Did you know Brian Connolly—the charismatic frontman of The Sweet—was brutally attacked in the throat at the peak of his fame? He lost much of his iconic vocal range that once defined hits like “Little Willy.” That assault set off a tragic chain reaction: public break‑ups, financial ruin, alcohol, and drug addiction… Until his untimely death in 1997 at age 51. A meteoric rise followed by a heartbreaking decline. 💔

Introduction

Brian Francis Connolly (October 5, 1945 – February 10, 1997) wasn’t just a singer—he was the voice of glam rock. As the frontman of The Sweet, he helped ignite a musical revolution. But behind the glittering façade lay a story marked by violence, loss, and tragedy.

🎤 The Assault That Changed Everything

At the height of their success, Brian was viciously attacked outside a venue. Three assailants cornered him, and one delivered a brutal kick to his throat—seeking to “shut him up.” The damage was permanent: his vocal cords were forever impaired . Concerts were canceled, including a major opening slot for The Who, and Brian’s confidence unraveled .

🍷 Downfall: Addiction & Band Breakup

Reeling from his vocal loss, Brian turned to alcohol and drugs. Relationships with bandmates soured, and he finally split from The Sweet in 1979. By May 1989, he was unemployed, battling addiction, and living on benefits—his music career a distant memory.

❤️ Health Struggles & Tragic Decline

Adding to his woes, Brian reportedly suffered up to 14 heart attacks in just six weeks and even lost his native Scottish accent due to vocal trauma. With health faltering and finances depleted, his final years were bleak.

🌹 A Legacy in Ruins

Brian Connolly passed away on February 10, 1997, at just 51, succumbing to complications from liver failure and heart disease. Though his career ended in heartbreak, his raw voice and powerful presence remain deeply embedded in glam rock history.

Sweet – Love Is Like Oxygen