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The Sweet

From Alfawiki
Sweet
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1968 in London, England
FounderBrian Connolly, Mick Tucker, Steve Priest, Frank Torpey
Headquarters
London
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles
Number of employees
4 (classic lineup)

The Sweet—often simply called Sweet—is a British glam rock group that rose to fame during the 1970s. The band's most recognized lineup consisted of lead singer Brian Connolly, bassist Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott, and drummer Mick Tucker.

Originating in London in 1968 under the name The Sweetshop, they achieved their initial chart success with the 1971 single "Funny, Funny" after partnering with songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman and working with producer Phil Wainman. Their musical approach transitioned from bubblegum pop toward a harder rock style inspired by The Who, distinguished by soaring backing vocals.

During the 1970s, Sweet secured thirteen UK top 20 singles, including the chart-topping "Block Buster!" in 1973 and three back-to-back number-two hits: "Hell Raiser," "The Ballroom Blitz," and "Teenage Rampage." Midway through their career, tracks such as "Turn It Down" showcased a move to a heavier rock sound. The 1975 release "Fox on the Run" also reached number two. The band enjoyed considerable success in West Germany and across continental Europe. In the United States, they achieved top ten placements with "Little Willy," "The Ballroom Blitz," "Fox on the Run," and "Love Is Like Oxygen."

Their final significant international hit was "Love Is Like Oxygen" in 1978. Connolly exited the band in 1979 to embark on a solo path, after which the remaining trio continued until dissolving in 1981. From the mid-1980s onward, Scott, Connolly, and Priest each led their own versions of Sweet independently. Connolly passed away in 1997, Tucker in 2002, and Priest in 2020. Andy Scott remains active with his iteration of the band. Collectively, Sweet has sold over 35 million albums worldwide.

Origins

The roots of The Sweet can be traced to the British soul ensemble Wainwright's Gentlemen, originally known as Unit 4 around 1962. Founding members included Chris Wright (vocals), Jan Frewer (bass), Jim Searle and Alfred Fripp (guitars), with Phil Kenton on drums. Managed by Frewer's father, they performed extensively throughout Hayes, Harrow, Wembley, and London venues such as the Saint Germain Club by 1964.

In January 1964, this group earned fifth place in a nationwide beat group competition at the Lyceum Strand. Chris Wright departed late that year and was succeeded by Ian Gillan; Ann Cully joined as an additional vocalist while Mick Tucker replaced Kenton behind the drum kit. They recorded several tracks including a rendition of "Ain't That Just Like Me," probably in 1965. Gillan left in May 1965 to join Episode Six before later becoming part of Deep Purple. Brian Connolly became their vocalist toward the end of 1966 alongside Tony Hall (saxophone/vocals) and guitarist Gordon Fairminer, who was subsequently replaced by Frank Torpey and then Robin Box. Tucker and Connolly remained until January 1968; Tucker was succeeded by Roger Hills. After Wainwright's Gentlemen disbanded, Hills and Box joined White Plains, known for their hit "My Baby Loves Lovin'."

Early years

In January 1968, Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker established The Sweetshop, bringing on board bassist/vocalist Steve Priest from The Army and guitarist Frank Torpey. Managed by Paul Nicholas—who later gained fame starring in Hair—and produced by Phil Wainman at Mellin Music Publishing, they secured a deal with Fontana Records. Shortly before releasing their debut single, they shortened their name to The Sweet due to another performer named Sweetshop already existing. Their initial single "Slow Motion" (July 1968) did not chart; consequently, the label dropped them and Torpey left after another year of limited progress. According to Priest’s memoir Are You Ready Steve, Gordon Fairminer declined an invitation to rejoin following Torpey’s departure to pursue other interests.

Revised line-up and new recording contract

In 1969, guitarist Mick Stewart joined the group, bringing prior experience from The (Ealing) Redcaps and Simon Scott & The All-Nite Workers. Following Stewart's departure, The Sweet secured a deal with EMI's Parlophone label and released three bubblegum pop singles—"Lollipop Man," "All You'll Ever Get from Me," and a rendition of the Archies' "Get on the Line"—none of which managed to enter the charts. After Stewart exited, the band did not immediately appoint a replacement. Connolly and Tucker connected with producer Phil Wainman, who introduced them to songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. Vocals on "Funny, Funny" were provided by Connolly, Priest, and Tucker, supported by session musicians including Pip Williams and Wainman himself.

The band held auditions for a guitarist and ultimately chose Welsh-born Andy Scott, formerly of Mike McCartney's Scaffold and the Elastic Band. Scott made his live debut with The Sweet on 26 September 1970. The group developed a distinctive style by merging bubblegum pop elements with hard rock influences, combining lush vocal harmonies with distorted guitar sounds—a blend that became their signature and foreshadowed glam metal.

Their first album appearance occurred on the budget label Music for Pleasure with the compilation Gimme Dat Ding (December 1970), which included A- and B-sides from their Parlophone singles. Although Andy Scott was featured on the album cover, he did not perform on the recordings.

Debut album

The Sweet made their first UK television appearance in December 1970 on Lift Off, performing "Funny, Funny." They signed a management agreement with Chinn and Chapman, who also secured an international recording contract with RCA Records (except for North America, where Bell Records handled distribution until late 1973 before Capitol Records took over). Phil Wainman returned as executive producer.

RCA released "Funny, Funny" in March 1971, marking The Sweet’s first global hit by entering the Top 20 in several countries. EMI re-released "All You'll Ever Get from Me" in May 1971; however, it again failed to chart. The next single "Co-Co" (June 1971) climbed to number two in the UK charts, while "Alexander Graham Bell" (October 1971) reached No. 33. These early recordings utilized session musicians for instrumentation while the band contributed vocals.

The Sweet’s inaugural LP, Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be, was issued in November 1971. It featured recent singles alongside fresh compositions from Chinn and Chapman such as "Chop Chop" and "Tom Tom Turnaround," as well as covers including the Lovin' Spoonful’s "Daydream" and the Supremes’ "Reflections." Produced by Phil Wainman at Nova Studios in London, the album had modest chart success.

Emerging success and ascent to prominence

In February 1972, "Poppa Joe" reached number one in Sweden and Finland and peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. Subsequent singles "Little Willy" and "Wig-Wam Bam" both attained No. 4 positions in the UK. After being reissued in 1973, "Little Willy" rose to No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their most successful American single. With "Wig-Wam Bam," The Sweet adopted a harder rock sound by playing all instruments themselves, marking a departure from previous reliance on session musicians. January 1973 saw "Block Buster!" become their inaugural UK No. 1 hit, maintaining that position for five consecutive weeks. Their May release "Hell Raiser" peaked at number two in the UK charts, followed by their first US album release, The Sweet, in July 1973.

To support their singles, The Sweet appeared on television programs across the UK and Europe such as Top of the Pops and Supersonic. A contentious Christmas 1973 performance of "Block Buster!" featured Priest dressed in a German military uniform complete with a Hitler moustache and swastika armband, which provoked complaints. Capitalizing on the glam rock movement, The Sweet competed with contemporaries like Gary Glitter, T. Rex, Queen, Slade, and Wizzard through their extravagant stage costumes.

Despite commercial achievements, friction developed between The Sweet and their management regarding the band's 'bubblegum' image. While Chinn and Chapman crafted bubblegum-style A-sides, The Sweet wrote heavier rock-oriented B-sides to provide contrast. Their live performances predominantly showcased these B-sides, album tracks, and rock medleys rather than earlier novelty hits such as "Funny, Funny" or "Poppa Joe." A concert at Kilmarnock's Palace Theatre in 1973 ended abruptly when the band was pelted offstage—a reaction partly attributed to their glam attire and unfamiliar setlist. This incident inspired their hit "The Ballroom Blitz" released in September 1973. Meanwhile, The Sweet maintained strong chart presence across markets including the UK, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Australia.

Establishing a renewed identity

By the end of 1973, the group abbreviated its name from "The Sweet" to simply "Sweet," a change reflected in all subsequent releases starting in 1974.

Between mid-1973 and early 1974, Sweet grew increasingly dissatisfied with their management duo, Chinn and Chapman, who had been responsible for shaping their glam rock hits and public persona. The band declined the track "Dyna-mite," which later became a UK No. 4 hit for Mud in November 1973. Partnering with producer Phil Wainman and engineer Peter Coleman, Sweet recorded the album Sweet Fanny Adams, released in April 1974. This record showcased self-composed hard rock songs like "Sweet F.A." and "Set Me Free." The band shifted towards a more traditional hard rock style both musically and visually, with tightly layered high-pitched backing vocals becoming a defining characteristic.

During these sessions, frontman Brian Connolly sustained a throat injury from an altercation that severely impaired his singing capabilities. Guitarists Andy Scott and Steve Priest assumed lead vocal duties on several tracks while Connolly completed the album under specialized medical supervision. The band attributed canceled performances to a throat infection, keeping the true cause confidential. This injury reportedly caused a lasting decline in Connolly's vocal range.

No singles from this album were released prior to its launch, and only limited singles were distributed internationally—most notably in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. In Australia, "Peppermint Twist/Rebel Rouser," apparently issued without the band's approval, reached No. 1. Sweet Fanny Adams remains Sweet’s sole non-compilation album to enter the UK Albums Chart Top 40.

Although invited by Pete Townshend to open for The Who at The Valley stadium in June 1974, Sweet withdrew due to Connolly’s vocal injury. The Who continued to be a significant influence on Sweet’s live performances.

Desolation Boulevard

Six months later, in late 1974, Sweet released their third album, Desolation Boulevard. With Mike Chapman replacing Phil Wainman as producer, the recording was completed within six days and captured a rawer, more "live" sound. The album featured "(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm," which included an extended drum solo by Mick Tucker—though this segment was omitted from the US edition—and became a staple of their concerts.

The lead single "The Six Teens," released in July 1974, reached the UK Top 10 and continued Sweet’s streak of No. 1 hits in Denmark. However, the follow-up single "Turn It Down" (November 1974) peaked at No. 41 in the UK and No. 2 in Denmark; it faced limited radio play in Britain due to lyrics considered inappropriate for family audiences. After nearly half a year away from live shows, Sweet resumed performing with Connolly’s voice noticeably rougher and his range diminished. The album also included the group-written song "Fox On The Run," which they later re-recorded.

The American release of Desolation Boulevard differed considerably by incorporating tracks from Sweet Fanny Adams alongside singles like "Ballroom Blitz" and "Fox on the Run," both of which reached No. 5 on US charts. The first side contained Chapman-Chinn compositions, while the second side featured songs written and produced by Sweet themselves.

Taking charge of songwriting and production

In 1975, Sweet re-recorded a more pop-oriented rendition of "Fox on the Run", marking their first single both written and produced independently. Released globally in March 1975, it became their most successful hit—topping charts in Australia, Germany, Denmark, and South Africa; reaching number two in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands; and securing top five positions in Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. In Australia alone, it was the highest-selling single of 1975 and ranked seventh for the entire decade. This milestone signified the end of their formal partnership with Chinn-Chapman as Sweet assumed full control over their creative output.

Their subsequent release was the hard rock single "Action" (July 1975), which climbed to number 15 on UK charts. Confident in their abilities as songwriters and producers, Sweet recorded the Give Us a Wink album at Munich’s Musicland Studios with sound engineer Reinhold Mack. Its release was postponed until 1976 to avoid competing with Desolation Boulevard, which had peaked at number 25 in the US and number five in Canada.

Meanwhile, RCA issued a double album titled Strung Up across Europe in November 1975; this compilation combined a live disc recorded in 1973 with singles plus an unreleased track by Chinn-Chapman. Additionally, Andy Scott launched his debut solo single at year-end with Mick Tucker contributing on drums.

Decrease in Popularity

In January 1976, "The Lies In Your Eyes" achieved Top 10 status across various European nations and Australia, yet only managed to reach number 35 in the United Kingdom. Sweet’s first album produced entirely by themselves, Give Us a Wink, was launched in March 1976. The third single from this album, "4th of July", was released specifically in Australia. This era marked the band's transition from their glam rock roots to a more rugged jeans-and-leather aesthetic.

Seeking to broaden their foothold in the American market, Sweet embarked on a series of fifty headline shows starting in January 1976. Although Give Us a Wink was released during this tour, their performances predominantly featured older tracks such as selections from Desolation Boulevard and the American hit "Action". A memorable moment included a rendition of "All Right Now" alongside Ritchie Blackmore, honoring the late guitarist Paul Kossoff. Unfortunately, low audience turnout forced the cancellation of several concluding concerts on the tour.

Following this, Sweet toured Scandinavia and Germany and recorded demos for new songs at The Who’s Ramport Studios before ultimately shelving that project. They completed eight concerts in Japan, where Connolly’s vocal fatigue from extensive touring became increasingly apparent.

From October 1976 through January 1977, Sweet composed and recorded fresh material for their upcoming album at studios in London. The lead single "Lost Angels" saw limited success, charting only in Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Their album Off the Record was released in April 1977, showcasing a refined hard rock sound infused with Europop influences on singles like "Fever of Love", which achieved moderate European chart positions and reached number 10 in South Africa. The band reunited with engineer Louis Austin but cancelled a planned US tour with Aerosmith and refrained from live performances throughout 1977.

Level Headed and Stylistic Shift

In 1977, Sweet parted ways with RCA and secured a new contract with Polydor, arranged by manager David Walker of Handle Artists, reportedly valued at approximately £750,000. Meanwhile, Capitol Records continued releasing Sweet’s albums in the US, Canada, and Japan from 1974 until 1980.

Their debut Polydor release, Level Headed (January 1978), blended rock with classical influences reminiscent of Electric Light Orchestra, highlighted by the single "Love Is Like Oxygen". Primarily recorded in 1977 at Château d'Hérouville near Paris following a writing retreat at Clearwell Castle in the UK, this album represented a departure from hard rock toward melodic pop enriched with ballads accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. The ballad "Lettres D'Amour" featured a duet between Connolly and Stevie Lange, who later became lead vocalist for Night.

Touring Europe and Scandinavia with session musicians keyboardist Gary Moberley and guitarist Nico Ramsden (Byzantium, Boys Don't Cry), Sweet performed at London's Hammersmith Odeon on 24 February 1978. However, "Love Is Like Oxygen" (January 1978) was the band’s final Top 10 hit in the UK, US, and Germany. Scott earned an Ivor Novello Award nomination for his role co-writing the track. Another single from this period, "California Nights" (May 1978), featuring Steve Priest on lead vocals, peaked at number 23 on the German charts.

Brian Connolly's Departure

From March to May 1978, Sweet embarked on a US tour opening for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. On 3 May, during a performance in Birmingham, Alabama, executives from Capitol Records observed Brian Connolly delivering a drunken and disoriented set that culminated in him collapsing onstage. The band briefly returned to the UK before continuing their American tour, supporting acts such as Foghat and Alice Cooper. By July 1978, Connolly's struggles with alcoholism had intensified, further straining his relationship with the band.

In late October, following additional songwriting sessions at Clearwell Castle, Sweet recorded the album Cut Above the Rest (released April 1979) at The Town House studio in London. Due to concerns over Connolly’s health and diminishing involvement, founding member Mick Tucker took on the role of producer for Connolly’s vocal tracks in an effort to enhance their quality. Despite recording multiple songs with Connolly, the results failed to meet expectations, resulting in his departure from the band on 2 November 1978.

The official announcement of Brian Connolly's exit came on 23 February 1979 via manager David Walker. Publicly, Connolly pursued a solo career with a focus on country rock music.

Sweet as a Trio

Following Connolly's departure, Sweet continued as a three-piece ensemble with Steve Priest handling most lead vocals alongside Andy Scott and Mick Tucker. Their initial single as a trio was "Call Me". Keyboardist Gary Moberley remained a guest musician for live performances, while guitarist Ray McRiner joined them on tour in 1979. Supporting the album Cut Above The Rest (April 1979), they toured alongside Journey and Cheap Trick. McRiner contributed the track "Too Much Talking" and the single "Give The Lady Some Respect" to the album Waters Edge (August 1980), which was recorded in Canada and released in the United States under the title Sweet VI. This record included singles such as "Sixties Man" and "Give The Lady Some Respect". After Mick Tucker suffered the loss of his wife in December 1979, the band suspended live performances throughout 1980.

They produced one more studio album titled Identity Crisis, recorded in London between 1980 and 1981; however, its release was limited to West Germany and Mexico. Following a brief tour in the UK, their final concert took place at Glasgow University on 20 March 1981. Steve Priest returned to his residence in the US where he had been living since late 1979. By the time Polydor issued Identity Crisis in October 1982, the original lineup of Sweet had officially disbanded.

Andy Scott’s Sweet (1985–present)

Andy Scott and Mick Tucker established their own incarnation of Sweet featuring Paul Mario Day (formerly of Iron Maiden) as lead vocalist, Phil Lanzon (ex-Grand Prix) on keyboards, and Mal McNulty handling bass duties. In February 1986, they performed at London’s Marquee Club; recordings from these shows were later released along with four new studio tracks including a rendition of Motown’s "Reach Out I'll Be There". This lineup extensively toured pubs across Australia and New Zealand during 1985 and 1986. Paul Mario Day eventually relocated to Australia and departed from the group by late 1988. Mal McNulty transitioned to frontman, Jeff Brown assumed bass responsibilities early in 1989, while Lanzon divided his time between Sweet and Uriah Heep until the late 1980s. Keyboardists Malcolm Pearson and Ian Gibbons briefly filled in before Steve Mann joined permanently in December 1989.

Due to health complications, Mick Tucker exited after a performance in Austria on 5 May 1991; following short-term replacements, Bodo Schopf took over drumming duties. They recorded the album A, but Schopf left prior to its supporting tour in 1992, leading to Bruce Bisland’s permanent return. After Tucker’s departure, Scott renamed the group 'Andy Scott’s Sweet', later reverting to 'The Sweet' following Tucker’s passing in 2002.

Mal McNulty left his role as lead vocalist in 1994 but occasionally returned for bass or vocal performances through the mid-1990s. Former keyboardists Gary Moberley and Ian Gibbons made guest appearances alongside Chris Goulstone during this period. Chad Brown (formerly of Lionheart) became frontman; during his tenure they released Glitz Blitz and Hitz, an album featuring re-recorded versions of classic hits.

In 1996 Steve Mann departed for television work; Ian Gibbons returned briefly before Steve Grant (ex-The Animals) became permanent keyboardist. After Chad Brown left due to vocal issues in 1998, Jeff Brown took over lead vocals and bass duties, stabilizing the lineup for approximately five years.

The mid-2000s saw more personnel changes: Tony O’Hora replaced Brown as lead singer in 2003; Gibbons briefly returned in 2005; O’Hora left later that year to pursue teaching. Grant shifted from keyboards to front vocals/bass as Lanzon rejoined for tours across Russia and Germany. Mark Thompson Smith (ex-Praying Mantis) joined temporarily for Swedish dates; Jo Burt (ex-Black Sabbath) filled in on bass duties. Tony Mills was announced as singer early in 2006 but departed after six shows; O’Hora and Grant alternated before Peter Lincoln (ex-Sailor) joined permanently in July 2006, completing a lineup featuring Scott, Bisland, Grant, and Lincoln.

Scott produced Suzi Quatro’s album Back to the Drive released February 2006. His own band’s album Sweetlife followed with a US release that March.

In 2007 they toured Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy, and performed their inaugural South American concerts during Brazil’s 'Sweet Fanny Adams Tour'. The following year featured 'Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited' tours along with participation in the UK "Glitz Blitz & 70s Hitz" package alongside The Rubettes and Showaddywaddy.

Scott missed several early-2010 gigs due to prostate cancer treatment but returned to full touring strength later that year with European dates.

A brief Australian tour occurred in March 2011 including shows with The Doobie Brothers. Tony O’Hora rejoined as keyboardist after Steve Grant departed.

March 2012 saw release of New York Connection, recorded in England with eleven cover tracks blending Sweet classics with other artists’ songs—featuring samples from Ramones’ Blitzkrieg Bop, Hello’s New York Groove, and Jay-Z's Empire State Of Mind. The "Join Together" tour introduced these selections live across various Australian cities.

Paul Manzi joined for their Australian tour in 2014 temporarily replacing O’Hora; he performed guitar, keyboard, and lead vocals on select songs during regional appearances including Western Australia and Queensland. Later that year with O’Hora back aboard they headlined "Rock The Boat 4", a cruise event featuring collaborations with notable Australian musicians.

In June 2015 they announced what was likely their final UK tour. Paul Manzi substituted for Peter Lincoln during summer dates before Lincoln resumed for an extensive "Finale" tour across Germany.

Following Scott’s collaboration with Suzi Quatro and Don Powell as QSP during an Australian tour in 2017, Sweet undertook another European circuit. Departures of O’Hora and Lincoln led to Manzi becoming permanent lead vocalist by May 2019 after leaving Cats in Space. Lee Small joined handling bass/backing vocals while Tom Cory took on keyboards/guitar later that year; former member Steve Mann guested at select shows. During the COVID-19 pandemic they recorded Isolation Boulevard, an album revisiting classic tracks.

The band continues touring throughout the UK, Scandinavia, and Europe. On 30 June 2023 they released "Changes", featuring Scott on lead vocals. Adam Booth—longtime guitar technician—occasionally substituted on drums before becoming permanent following Bisland's retirement that year. In November 2024 guitarist Randall Waller filled in for Scott during an Australian tour; Jim Kirkpatrick similarly covered guitar duties during December UK performances.

New Sweet, Brian Connolly's Sweet (1984–1997)

In 1984, Brian Connolly established a fresh iteration of Sweet, excluding the original lineup. Despite ongoing health challenges, he toured across the UK and Europe under the name "Brian Connolly's Sweet," which was later changed to "New Sweet," finding particular success in West Germany.

In 1987, Connolly teamed up with Frank Torpey to produce the track "Sharontina," which was eventually released in 1998 on Torpey's album Sweeter.

By mid-1990, Connolly had plans for an Australian tour but was admitted to a hospital in Adelaide due to health complications. Initially, the band performed without him, but he rejoined for later shows before the tour was cut short because of his medical condition. That same year, the group made an appearance on The Bob Downe Christmas special.

Throughout the early 1990s, Connolly continued performing at European oldies festivals and circuits. In 1992, during a Bristol concert, a tape recorder containing demos of four new tracks was stolen from the band’s vehicle.

Disputes over the rights to the Sweet name resulted in both Connolly and Andy Scott distinguishing their groups as Brian Connolly's Sweet and Andy Scott's Sweet respectively.

In 1994, Connolly’s ensemble performed in Dubai and Bahrain. He also reconciled with former members Steve Priest and Mick Tucker, performing alongside Priest at a private function.

The year 1995 saw Connolly release the album Let's Go and welcome a son with his partner Jean. That year also included performances in Switzerland.

On 2 November 1996, Channel 4 broadcasted Don't Leave Me This Way, a documentary chronicling Connolly’s career and health struggles while showcasing his performances at Butlins resorts during the early 1990s.

Connolly’s final live appearance occurred on 5 December 1996 at Bristol Hippodrome, sharing the bill with Slade II and John Rossall's Glitter Band Experience.

Steve Priest's Sweet (2008–2020)

In January 2008, Steve Priest launched his own version of Sweet based in Los Angeles, assembling guitarist Stuart Smith, drummer Richie Onori, keyboardist Stevie Stewart, and vocalist Joe Retta. Following their debut on L.A.'s rock station 95.5 KLOS, they kicked off the "Are You Ready Steve?" tour at Whisky a Go Go in June 2008. The band extensively toured across the United States and Canada, participating in festivals such as Moondance Jam, Rock N Resort Music Festival, Rock the Park, Festival of Lights, Common Ground Festival, and a wildfire relief concert at Qualcomm Stadium.

In 2009, Sweet made history as the first band to perform at the Pollstar Awards and played sold-out shows in Canada alongside various U.S. festivals like Halfway Jam and Rockin' the Rivers. They recorded a Beatles cover of "Ticket to Ride" for Cleopatra Records' tribute album Abbey Road released in March 2009. Their live album Live in America, recorded at Morongo Casino in August 2008, was globally released via Amazon in July 2009 and earned favorable reviews from numerous rock media outlets.

April 2010 marked their first iTunes single release: a hard rock version of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There." Their summer tour included stops at Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, Fremont Street Experience, Rock N' America, Summer Jam, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Irvine, Hard Rock Hotel Biloxi, and Thunder Mountain Rock Festival.

Scheduled European performances for May 2011 were canceled due to promoter fraud issues. However, the band toured South America with Journey in March 2011. Guitarist Stuart Smith departed in August 2012 to concentrate on his Heaven & Earth project; Ricky Z. replaced him for live appearances starting October that year. The group maintained an active touring schedule throughout 2013 across North America with occasional East Coast shows featuring substitute vocalist Chas West when Joe Retta was unavailable.

In August 2014, Mitch Perry joined as guitarist; his extensive resume includes collaborations with Michael Schenker Group, Asia Featuring John Payne, Edgar Winter, Billy Sheehan, and David Lee Roth. Perry made his live debut with Sweet at Saskatoon’s Rock the River festival.

The band commenced their 50th anniversary tour on 22 December 2017 at Whisky a Go Go with new frontman Paul Zablidowski ("Paulie Z"), who replaced Joe Retta. Paulie Z brought prior experience from ZO2 and hosting "Ultimate Jam Night." Steve Priest passed away on 4 June 2020.

Brief reunions and the passing of Connolly, Tucker, and Priest

Steve Priest opted not to participate in the 1985 Australian tour alongside Tucker and Scott.

In 1988, Mike Chapman reached out to Connolly, Priest, Scott, and Tucker with an offer to fund a recording session in Los Angeles. Although updated studio versions of "Action" and "The Ballroom Blitz" were produced, Connolly’s deteriorating health and vocal condition prevented a viable commercial comeback, resulting in the reunion being called off.

The group came together once more in 1990 to support the release of the music documentary Sweet's Ballroom Blitz, which showcased performances from 1970s UK television and included interviews. During promotional events, Sweet hinted at the possibility of another reunion.

Brian Connolly passed away at age 51 in 1997 due to liver failure and heart attacks related to previous alcohol misuse. Mick Tucker died from leukemia in 2002 at the age of 54. Steve Priest passed away in June 2020, leaving Andy Scott as the only surviving member from Sweet’s classic lineup.

Later years

Two distinct versions of Sweet featuring original members emerged: "Andy Scott's Sweet," primarily touring Europe with occasional appearances in countries such as Australia, and "Steve Priest's Sweet," which mainly focused on tours across the US and Canada.

On 28 April 2009, Shout! Factory released Action: The Sweet Anthology, a comprehensive two-disc compilation covering their career highlights that received a four-star review from Rolling Stone.

In October 2012, Axl Rose, lead singer of Guns N' Roses, named Sweet among his favorite bands during his youth, alongside Queen.

Classic lineup

  • Brian Connolly – lead and backing vocals (1968–1979; deceased 1997)
  • Steve Priest – bass guitar, backing and lead vocals (1968–1982; deceased 2020)
  • Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals (1968–1982; deceased 2002)
  • Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals (1970–1982)

Current members

  • Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1985–present)
  • Paul Manzi – lead vocals (2019–present; substitute in 2014 and 2015), bass (2015, 2019), keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2014)
  • Lee Small – bass guitar, backing and lead vocals (2019–present)
  • Tom Cory – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2019–present)
  • Adam Booth – drums, backing vocals (2023–present)

Former members

  • Steve Priest – bass guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (2008–2020)
  • Stuart Smith – guitar (2008–2012)
  • Stevie Stewart – keyboards, backing vocals (2008–2020)
  • Richie Onori – drums (2008–2020)
  • Joe Retta – lead vocals (2008–2017)
  • Ricky Z. – guitar (2012–2014)
  • Mitch Perry – lead guitar (2014–2020)
  • Paulie Z. – lead vocals (2017–2020)

Discography

Bibliography

External links

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