The year was 1982, and by just about every form of measurement, the band Sparks had paid their dues. They already had 10 studio albums under their belt, but it was album number 11 that introduced them to the world. The album was simply titled, “Angst in my Pants.”
To really know them, you really have to go back to the beginning. The band features two brothers, Ron and Russell Mael. Or as they are affectionately known, The Sparks Brothers.
They grew up in the seaside community of Pacific Palisades. With a quirky disposition about them and an undeniable sonic vision, the duo headed to England in the late ‘70s to launch their musical career.
After becoming teen sensations and playing the iconic “Top of the Pops, ” they enjoyed success with hits like “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us,” and “Girl From Germany.” Then, the dynamic duo returned to this side of the pond and proceeded to move in a more electronic direction.
Now fast forward to 1982 when they became that new and shiny toy all the kids wanted. With the crazy outfits, hairdos, dance moves, and volcanic colors they loved to wear, The Sparks Brothers became all the rage; Ziggy Stardust had nothing on them.
With Russell acting as an energetic front-man, and Ron’s muted personality, they gained a cult-like following. That said, there were a handful of radio stations throughout the country that were hip to their music. However, it was also a time when local Los Angeles-based radio station 106.7-FM KROQ was developing its “World Famous” sound.
Sparks became regulars on rotation with songs like “Angst in My Pants,” “I Predict,” “Moustache” and “Mickey Mouse.”
The band became synonymous with a new genre called new wave.
If that record didn’t send them into a meteoric rise into infamy, their follow-up album “In Outer Space” did.
That album propelled them into legendary status with fan favorite, “All You Ever Think About is Sex.”
“They were a bit much for most people.” | Jane Wiedlin
SPARKS
“They may have given birth to other bands that don’t even know that the lineage goes back to them.”
BECK
The guys had the Midas touch as they had other larger-than-life hits. They hit it big again with “Modesty Plays.” As the music gods would have it, their biggest hit was yet to come. The guys got together with The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedland, and put out “Cool Places.”
That song was played on every radio station and would go on to become an MTV staple and iconic song of the new wave era.
Legendary art-pop band Sparks is headed our way with a North American tour, their first in the US since 2015.
The jaunt kicks off after their two Los Angeles shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall. While both of these shows have been listed as sold out, a few tickets were just released.
THE SPARKS BROTHER | PHOTO by Anna Webber – Focus Features
Their willingness to try new things and move forward with their style and sound has continued to pay off.
Their decades of history and innovation were showcased in a documentary last year, “The Sparks Brothers.”
SPARKS IS COMING TO SOCAL
SPARKS LIVE
FEBRUARY 7th & 8th, 2022
“We prefer to put dangerous things into what we’re doing rather than throwing TVs out of the window .”
RON MAEL
In the here and now, or in its close proximity… Sparks released their latest album in 2020 entitled “A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip,” plus the guys were the screenwriters and composers for the musical “Annette.” The film starts Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard and has generated incredible buzz and award nominations.
Depending on your age, Sparks just might be the most influential and greatest band you have never heard of. For those old enough to know, trust us, Sparks is all that and more!
If you’d like to see this iconic band, get your tickets ASAP because they do sell out!
