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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSWEET, TheUK bubblegum pop group formed '68 from Wainwright's Gentleman, a pop covers band incl. drummer Mick Tucker and vocalist Brian Connolly (b 5 Oct. '49, near Glasgow; d 10 Feb. '97 of renal failure); with bassist Steve Priest and Frank Torpey on guitar they became Sweetshop, shortened to Sweet as Andy Scott replaced Torpey. After four flop singles they linked with prod. Phil Wainman, young writers Chinn & Chapman '70 for hits in the mould of USA's Archies, Ohio Express, etc with same silly titles ("Funny Funny', "Co-Co' '71) and catchy tunes, the band willing to risk ridicule, dressing up in character to the point of glam-rock with sequins, platform shoes etc. "Little Willy' and "Wig Wam Bam' '72 (the last requiring headdresses) were followed by somewhat heavier fare: "Blockbuster', "Hell Raiser', "Ballroom Blitz', "Teenage Rampage' '73 (all these except the first top 5 UK). In the androgynous heyday of David Bowie, Sweet were not left out: Connolly's blonde locks appealed to boys and girls while Priest affected camp. The live act was rather more powerful (they composed their own rockier B sides). Tiring of manipulation they split from producers, for a time made passable imitation of Chinnichap pop ("Fox On The Run' was no. 2 UK and their third top 5 in USA), but as an HM edge took over their hits faded, falling between two stools: they lacked rock credibility while forsaking the pop that made them. Connolly left '79; album Identity Crisis '81 was not even issued in the UK. Scott recorded solo on Statik and Priest became USA-based session player; Connolly and Scott fronted rival Sweet revivals '80s; some of the hits were covered by Def Leppard, Pat Benatar etc in the '70s nostalgia of the early '90s. Connolly had a drinking problem and his health was wrecked by the time he finally quit; he had multiple heart attacks early '80s. He was the younger brother of actor Mark McManus, who played the Scottish detective Taggart (d '94 aged 59). |