Action" #15 UK; #20 US (1976 release)
- 1976 "The Lies in Your Eyes" #35 UK
- 1977 "Fever of Love" #8 Germany
- 1978 "Love is Like Oxygen" #9 UK; #8 US