When analyzing the equation that equals TGB (Truly Great Band), of which Nazareth is most certainly one, a common denominator found within each is a TGD (Truly Great Drummer). The Who had Keith Moon; Led Zeppelin had John Bonham; and Nazareth, had Darrell Sweet. Indeed, his name can be mentioned in the same breath as the others, his place amongst this elite group is secure and more than warranted. 

Sweet's musical prowess was evidenced early on as a member of the semi-pro band The Shadettes, which also featured Dan McCafferty and Pete Agnew in this pre-Manny Charlton Nazareth incarnation. At this point, his story was the classic tale of wide-eyed adolescence and the ambition and dreams only youth can spawn. Countless hours and days were spent criss-crossing Scotland while playing its popular club circuit, honing their musical skills while writing the original material that would soon make them crowd favorites throughout the world. With the addition of guitarist Manny Charlton and a name change, both in 1968, the classic line-up was in place. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1971, their follow-up, "Exercises", was released the following year. 

During this period the group switched labels and brought in ex-Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover to produce the bands subsequent three albums, "Razamanaz", "Loud N Proud" and "Rampant". Chart success accompanied this flurry of creative output that saw the release of nine albums in eight years. Nazareth enjoyed its first taste of commercial success as this generated the group's first UK singles chart activity with "Broken Down Angel" (#9), "Bad Bad Boy" (#10) and "This Flight Tonight". With each release came a progressively more sophisticated sound, the musicians growing without ever losing sight of their roots or the energy that was a constant throughout each work. Nazareth's combination of quality hard rock and intensive touring led to album sales that exceeded 15 million in its first decade alone. This was accompanied by a string of Gold and Platinum albums awarded to the band throughout the world.

Jimi Hendrix, himself blessed with another TGD in Mitch Mitchell, once said that the "heart and soul" of a group was its drummer. He was acutely aware of the importance of having more than a mere time-keeper seated behind the kit and how the musical end-product was enhanced with the addition of a gifted skin-pounder anchoring the rhythm section. Without question, the complete texture and dynamics of a group's sound could vary greatly with a change in drummers, prime example being The Who's post-Moon output. Sweet's contributions to the "heart and soul" of Nazareth's music were more than apparent and his talents were certainly a crucial ingredient to the sound that was uniquely Nazareth's. Whether hammering the drums mercilessly in a blur of arms and legs in songs such as "Razamanaz" and "Hair Of The Dog", laying down a funky shuffle-rhythm to numbers like "Freewheeler" and "Turn On Your Receiver", or adding a soft and delicate touch to classics like "Love Hurts" and "Sunshine", he had the capacity to perfect each style and the flexibility to change gears seamlessly. Sweet played a key role in Nazareth's superb ability to furnish much of their music with near palatable moods that could vary from fun and frivolous (My White Bicycle), to menacing and mean (The Ballad Of Hollis Brown). With Sweet, the simple became extraordinary. As a true professional he understood that less is often times more, and more importantly, he knew exactly when to apply this principle. The brief rhythm interlude in the raunchy "Woke Up This Morning" demonstrates clearly that Sweet realized when it was necessary to be a whirlwind of manic intensity, and when he needed to keep things uncomplicated and stick to basics. Regardless of the style he utilized, he was successful at driving the point home every time, yet never at the expense of the overall song.

While other bands of the day spent their time producing music with maximum pretension and negligible worth, Nazareth concentrated on creating one of the most enduring and distinguishable recording catalogs ever, and in so doing, they have attracted a ferociously dedicated following throughout North America and Europe. While the group's original material was of outstanding quality and depth, they had no fear in covering and making their own, numbers by some of the world's most gifted songwriters. The vicious reworking of Joni Mitchell's "This Flight Tonight" best exemplifies the unique flair and inventiveness Nazareth employed as they turned the song inside out to become a raging Nazareth anthem and a staple of their live shows. Sweet's efforts are instrumental in taking the song to another level as his drumming sets an ominous mood that accelerates to a heart pounding crescendo, the hearty rhythm section of Pete Agnew and Darrell Sweet proving in a mere 3:23 that they are certainly one of the most devastating and crushing duos in Rock, although grossly underrated. The plaintiff wail and air of impending doom provided by Charlton's moaning Gibson only heightens the song's sense of urgency. Nazareth's version is packed with rhythm and tempo changes that keep the listener guessing until Sweet and Agnew bring the song to a galloping fade-out conclusion. Another searing cover that also appeared on "Loud N Proud" was their fantastic adaptation of Dylan's "Ballad Of Hollis Brown". Whether covering artists as diverse as Woody Guthrie or Tim Rose, Nazareth branded each reworking with their unique, bone-crunching signature, and without question, Sweet, the TGD, adds his individual touch to each pile-driving arrangement.

For many, fans and critics alike, a group's true worth and aptitude is measured by the quality of their live show, when the enhancements and trickery of the studio aren't there to provide a musical crutch. Nazareth both reveled and excelled in this environment. They played to countless numbers throughout the world and while every band has a bad night, for Nazareth, they seem to be few and far between. Undoubtedly, they're one of only a handful of groups whose fans spent as much time watching the dynamo seated behind the drum kit as they did observing Dan McCafferty belting it out in his inimitable style or scrutinizing the hands of Manny Charlton as his nimble fingers danced wildly while performing his brand of guitar-fret magic. For those fortunate enough to see the band perform with Sweet, there remains a fond memory of a man who was genuinely in his element and dedicated to his band-mates, his instrument and the music they created.

If there is one deciding factor that separates a good drummer from a TGD, it's the reality that the sound produced by him, whether a cacophony of toms and cymbals or a slow and simple Blues shuffle, is distinctive and immediately recognizable. Sweet had a definite sound and style all his own. With the power of a furious hurricane one moment and the calm serenity of its eye the next, Sweet's diversity was a crucial component of Nazareth's sound, and indeed their success.

Nazareth continued recording throughout the eighties with a number of personnel changes, most notably the departure of Manny Charlton in 1990. Sweet remained a permanent fixture of the band until his death on April 30th, 1999. Today, the band continues to be a popular draw on the concert circuit, the band's reputation as an intense live act intact.

Darrell Sweet's driving power and razor sharp precision, clearly evident both live and in the studio, left ears ringing and fans screaming for more. Sweet clearly defines the role of the TGD and leaves behind a fierce legion of fans and a rich musical legacy that remains vibrant to this day. 

Another member of Rock and Roll Heaven

For more information on Darrell Sweet go to http://www.naz-net.com, the official site of Nazareth.