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.

The *New Musical Express* British Singles Chart for the week published on **January 27, 1973** captured a pivotal moment in early‑’70s pop and glam. With Sweet’s “Blockbuster” taking the top spot and David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” close behind, the chart reflected the peak of glam‑rock dominance, alongside soul, MOR, and emerging rock crossovers. Compiled from sales up to Tuesday, January 23, the listing remains one of the most iconic snapshots of the era. Publication: New Mu

A full-page RCA Records advertisement promoting The Sweet’s new single “Block Buster!”. The Sweet — “Block Buster!” Dynamic new single on RCA. Melody Maker Date: January 13, 1973 Length: 3 min read 📰 Key Highlights • New single “Block Buster!” by The Sweet • Large, striking group photograph of the band in full glam regalia • Bold headline “THE SWEET BLOCKBUSTER” dominating the top of the page • RCA Records and Tapes branding at the bottom • Classic early-1973 glam

A lively, slightly chaotic Bravo deep‑dive into the internal tensions, rumours, and rising pressures surrounding The Sweet at the height of their glam‑rock fame — a behind‑the‑scenes look at a band juggling success, image, and the strain of constant public scrutiny. Bravo Magazine Date: September 13, 1972 Length: 6 min read (two‑page feature) A colourful, youth‑press exposé blending fan‑friendly excitement with candid glimpses of a band navigating fame, frustration, and th

A punchy UK trade‑press advert announcing Sweet’s new single “Wig‑Wam Bam” — a bold, bubble‑glam statement positioning the band as one of Britain’s most unstoppable hit‑making machines of 1972. Publication: UK Press (Advert) Date: 1972 Format: One‑page advert A moment of glam‑pop confidence, chart momentum and Chinnichap firepower. 📰 Key Highlights • Promotion of Sweet’s new single “Wig‑Wam Bam” • Strong emphasis on the band’s hit streak following “Little Willy” and “Popp

The Bravo Musicbox chart for the week published on August 23, 1972 captured the cross‑European pulse of pop and glam, as voted by 3,000 readers across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With Sweet’s “Little Willy” and T. Rex’s “Metal Guru” trading top positions, the chart reflected the continental embrace of British glam alongside American singer‑songwriter sophistication. Publication: Bravo (Germany) Date: August 23, 1972 Format: Weekly reader‑voted singles and albums chart

A sharp, guitar‑focused Melody Maker feature capturing Andy Scott in full mid‑glam ascent, framed by the magazine’s trademark dense columns and gear‑heavy layout. 📰 Publication Details Publication: Melody Maker Date: April 15, 1972 Country: UK Section / Page: Guitars / p.39 Format: One Page Feature 📰 What the Clipping Shows A full Melody Maker page headed “GUITARS”, dominated by the article “Scott’s Sweet smell of success”, accompanied by a live photograph of Andy Scott mid

A bold, joyful celebration of Sweet’s 1972 Otto win — glam‑rock energy captured in full colour.

In early 1972, British pop weekly *Record Mirror* ran this revealing two-page spread on Sweet as part of their series on rising pop acts. While the band was riding high on the success of hits like “Co-Co,” drummer Mick Tucker gave a surprisingly frank interview about the fear, pressure, and insecurity lurking behind the glittery glam image.

POPPA JOE RCA 2164 NEW HIT SINGLE FROM THE SWEET