SPARKS

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

Hi all,

Superb gig! The band were on top form throughout, and didn't disappoint.

They came on at around 20:45 and did the whole of ECOTD. As far as I could tell, the show was identical to last year's at the Shepherds Bush Empire - large central screen, band in "frames", visuals, female dancers etc. No surprises, but the show was performed really, really well. At the end, Ron set fire to all 21 albums again, and it was interesting to guage the level of the cheer which greeted each one, as Russell pointed out later.

After a 20-minute break during which the ECOTD set was dismantled, the band returned and performed Kimono My House in its entirety. Again, this was played and sung brilliantly. Russell really was on top form, and hardly missed a note all evening. If I had to be ultra-picky, occasionally Jim's guitar was a little quiet in the mix especially at the start of his solos (wake up on the sound desk!), and Marcus really could have done with a Rickenbacker bass. His playing was excellent, of course, but the sound just wasn't "right" - I for one really missed the Rick growl.

After a rapturous ovation, the band left the stage for a few minutes but there was no way they were going to be allowed to leave! The noise of the crowed beckoning them back was absolutely deafening, and they duly returned and performed (IIRC) Dick Around, When Do I Get To Sing My Way, and Suburban Homeboy.

As with last year's 21 shows, the Maels were visibly moved by the reception that they continue to receive in London. Not sure about the upstairs balcomy section, but the downstairs section was absolutely rammed, and the atmosphere was superb.

Really looking forward to tomorrow as I love N1IH. Wonder what the encores will be...?

Mark

Thermaland · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

The show was filmed incidentally...

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

Billy Stevens · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:36 pm Post subject:

The upstairs was full ,but God knows who with! Roll on Saturday when I will be downstairs with proper Sparks fans! Don,t get me wrong we need new blood but some of the Stiffs upstairs tonight we do not! only my opinion though

Must also add it was great to have a quick chat with Kev Hook and Trevor White on the tube afterwards. Hope you got to Cheam eventually Guys and Girl!

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

Billy Stevens · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:51 pm Post subject:

Trust me Mark, these were not from Burlington or Bonn! Lets hope they are not a quarter billion strong!
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De Sade · Certified Fan Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 61

Rissacakes · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:46 pm Post subject:

beaver o'lindy · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:53 am Post subject:

what a 100% ace gig, and it was splendid meeting everyone that i did.

i could tell jim was in his glory getting to play adrian fisher's amazing guitar parts... the leads for the most part were spot on. what a thrill it must be to get to do that live.

looking forward to hearing more about this and tonight's show as well.

highlight of the show: russell singing to the crowd "sing it in the right pitch" during the extended outro to 'equator'

r.
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Spyke · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:02 am Post subject:

A great gig, which made the albums sound even better. Looking forward to tonight!
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lilywearsmoschino · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:59 am Post subject:

FANTASTIC gig, stunning Equator, they just keep getting better. Russell's energy would put a 19 year old to shame.

Can't wait to see it all again tonight

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dinky · Sparkologist Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 710

Was there any official merchandise available ?

The pirate hawkers were in force outside but I saw no stall inside.

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

allydodd · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 9:49 am Post subject:

Stunning performance by the lads, throughout. They played with passion throughout. Russell's singing was awesome as he bounded on air across the stage, varying style with an almost effortless gusto. Ron was Ron, once more carrying the gauntlet of the silent clowns, now revered as genius of comedy performers.

First half was the brilliantly staged "Exotic Creatures of the Deep", totally cutting edge and multi-media. The interaction with the back screens pioneered with the L Beethoven shows was again taken to a new level by Ron. A troup of fine dancers added to the surreal theatricality, challenging many pre-conceptions about the songs.

Although many a fan has commented how a South Bank Show is long overdue on Sparks, I actually think Melvyn Bragg could easily devote a whole programme to this twenty first album.

Typing from an Internet cafe in Islington and realised my two bob is running out ... TBC

sean's sparks thing · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:08 am Post subject: Last Night

Great performance, yet again from the The Sparks band.
I don't know if they've all been 'working out' or something, but the performance seemed somehow more 'muscular' and powerful than last years at Sheps Bush...superb stuff.

Looking forward to tonights electro-fest!

allydodd · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 11:08 am Post subject:

Sorry folks, I've just spent a hour rattling off the second part of a typically longwinded and detailed personal review, which has just been scrubbed by running out of time in this machine with little warning in this internet cafe.

I'm now due in the Eddie, but will have to find some inaminate object to kick to vent my frustration.

MarkRae sums the gig up pretty well, I have to say.

You've got to beat the clock, beat the clock.

sjadey · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

sin-is-quite-the-thing · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

Absolutely fantastic night!
The boys were amazing as usual and i met so many fans! Just wish i could go again tonight.

Highlight for me was WDIGTSMW. Had to fight back the tears, really hit a nerve!

Thanks to everyone i met, made the queing time fly by!
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Aled · Power Groupie Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 432 Location: UK

Amazing show! Every song was a highlight! Although I seem to have some kind of obsession with the dancers during (She Got Me) Pregnant, so that would probably be the number 1 highlight, but there's so many to choose from. I would write up a review but I'm practically speechless

.

Met some amazing fans too, everyone's enthusiasm was fantastic

Sparky Rickmaniac · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject:

OMG!!
I don't remember the first time ever being that good!!
It is rare to find enthusiasm and professionalism combining in such a way. Can only echo previous posters.
My personal fave is "Dick Around" so was well pleased it was in the encore.
2 highlights, somewhat OT from R&R:
1: thanks to Allydodd for coming to say Hi after the show, sorry if I was a little distracted, one half of my brain was still on Planet Sparks and the other half was thinking "oh bugger, I've got to drive 200 miles home now", hope to talk more next time, and THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME, NO WAY IS THAT MY FIRST AND LAST SPARKS GIG!
2: a big thank you to the Forum security staff who were kindness itself to my (severly disabled) other half.