Glam Slam Guide

The bubblegum-turned-glitter-booted stompers who gave us the ultimate teenage rampage soundtrack.

They started as squeaky-clean pop pups churning out Chinn & Chapman bubblegum hits, but by 1973 they’d grown their hair, slapped on the makeup, zipped into satin, and turned into the loudest, campest, catchiest glam rock war machine on the planet.

The Glam Slam Essentials

1. Sweet Fanny Adams (1974) – Album Release (1974)The moment they went heavy – “The Six Teens”, “AC-DC”, “Set Me Free”. Glam with teeth.

2. Desolation Boulevard (1974) – Album Release (1974)Peak Sweet – “Fox on the Run”, “Ballroom Blitz”, “The Six Teens” (US version).

3. Give Us a Wink (1976) – Album Release (1976)All self-written, all killer – “Action”, “The Lies in Your Eyes”

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Ballroom Blitz – the ultimate glam chaos anthem

2. Fox on the Run – self-produced perfection

3. Teenage Rampage – football-chant glam madness

4. Block Buster! – siren intro, #1 smash

5. Action – the song that proved they could write their own hits

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The Sweet didn’t just do glam – they cranked it to 11, added harmonies sweeter than sugar, and left a trail of glitter and riffs that still destroy dancefloors.Turn it up, strike a pose, and remember: the sweet ain’t as sweet without the bitter.Initially known as The Sweetshop, the group were formed in London by Brian Connolly.

The band's roots trace back to the British soul band Wainwright's Gentlemen, which included Mick Tucker and early member Ian Gillan (later of Deep Purple fame).

Deep Dive:

They changed their name from Sweetshop to The Sweet due to another band releasing music under the same name. The Sweet started with a bubblegum pop style, influenced by songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, leading to hits like "Funny Funny" and "Co-Co" in the early 1970s.

They soon transitioned into a more hard rock and glam rock sound, with notable songs like "Block Buster!", "The Ballroom Blitz", and "Fox on the Run". This shift helped them achieve significant success, particularly in the UK, where they had 13 Top 20 hits, with one of them reaching number one.

Their music combined catchy pop melodies with rock elements, making them popular not only in Britain but also in Germany and the US with tracks like "Little Willy" and "Love is Like Oxygen".

Known for their flamboyant stage presence, including heavy makeup and glitter, they were key players in the glam rock scene, influencing future generations of musicians.

The Sweet's journey from bubblegum pop to hard rock glam icons is a testament to their versatility and the changing landscape of rock music in the 1970s. Their legacy continues to be celebrated for both their music and their significant contribution to the rock scene.