18/11/2008 by Andy.

I have been accused of being a perfectionist (I prefer idealist) and therefore if the definition of perfectionist is making sure that you always do your best then so be it. We tend to forget that not everyone is on the same page and so we cut a bit of slack here and there, inevitably creating “Perfect Imperfection”. The band have noticed a big change in me during the last couple of years - no more barking at monitor men, throwing the guitar around the stage too many times (even Pete Townsend doesn’t do that anymore) etc etc - so what has happened? When Pete joined after the year of uncertainty (2005) we found ourselves late one night in a hotel somewhere in Europe discussing life, the universe and everything, eventually saying that nothing can ever be perfect, really perfect, we can get very close to perfection but if we achieved it then what is left? We had been drinking, however it got me thinking that life is too short to have any shortcomings so I said to myself that in order to fully appreciate and enjoy what is left of my life then I had better do something. Bearing all of that in mind, there has been a marked improvement not only with my persona but with band’s performance too. The “Sweet Fanny Adams” tours in Europe and the “Glitz, Blitz and 70s Hitz” tours in the UK are evidence enough. Now this is not meant to be a back-slapping exercise but I do see things a lot clearer and we as a band are committed to being the best on the touring circuit. The playing is tight and the harmonies even tighter (and higher!) - whatever the event, from the nostalgia shows where we play the hits to the SFA tour or festivals where we bring out the heavier stuff, as you may have gathered I am proud of what we do and represent. To my mind, the point of touring, especially as a band with history, is that you give the audience what it wants - a band performing the hits, sounding the way they should and looking like they are enjoying the experience - simple really.

Perfect Imperfection.

Andy (PS: thanks for your support - see you at the next gigs).

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06/11/2008 by Steve.

Hello everybody, and for the hard of herring, a Danish thing,  HELLO EVERYBODY! My name is Steve grant, I play things with “The Sweet,” not always in the right order, but that’s rock n roll for ya. Stewart Roney said if I don’t do a blog he won’t sleep with me again, so here goes. (Stew: Thanks for letting that out Steve). October 22nd, 2008, Weds. I am catching a flight from Manchester to Prague approx 1400, Czech airlines terminal 2. Have to go one day early to exchange dog for a cat in Marks and Spencers in Prague old town. Plus logistical reasons. Usual rush to airport, trying to do too many things. Check in at business counter, just hand luggage, flash my Virgin inactive card, Brittania rescue card, and KLM card and blag fast track. Andy’s’ good at that too by the way. 27 coffees in lounge then I hear my name called for final boarding. Good, I like to be last on the plane, scan for a good seat. Sad? Maybe, but why not. Arrive Prague airport and will be met by somebody. Who?

What does he/she/it/ look like. Will they have a board that says “welcome spillage”. That’s my nickname. Next time you put fuel in your auto, look for the sign ” all spillages must be be reported, no matter how small” that’s me. Anyway I do get met, makes a change, and 40 mins cab ride to city. £22, 970 krowns or whatever they eat. Hotel 7 days! Thats it’s name!   Opposite gay sex shop, makes me feel at home. Check in sketch something like this; “I need to take an imprint of your credit card Mr Gran”t. Why?” Hotel  Policy”, “Why”? I”‘m sorry” etc. “No”! “Hotel policy”, “No”! “Hotel policy”, “No!” Etc .  After I’d looked around the sex shop, oops shouldn’t put that, I walked, yes Bruce, walked! Into centre . Must eat healthy meals, must eat healthy meals, must………………….
Big mac menu please! Full of guilt and rubbish walk back up hill to hotel,  no sleep. Crap breakfast walk into town, buy cheap sunglasses, shampoo, leave them in hotel room.  then get picked up at 11.45 to meet band at airport. Talk bollocks in the car for 2 minutes then headphones on, goodbye world. Classical music of course! We all get in huge coach, all 6 of us, few hours drive to Liberic. Pete Lincoln spreads the word hotel is 16km from gig, toys out of pram, storm off bus, blah blah . Hotel is actually walking distance. Great hotel. Big entertainment complex , I can treat that now I’m qualified.

Shouting contest, sorry, sound check, then awful food, back to hotel for about 1 hour. Down to reception to pick up hotel, free! Internet. Send e mails etc. Always doing something me, I like it like that. Great gig, great audience, all 3 of them. There was about 800. I think. Dressing room, coach, bed, sheep, I mean sleep, or do I?
After kicking dolly out of my room, breakfast. Long drive ahead in big coach,  fine, get lots done.  7 hours later and we are in Moravia!  Hello Kunovice! Boring hotel, deserted town. Packed gig but band not firing up tonight, In my opinion. Pete now has the nickname panicky pete and everything is 16 km away. 7am leave so not too much hanging around tonight, good. Damien buys a horse to take back too Russia. Might be tricky through customs. 4 hour drive to Prague airport, text from Will , my youngest, he is in Germany on an exchange, we get a 17 year old au ……………stop it!  He had lost the camera we bought him . Nice one son. Fly to Frankfurt. On being met, told we have to wait 1 hour for another band, I think you know what’s coming! Bollocks to that, Pete and myself catch a train to hotel. Andy and Bruce get taxi, Damien and Adam take camel. Oldie night tonight . Yahoo!!!! But good fun in the end. Come morning guys take bus to airport, I take
 train, I prefer it sometimes, it means I can travel naked for free. Back to Manchester, 1 hour 15 mins and home that’s after the barrier in the car park does not work game, a classic family favourite.  Then, wearing another hat until the next time.  Regards. Steve.               

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