The Sweet
photo via The Sweet's Facebook

The Sweet bassist Steve Priest, RIP

Steve Priest, bassist of UK glam/glitter hitmakers The Sweet, has passed away at the age of 72. His bandmate, guitarist Andy Scott, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing:

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

Priest joined The Sweet in 1968 and was part of its best known, ’70s-era lineup, alongside Scott, vocalist Brian Connolly, and drummer Mick Tucker. He stayed through their disbandment in 1982, playing on hits including “The Ballroom Blitz” (opening with Connolly asking, “Are you ready, Steve?”), “Love is Like Oxygen,” “Fox on the Run,” and “Little Willy.” In 1979, he took over the role of lead singer, too, when Connolly left the band.

In 1994, Priest published a memoir, Are You Ready, Steve?, and in 2008, he began touring his own version of The Sweet, with Stuart Smith, Richie Onori, Stevie Stewart, and Joe Retta.

Rest in Peace, Steve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewFBuYHldeY

Then there was one! I am in pieces right now. Steve Priest has passed away. His wife Maureen and I have kept in…

Posted by The Sweet on Thursday, June 4, 2020