Sweet: (Bubblegum Glam)

A night of champagne, dancing, and unexpected glamour — the kind of fan‑meets‑idol story that defined Bravo’s golden era.

Published February 24, 1973, this one‑page Record Mirror article celebrates Sweet’s “Blockbuster” as a glam‑rock triumph of simplicity — a Number One single powered by just two chords, a fuzz box, and a flair for theatrical excess.

Nick Kent dives into the chaotic, candy‑coloured world of The Sweet — a band caught between glam‑rock frivolity and the gritty realities of touring, image, and expectation.

Brian Connolly's Bravo Germany Tour Hype Published in Germany on January 18, 1973, Bravo Magazine’s cover and one-page article “Sweet Coming to Germany!” featured Brian Connolly and The Sweet at the peak of their early glam breakthrough. The cover showcased Brian in full glittered-up glory, with the article announcing the band’s upcoming German tour and building excitement around their hit-making rise in Europe. Cover Text Excerpts “SWEET come to Germany!” “Brian Connolly: SW

A Melody Maker Warm Calypso Praise Published in the UK on January 13, 1973, Melody Maker’s one-page single review “ELTON JOHN: “Daniel”” hailed the track as a warm, attractive song that grows with each hearing. Set to a lilting calypso beat with electric piano and steel drum effects, the review called it a fine song and convincing hit. The Bernie Taupin lyrics about an elder brother who flies away have a cloudy, floating quality, and the old firm (Elton & Bernie) believe it's

A Melody Maker Sweet Blockbuster Spotlight Published in the UK on January 13, 1973, Melody Maker’s one-page review “Lot's of Gimmicks” covered The Sweet’s “Block Buster!” single (RCA). The enthusiastic review praised the track’s theatricality: sirens wailing, hidden menace in chants and yodels, a convincing version with a “boring riff in the final bars that shows the band ran out of ideas.” A classic early 1973 glam-pop critique. Review Overview Publication Details Magazine:

A Sweet Glam No. 1 Siren SmashThe Sweet’s "Blockbuster"  backed with "Need A Lot Of Lovin'" , was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by RCA Records (catalog number RCA 2316) on January 5, 1973, entering the UK Singles Chart on January 13, 1973, peaking at number 1 for 5 weeks and charting for 15 weeks. "Blockbuster" was the groups first number one and only number one single in the UK, and also made 1 in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Ireland, and 3 in Finland,

A Glam-Pop Chinnichap Greatest Hits Released as a vinyl LP in the UK in December 1972, on RCA Victor (catalogue: SF 8316), The Sweet’s The Sweet's Biggest Hits was their first greatest hits compilation — gathering their 1971–1972 glam-pop smashes. Produced by Phil Wainman for New Dawn Productions, this 12-track set featured “Wig-Wam Bam,” “Little Willy,” “Co-Co,” and “Poppa Joe.” Issued in laminated sleeve, cassette, and 8-track variants. Reached No. 3 in Finland. Album Overv

Sweet’s "Bitter Sweet" , a one-page feature in Melody Maker , October 7, 1972.

Sweet’s "What's Going on with the Sweet?" , a two-page article in Bravo Magazine , September 13, 1972. Four beatboys are in the crossfire...