So where do I start? Sparks, a band so much more than those couple of songs that get dredged up time and time again for BBC4’s Top Of The Pops 1974, 1979 etc etc. A band who, despite their lengthy existence, will never fall into the category of ‘legacy act’. Sparks continue to innovate and deliver quite possibly the most imaginative pop, rock, electronic, dance music you’re likely to hear from anyone. This despite releasing their first album well over half a century ago and delivering another 27 since then. Of course it would be incredibly easy to go out on the road and play the ‘greatest hits’ year after year. But where would the fun be in that? For band or fans. Every new Sparks album brings something different. New sounds, new wit, new wry observations of life. With a fanbase that continues to grow, bigger and bigger venues filled to capacity, to witness a Sparks show really is an incredible experience. And not just because of the music.
Sparks fans are special. Fans that immerse themselves in the gig from before the band even walk on stage. Fans that don’t chat away spoiling things for those around them. Fans that don’t just cheer and dance for the three big hits they actually know. Tonight in Blackpool the atmosphere in the glorious surrounds of the Opera House is buzzing before the Mael brothers even walk on stage. And when the lights do finally dim and Ron and Russell walk on stage the roar that greets them is huge. ‘So May We Start’ opens proceedings and from this moment on a 2800 capacity seated venue rapidly starts to turn into a standing one. Which begs the question should Sparks gigs be in all-seated venues? Of course there’s always going to be people who need to sit but for those able to stand and dance the beats of Sparks are irresistible.
The Mael brothers have lost none of their mesmerising stage presence. Russell, at 77 years of age, absolutely dominates the stage with an energy that is infectious. Jumping, dancing, clapping. Pausing only to introduce some songs and to thank people for their response – after all these years he still seems a little surprised and overwhelmed by the rapturous noise that erupts as each number finishes. Ron, that trademark stare and deadpan expression, sitting behind his Ronald keyboard tapping out those notes and occasionally allowing himself a wry smile that tells us all he’s enjoying this as much as anyone.
And that set-list. Sparks have never relied on the constant playing of big crowd pleasers. They always throw in sublime surprises. ‘Do Things My Own Way’ – Sparks always have. Spanning their 54 year output ‘Reinforcements’ is massive both in it’s sound and it’s crowd response. ‘Sherlock Holmes’ slows things a little whilst ‘Mickey Mouse’ has the place bouncing. Sandwiched between these two choice cuts from 1982’s ‘Angst In My Pants’ is the gloriously infectious ‘Beat The Clock’ by which time the aisles are full of people for who at this moment in time absolutely nothing else matters apart from the sounds and energy coming from the stage. 2025 album ‘MAD!’ scored the band their highest ever chart position yet they choose to play just four songs from it. A sign of just how good their back catalogue is. The pummelling beats of ‘Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab’, ‘Jansport Backpack’ and the waltzing beats of ‘My Devotion’ three of many highlights tonight. Ron takes the spotlight and vocal duties for a brilliant ‘Lets Get Funky’.
‘Music You Can Dance To’ is the first of a glorious run of massive beat driven dance-along bangers. The Opera House was bouncing prior to these but now the place erupts, the aisles rammed with people grinning from ear to ear as they dance, voices joining in with ‘When Do I Get To Sing My Way’ – particularly poignant given that Sinatra played a huge show in this very venue 73 years ago. However, nothing compares to the response given to ‘The Number One Song In Heaven’ which, quite simply, is just joyful. A song that’s uplifting, emotional, sublime. An absolutely perfect slice of glorious pop music. Russell’s voice simply soars and, yes, Ron still does his quirky little dance front of stage much to the approval and anticipation of those waiting for this very moment with their phones ready to capture every swing of his arms. ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us’ follows and by this point the Opera House is just a mass of beaming faces, waving arms and people wrapped up and completely immersed in a show so good it’s actually hard to find words to describe it.
Most bands would probably end their set with their most recognisable song but not Sparks. ‘Whippings and Apologies’ takes us right back to their earliest days of arty glam rock before they close their main set with the already mentioned ‘My Devotion’.
The demands for an encore are quickly met. ‘(Baby, Baby) Can I Invade Your Country’ a brilliant, barely disguised comment on the foreign policies of Trump’s America in much the same way as the inclusion of ‘Please Don’t Fuck Up My World’ did on their 2025 tour. ‘The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte’, a modern day fan favourite with it’s pulsating, electronic beat follows before the huge, emotion tugging, reflective, anthemic ‘All That’ finally closes what has been, once again, a perfect example of what a concert should be. Backed by a superb band of quality musicians Ron and Russell Mael have always shown beyond doubt that no matter how long you’ve been in existence you can still deliver a gig that’s completely unique, has wonderful surprises and includes, but never relies, on the big hitting classics. The standing ovation the brothers receive after the final notes have been played shows just how much what Sparks do continues to be loved. And it’s not short lived, the rapturous applause lasting at least 10 minutes. They soak it all up, their words of thanks genuine. And then they’re gone, leaving us all with the thought that we’ve just experienced something really special.
Big shout out to Chris Hawkins, 6Music presenter, who spun some great tunes to open the evening. Got to admit I’d prefer an opening act that played real instruments and sang real lyrics rather than a DJ but at least they were decent songs to have in the background.
photos/words: steve white
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