Sixties Man Single

released October 4, 1980 as a 7-inch vinyl single on Polydor Records (catalog: POSP 160) "Sixties Man" backed with "Tall Girls" by Sweet was issued to promote their album Sweet VI (also known as Give Us a Wink in some markets), this single marked the band’s shift toward a synth-infused '80s sound, moving away from their classic bubblegum glam of the '70s. Without original vocalist Brian Connolly, it reflected The Sweet’s attempt to stay relevant amid a changing musical landscape, though some fans found its polished production a departure from their raw roots.

Single Overview

A-Side: "Sixties Man"

A nostalgic rocker longing for the '60s era of Woodstock, Strawberry Fields, and Bob Dylan, set against the disillusionment of the '80s. Lyrics like "I'm a sixties man at last, I know it's true / A sixties man at heart like you" capture a yearning for flower power’s lost spirit.

Produced for Handle Artists/Handle Music Ltd., it featured the evolving lineup: Andy Scott (guitar/vocals), Steve Priest (bass/vocals), Mick Tucker (drums), and Tony Mills (vocals, replacing Connolly).

B-Side: "Tall Girls"

A lighter, playful track serving as the flip side, less prominent in reviews but showcasing the band’s signature harmonies and riffs. Produced for Chinebridge Ltd., it complemented the A-side’s reflective tone with a touch of rock swagger.

Release Details:

Label: Polydor (UK pressing, made in West Germany).

Format: 7-inch vinyl, 45 RPM.

℗: 1980 Chinebridge Ltd., with publishing by Sweet Publishing Ltd./Handle Music Ltd.

Notes: Some copies, particularly radio promos, included an info sheet. The single followed The Sweet’s '70s hits like "Ballroom Blitz," aiming to bridge their glam legacy with a modern edge.

Some copies were mispressed with B-side labels that credit the track "Oh Yeah," but all copies play "Tall Girls."

Production and Context

Recorded during a period of lineup changes and the rise of new wave, the single’s synth-heavy glam rock sound drew mixed reactions for its "plastic" feel compared to the band’s earlier raw energy. Tony Mills’ vocals altered The Sweet’s classic identity, but Andy Scott’s songwriting kept the tracks rooted in their melodic strengths, blending nostalgia with '80s production trends.

Have you got this Sweet single in your vinyl stash? What’s your take on their '80s sound? Share in the comments!