Brian Connolly: From Glam Rock Icon to Tragic End

The Rise of a Rock Star

Brian Connolly was the irresistible frontman of The Sweet, the band behind hits like The Ballroom Blitz. In the 1970s, his stardom and wealth seemed unstoppable. As the heartthrob lead singer, Brian captivated fans worldwide. The Sweet performed to massive crowds, living the luxurious life of superstardom. Fans adored them, and their music still resonates today.

Sweet’s Golden Era

Emerging in the mid-70s, Sweet competed with giants like Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith. Yet, they carved their own path with talent, charisma, and chart-topping hits. Their music combined the heaviness of Deep Purple, the attitude of The Rolling Stones, and the catchy hooks of The Beatles. Hits like Set Me Free and Sweet F.A. showcased their range. At their peak, Sweet sold 50 million records worldwide, with Brian as the face of the band.

A Difficult Beginning

Brian, born Brian MacManus in Scotland in 1945, faced hardship early. Abandoned as a baby, he was raised by a nurse and her husband. His biological father remained unknown, but he later discovered he was the half-brother of Scottish actor Mark McManus. By the mid-1960s, Brian was making a name for himself as a singer, eventually co-founding Sweet. Guitarist Andy Scott recalled, “We moved into millionaire status… 39 worldwide hits and 13 UK top-20 singles.”

Glam Rock Icon

With his flicked-back blonde hair and commanding stage presence, Brian embodied 1970s glam rock. Yet, behind the charm, trouble brewed. By 1979, alcohol began undermining his career, and he left Sweet to pursue a solo path.

Struggles and Setbacks

Brian’s solo efforts failed to gain traction. In 1983, a multimillion-pound tax bill forced him to sell his home. His health deteriorated: severe bloating, heart a**acks, partial paralysis, and later a chronic nervous system disorder plagued him. Despite this, he toured with the reformed New Sweet in the 1980s, though his declining health limited him.

Legal and Financial Battles

Legal disputes over The Sweet’s name drained his finances. Eventually, two factions emerged: Brian Connolly’s Sweet and Andy Scott’s Sweet. Touring fees dwindled, and his health continued to worsen.

The Final Years

In 1995, Brian released a solo album, Let’s Go, achieving modest success. That year, his partner Jean gave birth to their son. In a 1996 documentary, Brian revealed years of alcohol ab*se and multiple heart a**acks had devastated his body. By the mid-1990s, the former glam rock star struggled physically, walking with a limp and shaking visibly.

The Last Concert and Passing

Brian’s final concert took place on December 5, 1996, at the Bristol Hippodrome. Just over three months later, he passed away on February 9, 1997, from kidney and liver failure compounded by multiple heart attacks. Fans later funded a memorial plaque at Breakspear Crematorium, honoring the singer who once lit up stadiums worldwide.