The Sweet's Steve Priest dies at 72, heartbroken fans thank the legend for bringing joy into their lives
Steve Priest, bassist and founding member of the London glam rock group The Sweet died at the age of 72. Priest's bandmate Andy Scott confirmed the news in a Facebook post.
The Sweet, formed in 1968, achieved their first hit 'Funny Funny' in 1971. Before turning to a more hard rock style with their mid-career singles such as 'Turn It Down' (released in 1974) and 'Fox on the Run' (1975), during 1971 and 1972, the band's musical style followed a marked progression from the Archies-like bubblegum style of 'Funny Funny' to a Who-influenced hard rock style along with a striking use of high-pitched backing vocals. Other hit singles the band is best known for include 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and 'Little Willy'. One of their arguably best-known songs, 'The Ballroom Blitz', begins with vocalist Brian Connolly asking, "Are you ready, Steve?" A memoir for Priest titled 'Are You Ready, Steve?' was released in 1994.
Priest remained a consistent member of the band for all of their nine studio albums until they disbanded in 1982. In the years that followed until his death, Priest remained active as a musician, performing on world tours with his own version of the band called Steve Priest's Sweet. Scott's message on Facebook began with, "Then there was one!" He said, "I am in pieces right now. Steve Priest has passed away. His wife Maureen and I have kept in contact and though his health was failing I never envisaged this moment. Never. My thoughts are with his family." He continued, "He was the best bass player I ever played with. The noise we made as a band was so powerful. From that moment in the summer of 1970 when set off on our Musical Odyssey the world opened up and the rollercoaster ride started! He eventually followed his heart and moved to the USA. First New York then LA." He concluded with, "Rest in Peace brother. All my love."
Fans on Facebook shared their love for Priest and reflected on the influence the band has had on them through the years. "Spent all of my life loving all of you... heartbreak today," said a fan while another wrote, "So sorry Andy, you guys made high school a more tolerable place for me. And your music introduced me to so many friends and I am so grateful for that. Rest in Peace Steve." One fan shared, "Condolences to Steve’s family. The Sweet helped me survive high school bullying and an abusive first marriage, they were my favorite band for years... You never really think of your idols growing old when you're young... and then it smacks you upside your head... R.I.P Steve.... Huge hugs to Andy." Another said, "In my early teens, back in the early 70s, you were either Bowie, Slade, T-Rex. I was definitely The Sweet. 'I just haven't got a clue what to do.' RIP Steve." One more heartbroken fan said, "Steve, nearly 50 years you have accompanied me through my life....and when I first heard CO-CO at the age of 11...... I became a SWEET fan FOREVER ......with over 150 SWEET - concerts that I have attended. Thank you for all the joy and enthusiasm you gave all of us with your great music ......and the best band in the world !!!! YOU ...will always be in our hearts ......FOREVER !!!!! R.I.P. Steve .........Thomas from Germany." One more said, "Steve was a legend and tragically underrated as a Bassplayer RIP."
