Paul Cashmere from Noise11 speaks with Sparks co-founder Ron Mael about the band’s return to Australia and their extraordinary five-decade career.
Sparks, the influential duo of brothers Ron and Russell Mael, have released more than 30 albums since forming in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Despite that long history, their upcoming tour marks only the third time the band have performed in Australia.
In this interview, Ron Mael reflects on why Sparks have rarely toured Australia, while promising that the band hopes to return more regularly in the future. He also explains the challenge of building a live setlist from such a massive catalogue, balancing fan favourites with deep cuts and songs from their latest album Mad.
The conversation also covers some of Sparks’ most fascinating collaborations and connections across the entertainment world. Ron talks about meeting Melbourne born international film star Cate Blanchett at the César Awards after Sparks won for their work on the film Annette, and how the Oscar-winning actor later appeared in the band’s video for The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte.
Paul and Ron also discuss Sparks’ influence on other artists, from Joy Division to Franz Ferdinand, including the creation of the FFS collaboration project. Ron explains how Sparks have discovered many of their fans through the documentary The Sparks Brothers and through the internet, which has allowed younger audiences to rediscover the band’s catalogue.
The interview also touches on Paul McCartney’s famous Sparks tribute in the “Coming Up” video, Sparks’ move to London in the 1970s that led to the classic album Kimono My House, and the possibility of turning the Annette film project into a stage opera.
With Sparks currently enjoying one of the most productive periods of their career, Ron Mael says the band still thrives on surprising audiences – both with new music and unexpected songs from their past.
Tour Dates
Sunday, May 25, Sydney, Joan Sutherland Theatre (Vivid Live)
Thursday, May 28, Melbourne, Palais Theatre
Saturday, May 30, Brisbane, Glasshouse, QPAC
https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/sparks
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