In the early 1970s, I practically wore out my turntable playing one song over and over: “Little Willy” from the band Sweet. Decades later, this ditty from the British glam band that helped define the era still comes back into my head, its hooks firmly embedded in my subconscious. But that’s only the beginning of the irresistible music this group produced from the late-’60s into the ’80s.
Started by lead vocalist Brian Connolly, bassist Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker and originally calling itself The Sweet, the group proceeded to produce 13 Top 20 hits in the ’70s, including the aforementioned song, “Hell Raiser,” “The Ballroom Blitz,” “Turn It Down,” “Fox on the Run” and “Love Is Like Oxygen,” each song earning endless radio play with the group’s signature blend of both bubblegum pop and the slightest edge of hard rock. Their influence is wide-ranging, from KISS and Boy George to Guns N’ Roses.
Priest would go on to form his own version of Sweet, and even though he passed away in 2020, the current lineup of drummer Richie Onori, bassist Stevie Stewart, vocalist Patrick Alan Stone, guitarist Jimmy Burkard and keyboardist Dave Schultz continues to keep Sweet’s spirit alive and well.
Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. March 14, starting at $39 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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