SPARKS

[miss sparks]

As i won't be able to attended any gigs, it would be good for Sparks fans to post their gig reviews here.

[Alex Robertson]

But maybe post the set list as DMs to those who want it and keep the surprises for those attending later gigs

[miss sparks]

Reviews can be done after the tour, so not to spoil any surprises. I will be checking youtube as there will be some videos to watch. So sad i can't attend any gigs.

[PeterE]

there should be reviews

hopefully tonight ... nobody has to read them

[Bristols]

Up for work now so rather than ruin the surprise for those lucky enough to have tickets for the remainding dates let me conclude the following from last night…

Having watched hundreds of bands over nearly 50 years they just blew everyone away…

Q. How many established acts can you name who have the Balls to encore with a new track!

[aussie]

[Alex Robertson]

[PeterE]

no 2nd keyboarder?

[allydodd]

Oxford was astounding! Always I grapple with apprehension in the tense minutes before the first show after a break. Sparks have meant so much to me over the years, purveyors of the most wonderful and stirring music and lyrics so witty, wise and interesting. Not just life affirming, transformative. When they go on the road, I try to see them as wide and far as my purse strings will stretch. Every time, new friendships will be kindled through love of Sparks, often with folk who are going to their first show by the band (as indeed was the case last night). And I want them to share the electrifying experience I've had while wary of the decline of many of their contemporaries and many who followed. So, in Oxford, Sparks had a lot to live up to and my nerves were tingling.

No worries. As if hit with a ball of lightning, Russell exploded into life, a "real live wire", bouncing across the stage whilst a backdrop of illuminated shapes blazed along as the rhythm thundered from one song to the next. As if his own avatar, Russell seemed a creation of an artificial energy, a snapshot of a sprite "forever young", incessantly moving as if mysteriously directed by orders from high above him. As static as a pylon, the tall, lean figure of Ron perched by the keyboard, the only key to movement was if you spotted his spidery fingers. Above the duo, the now loved characters that made up the superb band were busy shadows.

No way would I disclose songs. The shock of the new awaits as Sparks once again soar dramatically ahead of the current as pop's great innovators. That might be balanced by the reassurance of instantly recognisably good songs. Invigorating, the show was the musical equivalent of shooting the rapids.

In the past I used to post a lot on Sparks related social media, discussing rare tracks in their now 28 strong album journey beloved by me, fans, and well, the so important ... A few years ago, I stopped, spotting many of these being incorporated to previous shows, fearing I'd blundered into undue influence. During my online silence, this time, the guys must have read my mind compiling the set-list sparkling with such gems. Russell could have paused to give introductions to each, like most performers of note who would be self-satisfied with a glimmer of Sparks brilliant material and the anecdotes behind it. But no, he was in his stride, pounding through the numbers, with a voice echoing the youthfulness on those excellent early Bearsville albums, with an exactitude that was almost eerie and somehow beat the clock.

I began typing this in a train carriage accommodating eight other fans as we made our way towards Liverpool. Doing it all again. For those about to see the shows, you have something very special to look forward to. This is Sparks on steroids.

[miss sparks]

Thanks for your review, just seen the videos on youtube. Sparks are on top form love the new songs, anyone going to gigs are going to have the time of their lives.

[Brightonian]

I couldn't help myself: I checked setlist.fm ... what an impressive balance of new album (7 songs), core essentials and back catalogue gems (many not played since 21x21 in 2008).

[dinky]

I was going to try and resist looking at the set list, lasted about 30 seconds before I succumbed

[Toughest Girl In Town]

That's actually the first thing I did this morning! I had no intention of waiting for 3 more weeks until I see them live :)

[waterloosunset]

Allydodd, thank you for that amazing review. You were so specific in your details without revealing anything to those who want to be surprised. For those of us seeing Sparks in their homeland, the wait will be difficult, but clearly worth it.
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better drop the requirement that everything be great

[waterloosunset]

[Alex Robertson]

From some of the gig photos...you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to work out what at least one of the older songs is...( no not Sherlock Holmes).. but I won't say what picture is the give away so as not to spoil the surprise for first timers.

[aussie]

I have watched the videos on youtube, and all I can say is WOW, how can a 74 and 77 year old do that, WOW.
please come to Australia
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I HAVE WON LOTTO

[PeterE]

xxxx

[Alex Robertson]

BOOM .. And in one fell swoop PeterE spoils a surprise for some people...why???

[PeterE]