SPARKS

The Maestro · Newbie Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 8

I thought this was one of the ten best shows I have ever seen, and I've been going to concerts since 1974. Here's my review (kinda long-winded):

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=24358268&blogID=470947240

allydodd · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:18 pm Post subject:

Speechless after such an excellent and engaging review in terms of honesty of detail and astounding aptness. Really feel that Ive shared your recent gig experience plus earlier times through this well written screed. This must have an eerie kind of resonance among fans like me who wish they'd stuck with Sparks through thick and thin.. Belated thanks

The Maestro · Newbie Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 8

Thanks for the kind words, allydodd. I hope you enjoy the London show as much as I did ours here in Los Angeles, and I am sure it will be every bit as awesome! Sparks rule the world!

nightporter · Guest

Also, kudos for you for this brilliant remark:
"Folks, I am here to tell you that Russ Mael, who after last night I am gonna put up as One Of The Greatest Musicians I Have Ever Seen, had a huge influence on Freddy Mercury, especially in the layering-of-vocals effect that Queen became famous for, but which Sparks invented, at least in the realm of 70s glam-rock. Yep, Russ was there before Fred. And can the man ever sing. To this day he doesn't miss a note!"

Rissacakes · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:49 pm Post subject:

Tass · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:08 am Post subject:

Deano · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:47 am Post subject:

The voice layering from Sparks sounds great in 2009.The last time it sounded any good in Queen was in 1991.RIP Freddie.I wish they could have found a much younger lead singer with a better range-Mika is the only one that could do a great job.-thats if they had to carry on with Queen at all.I would have preferred them to let it lie in 1991.I was at a few gigs on Queens last tour in '86 including Knebworth.I will never forget the plastic bottle war at Knebworth Park.Thousands of plaggy bottles swirling above your head like giant batons.

SteveBoyce · Sub-Deity Joined: 17 Jan 2002 Posts: 768

Rissacakes · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

The Maestro · Newbie Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 8

I didn't mean to slag Freddy in any way, which is obviously not possible because, like Russ, he is one of the greatest singers of all time. I didn't mean to suggest he knew Ron and Russ either. All I meant was that, when "Kimono" came out, the boys were huge in England (I still have the copies of "Melody Maker" to prove it!) and there is no way you could have been on the music scene and failed to hear "This Town" (at least) on the radio. Ray Davies once said that he made a point of not listening to "Sgt. Pepper" when it came out, because he didn't wanna be influenced! But in the case of Queen, if you listen to "Bohemian Rhapsody", well, it sure sounds like a Sparks influence to me.

Not a knock on Queen in any way, however. Fred was awesome, too.

Lukar · Newbie Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 5

Guess you can see a theme with these postings...

MarkRae · Groupie Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 199 Location: London

hyburn · Fan-in-Training Joined: 21 May 2008 Posts: 32

I am pretty sure that on one of their early UK tours I read that Queen was the supporting act for Sparks - how about that? I was there in 1974 and 1975 but I can't say I remember this bec my focus was on the Maels of course.

I do however remember them being supported by a band called PILOT who had a hit with 'January'. It has just been pointed out to me that it was PILOT and of course that is absolutely correct. Damn my ageing memory for getting this band mixed up with Sailor - tho in my defence I'm going to suggest they had a similar sound. No arguments please.

I saw the boys twice at Glasgow Apollo and got their autographs at the stage door - can't find them now much to my annoyance. My pal Jean still has hers tho as her folks never moved house and don't chuck stuff out like mine did.

Hyburn MiniPop

_________________
Second prize goes to Tracy Wise
For her seashells painted all through

MarkRae · Groupie Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 199 Location: London

hyburn · Fan-in-Training Joined: 21 May 2008 Posts: 32

Thanks to both Alex Robertson and Mark Rae for kindly pointing out it was PILOT and not SAILOR who supported SPARKS. Of course it was and I have amended my post accordingly.

Doh. Sorry chaps - memory failure event - like my printer recently parts of my brain have come to the end of their useful life. Guess I need a new one.

Woke up today with curly poodle-do like Russ in the 70's (bec I didn't do my usual straightening routine) which is handy as I'm off to an Abba tribute night later - no longer have my jumpsuit tho and even if I did it wouldn't fit me.

Big curly hair alas is no longer trendy ...
_________________
Second prize goes to Tracy Wise
For her seashells painted all through

SteveBoyce · Sub-Deity Joined: 17 Jan 2002 Posts: 768