SPARKS - GALLERY

"Sparks is an American rock and pop music band formed in Los Angeles in 1970 by brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals), initially under the name Halfnelson. Best known for their quirky approach to song writing, Sparks' music is often accompanied by cutting and acerbic lyrics, and an idiosyncratic stage presence, typified in the contrast between Russell's wide-eyed hyperactive frontman antics and Ron's sedentary scowling." from Wikipedia

Sparks captured during their London residency - in which they performed every one of their albums climaxing in their performance of Exotic Creatures Of The Deep - their most recent..
I love this band. There was a time when I only listened to 'Kimono My House' and nothing else. Quite a long time. They are the proto 2 piece man and man on synth band.. an inspiration for many similar outfits that would fill the 80's, only way before their time and still going strong today. But they are much more than that.. arty and rocking.. eccentric and original.. never boring.
I was absolutely gutted that I couldn't be at the shoot for this one.. I had to send in the very able Bryan Cook to record the session for me which I mixed later. Bryan was so fastidious about using the same mics that I always use that he made Russell Mael hold a big chunky RE20.. something that I wouldn't have gone with if I had been there but I must admit it looking at it now it definitely gives him an extra regal quality :) He owns it!.. ng

Directed by David Barnard.