Homegrown talent continues rock band’s legacy
WARREN — Music fans of the 1970s English glam rock scene most likely have a Sweet album in their collection.
They probably have the lyrics to “Fox On The Run” and “Ballroom Blitz” memorized.
And they know that three members of the famed foursome — Brian Connolly, Steve Priest and Mick Tucker — are in rock ‘n’ roll heaven while remaining bandmate Andy Scott is still alive and has formed his own version of the group, which tours the U.K. and Australia.
But there’s a second set of talented musicians carrying on Sweet’s history: among them, 1982 Mott High School graduate Jimmy Burkard on guitar. The five-member group obtained the rights to use the name and perform as “The Sweet” in the U.S. and Canada. The band gigs on a regular basis, performing all of Sweet’s original material while paying homage to the band.
“It’s a new version,” Burkard said. “Steve Priest gave grace to keep the legacy going.”
Followers of the music can satisfy their “Sweet” tooth when The Sweet performs Nov. 8 at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road. Showtime is 8 p.m. Wearing glitter is optional!
With leather-inspired outfits, solid musical chops and a distinctive sound, Sweet strutted through the 1970s in platform boots with catchy songs like “Teenage Rampage,” “Hell Raiser” and “Love Is Like Oxygen.” The British rockers never lost their fan base even with countless personnel changes over the years.
Burkard, who grew up in Warren and now resides in the Los Angeles area, has been a member of The Sweet for about two years. The seasoned musician knew drummer Richie Onori from jamming together at various Hollywood clubs, including the Viper Room and the Whisky a Go Go. Onori and Priest played in a previous rendition of Sweet before Priest died.
“I played a couple of shows, and boom, it clicked,” Burkard said. When he was asked to join The Sweet, the guitar man couldn’t tune his Gibson Les Paul fast enough. “I’m like, ‘Hell yeah. Let me do it.’”
Burkard is having “a blast” performing alongside Onori, bassist Stevie Stewart, vocalist Patrick Stone and keyboardist Dave Schulz. The axe man looks forward to playing in his hometown Nov. 8 and has a number of family members and friends coming to the concert.
The Sweet’s setlist includes “not only the hits but the not-as-well-known songs,” Burkard said.
There is always a mixture of all ages in the crowd.
“You have the core group that knew them from the ’70s. You have kids of parents that are coming to the shows,” Burkard said. “We feed off that. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll show. We have a great time up there. It’s high energy.”
The band even has a new single, “Little Miracle.” Some die-hard Sweet devotees, though, haven’t embraced the present-day lineup.
“There are internet haters,” acknowledged Burkard, who encourages them to give the band a chance. “We want to keep the music out there as a live show. It should be heard live.”
Burkard himself is a Sweet fan from way back.
“I remember hearing ‘Little Willy’ on the radio in the ’70s,” the Michigan native said. “‘Action’ has got to be my favorite and a deeper cut is ‘Sweet F.A.’ The songwriting is what got their songs to a wider audience. The songs have a harder edge, but there’s a pop element. Now to be able to play the songs, I’m honored.”
Joe Nieporte, who assists with the entertainment bookings at the 800-seat Showroom, believes Sweet is the most underrated rock band to come out of the 1970s.
“Their album ‘Desolation Boulevard’ has sold millions of copies and is considered by many to be one of the greatest albums of all time,” Nieporte said. “Their song ‘Ballroom Blitz’ is one of the most played and copied songs ever.”
This isn’t the first time Burkard has performed Sweet live. Once upon a time, he played “Fox On The Run” while attending Siersma Elementary School in the Warren Consolidated Schools district. The sixth-grade student and a couple friends banded together to participate in a school talent show. That moment on stage — amid the lights, applause and guitar riffs — struck a chord with Burkard, cementing his destiny to become a professional musician.
As a teen, his first band was Atomic Axe, which was a fixture at many Warren basement parties. When the band became Mommy’s Dearest, they packed local clubs — including New York, New York, in Warren; the Ritz in Roseville; and Harpo’s in Detroit. Hoping to land a record deal, the blues-based rock band moved to the West Coast in 1988, but eventually disbanded.
Burkard, however, kept shredding his six string. The entertainer has shared many stages with his peers, currently is a member the band West Bound, and writes and performs his own solo projects. For more information on Burkard and The Sweet, check out his Instagram page at @jimmyburkard.
For ticket information on the Nov. 8 show, go to andiamoshowroom.com or call (586) 268-3200.
