An interview with Andy Scott
Ahead of the band's performance in Aberdeen next week, The Sweet's lead guitarist Andy Scott gave an insight into his music career so far...
What’s the best gig that you’ve been to or has inspired you the most?
Sweet were invited to “The” Led Zepellin 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.
What is your favourite part of touring and what is your least favourite part of it?
Performing is the best part of touring without doubt.
Airports and security are the worst, especially the intrusive wandering hands, etc.
What’s your favourite UK venue so far?
Sweet have now played most of the UK’s venues, large and small from the newish O2 down to the original Marquee Club - I still prefer the Marquee, or am I being nostalgic?
Do you have a pre‐show ritual?
I am not superstitious so other than a wee dram of JD, or similar, no pre‐stage nerves.
How do like to relax on a day off during a tour?
Sleep!
You’ve been touring and making music for some time. Do you have any stand‐out stories or memories?
I am about to go on a Music & Stories tour in Germany with Uriah Heep, Nazareth and Wishbone Ash, I will be the host, the MC and part of the concert will involve stories from all bands and yours truly so if you don’t mind I will just say – what happens on tour stays on tour until next year!
What is your favourite part about touring in the UK?
The shows we play in the UK are usually more intimate than the bigger places in Europe – you can see the whites in the eyes of the crowd. Plus you get to sleep in your own bed more often if you are less than two hours from home.
You are touring right up to Christmas - are you looking forward to taking some time off over Christmas? Do you have any plans for the festive period?
Christmas means family.
Our plan is to get as many of us together and celebrate in the usual manner, then escape at New Year.
You produced the debut album for the Novatines, who are supporting you on this tour. Can you tell people, who haven’t seen them before, what they can expect?
The main reason that I got involved with the Novatines was the songs and the pure energy of the band.
It reminded me of Sweet in the 70s.
Four personalities and a lot of talent.
They just needed someone to pull it together in an organised way and I think we achieved that.
All we need now is The Big Break and I think they will be on their way to super stardom and hope they don’t forget me.
You probably get this question a lot, are there any plans to release a new music?
Sony in Germany have commissioned a new studio album.
We are working our way towards that, looking for songs, getting ideas for songs because I believe that is the best and most efficient way to kick start a project such as this.
Our European profile is pretty good right now having charted with a Box Set and a New compilation of tracks from the last 50 years of releases from Sweet.
I hope that the UK pick up on it this time, we live in hope.
I guess we will start the recording process for the new album early next year – watch this space.
The Sweet - with 34 number ones under their belt and a successful career spanning more than five decades - will perform in Aberdeen's Lemon Tree on Friday, December 13, and for more information and tickets you can visit: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
In 1979 original lead singer Brian Connolly left the original line up leaving Andy Scott, Steve Priest and Mick Tucker to continue as a three piece.
Sadly, both Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker passed away in 1997 and 2002 respectively, and with Steve Priest relocating to the USA, Andy Scott was left to fly the flag.
After a couple of line-up changes over the years, since 2006 the line-up has been primarily unchanged from what it is today: Andy Scott (lead guitar, vocal), Bruce Bisland (drums, vocal) Tony O’Hora (lead vocal, bass) and Paul Manzi (guitar, keyboards, vocal).
