Glam rock (early) Hard rock (later)
THE SWEET
The Sweet are a British rock band that originally claimed fame in the 1970's, as one of the biggest glam rock outfits at the time. After suffering several line up changes, the band consisted of Brian Connolly, Andy Scott, Mick Tucker and Steve Priest from 1970 onwards. Originally called 'The Sweetshop', the band played the pub circuit and after signing to Fontana records, shortened their name to The Sweet after a single was released by a band under their original title. The Sweet released their debut single 'Slow Motion' in 1968, which failed to chart, culminating in their release from the record deal with Fontana.
After a line up change, the band signed to Parlophone records, and released three singles. All of these yet again failed to chart (it's safe to say they weren't having much luck...). Finally, the band landed a management deal, which handily came hand in hand with a record deal under RCA Records. At this point, The Sweet began to create a fusion of bubblegum pop and hard rock, which would eventually lead them to glamorous rock stardom in the coming decade.
Leaving an unsteady begin to their career, the rockers became more and more successful with hits such as 'Poppa Joe' charting just shy of the top 10, as well as 'Little Willy' and 'Wig-Wam Bam' soaring into the top 5. In January 1973, The Sweet released number 1 hit, and arguably their most well known song to date, 'Blockbuster', catapulting them into the ranks of which acts such as Queen and T. Rex shared at the peak of glam rock. As with many bands at the time, the group's use of alcohol and drugs caused rifts in the band, with vocalist Brian Connolly eventually leaving the band. The band continued to create music, releasing two more albums before disbanding in 1982.
In April 2009, a greatest hits album was released through Shout Factory Records, as well as the release of a biography of Brian Connolly, written by Brian Manly.
Albums:
Sources: Matt Fearon
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