Mark Batchelor and I attended the launch of Sparks’ new release, Hippopotamus, this evening at London’s ICA in the Mall. (Our thanks to the band’s PR, Sue Harris of Republic Media, for the kind invitation).
The main event consisted of the innovative veteran duo, Ron and Russell Mael, being interviewed by Matt Everitt of BBC6 on stage and the pair wittily explained their motivation and production processes for their 23rd official album. Their latest video, Edith Pia (said it better than me), also generated a rapturous reception and I was pleased to have the opportunity to ask the twosome about their current influences during the Q&A session that followed.
Afterwards Mark and I spoke to several well-known faces present, including Martin Talbot of the Official Charts Company. Notable amongst the knowledgeable audience were producer Tony Visconti and record company guru, Muff Winwood.
Fans of the group will be aware that the Mael brothers, supported by a band of five musicians, kicked off their 2017 tour in Copenhagen on 7 August and that they will be playing in Europe and in the UK until early October. Concerts in New York, in Los Angeles and in San Francisco have also been announced for later in the year.
Upon leaving the ICA, Mark and I headed over to Covent Garden where we grabbed a bite to eat before joining the youthful crowd at Radio in Aldwych.
