Sweet bassist Steve Priest dies aged 72
Andy Scott has paid tribute to his former band mate
Last updated 4th Jun 2020
Steve Priest, founding member and bassist of glam rock legends The Sweet, has died aged 72.
A statement posted on his Sweet offshoot band Steve Priest and The Sweet’s official website confirmed that Steve died this morning in Los Angeles. He had been ill for several months and was hospitalised in March.
It reads: “"Dear Friends and Fans, We have very sad news - Please see the below statement from Steve Priest’s family.
“Love, Richie, Stevie, Mitch & Paulie…
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce at 8:25am PT today, Steve Priest, founding member of The Sweet, passed away. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, three daughters, Lisa, Danielle & Maggie and 3 grandchildren, Jordan, Jade & Hazel.”
Andy Scott, who is now the sole surviving member of the classic line-up of The Sweet, has also posted a message on the band's Facebook page.
He wrote: “Then there was one!
“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 x.
“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.
“Rest in Peace brother. All my love.
“Andy”
Born in Hayes, Middlesex on 23rd February 1948, Steve Priest formed the band that was to become The Sweet shortly before his 20th birthday alongside vocalist Brian Connolly, drummer Mick Tucker, and guitarist Frank Torpey.
The classic line-up of The Sweet was established in 1970 when guitarist Andy Scott replaced the departing second guitarist Mick Stewart.
A flamboyant and charismatic performer who often wore gloriously outrageous attire – including, of course, on Top of the Pops - Steve Priest was integral to The Sweet’s signature sound throughout their 1970s prime; his high-pitched backing vocals perfectly complimenting Brian Connolly’s vocals.
When Brian Connolly left the band in 1979, Steve Priest became lead vocalist and the trimmed down trio recorded three albums together – ‘Cut Above The Rest’, ‘Water’s Edge’ and ‘Identity Crisis’ – before they disbanded in 1981.
Steve Priest contributed to all nine of The Sweet’s albums and all of their chart-conquering anthems including ‘Block Buster!’, ‘Hell Raiser’, ‘The Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Teenage Rampage’ and ‘Fox on the Run’.
In 2008, he formed the offshoot band Steve Priest and The Sweet in Los Angeles, while Andy Scott continued with his own incarnation of the band.
The late-great Steve Priest:
RIP Steve Priest
Steve Priest in 1972
RIP Steve Priest
The Sweet's Brian Connolly, Andy Scott, Mick Tucker and Steve Priest in the early 1970s
RIP Steve Priest
The Sweet's Mick Tucker, Steve Priest, Brian Connolly and Andy Scott perform on Top of the Pops in 1974
RIP Steve Priest
The Sweet hit the pub in 1974
RIP Steve Priest
The Sweet in 1976
RIP Steve Priest
The Sweet in the US in 1978
RIP Steve Priest
Steve Priest in London in 1978
RIP Steve Priest
Now a trio, The Sweet's Steve Priest, Andy Scott and Mick Tucker in the studio in 1979
RIP Steve Priest
On stage with Steve Priest and The Sweet in 2009
RIP Steve Priest
On stage with Steve Priest and The Sweet at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood in 2018
RIP Steve Priest