Teenage heartthrob who suffered
In the 1970s, few frontmen shone brighter than Brian Connolly, the blond, charismatic voice of The Sweet,
who ruled glam rock with hits like “The Ballroom Blitz” and “Block Buster!”
The band sold over 50 million records and scored 13 UK Top-20 singles, defining an era of glitter and energy.
Born Brian MacManus in Scotland in 1945, he was abandoned as a baby and later discovered he was the half-brother of actor Mark McManus.
Fame came fast — and so did the pressure. “Gradually, it just got out of hand,” Connolly admitted of his drinking.
By 1979, he’d left The Sweet, but his solo career stalled as his health declined.
After suffering heart attacks in 1981, he kept touring despite paralysis and financial struggles.
His final comeback in the mid-’90s ended tragically when he died in 1997, aged 51.
His story remains one of brilliance, struggle, and unbreakable spirit.
