Sweeney Todd (band)

Sweeney Todd

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975
Headquarters	Vancouver , Canada
Products	Albums, singles

Sweeney Todd is a glam rock ensemble originating from Vancouver, Canada, established in 1975. Their discography includes two albums: the debut featured original frontman Nick Gilder, who soon departed to embark on a solo path, while the follow-up showcased his 16-year-old successor Bryan Adams, who later gained worldwide acclaim as a solo artist.

Overview

The initial lineup consisted of lead singer Nick Gilder, guitarist Jim McCulloch, bassist Budd Marr, keyboardist Dan Gaudin, and drummer John Booth. Their track "Roxy Roller" held the top position on the Canadian RPM singles chart for three consecutive weeks starting June 26, 1976, and earned them a Juno Award.

Both Gilder and McCulloch exited to focus on individual careers; Gilder subsequently found success with hits such as "Hot Child in the City", "Here Comes the Night", and "(You Really) Rock Me". Clark Perry stepped in as vocalist, and Skip Prest took over guitar duties. Perry recorded an alternate version of "Roxy Roller" but was soon replaced by a then 16-year-old Bryan Adams. This formation produced a third rendition of "Roxy Roller" as well as Sweeney Todd's sophomore album, If Wishes Were Horses, which did not achieve commercial success. Adams left the group within a year.

In 1978, the band attempted to continue with Chris Booth on vocals and Grant Gislason replacing Prest on guitar; however, they disbanded before producing further recordings.

Sweeney Todd reunited in 2000, releasing The Sweeney Todd LP and embarking on a nationwide Canadian tour. In 2007 and 2008, they appeared alongside former vocalist Nick Gilder at prominent festivals in British Columbia, including Golden Spike Days in Port Moody and Merritt Mountain Musicfest.

After the breakup

Following his departure from the band, Nick Gilder pursued a solo career that yielded the 1978 hit "Hot Child in the City".

Clark Perry briefly succeeded Gilder as lead singer before being replaced by the youthful Bryan Adams at age 16. Adams eventually left to develop a prosperous solo career with collaborator Jim Vallance, with his album Reckless achieving sales of 12 million copies.

After Adams' exit, 17-year-old Christopher Saint Booth joined but soon left as the band dissolved. Booth transitioned into composing film scores, notably for Angels of Passion. The song "Ulterior Motives", co-created with his twin brother Philip, gained viral popularity in the early 2020s as an exemplar of Lostwave music.

The group reassembled in 2000 featuring original vocalist Nick Gilder and continues to perform.

Discography

Albums

• Sweeney Todd (1975) – Peaked at #3 on Canadian RPM Album chart
• If Wishes Were Horses (1977) – Reached #78 on Canadian RPM Album chart

Singles

• "Sweeney Todd Folder" (1976) – Canada #36
• "Roxy Roller" (1976) – Canada #1, U.S. #90
• "Say Hello, Say Goodbye" (1976) – Canada #75
• "If Wishes Were Horses" (1977) – Canada #59