Sparks

Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, Sparks consists of brothers Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals). Over a career spanning more than 50 years, the duo has carved out a singular niche in pop music, blending glam rock, art pop, synthpop, new wave, and orchestral flourishes with witty, often satirical lyrics. Their breakthrough album Kimono My House (1974) featured the hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” and they continued to reinvent themselves with releases like No. 1 in Heaven (1979), Lil’ Beethoven (2002), and The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte (2023).

Sparks are widely recognized as pioneers whose work has influenced artists from Queen and Depeche Mode to Franz Ferdinand and The Killers. Known for their theatrical live performances and constant innovation, the Mael brothers remain one of the most original and enduring acts in modern music.