Teenage heartthrob who suffered 13 heart attacks in 24 hours died penniless in the projects after selling his house to pay bills
Brian Connolly was among the most radiant frontmen of the 1970s. With his blond hair, charismatic swagger, and powerful voice, he propelled The Sweet to glam-rock stardom. Their era-defining hit, “The Ballroom Blitz,” was a pinnacle, as the band sold over 50 million records and achieved 13 Top-20 UK singles, including the chart-topper “Block Buster!”
Born Brian MacManus in Scotland in 1945, he was abandoned as an infant and adopted. He later discovered he was the half-brother of actor Mark McManus. By the mid-1960s, Connolly was performing in London clubs before co-founding The Sweet, whose blend of pop melodies and hard-rock riffs captivated a generation.
Behind the glittering façade, however, strains emerged. The pressures of fame exacerbated a struggle with alcohol. “Gradually, it just got out of hand,” he confessed. He departed the band in 1979 for a solo career, but his singles failed to chart and his health deteriorated.
His physical decline accelerated in 1981 when he suffered multiple heart attacks, resulting in partial paralysis and nerve damage. A substantial tax bill forced him to sell his home in 1983. Nevertheless, Connolly persevered, forming Brian Connolly’s Sweet and touring extensively despite worsening health and modest earnings.
A brief resurgence in the mid-1990s offered a glimmer of hope. He released a solo album, *Let’s Go*, in 1995 and welcomed a son with his partner, Jean. Yet his body was severely weakened. A 1996 documentary, *Don’t Leave Me This Way*, portrayed a fragile Connolly facing his decline with raw honesty.
He gave his final performance in December 1996. Just two months later, on February 9, 1997, Connolly passed away at age 51 from liver and kidney failure, complications following his heart attacks.
His legacy is one of both triumph and profound tragedy—a narrative of extraordinary talent, personal turmoil, and enduring resilience. While the glamour has dimmed, his fierce, joyful, and unforgettable voice continues to blaze through the decades.
