In the 1970s, Brian Connolly was the very definition of glam rock’s excess and allure. With his striking blond hair, mischievous grin, and a voice built for explosive choruses, he led The Sweet to international stardom. Hits like “The Ballroom Blitz” and “Block Buster!” made the band household names, selling over 50 million records and producing 39 global hits, including 13 UK Top-20 singles. For a time, life seemed unstoppable, glittering with fame, fortune, and a world of adoring fans. Yet behind the dazzling success, a darker story of personal struggle and health battles was quietly unfolding.
Born Brian MacManus in Scotland in 1945, Connolly faced adversity early in life. Abandoned as an infant, he was raised by foster parents and later discovered he was the half-brother of actor Mark McManus. By the mid-1960s, he was performing across the UK, honing his skills and stage presence. He eventually co-founded The Sweet with Andy Scott, Steve Priest, and Mick Tucker, transforming the group into a glam-rock powerhouse. Connolly’s charisma and energy were central to the band’s identity, turning their shows into theatrical spectacles.
Success came fast and spectacularly. Connolly and The Sweet achieved millionaire status and global acclaim, yet the pressures of fame introduced personal challenges. Alcohol began to take a toll on his health and career. By 1979, Connolly left the band, acknowledging that his lifestyle had “gradually gotten out of hand.” Solo attempts at success faltered, and by 1981, he had suffered multiple heart attacks, leaving him with lasting nerve damage. Financial difficulties compounded his struggles, including a crushing tax bill that forced him to sell his home.
Despite setbacks, Connolly continued to tour, fronting Brian Connolly’s Sweet while Scott led another iteration of the band. Performances became smaller and more physically demanding, with his health constantly under strain. In 1990, dehydration landed him in a hospital in Australia, highlighting the fragility beneath his showman’s facade.
In 1995, Connolly released the album Let’s Go, and celebrated the birth of his son with partner Jean. A television documentary that year captured his candid reflections on his health, heart attacks, and the enduring desire to make music despite his declining condition. Even with these challenges, his dedication to performance remained unwavering.
Connolly’s final performance came in December 1996, just weeks before his death on February 9, 1997, at age 51. Kidney and liver failure, compounded by heart attacks, ended the life of a frontman who had burned brightly and lived intensely. Today, “The Ballroom Blitz” still echoes with his feral whoop and playful wink—a lasting testament to the glitter, the grit, and the unforgettable presence of Brian Connolly.
