Interview with Andy Scott – SWEET farewell tour 2024
The year is 2024; 50 years since the band’s debut record, and glam rock legend Andy Scott, the last man standing from the original line-up of Sweet (or The Sweet, if that’s how you roll), is gearing up for a farewell tour of Australia. But don’t mistake this for a final curtain call. “It’s not a goodbye,” Scott emphasises, “but a change in the way I tour.” Fifteen years into his battle with prostate cancer, the 75-year-old guitarist is adjusting his approach to life on the road.
“My health comes into this,” he explains. “I don’t want to start going away for three months at a time anymore, moving from country to country.” Instead, he’s opting for shorter, more focused bursts of touring, allowing for rest and recovery between shows. It’s a testament to Scott’s resilience and unwavering passion for music that he continues to perform at all, a testament to the enduring spirit of rock and roll.
Australia, with its fervent rock scene and devoted Sweet fanbase, holds a special place in Scott’s heart. “I’m looking forward to going back,” he enthuses, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “The audiences there are always so receptive, so warm. It’s a unique experience.” He’s eager to share this experience with the newer members of the band, introducing them to the country’s unique charms and passionate crowds. There’s even a glimmer of hope for a Perth show, a possibility that Scott is actively exploring. “We’re working on it,” he says with a smile. He reminisces about past Australian adventures, from scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef to navigating the bustling streets of Melbourne. “I’ve done all that in the past,” he chuckles, “but the new guys, they’ll be looking to get as much sightseeing in as possible.”
Sweet’s current line-up, while not the original quartet that stormed the charts in the 70s, has earned Scott’s respect and admiration. “I do believe that this line-up…would give the original band a little bit of a, you know, which one do I prefer?” he ponders. It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of the current members that they can even be compared to the iconic original line-up. “The original band had a certain magic, a chemistry that can’t be replicated,” Scott admits. “But this line-up is consistent, they deliver night after night. It runs like clockwork.”
Scott’s journey in music has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. He’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of the music industry, from the heady days of glam rock to the digital age. “It’s a different world now,” he reflects. “But the essence of rock and roll, that raw energy and passion, that’s something that will never die.” He’s also observed the changing nature of live performance, noting that even rock legends like McCartney and Springsteen are pacing themselves these days. “I now fully understand these Premier League footballers who can’t play two matches back to back,” he laughs. “The recovery takes time.”
As he prepares to take the stage for what may be his final Australian tour, Andy Scott embodies the spirit of rock and roll resilience. He’s a survivor, a fighter, and a true legend of the music world. This tour is not just a farewell, but a celebration of a remarkable career, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect and inspire. It’s a chance for fans to say goodbye to a beloved icon, and for Scott to leave his mark on Australia one last time.
In a poignant reflection, Scott acknowledges the toll that touring takes on the body, especially at his age. “Who would want to see a man of my proportions in a silver leather suit?” he jokes, referencing the band’s flamboyant 70s attire. “I think the darker colours help in this particular area.” But even as he acknowledges the physical challenges, his passion for music shines through. “I’ve not really had a bad gig with this line-up,” he says proudly. “We can experiment, surprise the audience, and still deliver the hits they love.”
This farewell tour is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a chance for Scott to connect with fans on a deeper level. He’s grateful for their unwavering support and eager to share his music with them one last time. “I want to thank the fans for buying tickets, buying merch, and supporting live music,” he says sincerely. “It means the world to me.”
As the interview draws to a close, Scott’s love for music and his dedication to his craft are palpable. He may be slowing down, but his spirit remains indomitable. This farewell tour is not an ending, but a new beginning, a chance for Andy Scott to cement his legacy as a true rock and roll icon.
SWEET The Farewell Tour: Greatest Hits Dates November 2024
Friday 8th MELBOURNE, Palms At Crown
Sunday 10th AIRLIE BEACH Music Festival
Wednesday 13th TWEED HEADS, Twin Towns
Thursday 14th TOOWOOMBA, The Empire Theatre
Saturday 16th BRISBANE, Princess Theatre
Monday 18th ADELAIDE, The Gov
Thursday 21st SYDNEY, Factory Theatre
Friday 22nd PENRITH, Penrith Panthers
Saturday 23rd THIRROUL, Anitas Theatre
Tickets: