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Personalities | Sparks | Seventies | Rock

(Vocal group, 1972–present)

This veteran group provides a vehicle for the talents of brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Anglophile Californians, the Maels came to Britain in 1973 after two failed albums, the first as Halfnelson. Recruiting Adrian Fisher (guitar), Martin Gordon (bass) and Dinky Diamond (drums) they recorded Kimono My House (1974) featuring the memorable hit ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us’. Often bracketed with glam rock, Sparks’ music displayed an eclectic approach and their British success continued until late 1975 after which the hits dried up.

A very different Sparks made a comeback in 1979. Produced by Giorgio Moroder, the album Number One In Heaven featured extensive use of synthesizers. Moroder’s familiar Euro disco beat helped the Maels back into the charts for the first time in four years with ‘The Number One Song In Heaven’ and ‘Beat The Clock’. Sparks remain active and popular.

Source: The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, general editor Michael Heatley

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