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.

Sweet's "Blockbuster" is up five places to number one on the NME British Singles Chart as published in New Musical Express, January 27, 1973. Sweet released "Block Buster!" (often stylized as "Blockbuster") in January 1973 as a single, later included on the US version of their album The Sweet  (1973), on RCA Records in the UK and Bell Records in the US. Written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the glam rock anthem features a wailing siren (inspired by air-raid warnings), Bria

A Melody Maker Sweet Siren Blast Published in the UK on January 13, 1973, Melody Maker’s one-page advert promoted The Sweet’s “Block Buster!” single (RCA). The bold ad highlighted the track’s theatricality — sirens wailing, hidden menace in chants and yodels — as the band’s new tilt at the top. A classic early 1973 glam-pop campaign. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: January 13, 1973. Format: One-page single advert. Do you have this Me

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:

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...

Sweet’s "Wig-Wam Bam" , a half-page advert in New Musical Express , September 2, 1972.

Sweet's "Little Willy" at number one in charts, as reported by Bravo magazine August 23, 1972. In the UK: T. Rex's "Electric Warrior" is...

Mick Tucker's Hit Record Fears

POPPA JOE RCA 2164 NEW HIT SINGLE FROM THE SWEET