Sweet in 1975, 2006, 2015 and 2023
Sweet are a British glam rock band founded in 1968. Their best-known line-up included lead vocalist Brian Connolly, bassist Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott, and drummer Mick Tucker. Currently, one version of the band is led by Scott and included Tucker between 1985 and 1991, while the other was led was Priest until his death in 2020 and is still touring. Connolly also led a version of the band from 1984 until his death in 1997.
Since 1992, Scott's version has included drummer Bruce Bisland, while lead vocalist Paul Manzi, bassist Lee Small, and keyboardist/guitarist Tom Cory joined in 2019. Priest's version includes drummer Richie Onori (since 2008), bassist and former keyboardist Steve Stewart (since 2008, bassist since 2020, keyboardist until 2021), vocalist Paulie Z (since 2017), keyboardist Dave Schultz (since 2021), and guitarist Jimmy Burkard (since 2023).
History
In January 1968, Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker formed a band called The Sweetshop. They recruited bass guitarist and vocalist Steve Priest from a local band called The Army. Frank Torpey was recruited to play guitar. After releasing a few singles that failed to chart, the band were released from their recording contract and Frank Torpey left after a further year of fruitless toil. Guitarist Mick Stewart joined in 1969, although he was soon replaced by Andy Scott in September 1970.
In 1978, guitarist Nico Ramsden and keyboardist Gary Moberley joined the touring line-up. Connolly departed the band in 1979 after his alcoholism effected his live performances. In his absence, Priest and Scott shared lead vocals. Ray McRiner also replaced Ramsden. The band dispanded in 1981.
In 1985, Scott and Tucker organised their own version of Sweet with Paul Mario Day (previously played with Iron Maiden, More, and Wildfire) on lead vocals, Phil Lanzon of the band Grand Prix on keyboards, and Mal McNulty on bass. Day departed in 1989, McNulty moved onto lead vocals, and Jeff Brown joined on bass. Lanzon joined the band Uriah Heep in 1986, though he continued with The Sweet until 1988. Malcolm Pearson and Ian Gibbons filled in for Lanzon until Steve Mann arrived in December 1989.
Tucker departed after a show in Lochau, Austria, on 5 May 1991. Three drummers, Andy Hoyler, Bobby Andersen, and Bruce Bisland, provided short-term relief before Bodo Schopf took over. in 1992, Bodo left, and Bisland returned as a permanent drummer. McNulty departed in 1994, though he would briefly return that year to fill in for Jeff Brown on bass. In 1995, he similarly rejoined the band as lead singer while Rocky Newton substituted on bass). Chris Goulstone and Sweet's former keyboard players Gary Moberley and Ian Gibbons also filled-in for other players during 1995. Chad Brown of the band Lionheart was chosen as the new front man.
In 1996, Mann left to take a job in television and Gibbons came back for a short time before Steve Grant of the band The Animals became the permanent keyboardist. When Chad Brown quit in 1998 after developing a throat infection, Jeff Brown assumed lead vocals and bass duties. In 2003, Tony O'Hora (previously played with Onslaught and Praying Mantis) replaced Brown as lead vocalist.
Original band
Classic line-up
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Steve Priest | 1968–1982 (died 2020) | - bass
- lead and backing vocals
| all releases |
| Mick Tucker | 1968–1982 (died 2002) | - drums
- backing vocals
- occasional lead vocals (1979–1982)
|
| Brian Connolly | 1968–1979 (died 1997) | - lead and backing vocals
- occasional percussion, acoustic guitar and synthesizer
| - all releases from Slow Motion (1968) to Level Headed (1978)
- Rock & Roll Disgrace – Live in Japan (1992)
- Blockbuster – Live on Stage (1993)
- Live in Denmark 1976 (1998)
- Live at the Rainbow 1973 (1999)
|
| Andy Scott | 1970–1982 | - guitar
- backing and lead vocals
- keyboards (1974–1982)
| all releases from Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be (1971) onwards |
Early members
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Frank Torpey | 1968–1969 (died 2024) | guitar | "Slow Motion" (1968) |
| Mick Stewart | 1969–1970 | - "The Lollipop Man" (1969)
- "All You'll Ever Get from Me" (1970)
- "Get on the Line" (1970)
|
Touring musicians
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Gary Moberley | 1978–1981 | keyboards | Cut Above the Rest • Water's Edge |
| Nico Ramsden | 1978 | guitar | none |
| Ray McRiner | 1979 |
Lineups
Period | Members | Releases |
January 1968 – mid 1969 | | |
Mid 1969 – Mid 1970 | - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Mick Stewart – guitar
- Steve Priest – bass, backing vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals
| - "The Lollipop Man" (1969)
- "All You'll Ever Get from Me" (1970)
- "Get on the Line" (1970)
|
Mid 1970 – February 1979 | - Brian Connolly – lead and backing vocals
- Andy Scott – guitars, backing and lead vocals, keyboards
- Steve Priest – bass, backing and lead vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals
| |
February 1979 – late 1981 | - Steve Priest – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, lead and backing vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals
| |
Andy Scott's Sweet
Current members
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Andy Scott | 1985–present | - guitar
- backing vocals
- keyboards (1989–2005, 2006–present)
- occasional lead vocals (1998–2019)
| all releases |
| Paul Manzi | 2019–present (substitute appearances in 2014, 2015 and 2019) | - lead vocals
- bass and backing vocals (2014, 2015, 2019)
- keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals (2014)
| Isolation Boulevard (2020) |
| Lee Small | 2019–present | |
| Tom TC Cory | 2019–present[1][2] | - keyboards
- guitar
- backing vocals
- engineering
|
| Adam Booth | 2024–present (substitute 2015 and 2019)[3] | - drums
- backing vocals
- bass (2019)
| none to date |
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
| Mal McNulty | 1985–1994 (substitute 1994, 1995) | - bass and backing vocals (1985–1989, 1994)
- lead vocals (1989–1994, 1995)
| - Live at the Marquee (1989)
- Greatest Hits - Live (1994)
- A (1992)
- The Answer (1995)
|
| Mick Tucker | 1985–1991 (died 2002) | | - Live at the Marquee (1989)
- Greatest Hits - Live (1994)
|
| Phil Lanzon | | |
| Paul Mario Day | 1985–1989 | lead vocals |
| Jeff Brown | 1989–2003 | - bass
- vocals (lead 1998–2003, backing 1989–1998)
| - A (1992)
- The Answer (1995)
- Glitz, Blitz & Hitz (1996)
|
| Steve Mann | 1989–1996 (substitute in 2006, 2019–2022)[4] | - keyboards
- guitar
- backing vocals
| - A (1992)
- The Answer (1995)
- Isolation Boulevard (2020)
|
| Bruce Bisland | 1992–2024 (substitute 1991) | - drums
- backing vocals
- occasional lead vocals (2011–2019)
| all releases from The Answer (1995) onwards |
| Bodo Schopf | 1991–1992 | | A (1992) |
| Chad Brown | 1995–1998 | lead vocals | Glitz, Blitz & Hitz (1996) |
| Steve Grant | 1996–2011 | - keyboards, guitar and backing vocals (1996–2005, 2006–2011)
- lead vocals (2005–2006, occasionally 2006–2011)
- bass (2005–2006)
| - Glitz, Blitz & Hitz (1996)
- Sweetlife (2002)
|
| Tony O'Hora | | - lead vocals (2003–2005, 2006, 2015, occasionally 2011–2019)
- bass (2003–2005, 2006, 2015)
- keyboards, guitars and backing vocals (2011–2019)
| - New York Connection (2012)
- Desolation Boulevard Revisited (2012)
- Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited (2013)
|
| Peter Lincoln | 2006–2019 | - lead and backing vocals
- bass
|
Temporary musicians
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Notes |
| Malcolm Pearson | 1988 | keyboards | Pearson filled in for Lanzon until Steve Mann joined in December 1989.[5] |
| Ian Gibbons | - 1989
- 1994
- 1996
- 2005 (died 2019)
| Gibbons filled in on keyboards several times, first in 1989 for Phil Lanzon, for Steve Mann in 1994 and 1996 and after Mann's departure and in 2005.[6][7] |
| Andy Hoyler | 1991 | drums | Hoyler, Andersen and Bruce Bisland provided short-term relief for Mick Tucker before Bodo Schopf took over.[8] |
| Bobby Andersen |
| Gary Moberley[9] | 1994 | keyboards | Moberley, Gibbons and Goulstone subbed in 1994.[8] |
| Chris Goulstone[8] |
| Rocky Newton | 1995 | bass | Newton subbed on bass 1995 alongside the returning Mal McNulty on lead vocals.[10] |
| Jo Burt | 2005 | Thompson Smith and Burt performed with the band after O'Hora's first departure in November 2005 for some Swedish gigs. |
| Mark Thompson Smith | lead vocals |
| Tony Mills | 2006 (died 2019) | [11] | Mills was slated to be Sweet's new singer/bassist in early 2006 but it failed to work out and he left after six shows in Denmark.[12][13] |
| Martin Mickels | 2010 | guitar | Mickels subbed for Scott himself in March and April 2010 when he was absent from a couple of gigs due to ill health.[14] |
Line-ups
Period | Members | Releases |
Early 1985 – July 1989 | - Paul Mario Day – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, backing vocals
- Mal McNulty – bass, backing vocals
- Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals
| - Live at the Marquee (1989)
- Greatest Hits - Live (1994)
|
July 1989 – November 1990 | - Mal McNulty – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals
| |
November 1990 – 1991 | - Mal McNulty – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Steve Mann – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
- Mick Tucker – drums, backing vocals
| |
1991 – early 1992 | - Mal McNulty – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Steve Mann – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bodo Schopf – drums, backing vocals
| - A (1992) (Re-released in 1995 as The Answer)
|
1992–1995 | - Mal McNulty – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Steve Mann – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| none |
1995 – January 1996 | - Chad Brown – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Steve Mann – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| none |
January 1996 – early 1998 | - Chad Brown – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards backing vocals
- Jeff Brown – bass, backing vocals
- Steve Grant – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| - Glitz, Blitz & Hitz (1996)
|
Early 1998 – early 2003 | - Jeff Brown – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Steve Grant – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| |
2003–2005 | - Tony O'Hora – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Steve Grant – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| none |
2005 – January 2006 | - Steve Grant – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, backing and lead vocals
- Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
|
January–August 2006 | - Tony O'Hora – lead vocals and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Steve Grant – keyboards, guitars, backing and occasional lead vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
|
August 2006 – early 2011 | - Peter Lincoln – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Steve Grant – keyboards, guitars, backing and occasional lead vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
|
Early 2011 – June 2019 | - Peter Lincoln – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Tony O'Hora – keyboards, guitars, backing and lead vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals
| - New York Connection (2012)
- Desolation Boulevard Revisited (2012)
- Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited (2013)
|
June–October 2019 | - Paul Manzi – lead and backing vocals, bass
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals
- Tony O'Hora – keyboards, guitars, backing and lead vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals
| none |
October 2019 – present | - Paul Manzi – lead vocals
- Andy Scott – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
- Lee Small – bass, backing vocals
- Tom Cory – keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
- Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
| - Isolation Boulevard (2020)
- Full Circle (2024)
|
Brian Connolly's Sweet
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments |
| Brian Connolly | 1984–1997 (until his death) | lead vocals |
| Phil Ridden | | drums |
| Brian Rawson | 1984 | guitar |
| Geoff Roots | bass |
| Gary Farmer | |
| Steve Turner | guitar |
| Michael Williams | |
| Steve Berry | 1990 | bass |
| Neale Haywood | guitar |
| Martin Saunders | drums |
| Dave Farmer | |
| Steve Mulvey | 1993–1997 | keyboards |
| Bjorn Hurrel | 1993–1994 | bass |
| Mel Johnson | guitar |
| Glenn Williams | 1994–1997 |
| Drew Murphy | 1994–1995 | drums |
| Martin Cook | bass |
| Dave Glover | 1995–1997 |
| Russ Mahoney | 1995–1996 | drums |
| Jeff King | 1996–1997 |
Line-ups
1984 The New Sweet | 1984–1990 | 1990 | 1990–1992 |
- Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Brian Rawson – guitar
- Phil Ridden – drums, percussion
- Geoff Roots – bass
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Phil Ridden – drums, percussion
- Gary Farmer – bass
- Steve Turner – guitar
- Michael Williams – guitar
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Steve Berry – bass
- Neale Haywood – guitar
- Martin Saunders – drums
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Dave Farmer – drums, percussion
- Gary Farmer – bass
- Steve Turner – guitar
- Michael Williams – guitar
|
1992–1993 | 1993–1994 Brian Connolly's Sweet | 1994–1995 | 1995–1996 |
- Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Dave Farmer – drums, percussion
- Gary Farmer – bass
- Steve Turner – guitar
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Bjorn Hurrel – bass
- Mel Johnson – guitar
- Steve Mulvey – keyboards
- Phil Ridden – drums, percussion
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Steve Mulvey – keyboards
- Martin Cook – bass
- Dave Farmer – drums, percussion
- Drew Murphy – drums, percussion
- Glenn Williams – guitar
| - Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Steve Mulvey – keyboards
- Dave Farmer – drums, percussion
- Glenn Williams – guitar
- Dave Glover – bass
- Russ Mahoney – drums, percussion
|
1996–1997 |
- Brian Connolly – lead vocals
- Steve Mulvey – keyboards
- Glenn Williams – guitar
- Dave Glover – bass
- Jeff King – drums, percussion
|
Steve Priest's Sweet
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments |
| Steve Priest | 2008–2020 (until his death) | |
| Richie Onori | 2008–present | drums |
| Stevie Stewart | - bass (2020–present)[15]
- keyboards (2008–2021)
- vocals
|
| Joe Retta | [16][17] | vocals |
| Stuart Smith | 2008–2012 | guitar |
| Ricky Z. | 2012–2013 |
| Chas West | 2013 (substitute) | vocals |
| Mitch Perry | 2014–2023 | guitar |
| Paulie Z. | 2017–present[16][17] | vocals |
| Dave Schultz | 2021–present[18] | keyboards |
| Jimmy Burkard | 2023–present[19] | guitar |
Timeline
The Sweet/Andy Scott's Sweet
Brian Connolly's/Steve Priest's Sweet
References
- ^ "The Sweet - Official Website". The Sweet. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
- ^ Colothan, Scott (17 April 2023). "Pre-sale: Sweet announce December 2023 Full Circle UK Tour". Planet Radio. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
- ^ Young, Graham (16 November 2015). "Why Sweet guitarist Andy Scott has changed his mind about Birmingham rock fans". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ Selena (7 December 2022). "Sweet live at Islington Assembly Hall in London 2022 | Grande Rock webzine". grande-rock.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Line Ups". The Ultimate Sweet Fan Site. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "The Sweet( Sweet ) Singer Intro ※ Mojim.com". mojim.com. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ Sweet. "Radio Swiss Pop - Music database - Band". www.radioswisspop.ch. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Unknown. "Today's Featured Artist..October 23, 2017...The Sweet (video + blog + links)". Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ Molympus (3 November 2010). "Gary Moberley (keyboards)". The Musicians' Olympus. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Rocky Newton Interview on 97.2 Gravity FM or online at www.gravityfm.net 20-0..." Podomatic. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Sweet". tonymills77.tripod.com. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ BraveWords. "SHY Frontman Tony Mills Joins A S SWEET". bravewords.com. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Tony Mills, på egne bein - Heavymetal.no". www.heavymetal.no. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Martin Mickels - Bio". martinmickels.com. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "The Sweet Band". 22 October 2021. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Sonic Mag - Sweet 50th Anniversary Tour with Paulie Z". Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ a b "The Sweet - Official Website (North America) - The Sweet". Thesweetband.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
- ^ "Sweet is proud to announce Sweet's new incredible keyboardist "Dave Schulz" Check out his creds! – The Sweet Band". Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "The Sweet is in New York on Facebook". www.facebook.com. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
@jimmyburkard captured by @amy_klemme_518 in New York
- Frank Torpey
- Mick Stewart
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