A Conversation Between Sparks and Cate Blanchett

As they head to Australia for 4 live shows, Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks caught up with Cate Blanchett and talked fashion tips, cosplay, magpies, lamingtons, dance moves and more.
Thu, 26 Oct 2023 Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Sun, 29 Oct 2023 Harvest Rock Festival, Adelaide
Tue, 31 Oct 2023 Opera House, Sydney
Thu, 2 Nov 2023 Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Tickets available at: secretsounds.c...
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[@joanbecenti8938]

Sparks and Cate Blanchett. In a world of chaos, it's pure joy seeing these 3 😃❤️

[@dikbozo]

such warmth and respect for and from all. she is a such a fan girl. OFC SHE gets to talk to them ... us, well... we get to watch.

[@LandOfWind]

Absolument d'accord 👍

[@mickylawless1941]

I've been digging these guys since 1977. They are so creative and unique.

[@HuplesCat]

Three wonders of the world in one video

[@madamzajj980]

When I was a teenager I had a crush on Russell. Now nearly 50 years later I have a crush on both brothers. Very complicated and unfulfilled ❤😂❤

[@jantuijp]

I'm a very heterosexual man in my fifties, but when I was 8 even I had a crush on Russell. 😁

[@causilvestrini7000]

These guys are so amazing! I love them. And Cate. And magpies!

[@ivankamarelj3542]

Ron, Russel and Cate together? This is heaven!

[@ltrecker]

Her genuine excitement is ALL OF US

[@moormoor4281]

With love from England

[@girlfromgermany]

This is such a lovely conversation! I already watched it numerous times. It definitely would be great if we got to see or listen to something like that more often, where Ron and Russell just chat a bit with a lovely friend!

[@Blueberry_]

Ça dois faire 15 ans je vous écoute et j'en ai que 30 🎉🎉

[@pawdaw]

Ron is 78, Russell is 75, still going strong, it's just amazing

[@pineapplefulfillseveryneed]

Learned many amazing new things here, such as the fact that Ron actually has feet! Truly great video, thanks for being fine people 💕

[@kennyamer3327]

With all the troubles in the world right now just a joy watching 3 beautiful people have a lovely innocent chat which made me smile the whole way through. Loved Sparks ever since 1975ish when I went to see them at the Liverpool Empire 😍

[@zaphod5660]

love to sparks and cate from oz

[@pearce554]

This is so sweet I feel a strong urge to share something here. I'll never meet Ron and Russell: so I can't tell them the story; and the person whose story it is, isn't in the habit of telling it. I have an ex-girlfriend who used to be a stage manager at Sage Gateshead. In February 2006, she stage-managed the "Hello Young Lovers" gig at The Sage and came home saying, "Wow! What a great gig. And what lovely guys." Please understand this. Stage managers ALWAYS come home after a gig, bitching about the headline act, (or, at least, the frontman of the headline act,) describing - in a good deal of detail - what an *ssh*le they were. Always, without fail! Except not so with Sparks. It is possible to be a great songwriter and/or live performer and still be a warm and generous human being; and Ron & Russell are the living proof.

[@Chuckles..]

I searched for books about Sparks, there are two!: _Sparks: No. 1 Songs in Heaven_ and _Talent Is an Asset: The Story of Sparks_ Cate is the best for supporting Sparks.

[@ninakeller5310]

There is also:Sparks 1974 by Laura Shenton.I can recommend it its very funny.

[@shattere]

They all so nice 😊 i love Sparks and Cate!!

[@morrisgautreau6704]

Love the interview! I'm a new Sparks fan ever since I saw the trailer for the Edgar Wright documentary. I just bought a poster of Sparks, the one from LONDON 1974 where Ron is holding a pair of sunglasses and Russell is wearing a red glove! And Cate is always fabulous!

[@TheWaterlooWatermelon]

Love EVERYONE here.

[@Taobun]

Triple adoration! So happy for Australia! Just hope you both survive the magpies! 😂 Hitchcock understood that danger. Just come home safe! 🤗

[@lindagillies4939]

Love you all!🥰🇨🇦

[@funeralgothatoo5814]

As someone from the suburbs of Melbourne I am literally buzzing right now finding out you have been here in my home city for this many days already! Ahhh so excited. Hope you visit the Dandenong Ranges while you are here.

[@andywellsglobaldomination]

Shorts as a state of mind... you know damn well that'll spark a new Sparks tune.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Wonderful way to start the week on a creative note.

[@pearllimbert8028]

Such a delightful interview!

[@janetsampson1779]

I'm a fellow musician and I loved that video with Cate Blanchet dancing,very good but I find it interesting how much Ron and Russell look and sound alike when Ron actually smiles and talks,they definitely look like brothers and why don't we call regular pants longs?,I'm actually wearing a pair of long longs right now! Bob

[@ProfessorHamachi]

Hello from Los Angeles. Love the genuine connection on display ❤! See you folks at the Taj Mahal with magpies, shorts, Cate Cosplay, Lamingtons, the Halloween set, and pumpkin suit(s). Have a great set in Australia. Break a leg! ❤

[@001lessie]

Just love the song and the video. Its been non stop on my playlist

[@mikejonze951]

It's all so charming

[@jerseyspunk]

Sparks at the Sydney Opera House on Halloween is definitely a treat. Those lucky Aussies.

[@bill8908]

I had a blast hanging out with you guys during the Cool Places tour!

[@aftarsun]

I love this friendship 😁

[@oenthusiast]

This is such a wonderful, fun interview! Vaye and the Maels each bring out the sparkle in the other.

[@oenthusiast]

I typed Cate but autocorrect had other ideas.

[@flyfire9633]

That was so wholesome! Thank you for this wonderful interview, I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@magicjack]

Great interview, she's cool!

[@cvcblanche3557]

Omggg Legends ❤

[@annabackman3028]

What a wonderful conversation! I loved every second of it! Today it's the 23rd of October, and I haven't been like a hawk, looking for any sign of them lately, so I haven't seen any pictures of Ron and Russell wearing "short shorts" in Australia. Yet, I might say. It would be a mixed feelings experience to do. I'm not sure I would howl of excitement.. On the other side, if they are happy, I am happy, whatever they wear 💖💖💖😁 (Russell is an ikon!) I know I wouldn't use that kind of outfit, but for the opposite reason 😆🙄 Cate seems like a fantastic person, that kind you just love to spend time together with 😄 I don't know much about her, except for she is an amazing actress 👏👏👏👏👏, but now I know she's an awesome person too. Like if I ever doubted, she loves Sparks, and Ron and Russell love her😃!

[@DavidTheDave]

Seeing you in Brisbane next Thursday. Very excited. Last time I saw you live was in York Uni (UK) in 1974.

[@garrystubbs4891]

Marvellous !

[@sharleenwright8534]

Gosh, should we bring treats for the Opera House gig then? See you in Sydney next week!

[@andyheynemann4610]

can't wait to see them in Brisbane! My favourite song is I Married A Martian, but Get In The Swing is the song that turned me onto Sparks back in 1975, got 15 of their albums on vinyl, but they are kind of hard to find...Much respect to the Mael brothers, welcome to OZ!

[@funeralgothatoo5814]

Melbourne was absolutely incredible! They were amazing. The band was tight. The sound was superb. The audience was going crazy with love and excitement. By the end Ron and Russ seemed as overwhelmed by the reception as we were for having them. I've never experienced a gig like it with any other band/musician before. I can't wait for the rest of Australia to experience them!

[@andyheynemann4610]

can't wait and I'm glad we have the perfect QLD weather for them!@@funeralgothatoo5814

[@yolandalukowski7304]

Cate Blanchett- Sparks bestie 🤗

[@traceyhiggins5664]

Can’t wait to see you in Brisbane xxx

[@winni223]

Guys, you are marvelous! I've got the feeling a longer conversation would also be nice. Not in the interview format but just a chat about life in general and all that.

[@doodlenoodlex]

I love you three. I hope all Australians feel lucky ducks for having a Halloween themed sparks show

[@petabulmer3317]

I can't go to see them, I can't believe they are coming here and I will have to miss it! I hope they like it here in Australia!

[@yabby6550]

Yes, wonderful people!

[@JoalTaylor]

YES WE DO

[@СергейСальченко]

Beautiful!With love,frome Ukraine!Modesty plays,rules😊

[@traceyhiggins5664]

Shorts in Australia (I’m in Brisbane), our shorts are usually around knee length if that makes you feel more comfy x

[@MrDLOC11]

That Hollywood Bowl show was perfection ❤🎉😊

[@samguberman2288]

The things you stumble across on KZbin, this is so entertaining.

[@HEWHOTAWNS]

i beg these guys to play lets go surfing off sensless violins

[@0920121908250727]

So glad these three hooked up. Brilliant.

[@johnellery9665]

Three Legends ❤❤❤

[@moormoor4281]

Please make your concert available for England too bye on DVD

[@faserpelz9277]

oh boys... i love you. i have seen you on tv in disco 2001 in germany, i believe that is 100 years ago. and i found you very weird, very funny, and complete different. and you are still there, making music, which is the opposite of boring contemporary noise on the radio... i love it. and cate... oh cate... you fit very well to these two guys. greetings from the deep south of upper franconia. fp. and sorry for lower keys, i am missing my shift keys. have a lot of fun in australia.

[@terrythekittieful]

Magpie swooping season is over it seems boys. Haven't been swooped for a few weeks now (in country Victoria). Looking forward to the show at the Palais on Thursday night. From Macca to the Maels in six days.

[@shellys.2110]

Maybe Ron and Russell can also try pavlova? I’m truly excited for all the fans who will see Sparks in Oz.

[@girlfromgermany]

What is pavlova?

[@shellys.2110]

It’s a meringue-based dessert and it’s delicious! I had some when I was in Australia years ago. Pavlova is popular in both Oz and New Zealand.

[@girlfromgermany]

@@shellys.2110 Thank you. Yep, that sounds yummy 😊

[@gerrykelly4413]

Absolutely brilliant, they get on very well together as a trio, maybe Kate can start playing the drums next 😂🇮🇪☘️

[@footy2rock]

When I'm with you is my favorite Sparks song the video is funny too,Cate is a good actress and she's from Melbourne like me 😊

[@kelvinwilson9217]

Perfecto!!!

[@VasilSch]

Пацаны вообще ребята!

[@mcbillygoat]

The Mael brothers must have made a deal with the devil. Marginal success in the pop world, but also immortality and boundless energy.

[@davidice1]

I'm British and somehow two Americans and an Australian talking seemed incredibly English.

[@TimChuma]

They can go ride the rollercoaster next door at Luna Park in between sets like Gillian Welch and David Rawlings did.

[@elliottchrist]

Ron noticing a Cate cosplayer dancing in the audience, only to see her disappear into the crowd when the song was over, sounds like the premise of a Sparks song. And if a Sparks song like that *does* come out I DEMAND RESTITUTION!!!!!!!!!

[@DavidinStroud]

Favourite song: Lawnmower? I'm actually doing some voluntary work in Thrupp, near Stroud tomorrow - true story!

[@DavidinStroud]

As in the introduction to the start of the video.

[@parasite-b9604]

"shorts is a state of mind" sounds like the title of a Sparks tracks.

[@alansmith9930]

If things don't pan out with Cate's mum, I'm sure you'll find a good lamington before the Melbourne gig from one of the cake shops on Acland Street near the Palais!!!

[@eleshasmith6064]

💖💖💖

[@timweinheimer1]

Something great to see here

[@dominickagostino8489]

I seen them in '77 as well. When they were in NYC this year, they seemed like they left out some of my favs. I wonder if was jet lag from coming back to states from Europe.

[@LandOfWind]

Long 🩳 to everyone 🥸

[@apocalypse_frau]

Ausgezeichnet!

[@angelagatehouse7706]

Love Sparks full stop

[@mattbowles5140]

Dear Sparks, please play "Dick Around" at your Brisbane show. Thank you.

[@NassPeace]

Cate ❤❤

[@jonothanthrace1530]

I love Russ's Black/Red shirt, reminds me of a medieval shoulder cloak.

[@babettesfeast6347]

Never knew Cate was a great fan of the Sparks

[@w.urlitzer1869]

the pineapple! beyond cute.

[@kellytaylor8980]

We where shorts in Barnsley in snow 😂 lol

[@BlueMHart]

I know they joke around a lot, but part of me hopes they weren't joking about a whole Halloween-themed show, that would be awesome. :D Either way, Australians are getting a real treat having Sparks visit for the first time in 20-something years!

[@KevKavanagh]

I was about to disagree, but then I Googled, it was 2001 when I saw them at The Metro in Sydney. Fantastic night!

[@moormoor4281]

GOD'S BLESSING

[@kimsherlock8969]

What ever you downloaded about Maggie's is true if you are walking past trees or riding a bike . They are wonderful parents with one only to feed This is a difficult task and both parents are run off their feet . I have watched them and respect them as a natural beauty vocal Orchestra Calling rain is coming . So don't wear a helmet it will look too funny😅😂 if the Maggie's were not swooping . 😊

[@lisalap5975]

Oh come on, So Cali guys know what shorts are! Wear them well!

[@uptone12111]

Im thinking to myself"she is so lucky lol"

[@Belfastboi]

Crickets for the Marvel comment 😂or a nice edit!

[@michaelford3391]

Might pelt the stage with lamingtons at gig's end then. The Palais is a gorgeous art deco theatre and perfect for Sparks, Anyone in Melbourne know who the 'support' is? Apparently there is one. Probably an act to avoid,

[@maryrosekent8223]

Dude has a John Waters mustache!

[@LawnMowersThingsThatMakeNoise]

i thought they lived in the uk ?

[@Ramitis10]

And the Brazil agent?

[@traceyhiggins5664]

Oh Halloween is huge in Brisbane. Just wear a sun hat which will keep the magpies away

[@kimsherlock8969]

Gammon SOCKS SKINNY ANKLES ......LL They can cover your ankles in a new dimension of comfort. 😊

[@nutster9000]

I wish I could wear shorts indefinitely. Without fear of leg hypo.

[@kimsherlock8969]

Some forms of movement dont fit with wearing shorts 😅😂😊 Hilarious 😊

[@kimsherlock8969]

Hehehe Hehehe free forms

[@mrwest15]

Russell Mael does NOT look like a or even really sound like a 75 year old man.

[@oscarwilde9023]

Sorry guys we do celebrate Halloween in Australia but maybe not as big as in America. Halloween is definitely growing each year in this country. So please bring your Halloween one night show to Australia. We love you guys. 🦇🦇🦇

[@shermankennearly1270]

4/29/24 12:48 PM Alright. Yes I love the music created by the legendary SPARKS! However, That interview was terrible. The lady in my opinion is a perfect example of people with high profile jobs. That can't do the job in a impressive and outstanding way! No interesting questions. Nothing to learn from SPARKS, through her. was it me, but they seemed to be not authentically relaxed. During the so-called interview... Oh well!