Playlouder - Music is the Network

There are few bands on the planet that come close to filling me with a sense of giddy delight and glee than Sparks. When I discovered they were playing all 21 of their albums over twenty one nights I suddenly felt very light-headed, then I reached rapidly for the credit card and snapped up a ticket to Kimono My House, their 1974 cult classic that has ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us’ on it.

Advancing years had not dulled the excitement of their old audience. Fans from the old days quite mercilessly booed and jeered the warm up DJ to the bewilderment of the more polite younger crowd squeezed in amongst them. Yes, people were really excited, like me they were getting a rare opportunity to see one of their favourite records performed live from start to finish and Sparks did not disappoint.

Their enthusiasm shone out from the second they set foot on stage. They were so happy to be there, and it just made all the difference. Russell burst forth with energy that men a third of his age couldn’t close to mustering. His voice was on top form as ever, but of course it’s Ron who the fans love. He sits their stone faced, glowering and raising an eyebrow to the cameras as he goes along, slowly nodding his head as the crowd chants ‘Ron!! Ron!!! Ron!!!!.’

Everyone knew the words, leading to some very entertaining interplay on ‘Equator’ and ‘Talent Is An Asset’. It seemed to thunder on far too quickly, as is the case with the best of things. If there was one complaint it was the single song encore. No doubt keeping in mind the £350 golden ticket holders (all sold out), they didn’t play any songs from the previous nights and the ones to come, they just stuck to the well known b-side ‘Barbecutie’, which clocked in the gig a little short – but I really doubt their were too many complaints.

Yes, role on Indiscreet on Wednesday… So, so much fun.