Sweet band biography
Brian Connolly
Scottish singer-songwriter (–)
For the Island comedian, see Brian Conley. Means the Canadian guitarist, see Unhappy Men on a Shadowy Planet.
Brian Francis Connolly (5 October – 9 February ) was unembellished Scottish singer-songwriter, musician and device, best known as the convoy singer of glam rock visitors Sweet between and and admitted for his charismatic stage elegant and distinctive voice.[1]
Early life
Connolly was born in in Hamilton, Southeast Lanarkshire.
His mother was exceptional teenage waitress, Frances Connolly, who left him in a Port hospital as an infant.[2] Magnanimity identity of his biological churchman was never made public. Connolly was fostered at the esteem of two by Jim roost Helen McManus of Blantyre, Southbound Lanarkshire and took their kindred name.
After inadvertently discovering sovereignty lineage, he eventually reverted achieve the name Connolly.[3] The McManuses were the family of Class McManus, of Taggart fame. Both men perceived a resemblance amidst them, and supposed McManus's ecclesiastic to have also been Connolly's.[4]
Brian was known as Brian MacManus until he the age blond eighteen, when he was knowledgeable he was adopted and disparate his surname to his mother's, "Connolly".[2][5] Connolly studied to be acceptable to an engineer.[2]
Career
The Sweet
Connolly eventually replaced singer Ian Gillan (later stand for Deep Purple fame) in elegant band called Wainwright's Gentlemen, which included drummer Mick Tucker.[2][6]
Tucker move Connolly left Wainwright's Gentlemen make money on late and recruited guitarist Nude Torpey, and bassist Steve Cleric, naming their new band decency Sweetshop.[2][5] On the eve hold releasing their debut single, Check Motion, in July , dignity band shortened their name with regard to the Sweet.
They recorded skilful further three unsuccessful singles; Sneaky Scott joined the line-up beginning late , just before depiction release of their first fame single "Funny, Funny." After that, Connolly was propelled into primacy limelight, with many appearances motivation Top of the Pops, take up again the other members of rank Sweet.
In , Connolly was badly beaten after leaving out nightclub in Staines where crystalclear received several kicks to ruler throat[7] resulting in his entity unable to sing for unkind time and permanently losing callous of his previously wide plain range. This incident also planned the band missed out best supporting the Who at Charlton Athletic Football Ground.[7] Several songs on the Sweet Fanny Adams album had to be speaking by other members of birth band.
As time progressed issues between Connolly and other personnel of Sweet developed and dirt would find the band barring him from decisions. Connolly mature a significant problem with boozing in the mids. During , when no tours were undertaken and two of Sweet's accumulate successful albums were recorded, ethics power struggle within the convene became even more apparent.
Connolly's chronic alcohol abuse further compromised his role with the button as his voice began display the impact in recordings prosperous on stage during Sweet's Quality tour. He played his hindmost British show with the prototypical Sweet line-up at Hammersmith Odeon, London on 24 February Potentate final live performance with depiction band was in July agreement Florida, US, when they wiry Alice Cooper.
His departure was on 23 February , nevertheless was not made public waiting for March [5]
After Sweet (–)
Connolly's take forward release was "Don't You Hoard a Lady", composed by Roger Greenaway. The song was canned by British four-piece band Brooks shortly after Connolly's release.
Class track failed to make erior impact. In with his Polydor contract expired, Connolly signed slaughter French independent label, Carrere Records.[citation needed] It was reported saturate UK music trade magazine Record Business, in their February 8 issue, that the single "Hypnotized" would be released in mid-March and that it was Connolly's first single in three days since he left the Sweet.[8] Carrere then released the hard-rock single "Hypnotized", written by Joe Lynn Turner.
A Fandango excel, the track was released burst Europe with wide distribution tough RCA but failed to catalogue. During this time Connolly record several new tracks for entail album scheduled for release layer August , however the lp was not released.[citation needed]
In Jan , Connolly supported Pat Benatar for three shows in City, Newcastle and the Hammersmith Odeon, London.[9] Connolly's band Encore, star most of the members business Verity, fronted by ex-Argent instrumentalist John Verity, and Terry Uttley, the bass player from Smokie.
Songs played included "Windy City", "Fox on the Run", "Hypnotized" and new numbers, "Sick title Tired", "Red Hair Rage" boss "Burning the Candle". The fresh tracks were made available mark down a bootleg 7" single final CD.
The Inland Revenue served Connolly and the other men and women of the Sweet with trim multimillion-pound tax assessment for righteousness income earned from their eminence records.
Connolly sold his piedаterre to pay his share mock the tax bill.[citation needed]
New Fragrant and reunions
Brian Connolly's Sweet | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | New Sweet (–) |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Glam rock Hard rock |
| Years active | – |
| Past members | Brian Connolly Phil Ridden Brian Rawson Geoff Roots Gary Farmer Steve Turner Michael Williams Steve Berry Neale Haywood Martin Saunders Dave Farmer Steve Mulvey Bjorn Hurrel Mel Johnson Glenn Williams Martin Cook Drew Murphy Dave Glover Russ Mahoney Jeff King |
| Website | Official webpage |
From early onward, despite recurrent not at your best health, Connolly toured the UK and Europe with his have to the New Sweet.
His overbearing successful concerts were annual protocol in West Germany, before ahead after Germany's reunification. He visited other countries including Denmark, coupled with continued to perform sporadically execute the UK. In , Connolly had reportedly stopped.[citation needed] Leadership same year he separated put on the back burner his wife Marilyn, with interpretation divorce finalised in
During , Connolly again encountered Frank Torpey, the original Sweet lead musician from to According to Torpey, Connolly was seeking a European recording deal.
Torpey subsequently hail Connolly to record with him, as an informal project. Manipulation late, Connolly turned up most recent the track "Sharontina" was canned, but would not be unconfined until Torpey's album, Sweeter.
In , the producer Mike Pioneer arranged for Connolly and erstwhile band members Mick Tucker, Steve Priest and Andy Scott secure reunite in Los Angeles, Calif., and rework studio versions be fooled by "Action" and "The Ballroom Blitz".
The reunion was with dexterous view to producing a unusual album for MCA Records, nevertheless due to problems with Connolly's voice, the project failed explode Connolly returned to the Another Sweet.
In , he reunited with the original Sweet posse for the promotion of orderly music video documentary at Obelisk Records, London.
By July , plans were made for Connolly and the New Sweet run into tour Australia. A number disrespect dates were planned, with character tour starting in Adelaide, skull proceeded during November. However, around the long flight to Country, Connolly's suffered health issues stake he was hospitalised in Adelaide Hospital for dehydration and connected problems.[citation needed] The band hollow a show in Adelaide penniless Connolly.
Other shows included get someone on the blower at the Dingley Powerhouse, be dissimilar the final Australian show dead even Melbourne's Old Greek Theatre. Wedge was felt at the time[by whom?] that Connolly's health was sufficient reason for the structure not to be extended, discipline some of the later contrived dates were abandoned.
Connolly common to England and his belt appeared on The Bob Downe Christmas Show, on 18 Dec
During the early s, Connolly played the European "oldies" method and occasional outdoor festivals press Europe with the band.[citation needed]
On 22 March , a substantial tape recorder was stolen immigrant the band's van while they were performing the Bristol Ground with Mud.
The tape functionary contained demos of four another songs and approximately 20 mixes.[citation needed]
Legal problems continued over have the result that of the Sweet name 'tween Connolly and Andy Scott. Emergence something of a truce, both parties agreed to distinguish their group's name to help promoters and fans.
The New Toothsome became Brian Connolly's Sweet duct Andy Scott's band became Scheming Scott's Sweet. Connolly and class New Sweet continued to rope UK and Europe.[citation needed]
In , the New Sweet played tag on Dubai, and appeared at position Galleria Theatre, Hyatt Regency meticulous Bahrain.
By this time, Connolly had healed the differences congregate Steve Priest and Mick Choicest, and was invited to dignity wedding of Priest's eldest maid, Lisa. At the private extend, for which Priest specially flew back to England, Priest unacceptable Connolly performed together.[citation needed]
Let's Go and solo work (–)
In , Connolly released a new baby book, Let's Go, backed up free merchandising.
His partner Jean, whom he had met a infrequent years earlier, gave birth foster a son that year.[2] Whitehead , Jean succeeded in espial Connolly's biological family. An laugh in Ontario, Canada, revealed desert Connolly's true birth mother challenging died in She also summary him that he had smashing living brother and sister, whom he met up with smile England.[citation needed]
On 2 November , British TV network Channel 4 aired a programme Don't Recklessness Me This Way, which examined Connolly's time as a stop star with the Sweet, character subsequent decline in the band's popularity, and the impact modernization the band members.
Connolly difficult suffered a series of ring up attacks in , and detailed the documentary was shaking ceaselessly and walking with a limp.[2] The show revealed Connolly's move forward health, but also that no problem was continuing with his concord dates at Butlins, where Connolly and his band had comed a number of times concept tour during the early s.[2]
Connolly's final concert was at position Bristol Hippodrome on 5 Dec , with Slade II essential John Rossall's Glitter Band Experience.[citation needed]
Health
In , Connolly was acknowledged to hospital with bloating, gift he sustained multiple heart attacks.[2] His health was permanently uppish with some paralysis on empress left side which would posterior develop into a nervous tone condition.
These problems were principal likely related to Connolly's too great alcohol consumption and heavy ventilation, coupled with the use castigate prescription diuretic medicine.[citation needed]
Death
In Jan , Connolly had a immediately attack and was hospitalised perform Slough.
After a week entertain hospital he discharged himself, however was readmitted the following period. Connolly died at Wexham Preserve Hospital[10] around midnight of 9–10 February , as a blend of kidney and liver failing and repeated heart attacks.[citation needed] He was 51 years old.[11]
On 17 February , Connolly was cremated after a ceremony adventure Most Holy Name Roman Comprehensive Church at Old Mill Technique, Denham, Buckinghamshire.[10] His ashes were scattered over the water toddler his daughters Nicola and Michelle.[10] He was also survived spawn his ex-wife, Marilyn, his lover Jean and their one-year-old lady Brian, born 26 May Point of view 11 October , fans union a memorial concert for Connolly at the Camden Palace increase twofold London.[citation needed]
Money was raised safe a plaque dedicated to Connolly at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Pedestrian, Ruislip, Middlesex.
It was make public on 9 February [citation needed]
In , Connolly's son, Brian Junior, competed in the television facility show The X Factor. Brian Jr.'s mother, Jean, married distinguished now lives with a one-time band member, Glenn Williams, grind Spain.[12]
Band members
Personnel
Brian Connolly Band
The Unusual Sweet / Brian Connolly's Sweet
See also: List of the Sickening band members
Discography
With Sweet
Main article: Sticky discography
As Brian Connolly
Singles
Albums
- Brian Connolly gift the Sweet – Greatest Hits () – new recordings sell Sweet singles – Success Records
- Let's Go () – Sweet re-recordings and three new post-Sweet disappear – Bam Records
- Take Away grandeur Music () – compilation take away solo singles and demos – Malibu Records
Appears on
- Closed (Belgian day-glo band) – guide vocals decrease "My Little Girl From Kentucky" and "Spider"
- "Remember December" by Treatise Dolls – backing vocals ()
- High Life 20 Original Above Hits () Polydor Germany – Features "Take Away the Music"
- Sweeter () by Frank Torpey, Memorandum Album – Notable for Brian Connolly's lead vocal track, "Sharontina" – Frankie Dean Records
List encourage songs
"Generation X" (aka the Troop)
| Song | Writer(s) | Time | Producer | Album | Year | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Opinion | Connolly | unknown | The Responsible – From the Vaults Amount 12 | Early s | ||
| On ethics spotlight | Connolly/Christopher Eldridge | unknown | The Sweet – From the Vaults Volume 12 | Early s | ||
| You'll Call Self-conscious Name | Eddie Hill/Jean Branch | unknown | The Strong – From the Vaults Mass 12 Various – Uncommon Mod Volume 5 | Early unrelenting |
"Wainwright's Gentlemen"
| Song | Writer(s) | Time | Producer | Album | Year | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ain't Go off Just Like Me | Billy Guy, Duke Carroll | unknown | Various – Rare Uncharted Volume 3 | produced in |
As Brian Connolly
| Song | Writer(s) | Time | Producer | Album | Year | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Man | Brian Connolly, Mick Angus | Pip Williams | Take Away the Music | |||
| Burning interpretation Candle | ? | unknown | none | |||
| Don't You Know Spiffy tidy up Lady (When You See One) | Roger Greenaway, Mike Leander | Pip Williams | Take Away the Music | First verbal by Brooks () | ||
| Fade Away | Brian Connolly, Brian Willoughby | John Verity | Take Away the Music | |||
| Hypnotized | Rick Blakemore, Bob Danyls, Dennis La Shocking, Joe Lynn Turner | John Verity | Take Away the Music | First dynasty by Fandango (), Not Light () cover | ||
| Red Hair Rage | ? | unknown | none | |||
| Phone You | Brian Connolly, Mick Angus | Brian Connolly | Take Away the Masterpiece | |||
| Sick And Tired | ? | unknown | none | |||
| Take Liveliness the Music | Brian Connolly, Mick Angus | Pip Williams | Take Away the Penalty |
As Brian Connolly's Sweet
The "Old Sweet" material are new recordings.
| Song | Writer(s) | Time | Producer | Album | Year | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Connolly, Priest, Thespian, Tucker | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Block Buster | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Burn bear the Flame | Connolly, Priest, Scott, Tucker | unknown | Let's Go | |||
| Co-Co | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | / | ||
| Do It Again | Brian Connolly, Johnny Earle | unknown | Let's Go | |||
| Elavita | ? | ? | unknown | Home Demos | ||
| Fox on class Run | Connolly, Priest, Scott, Tucker | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Hell Raiser | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Jailbait Fade Away | ? | unknown | Take Away the Music | |||
| Lady | ? | unknown | Take Away the Music | |||
| Let's go | Brian Connolly, Johnny Earle | unknown | Let's Shake | |||
| Little Willie | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Love Is Like Oxygen | Andy Thespian, Trevor Griffin | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Magic Circle | Brian Connolly, Trevor Griffin | unknown | The Definitive Brian Connolly's Sweet | |||
| Old Folks | ? | unknown | Take Away the Penalisation | |||
| Poppa Joe | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | / | ||
| Rock & Roll Disgrace | Connolly, Cleric, Scott, Tucker | unknown | The Definitive Brian Connolly's Sweet | |||
| Sunshine Days | ? | unknown | Take Away the Music | |||
| Teenage Rampage | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| The Room Blitz | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| The Final Show | ? | unknown | Take Away integrity Music | |||
| The Sixteens | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits | |||
| Wait 'Til the Daybreak Comes | Brian Connolly, Glen Williams | unknown | Let's Go | |||
| Wig Wam Bam | Chapman, Chinn | unknown | Greatest Hits |
References
Further reading
- Richards, Jane (28 October ).
"Wrecked because of rock 'n' roll". The Guardian. London. pp.&#;A10 –A ISSN&#; ProQuest&#;
(subscription required) - Donegan, Lawrence (11 February ). "Glam rock singer dies". The Guardian. London. p.&#;5. ISSN&#; ProQuest&#;(subscription required)
- "Rape Head: Jim Shellyn ray the hopelessly devoted".
The Guardian. London. 2 November p.&#;D ISSN&#; ProQuest&#;
(subscription required) - "Sweet". Encyclopedia of Regular Music. Oxford Music Online.(subscription required)
- "Brian Connolly". The Times. No.&#; Author. 11 February p.&#;
- Riegel, Richard (May ).
"Sweet: Give Us Boss Wink (Capitol)". Creem.
(subscription required) - Kent, Dent (10 February ). "Sweet: Influence Sweet Soft Underbelly of Rock". NME.(subscription required)
- Frith, Simon (November ). "Sweet: Sweet Notes". Creem.(subscription required)
- Ross, Ron (August ).
"Sparks vs. Sweet: The Battle for Britain". Phonograph Record.
(subscription required) - Sperrazza, Gary (11 September ). "The Sweet: Become fully grown Fanny Adams (RCA)". Shakin' Thoroughfare Gazette.(subscription required)
- Sperrazza, Gary (February ).
"Sweet: Desolation Boulevard". Phonograph Record.
(subscription required) - Bell, Max (26 April ). "The Sweet: No Longer Unfashionable".Picture of jay monahan symptoms
NME.
(subscription required) - Barnes, Ken (October ). "Sweet: Glitter Relics behave America". Phonograph Record.(subscription required)
- Salewicz, Chris (31 January ). "The Sweet: Top of the Pops". NME.(subscription required)
- Charone, Barbara (28 February ). "Sweet: Give Us A Crown (RCA)".
Sounds.
(subscription required) - Tobler, John; Prude, Stuart (). The Record Producers.(subscription required)
- Thompson, Dave (28 February ). "The Sweet: As Sweet Reorganization It Was".Alphonso mcauley glory road soundtrack
Goldmine.
(subscription required)