This year, we’re all learning a lot about one of the most kinetic creative forces in rock and pop of the past half-century. Los Angeles-residing brothers Russell and Ron Mael started Sparks in the early 1970s and quickly established a catalog of ingenious, rollicking, flamboyant and sometimes plain weird records that consistently look forward. They didn’t invent glam, power pop, synth pop or other styles they’ve worked in, but they consistently embrace new ideas with open arms and make music that always feels like — well, Sparks music.
The Sparks Brothers, a documentary by Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright, is in theaters (including the Belcourt) right now. Annette — a musical written by the Maels, directed by French luminary Leos Carax and including Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver in its cast — is set to open Aug. 6. Now word comes that Sparks is embarking on a North American tour in 2022, with one stop in Music City and another nearby.
On Tuesday, March 22, they’ll play the Ryman, followed two days later by a visit to Knoxville for the return of Big Ears. Tickets to the Ryman show go on sale Friday, July 16, at 10 a.m.; prices haven’t been announced. An on-sale time for passes to Big Ears hasn’t been announced yet.
While you wait, check out a little teaser of “So May We Start,” a song from the Annette soundtrack.
