Steve Priest dead: The Sweet bassist dies aged 72

Musician Steve Priest has sadly died at the age of 72, his The Sweet bandmates confirmed in a statement. The talented bassist passed away on Thursday morning.

The Sweet shared the news with their “dear friends and fans” on Twitter on Thursday evening (UK time) as they confirmed they had “very sad news” in a message signed off by current band members Richie, Stevie, Mitch & Paulie.

The band – which was formed in the UK in 1968 – also shared a statement written by Priest’s family, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce at 8:25am PT today, Steve Priest, founding member of The Sweet, passed away. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, three daughters, Lisa, Danielle & Maggie and 3 grandchildren, Jordan, Jade & Hazel.”

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce at 8:25am PT today, Steve Priest, founding member of The Sweet, passed away. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, three daughters, Lisa, Danielle & Maggie and 3 grandchildren, Jordan, Jade & Hazel.

— The Sweet (@SPSweetBand) June 4, 2020

Fans paid tribute to Priest online following the confirmation of his passing, with one writing: “The world’s lost a real character. I’ll always remember his charismatic performances in the 70s. He brought me great joy, and I’ll never forget his sense of fun in those days.”

Another commented: “So sorry. My condolences to Steve’s family, fellow band members, past and present, and fans everywhere. I have loved Sweet all my life, and I am so thankfull that I had a chance to meet Steve in person at a few of his recent shows. A true giant in music.”

While another wrote: “Condolences to all. A wonderful musician, and as a blockbusting character, a part of many childhoods – when Top of the Pops was watched by millions. Steve Priest’s visual attention grabbing lives on, as well as all the many recordings and performances throughout the years. RIP.”

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

The Sweet are best known for tracks such as ‘Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Love Is Like Oxygen’ and ‘Teenage Rampage’. Priest was invited to join the four-piece in the late 1960s alongside vocalist Brian Connolly, drummer Mick Tucker, and guitarist Frank Torpey.

Mick Stewart then replaced Torpey in 1969, while guitarist Andy Scott joined – in place of Stewart – in August 1970, establishing the band’s classic line-up. Their number one hits include 1971’s ‘Funny Funny’ and ‘Blockbuster’ in 1973. While they also enjoyed a number of other top ten hits.