Lead by brothers Ron & Russell Mael, LA band Sparks are celebrating over 50 years at the forefront of pop-rock.
Known for their unique and quirky approach to songwriting; their music is often accompanied by sharp lyrics and plenty of sardonic wit - with many of their songs also containing literary or cinematic references. Some of their most notable songs include When Do I Get To Sing ‘My Way’, When I'm With You, The Number One Song In Heaven and This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us.
The duo are set to release their 27th studio album, Mad!, later this year via Transgressive, on 23 May 2025. They'll then bring the Mad! Tour to London for two nights at the Eventim Apollo in June.
Starting life in 1967, their very first recordings were made in Hollywood under the name of Urban Renewal Project. Renaming as Sparks in 1972, their best known albums include Kimono My House, Angst In My Pants and Propaganda. Never afraid to change it up - the brother's have developed an idiosyncratic, theatrical presence while on stage, characterised by the contrast between Russell's animated, sometimes eccentric frontman antics and Ron's intricate and rhythmic keyboard playing style which is always accompanied by his low-key often deadpan stage-scowl.
The Edgar Wright directed documentary film, The Sparks Brothers was released in 2021, charting the brothers extensive career, including interviews with musicians, fans, record producers and the band themselves. They also scored the 2021 musical drama Annette directed by Leos Carax. In 2023, the duo performed at Glastonbury, and during their set were joined by actress Cate Blanchett for a version of their single The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte - for which she also appeared in their official music video.
Listen to the single, Do Things My Own Way below:
Tour dates:
Sparks will tour the UK later this year, with two special dates in the capital in June 2025.
Listen to your favourite Sparks tracks here:
