When you’re in a rock band that’s slowly climbing the ranks, you’re always looking for inspiration that you can turn into a hit song that, ideally, would accelerate the slow climb. Sometimes the inspiration strikes in the middle of a conversation. Sometimes it strikes in the middle of the night. And sometimes, at least in the case of The Sweet, it strikes you square in the head—literally.
It was in January 1973 when a crowd attending a concert at a Scotland theater bombarded the British glam-rock band with a barrage of bottles, forcing the members to scurry offstage. Inspired by the incident, The Sweet and their songwriting team soon wrote and recorded “The Ballroom Blitz,” which would go on to chart in the top five in four different countries (Canada, the U.K., Australia, and the U.S.).
While a bevy of additional hits released during their 1970s heyday would solidify The Sweet as The Godfathers of Glam Rock, “The Ballroom Blitz” stands as their most-identifiable song. Which is why it remains a go-to set-closer. And why it’s been covered by multiple bands in multiple genres, from heavy metal, thrash metal and surf punk to pop, Christian rock and Japanese glam rock. Catch Sweet, with original member Steve Priest, this week.
Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. April 19, starting at $29 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
