The group's initial years were characterized by bubblegum songs that they were only allowed to sing on, with heavier self-penned rock songs as the b-sides. They achieved their first hit in 1970 with the release of Funny Funny. In the following months, Sweet released "Co-Co" and Poppa Joe, both achieving huge success in the charts. In 1971 they released the album "Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be", which consisted mostly of songs written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman.
Sweet's success continued with more glam rock and power pop oriented tunes, such as "Little Willy", "Wig Wam Bam", Hellraiser and Ballroom Blitz. By this time Sweet had a world-wide following, clocking up no less than 18 top 20 hit singles, and the guys were most notably popular in Germany and the U.K.
The group's members are perhaps best remembered for their very 'glam' outfits, featuring a lot of glitter, platform boots, chain mail shirts, and plenty of makeup. The group practically defining the camp extreme of the glam rock look, Steve Priest would later say it was very short-lived and only happened by accident, as some sort of ongoing rivalry between them and artists such as David Bowie and T. Rex. Everyone tried to outdo each other’s ridiculousness on Top Of The Pops. Sweet’s glam rock era lasted from 1972 to 1973.
In 1974, Sweet released Teenage Rampage, The Six Teens and Turn It Down, showing their desire to take a more hard rock direction. By this time tensions between the band and the songwriters and producer started to grow. The guys also pushed for more songwriting control, which increased tensions between them, the songwriters and producer.
In 1975, Sweet wrote, recorded and produced the smash hit Fox on the Run on their own, essentially severing ties with Chinn and Chapman. Following the song’s success, they released the acclaimed track Action. Their momentum went on, the band embarking their first U.S. tour.
After their recent success, Sweet released the “Give Us A Wink” album in 1976, which was notably heavy. It contained the single The Lies In Your Eyes, which achieved moderate success. A year later, in 1977, they released the album “Off The Record”, but singles such as Fever Of Love and Lost Angels failed to gain traction, partly due to bad marketing from their label. Despite this, the band continued to distance themselves from their earlier commercial ventures.
Sweet’s career was revitalized with the release of Love Is Like Oxygen in 1978. By this time Connolly had developed a drinking problem and started to be increasingly unreliable during recording sessions. Following a disastrous U.S. tour, he left the band officially in early 1979. The band continued on as a three piece band for three more years, releasing “Cut Above The Rest”, “Waters Edge”, and “Identity Crisis”. Priest took over most of the lead vocals until Sweet’s disbandment in 1981.
In 1985, Andy Scott and Mick Tucker re-formed Sweet with various new vocalists and bass players, the most notable being a 1986 reunion featuring Paul Mario Day (the first singer of Iron Maiden), keyboardist Phil Lanzon, and bass player Malcolm McNulty (who is now lead singer for fellow glam rock band Slade). Steve Priest was asked to join Tucker and Scott for the 1985 Australian tour, but declined at the last moment. Vocalist and bass player Jeff Brown joined in 1988. In 1991, Mick Tucker departed due to ill health, leaving Andy Scott as the only original member. He was replaced by German Bodo Schopf, and subsequently, Bruce Bisland. After Tucker's departure, Andy Scott changed the band's name to 'Andy Scott's Sweet'.
During this time, Brian Connolly, now in bad health, also performed with his version of Sweet. In 1981, he suffered multiple cardiac arrests, which permanently affected his health. He died on 9 February 1997, aged 51. He was cremated after a ceremony at Most Holy Name Roman Catholic Church at Old Mill Lane, Denham, Buckinghamshire and his ashes were scattered over the water by his adult daughters Nicola and Michelle. He also left an ex-wife, Marilyn, and a two-year-old son called Brian Junior (BJ) by his girlfriend Jean.
Michael Thomas (Mick) Tucker died 14 February 2002 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire from leukemia, aged 54; his funeral took place 25 February 2002. He is buried in an unnamed grave in Chorleywood House cemetery. It is marked by a sleeping angel. A wooden bench with a brass plaque funded by fans as a dedication to Mick is also positioned in the grave's vicinity.[2] He left behind a widow, Jan, and a daughter Ayston from his first marriage to Pauline (†1979). According to Steve Priest: "He was the most underrated drummer that ever came out of England. He was the powerhouse of the band. He was technically marvellous. His timing was impeccable, but he had a lot of soul as well and he really felt what he was playing."
In 1994, Steve Priest published his autobiography “Are You Ready Steve?”, which was a raw expose of his time with Sweet and pre-Sweet. In 2006 he released Priest's Precious Poems, a CD of tracks largely consisting of his more recent material. In 2008, he came out of retirement to form his own version of Sweet, based in the US. A year later this band released a live CD called Live In America. In March 2020, he was admitted to a hospital in L.A. After battling pneumonia for a few months, he died on June 4th 2020 at the age of 72.
Andy Scott currently continues to tour with Sweet. In 2002, Sweet released a new album called Sweetlife. February 2006 saw the release of a new Suzi Quatro album, Back To The Drive, which was produced by Scott. In March 2012, Scott released a covers album called New York Connection. Scott teamed up with Suzi Quatro and Don Powell to release a CD called Quatro, Scott and Powell in 2017. Scott has continued to produce for bands throughout the years, currently being the producer for Novatines.
In recent years, Sweet's popularity has surged again. The song Ballroom Blitz was featured in 2016's Suicide Squad, while Fox on the Run was featured in the trailer for 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy 2.
The Six Teens
Sweet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In sixty-eight Julie was Johnnie's date
Two kids growin' together
Livin' each day as if time was slippin' away
Oh, they were just sixteen
And their love a teenage dream
They passed the time, they crossed the line
The line that ran between
But life goes on, you know it ain't easy
You've just gotta be strong
If you're one of the sixteens
And life goes on, you know, you know it ain't easy
You know you'll never go wrong
'Cause you're all part of the sixteens
Suzie and Davey got to make the big time
Maybe they can put it all together
In a show that lasts forever
Oh they would walk the strip at nights
And dream they saw their name in lights
On Desolation boulevard
They'll light the faded light
Suzie and Davey you can make it
But life goes on, you know it ain't easy
You've just gotta be strong
If you're one of the sixteens
And life goes on, you know, you know it ain't easy
You know you'll never go wrong
'Cause you're all part of the sixteens
So where were you in sixty-eight
When Bobby and Billy thought
That sixty eight was out of date
They took the flowers from their hair
And tried to make us all aware
Too bad, too late
So they lived from day to day
And tried to do it all their way
But sixty-eight was sixty-eight
No matter what they say
Bobby and Billy maybe you'll make it one day
But life goes on, you know it ain't easy
You've just gotta be strong
If you're one of the sixteens
And life goes on, you know, you know it ain't easy
You know you'll never go wrong
'Cause you're all part of the sixteens
The song "The Six Teens" by Sweet is about four different couples who were all sixteen in 1968, and the struggles they faced as they tried to achieve their dreams. The first couple, Julie and Johnnie, were in love and "crossed the line" by being intimate with each other. Despite their love for each other, life was not easy for them, and they had to be strong to face the challenges that came their way. The lyrics suggest that they were able to overcome these challenges and "make it".
The second couple, Suzie and Davey, had aspirations of making it big in show business. They walked the strip at night dreaming of seeing their name in lights on Desolation Boulevard. The song suggests that they may have been successful in their quest to become famous, but again, life was not easy for them and they had to be strong to achieve their goals.
The final couple, Bobby and Billy, were hippies who rejected the societal norms of the time and tried to live their lives in their own way. The lyrics suggest that they were unsuccessful in their quest to change the world of the 1960s, and that it was too late for them to make a difference.
Overall, the song is a nostalgic look back at the 1960s and the struggles that teenagers of that time faced in trying to achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Where were you in sixty-eight
Where were you during the cultural and social revolution of the 1960s, a time of change and rebellion?
In sixty-eight Julie was Johnnie's date
In 1968, Julie and Johnnie were each other's romantic interest.
Two kids growin' together
Despite their youth, they were a couple learning and developing towards adulthood together.
Livin' each day as if time was slippin' away
Living each day like it may be their last and time is fleeting.
Oh, they were just sixteen
Despite their young age, they were in love and believed in a teenage dream.
And their love a teenage dream
Their love was innocent, pure and youthful.
They passed the time, they crossed the line
They spent time together and overcame boundaries and obstacles in their relationship.
The line that ran between
The societal norms and expectations that divide people, including the couple.
Julie and Johnnie now you've made it
The couple has succeeded in their relationship and found happiness despite society's expectations.
But life goes on, you know it ain't easy
Life doesn't stop being difficult just because you've achieved success.
You've just gotta be strong
You need to be resilient to overcome life's obstacles.
If you're one of the sixteens
If you're young and restless, striving towards your dreams amidst societal pressure.
Suzie and Davey got to make the big time
Suzie and Davey are also a couple working towards their dreams, hoping to attain fame and success.
Maybe they can put it all together
Perhaps Suzie and Davey can achieve their goals and translate their talent into success.
In a show that lasts forever
Performing for audiences who will cherish their talent for years to come.
Oh they would walk the strip at nights
Suzie and Davey would work hard and long hours to achieve their dreams.
And dream they saw their name in lights
Hoping for a future success and recognition on-stage and in the public can be a motivating force.
On Desolation boulevard
A metaphorical representation of the road they need to travel down in order to achieve their goals and success.
They'll light the faded light
They will revive and reignite the passions and interests of their audience.
Suzie and Davey you can make it
Suzie and Davey can achieve their dreams with hard work and effort.
When Bobby and Billy thought
Bobby and Billy are two individuals who have their ideas about the changing social landscape.
That sixty eight was out of date
They believe that the time of the social revolution and counterculture is no longer relevant.
They took the flowers from their hair
They are rejecting the ideals of the 1960s counterculture which emphasized peace and love over war and hate.
And tried to make us all aware
Bobby and Billy are trying to convince others of their alternative perspective on society.
Too bad, too late
Their beliefs are too far ahead in time and their words are too late to create any impact.
So they lived from day to day
Bobby and Billy are barely getting by, experiencing the hardships of daily living.
And tried to do it all their way
They are trying to live life on their terms, despite the obstacles in their way.
But sixty-eight was sixty-eight
Yet ultimately, they cannot change the impact the social revolution had on society.
No matter what they say
They cannot convince others that the social revolution no longer matters.
Bobby and Billy maybe you'll make it one day
Perhaps one day, Bobby and Billy will achieve their goals, but not without hard work and perseverance.
You know you'll never go wrong
The determination and hard work towards one's goals will never be a wasted effort.
'Cause you're all part of the sixteens
The persistent and striving youth are all part of the larger picture of society, acting as both the future and present.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL DONALD CHAPMAN, NICHOLAS BARRY CHINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-es3gi2ib9o
Прекрасные голоса! Молодые и красивые!!! Впервые услышала в 1971 году их песенку " Фанни Фанни" и с тех пор люблю и слушаю их... И чем старше становлюсь, тем интереснее они становятся!!!
@user-wp3qb9bf3m
This music makes me so glad. Grew up with the Sweet in the 70s. This must be one of the most underrated bands ever.
@deniss6297
Yessss!!!!
@kenhoughton5476
I was walking down Edenbridge Dr in Etobicoke Ont a C.H.U.M radio car drove by I had a C.H.U.M Button on and won Sweets album Desolation Blvd. I think 1974 or 75. I was smoking really good Nepalese Hash then. It was a good day.
@greggorham5750
They were brilliant
@franks.1197
In Germany they were not underrated at all. In the early 70's they have been one of the most successful bands at all... and the permanent competition with the Bay City Rollers was one of the biggest subjects in teenagers world of music.
@guilhermebertti7247
Tu é louco, meu!! esses caras eram uns gênios da música.
Esses caras mereciam o estrelado internacional, eram bons demais....espetaculares os 4 ( fodas)
@user-fj1mg2pk3y
Супер!!! Моя любимая группа с детства и внук уважает!!!❤❤❤
@jamcofec
This is freaking superb. The harmony when they sing together is incredible. RIP Steve
@sMansGuitars
@metaldoctor And such a fabulous talent for sending himself up, if they'd been 100% serious, people would've thought "These guys are so full of themselves!". Most music is supposed to be fun and Sweet made it that and Steve was usually the focal point. Great bassist, great singer, great rock star!