Live Review: The Sweet

The Sweet, also known as Sweet, put on an altogether entertaining show for a not quite sold out Factory Theatre, playing a selection of hits and covers from their impressive 40 year-plus career. Considering the band has had, according to their website, 34 number one hits worldwide and have sold over 55 million records, it was surprising that they opened their set with a unusual cover, Empire State Of Mind, even though it was actually quite good, if unexpected. They also threw in another cover during the set, Dead Or Alive's You Spin Me Round, and this reviewer still cannot decide whether it was the best or worst cover choice she's ever heard. You can hear it for yourself; it's on their latest LP, which consists entirely of covers that vocalist Pete Lincoln (replacing the late Brian Connolly) says have been “sweetified”.

But the consummate entertainers and players did not forget to give their enthusiastic audience what they'd really come for, a selection of some of their biggest hits which defined the '70s glam rock genre for many, including favourites Fox On The Run, Hellraiser, Teenage Rampage and of course, Ballroom Blitz.

The sound was perfect, except nowhere near loud enough. On second thoughts, considering the average age of the punters in the crowd, perhaps it was loud enough after all. In fact the whole show was over at the very respectable hour of 11pm. Supreme harmonies, faultless playing and somewhat cheesy but fun sound effects between songs made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening, reminding one that rock doesn't always have to be heavy or serious; it can sometimes be just Wig Wam Bam, thank you, ma'am, fun.