I got to meet Ron and Russ when they played Norman,Oklahoma on the " Sparks In Outer Space " tour. They played a club on a weeknight when there were finals the following day ( college town ) and there were,maybe,30 people there. I have been a fan since 1972 and they were very friendly and appreciative of my small band of fellow fans. They signed things and took photos with us...and then Ron drove them away in a station wagon. Yes I'm serious.
Sparks will always have a special place in my heart, because they were the first band I ever saw live, as they were the opening act for Nektar, at the Capitol Theater, in Passaic NJ in 1976, when I was 15. All I remember was the weird guy at the piano on the left, and being fascinated by how the spotlights worked. After Sparks left, they rolled down a movie screen and showed a couple of Three Stooges shorts before the main act, to the delight of the audience. I thought for a while that all concerts had Three Stooges films in the middle.
It's funny how I thought they were too weird when I was a kid but now it seems like they were simply conveying humor and fun. There were some acts that were obviously weird for the sake of being gimmicky, but Sparks have a lot of creative out put and were ahead of their time.
A great interview Richard Jobson Is so respectful and asks really good questions. And the Mael brothers are obviously enjoying it. An almost forgotten style of questioning. Sadly lacking today
Agreed! Love prepared interviewers who actually give their guests “breathing room,” i.e. enough space to fully answer questions in an unhurried manner.
they actually honestly should be and it's a shame they still aren't. See, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is still US-centric after all - and these guys being American band unfortunately were bigger, well, not in USA.
Great interviewer, getting the best out of these extraordinary people. (We just gave him a very well-desrerved honorary Ph.D for his own work). I can never understand why the Maels aren't more obviously respected- though perhaps now they are. It has taken a while...
Sparks is the best band in the world. If I could pick between meeting Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr or Ron and Russell Mael, I'd pick the two coolest brothers in the world!
Especially as a teenager I was a huge Paul McCartney fan. But yes, I agree, I'd pick Ron and Russell too! They're really special, no one can compare to them! They're unique!
I was the one in the neighborhood that had the latest top 40 records. Then one day I saw Sparks on TV. Although my musical taste was still top 40 .. I found myself adding every sparks record I could find.
Russells coat is expansive, kind of like he's been in a hurry and he's chucked his big dads coat on before going to school. Ron's moustache has expanded too from their early days. Its all about expansion. Their song titles aren't bizarre at all, they are arch and hilarious.
Worried re relevancy/if anyone would listen/hear, and now playing the Hollywood Bowl! On my radio/tv/turntable/cassette deck/cd/dvd player/playlist/music library/local stage since 1979. Never once doubted your creative genius. Ron & Russell: Bravo, gentlemen!
And now, since November 2019, you can hear him SING! Two of all bonus tracks of the anniversary edition of 'Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins', the triple CD edition. That was something that I never expected! 😁 💖
That's believable 😁when I was a little boy,Ron scared me. I vaguely remember seeing him on tv w/ Danny DeVito and Ron was talking about Mickey Mouse. I also remember Sparks videos on the early days of MTV,and he creeped me out a bit while seeming funny at the same time. Here I am now,addicted to them and having a laugh at myself because they both seem like the nicest, coolest people. Would love to see them live if they ever come to the NY/NJ area
I’m just now discovering these guys. I’m 51 and never knew anything about them being here in the US. What else have I missed. The complexity of some of the melodies and chord progression is unbelievable.
Mrs Richards: " I paid for a room with a view !" Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam." Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!" Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..." Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!" Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky." Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction." Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?
Its clear that the interviewer is just asking generic questions after having read some sort of press release. But its kinda sad (but in truth good) to hear the Maels admitting to having succumbed to the sirens of "selling out" in some way. :(
In interviews about "The seduction of Ingemar Bergman" they actually told about the likeness between themselves and what people "had dangled in their faces" through the years, and the situation they put Bergman into. The important thing is that they never did sell themselves to "the devil". They've been looking around, but not really crossed the line.
I think it matches the man well, perhaps not the man you assume someone with that looks to be. But what a contrast to Russell's😁, well used at 'Pineapple' and 'Bummer'.
@@jeannettesummers1884, "Lyrically Speaking" every Sunday, at least now during the quarantine and Covid-19. Ron reading Sparks lyrics. Except for Russell reading HIS (look in the info on that video!) lyrics to 'Hasta Mañana Monsieur'.
If the Gallagher brothers can have a docu film made about them then so can the Maels. Benedict Cumberbatch can take time off from Sherlock and Doctor Strange and play Ron.
Why should Cumberland play Ron?? 1. I don't think so, but I have understood by comments on RUclips that some people think RUSSELL and Cumberland look alike?! But Ron? I can agree on that all three of them have a little "Asian" looking eyes, though, that's all. However, in a real documentary on living people you shouldn't have to have people ACTING whom ever the documentary is about. In my opinion. It doesn't look trustworthy to me. Anyway, the Mael brothers are very pleased with what Wright accomplished.
I got to meet Ron and Russ when they played Norman,Oklahoma on the " Sparks In Outer Space " tour. They played a club on a weeknight when there were finals the following day ( college town ) and there were,maybe,30 people there. I have been a fan since 1972 and they were very friendly and appreciative of my small band of fellow fans. They signed things and took photos with us...and then Ron drove them away in a station wagon. Yes I'm serious.
The Mael Brothers, are just geniuses!
These 2 look so shy and out of their comfort zone when not on stage...just normal people at the end of the day i guess....Brilliant
Sparks will always have a special place in my heart, because they were the first band I ever saw live, as they were the opening act for Nektar, at the Capitol Theater, in Passaic NJ in 1976, when I was 15. All I remember was the weird guy at the piano on the left, and being fascinated by how the spotlights worked. After Sparks left, they rolled down a movie screen and showed a couple of Three Stooges shorts before the main act, to the delight of the audience. I thought for a while that all concerts had Three Stooges films in the middle.
That's cool. At a Yes concert I attended in the '80s, a Bugs Bunny cartoon was the opener
It's funny how I thought they were too weird when I was a kid but now it seems like they were simply conveying humor and fun. There were some acts that were obviously weird for the sake of being gimmicky, but Sparks have a lot of creative out put and were ahead of their time.
correct, i thought back then the same
Wellput👌
A great interview
Richard Jobson
Is so respectful and asks really good questions.
And the Mael brothers are obviously enjoying it.
An almost forgotten style of questioning.
Sadly lacking today
Agreed! Love prepared interviewers who actually give their guests “breathing room,” i.e. enough space to fully answer questions in an unhurried manner.
I love listening to Ron talk :)
These two guys are so cool. They need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
they actually honestly should be and it's a shame they still aren't.
See, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is still US-centric after all - and these guys being American band unfortunately were bigger, well, not in USA.
you cant be in the hall of fame as an artist if most people have never heard of you.
@@tc1817 Paul McCartney imitated one of these two guys.
@@Rbl7132 and???
That means they belong in the hall of fame?
@@tc1817 are you telling me that every year when the winners of the Hall of fame are announced that you know all those names?
Fantastic. Plagiarism is a fantastic album. All their album covers are sooo original. One off band. Respect.
Great interviewer, getting the best out of these extraordinary people. (We just gave him a very well-desrerved honorary Ph.D for his own work). I can never understand why the Maels aren't more obviously respected- though perhaps now they are. It has taken a while...
Sparks is the best band in the world. If I could pick between meeting Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr or Ron and Russell Mael, I'd pick the two coolest brothers in the world!
Paul and Ringo who...? 😉
No disrespect, but as I see it, there's not even a choise, I mean...! It's obvious 🤩 💖💖!
Especially as a teenager I was a huge Paul McCartney fan. But yes, I agree, I'd pick Ron and Russell too! They're really special, no one can compare to them! They're unique!
How about Russell and Paul McCartney in disguise as Ron?
(Assuming you've seen the video for Paul's "Coming Up".)
This song and so many others by the Mael bros make me happy and refreshed! I have appreciated their approach to music for decades.
I was the one in the neighborhood that had the latest top 40 records. Then one day I saw Sparks on TV. Although my musical taste was still top 40 .. I found myself adding every sparks record I could find.
HE SPEAKS!
Sparks--one of the best groups ever!
Ron is soooooo damn genious!
Ron would make a great Evil Genius on a Bond film.
(from Goldfinger)
"You dont expect me to talk do you Dr Ron"
No Mr Bond, I expect you to ...sing "
Being young and fresh and having 20 years of experience at the same time - that's quite impressive.
Very witty and intelligent brothers.
One word.
Originality.
Sparks and Skids. Great bands!
Ron's looking very smart - very dapper.
I remember seeing these guys on TV in the 70s and until recently couldn't name one of their songs.
Very good.
Russells coat is expansive, kind of like he's been in a hurry and he's chucked his big dads coat on before going to school.
Ron's moustache has expanded too from their early days.
Its all about expansion.
Their song titles aren't bizarre at all, they are arch and hilarious.
What uncompromising how refreshing in these times
The keyboard player came across as so strange but when talking he's so normal, just an observation!
He completely creeped out Dick Clark during a live performance on AB.
Ron! He seems to be such a sweet guy! And fun😁
Ron is the funster of the duo, and it’s great when interviewers actually let him get a word in
You gotta love these guys I remember seeing them in the 70s in new york palladium with Golden Earring
Worried re relevancy/if anyone would listen/hear, and now playing the Hollywood Bowl! On my radio/tv/turntable/cassette deck/cd/dvd player/playlist/music library/local stage since 1979. Never once doubted your creative genius. Ron & Russell: Bravo, gentlemen!
Amazing how they've gone under the radar for so long, brilliance and longevity...
Haha, you can tell this was from the '90s by Russell's haircut!
You can always tell approximately what year it was just by Russell’s hairdo.
real artist & so goodlooking
We waited a 100 years to hear Ron. Omg, hell yeah
And now, since November 2019, you can hear him SING! Two of all bonus tracks of the anniversary edition of 'Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins', the triple CD edition.
That was something that I never expected! 😁 💖
Kids used to hide behind the sofa when the camera went to Ron 😊
That's believable 😁when I was a little boy,Ron scared me. I vaguely remember seeing him on tv w/ Danny DeVito and Ron was talking about Mickey Mouse. I also remember Sparks videos on the early days of MTV,and he creeped me out a bit while seeming funny at the same time. Here I am now,addicted to them and having a laugh at myself because they both seem like the nicest, coolest people. Would love to see them live if they ever come to the NY/NJ area
terrific interview - great interviewer! i've never seen this one - thanks for posting!
Christ these two never get old. What is their secret?
+Sabbyne Lewis
Cocaine
I don't think so. If they were taking Coke they'd be looking 90 years old.
+Sabbyne Lewis Silliness. The kind that make you feel forever young. The kind that makes ideas flow like you are day-dreaming in class.
aren't they great?
exactly Sabbyne.
I’m just now discovering these guys. I’m 51 and never knew anything about them being here in the US. What else have I missed. The complexity of some of the melodies and chord progression is unbelievable.
Whomp that sucker is my favourite sparks album. Love all the songs on it.
This'll take you back.......and then......?....he cuts it off______________
Shame they DON'T own the BBC...would be much more entertaining
Maybe they wouldn’t send capita scumbags round to people’s homes to bully them into paying a tv licence?!
@Dylan White Relax, he's dead.
If there were a film about these brothers, could you see Benedict Cumberbatch and Jason Schwartzman playing them?
I think Michael Ian Black or James from Spin City as Russell would a slightly better fit, but right on about Cumberbatch for Ron.
+Isaiah Begay the voices of those actors would also be perfect
+Isaiah Begay Ah Yes Benedict Cumberbatch + Sparks !!! = Heaven
I was gonna say Benny and Jared Leto lol One of my FAVORITE BANDS EVAH!
I could see Ron and Russell Mael playing them.
OMG I want this song for my ringtone!!
Being an award winning songwriter I must profess that Sparks have been a massive influence on my career,regards,B.Dylan
Ron should be in Boardwalk Empire!
Mrs Richards: " I paid for a room with a view !"
Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam."
Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!"
Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..."
Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!"
Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky."
Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction."
Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?
I think it would have been very interesting if Ron had sung a few of the songs he'd written.
Best band ever
These Brother's are so fascinating !
Ron giving off Vincent Price vibes here...
I love Sparks. Russell seems to be pretty stoned in this interview.😂
I wish they could go back to the glam movement,but...the glitter era was gone :(
You feel better about 'A Steady Drip Drip Drip', I asume? 😁😍
Ron has a very soothing voice... zzz
Ron looks like Mortimer Wheeler.
Its clear that the interviewer is just asking generic questions after having read some sort of press release.
But its kinda sad (but in truth good) to hear the Maels admitting to having succumbed to the sirens of "selling out" in some way. :(
In interviews about "The seduction of Ingemar Bergman" they actually told about the likeness between themselves and what people "had dangled in their faces" through the years, and the situation they put Bergman into.
The important thing is that they never did sell themselves to "the devil". They've been looking around, but not really crossed the line.
Loved the video👍
Wow, not ony the Mael brothers but interviewed by Richard Jobson, very cool.
best band ever
awh cut short!!
interviewed by the ultimate tacky tiger lol
brilliant
Sparks, john foxx, bill nelson...I feel similar about in a special sense
Thanks for the heads up, but Ron only seems to speak in this song. I was hoping to hear him sing...
@paolder Apparently they love and is influenced by British music.
mysterious keyboard man....
Hey Mon looks like Jobo?
his voice contralto rememb me our Anneli van Rooyen of South Africa
Aggressive with Richard jobson ..a new show.
@TheJimbarnes THEY'RE (ahem) from Los Angeles.
just a blinding band!
Ron Mael is The Scatman
No part two??
In these time's! Are you daft? This was 1996! LMAO
richard jobson with an american twang?!
DID GIRL FROM GERMANY?
You didn't let Ron talk for a long time
Ron and Russell suit the nautival look.
the sissor sisters are alot like sparks i think!
We know who the talkative one is here.
He acted with the persona of an old man then in the 70's, so now he appears to have hardly changed.
he was born old
Was definitely born with a mustache
I never heard Ron’s voice before and I think the voice doesn’t match the man do you know what I mean?
I think it matches the man well, perhaps not the man you assume someone with that looks to be. But what a contrast to Russell's😁, well used at 'Pineapple' and 'Bummer'.
Ron's voice is my piece of heaven.
@@jeannettesummers1884, "Lyrically Speaking" every Sunday, at least now during the quarantine and Covid-19.
Ron reading Sparks lyrics. Except for Russell reading HIS (look in the info on that video!) lyrics to 'Hasta Mañana Monsieur'.
If the Gallagher brothers can have a docu film made about them then so can the Maels. Benedict Cumberbatch can take time off from Sherlock and Doctor Strange and play Ron.
As you maybe know, a documentary is recorded by Edgar Wright.
Why should Cumberland play Ron?? 1. I don't think so, but I have understood by comments on RUclips that some people think RUSSELL and Cumberland look alike?! But Ron? I can agree on that all three of them have a little "Asian" looking eyes, though, that's all.
However, in a real documentary on living people you shouldn't have to have people ACTING whom ever the documentary is about. In my opinion. It doesn't look trustworthy to me.
Anyway, the Mael brothers are very pleased with what Wright accomplished.
@degree7 Me too! Or another heavy European accent of some sort haha
Just a little quirky .... hilarious, talented ... but damn quirky!
shit i thought they were English
Vocal fry
House music....lol
What eloquent individuals. It helps when you're interviewed by an intelligent individual rather than a 'diversity bot'.
БиБиСиська
could Ron be Hitler's son we dont know about?
hitler wouldn't be able to continue his family because he killed himself and didn't have any kids
No.
These two brothers already looking old by the mid 90’s . Shit born in the 1940’s does makes you older in the 20th century
Ron does his act even in interviews, but his voice is completely different to his look.
that's a play ground I'd like to visit
Wow, I never realized Bruce Forsythe was a Scot!