The phone rang a couple of times and on answering it I heard the news I'd been waiting for since Hammersmith. The Sweet were playing "The Night Out" in Birmingham (England). The voice of Johnny Mogs was shaking with emotion and disbelief as he read the details over the phone. The first of October was going to rest in my memory forever. Having said that I'm unsure of the year! Although my wife assures me that it was 1982, and as any self respecting Sweet fan will know - the band split had long since happened. For the next few weeks we refused to contact the Night Out and ask for details of the group. The tickets simply said "The Sweet". They also refered to another group called Vanity Fayre and also to a popular beat combo of the '70's, the Rubettes. This was a triple bill cabaret evening - a far cry from the Rainbow!.........
Still, the Sweet was the Sweet, and even if it meant a four hour drive midweek to return next day with scant time to catch a couple of hours kip before work, well it was going to be worth it. The old Rover flowed up the motorway and Johnny Mogs was loaded aboard. We still had no idea of the make-up of the band we were about to see. The Sweet were second up, and we waited patiently for the heroes to be announced; whilst around us people absorbed Scampi and Chips, and Chicken in the Basket. And of course, you've guessed it, over the P.A.: "Ladies and Gentlemen.... Brian Connolly's Sweet!"
So there was to be no miraculous reformation tonight; and we were left to watch the icon pump out the hits one after the other, backed by, as Johnny Mogs termed them, "three young lads". I'm not sure who they were, these chaps at the back. The lights were clearly all set up for Brian and the rest of the band languished under shades of grey for much of the time. If anyone does know with certainty who these guys were I'd be very happy to know. Dave Glover, of BC SWEET, reckons John Verity could have been with Brian at this time and if so then Bob Henritt would have been on drums, but he can't be sure. *(See below for updated info - errors are not Dave Glover's fault - it's my wife who is to blame!)
After the gig was over Brian came out and sat at a table near the stage, just a few feet away. He was with friends and perhaps family - again - any ideas out there to fill the gap??? Who were these people??* *I went over to him and said how much I had enjoyed the show. He could hardly focus, he seemed a little "elsewhere", but he smiled and thanked me. And for the very first time I was aware of a Scots accent. Someone nearby made an unkind comment about him looking like a drunken bum. I don't think he heard. Or if he did he clearly didn't think it worth a response. It wasn't the last time I saw Brian perform, but it was the last time I spoke to him, and for once my memory is solid. I'll never forget him as he grasped my hand and wished me a safe journey home.
*
Added Nov 11th 1998
JUST GOES TO SHOW
.....I was emailed in October 1998 by
Gill Farmer and she assures me that husband Gary Farmer was on bass guitar at that time! Or rather it wasn't that time at all. It was in fact 1984 NOT 1982 as my darling ever right wife thought. I had friends all over Britain checking dates and photo albums! Events were cross referenced time and again, but Gill was right! She also tells me that it was Phil Ridden was on drums and Steve Turner was on Lead Guitar.**Updated 10/10/99 The Mystery People - Not Family, but family still.
From right to left Janne, Julie, and then the two mystery fans the Farrells. This picture was taken at the Hard Rock Cafe - Brian's 54th Birthday Celebration.