THE Sweet were one of the best selling bands during the sensational 1970s era of glam rock.

Alongside the likes of David Bowie, Marc Bolan's T Rex, Roxy Music and Slade, they sparked a cultural evolution with their thrilling music and glittering outfits to match.

The Sweet's sensational string of UK top ten hits included Blockbuster, Hellraiser, Ballroom Blitz, Teenage Rampage and The Sixteens. And in 1975 the United States discovered the band with Fox on the Run ascending to the number three spot in the Billboard 100.

On the face of it they were primarily a singles band. However, with albums including Desolation Boulevard (1975) and Give Us a Wink (1976) and many of their chart singles backed by blistering guitar riff laden tracks on the B sides, the band were popular with hard rock fans. So much so, string six ace Andy Scott was often named in the top guitarists polls sharing the spotlight with Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, Mick Ronson, Steve Howe and their contemporaries.

In 1979 lead singer Brian Connolly left the original line up leaving Andy, Steve Priest and Mick Tucker to continue as a three piece. Sadly, both Brian and Mick passed away in 1997 and 2002 respectively and with Steve Priest relocating to the USA, Andy was left to fly the flag.

The Sweet still tour the world with one of the most dynamic and slick live shows on the circuit and play The Forum at Barrow on Saturday, December 7, as part of their 16-date nationwide tour.

Today's line up is Andy on lead guitar and vocals, Bruce Bisland, drums and vocals, Lee Small, bass and vocals and Paul Manzi, lead vocals.

Andy was asked what was the the best gig that he'd ever been to or had inspired him the most? "Sweet were invited to 'The' Led Zeppelin gig at Earls Court in 1974, possibly their best ever show and I missed it through illness. So, I guess my other choice would be playing support to Jimi Hendrix in 1967 at Manchester New Century Hall. My band pre-Sweet, The Elastic Band, was formed after watching Hendrix from the side of the stage and realising that our soul band - The Silverstones - days were numbered."

Special guests on the 2019 tour will be alternate rock band Novatines.

Box office 01229-820000.