The music of Sweet has migrated very well into the digital age. They gave us songs like Ballroom Blitz, Fox on the Run, Blockbuster and Little Willy.

One can hear the classic 1970’s lineup of the group in films, commercials, TV shows and on social media. That classic glam/glitter pop lineup included Brian Connolly, Mick Tucker, Andy Scott, and Steve Priest.

The current North American version of the group includes drummer Richie Onori, Patrick Alan Stone on lead vocals, guitarist Jimmy Burkhard, while Dave Shultz and Stevie Stewart share keyboard duties. This band had the approval of original Sweet member Steve Priest. After his death in 2020, his family gave their blessing to this group to keep the legacy of the band alive.

They continue to make new music. The new single from the band is called Little Miracle – it rocks with some great harmony.

Had a chance to catch up with drummer Richie Onori of The Sweet prior to their show at Sobey’s Stadium at York University. We talk about about how this version of Sweet maintains the group’s heritage while moving forward with new music. He also shares the role original member Steve Priest played in helping form this “new” Sweet.

This interview previously ran on Oldies Without Borders on INDI101-5 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Enjoy!

Copyright Peter J. Maurin, The Vinyl Professor. Published under Creative Commons License: Attribution/Non-Commercial Use.