First live review

Glasgow Evening Times – 13/02/2006 HUGH BOAG THEY say the best things come to those who wait. Well 32 years is a long time to wait – but boy was it worth it. I last saw Sparks as a mere slip of a lad at the Apollo in 1974 and, to be honest, can’t remember much. But last night, back in Glasgow for the first time since then, they produced a night to remember. The brothers Mael were simply superb. Ron – the kooky one with the moustache – did more in 30 seconds on stage than I have seen him doing in 30 years. Russell was a bundle of energy for the entire twohour-plus set. The first act, and I use the word advisedly, for this was a stage show as much as a concert, was devoted to their new album Hello Young Lovers. And the Californian rockart duo proved even after 20 albums they are fresh and vibrant. Their use of a big screen for interactive film accompaniment added to the enjoyment. Right from first single Dick Around the band had the audience – mainly middle aged but with a sprinkling of youngsters – in the palm of their hands. An hour of pure rock-and-roll theatre and they were off. If that had been the concert I would have gone home happy. Instead they were back 20 minutes later for another hour of their greatest hits, with the band belting out songs such as Amateur Hour, The Number One Song In Heaven and, of course, This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us If you think Sparks are quirky techno pop, think again. This was pure blistering rock and roll.