Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Coach House concert is Sweet news for classic-rock fans


This story was originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.
Sweet is back.
The legendary 1970s rock band that crafted a string of infectious and well-known rockers such as "Fox on the Run," "Ballroom Blitz, "Little Willy" and "Love is Like Oxygen" is the subject of an upcoming reissue by Shout Factory.
"Action: The Sweet Anthology" is a two-disc collection set for release April 28. It is the definitive Sweet set, featuring the band's best-known material remastered. The ambitious CD celebrates the legacy of Sweet, which featured bassist-vocalist Steve Priest, singer Brian Connolly, drummer Mick Tucker and guitarist Frank Torpey (later replaced by Andy Scott).

The good news for area music fans is that Sweet, which Priest reconstructed last year, will deliver live versions of those classic cuts and other material when the band kicks off its 2009 tour Thursday night, Jan. 29, 2009, with a show at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
Sweet combined the harmony-minded vocals of groups such as the Hollies and the Turtles with distorted guitars and heavy bass guitar and drums. That distinctive sound remains an influential force 35 years later.
Sweet's 2008 tour saw the band perform for more than 200,000 fans throughout the United States and Canada, with the positive response setting in motion the reformed outfit working on a new studio album expected to be completed this year.
The 2009 tour is dedicated to two members of the original Sweet, Connolly (who died at age 51 in February 1997) and Tucker (who died at 54 in February 2002).
In addition to Priest, Sweet's current lineup includes lead vocalist Joe Retta, lead guitarist Stuart Smith, drummer Richie Onori and keyboardist Stevie Stewart.
Sweet, J.D. Peterson & Gratitude and the Claude Von Trotha Band will perform at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
Tickets priced at $20 each are available at the venue's box office.
Information: 949-496-8930.

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