Sparks on The One Show BBC1 4/10/2017

[@nicolasmason8799]

Has anybody else noticed that his keyboard says 'Ronald' instead of 'Roland' ? Absolutely fantastic.

[@annabackman3028]

Yes, some years ago... I don't know for how long time he's been doing that, but at least for 30 years!

[@markhammer643]

Some folks have chopped and shuffled the "Marshall" name on their amplifiers to say "Mallarsh".

[@parnilismedia9287]

@@annabackman3028 Has been at it since the 1970s. It's such a Ron Mael joke--do a tiny understated thing for nearly 50 years and just wait for people to notice it .

[@t8283287]

Easily pleased!

[@billnetherlands]

I think you see him tape it on in the doc too.

[@neilgutteridge6405]

They are obviously capable of making time stand still.........what an absolutely electrifying performance......i'm gobsmacked.

[@tonberrykinged]

So many artists bomb trying to perform live on the One Show because the acoustics aren't great. Somehow Sparks are the exception. Then again, aren't they always..?

[@gingerfellah5665]

I watched this when it was broadcast, I was blown away my husband sneered. I divorced him. Not saying because of not appreciating Sparks but it contributed.

[@thegarden5798]

So many of us complain about being too old to do stuff ... Look at those two ... We are never to old to anything.

[@annabackman3028]

Even more now! (October -19) Releasing: Anniversary album of 'Gratious Sax and Senseless Violins' with a lot of extra yummy for Sparks lovers 💖 A "best of" 'Past Tense', also loads of extra material available. www.allsparks.com Upon that a new album and a movie musical, 'Annette', is right now filmed, both music, plot and manuscripts by Sparks (Brothers Ron and Russell Mael), staring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. These gentlemen were born 1945 and 1948....😲 💖💖💖💖💖

[@pawelcherrywisniewski6456]

Never too old to rock&roll...😁

[@oliviavaldez6574]

Please tell the Hospitals that!😎✌️ 🎸💙

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

Even though they are both in their late 70s they both look as young and spry as ever, I really want to know their skincare routine

[@jantuijp]

@@jeanmichellelaurent I think it involves a lot of touring around the world. 😏

[@spd1969]

They are fantastic. My kind of humour when interviewed. Great sound, Russell has a brilliant voice and Ron is just Ron. Keep going guys.

[@richardmorton4762]

This Town.... , Armature Hour, Barbacute. are absolute classes from their early days. Ron freaked me out when I first saw them on Top Of The Pops though 😱😂

[@spencer_abrams]

"he might be a better songwriter than i am, but i'm a better walker." greatest.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

a brilliant performance how many singers could still sing this song over 40 years later haha :P

[@waltersobchak926]

Dominic Foxx exactly, greatest vocalist ever

[@charlesdunfield3715]

@Charlie Brown.............And sound just as brilliant

[@stuartpotterton6701]

1

[@velmad3091]

I was thump up 100 😁 I agree they are amazing💕

[@closertotheheart]

I left this exact comment on another performance of this song from the same year haha. I've never heard anyone else's voice holding up the same way.

[@arshk3612]

no 1 song in heaven.. i still have the cassette album - played to death in scout camp.. saw them last week .. fantastic..

[@kennethduchnowski]

One word "wow". Timeless song. Killer performance and great band.

[@pauleyles9536]

Hiya m8. The Sparks track. This town an't big enough 4 the both of us. Reminds me of a certain female Portsmouth Police officer. IE Caroline Barton. Or as I have nicknamed her. Officer Ferguson. Ather Prisoner Cell Block H.

[@sicks6six]

Over 70 years old and still electrifying. I was still in high school when I first heard this.

[@marianpower6711]

Still brilliant aren't they.😍😍

[@aliceborealis]

I love that Sparks is still doing this and still able to do it sooooooo well!

[@Fonzy-zg6un]

This song is still amazing...and its over 50 years ago since I first heard as a teenager...his voice is still perfect for the song!

[@garyoshea2171]

One of the greatest riffs of all time.

[@jamesbean2591]

Brilliant group..wonderful to see such great guys still playing great music so many years later....play on....

[@Denis-tg6jw]

What a remarkable voice after all these years.

[@theartyyvonnemixedmediaart7259]

Loved them back in seventies at school and didn’t feel such a weirdo lol!! Amazing vocals after forty yrs , and new album is brilliant. Heard it on radio six am deffo buying it. Clever to intertwine Edith Piaf new song in the old hit lol. 😍😍

[@cliveedwards2958]

Yeah I loved them when I was back at school in the seventies..I was a punk but loved 'no 1 song in heaven' ..underrated disco classic..I remember they appeared in the film 'Rollercoaster' aswell which I thought was a great film

[@shaggy63]

Legends in the 70’s… and still going strong… this takes me right back to a happy time

[@DanBen07]

One of the best moments of tv 2017

[@sarabrown3821]

yes i agree

[@iiiprogundergroundandexper7120]

The more I listen to them, the more I love them!

[@heytheregeorgeygirl]

Still got a fantastic voice. Saw them in 1974 in Manchester.

[@annabackman3028]

Stockholm, June 16th, 2018. FLAWLESS! 😍

[@TheSimplygoodmusic]

Not many legends left like these 2 now how amazing to be able to still see them live long live Sparks

[@per-axelstenstrom1886]

You have been with me since I was a teenager - I just love your music - thanks for all these years - a 64 year old fan in Sweden!!!

[@valeriesoe]

russell nailing those high notes after all these years. GOAT

[@RandyFricke]

You cannot be in a bad mood listening to Sparks.

[@annabackman3028]

Especially not listening to 'Pineapple' or 'Gone With The Wind'!! 😁 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖

[@williamgrant2815]

It certainly makes me feel old ive loved their music since 75

[@annabackman3028]

Yeah... I know 😰

[@scousesonata]

@@annabackman3028 Me 3

[@danielemeytre4010]

No words. They are like... 70? Humour, art, perfect live exhibition with engagement and nonchalance at the same time. I love you, Sparks. I've discovered this band Just because on a night out i've set the radio on my favourite public radio, checked on internet the refrain... Boom.

[@johnplant3178]

Best performance on the one show , ever , even mother didn't want it to end .

[@lovewalruss]

Fantastic stuff. Great band. Makes me smile and fabulous singing and performance art!

[@neilgoodwin1046]

Got myself reacquainted with their music 3 months ago. Hid I’m enjoying the old and new stuff. Turn your back on Mother Earth is an absolute classic.

[@stevenbrown8857]

Bloody superb ... got into these two in the 80s 😊

[@petejones879]

Loved this and them since 73 I think it was

[@johnhaley6489]

Ron and Russell Mael. Just the best POP music EVER.

[@Knufflebeest]

Thought it was a bit rude mentioning Ron's age! As far as I'm concerned Ron & Russell are ageless and timeless guys! Love them both

[@eastend59]

I agree. I bet they don't ask all their guests their age. It is irrelevant. Sparks 4ever!!!!

[@brunotardat4286]

Crappy age-shaming if you ask me.

[@ExcessiveSpareTime]

It's still impressive, though, the only other band I know of that's been at it this long, to this age, just lost their penultimate founding member to brain cancer.

[@annabackman3028]

@@ExcessiveSpareTime, or completely stagnated musically. If they ever renewed themselves.

[@ExcessiveSpareTime]

@@annabackman3028 Naw, the one guy who was still there when it all started still has it, and his current bandmates are all damn fine musicians in their own rights.

[@rogermgrdichian886]

Woah! Was not expecting that Edith Piaf chorus to be snuck in near the end! Very powerful.

[@ZabljakLand]

That break at 5:47, god damnit it's so good

[@TheTony1959]

Brilliant band still going strong such a catchy song never grows old keep going sparks your a massive inspiration to the music world

[@jazzmindouglas3178]

Still got the lovely voice.really hits the high notes.perfect

[@andrewwhelan8004]

I was ten when this town came out always loved this sort of music

[@AquaMenTonyM]

Excellent! I've seen them many times in the 70's and 80's in Los Angeles, CA. Thanks for sharing this.

[@GERTee-oe9iz]

True pioneers of electronic music,all round good guys.

[@scottallison9659]

One of the finest bands ever!! 🎤🥁🎸🥰

[@rodmclean2066]

Tell me another band that could sound like that live after an interview and in a studio. True to the recording.... no BETTER. At their ages and after 40 yrs they are a true force of nature. That song simply KILLS.

[@Katehowe3010]

Not many, but Queen with Freddie would have no problem!

[@mickclitheroe8585]

These guys cheer me up ! Long live Sparks

[@simonrowe2348]

A classic and always will be..sparks are amazing..what a performance.puts today's artists to shame .what a band.cant get enough of this song.. permanently on repeat.

[@RedMcc]

LOVED Sparks back in the 80s (and Now). Most folks have no idea the extent of their influence. If you know, you know

[@velmad3091]

Ron and Russell has it all . Awesome voice/music now and then. They are talented so nice true gentlemen polite, a great sense of humor and so good looking past and present omg 💜💜💜💜 I love them

[@girlfromgermany]

Fantastic how they switch from one song to the other and back! That was really very surprising. Brilliant!!

[@girlfromgermany]

@@flimbar Well ,I'd really like to know who had the idea at first, Ron or Russell? :-D

[@dav1mic]

better than groups of today. well done

[@stevegarner1113]

But they are a group of today...

[@dachshund_gaming]

the beetles

[@alexhollins5830]

They were punk, new wave and post punk years before those labels were ever mentioned. You could throw in indie, indie rock and indie pop as well. A very, very important band.

[@Louisejames23]

Love these guys, looking forward to seeing them next year.. finally! 👍👌😬❤️

[@martinwedge7732]

Never turn your back on Sparks....because you might miss the wonderful thing they will do next!!!

[@robertgarrett4046]

When Sparks performed this track , This town ain't big enough for the both of us in 2017 , it sounded like it was being performed back in the [ 70's ] EXCELLENT . ROB.

[@clivemason-ms8ju]

Great performance from the boys. Makes me nostalgic for a time when music was fun and diverse.

[@100Ref]

Amazing... love 'em!

[@dodibenabba525]

What a performance at the end!! Absolute legends! His voice is every bit as good as ever!! This is fantastic, have you ever seen Matt Lucas happier?? 😂

[@petermirtitsch1235]

I'm still so impressed that their songs haven't dated a bit.

[@Metalkidfilo]

I mean, this is INCREDIBLE!

[@joedavis1601]

Holy heck! How can Russell's voice sound like it did 40 years ago?!? Especially in a song mostly sung in falsetto?? Listen to him singing compared to a contemporary like Paul McCartney. McCartney's voice has aged as voices do. Russell had to have made a deal with the devil because he's sounds freakin' incredible!

[@girlfromgermany]

Well, I'd like to know that too and Russell tries to explain it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5LRm5J-qrFmi5I But there isn't a real explanation except that his voice is simply unique and there's no other singer like him.

[@nchcroy3877]

You are right. I mean, compare his voice also with Geddy Lee formerly from Rush...

[@jarom676]

Even the amazing Andy Bell from Erasure struggles to do falsetto now these days and he’s nearly 20 years younger than these guys. Russell’s voice is still amazing. But Andy Bell overall has always had a more beautiful voice

[@morkygorky]

I saw them in concert in 2018 - and they were spectacularly energetic!! Last show on a long long world tour, and they delivered a show not many could do, go see them!!

[@MiscellaneousDebris]

It would have certainly helped that Russell Mael has always lived a very healthy life. Paul McCartney's lifetime of smoking probably hasn't done his voice any favours!

[@reynaldpauchet4871]

Comprend pas que qu ils sont peu connus en France Cette chanson je l ai découverte en 73 J ai toujours aimé ce qu ils faisaient Bravo belle performance sont plus tout jeunes

[@iancford]

Ils sont magnifique!

[@londoner752]

Fantastic performance.

[@mikefellows3901]

Simply superb ! Class lives through the decades and these guys are the proof !

[@LHChristopher]

Thank you for uploading this gem... Stay Gold!!!

[@martinfitzgerald1605]

Talk of the playground 'This town....' plus the Mael bros. Absolutely 'kin superb💕

[@danielbehrend3683]

So good. Still writing great songs. Love them.

[@annabackman3028]

Songs, musical movie, touring, new album, anniversary release (Gratious sax and Senseless Violins), a best of 'Past Tense"... All at the same time! (Not the touring, but believe me, it will come! 😁)

[@stevegarrod6078]

Wow! I remember buying the single when it first came out! Great stuff....

[@redcoat4ever323]

These guys are amazing

[@Gill-Leeds]

What a class act, still sounding wonderful and still going strong. Long they may continue

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Russell’s voice at his age is up there with the greatest ever vocalist at the same age, Jon Anderson!

[@lalalaacc5020]

I love these guys, their entire catalog is incredible

[@mikecoats489]

Love these guys, so original.

[@gordonpotts196]

Absolutely amazing

[@Geraint3000]

His voice is astonishing at 69 (?) - a truly exhausting song to sing.

[@philexile0]

Love Sparks! Saw them in Toronto last year - fantastic!

[@stefbaxter]

What a band...spectacular live

[@nikolassodiant2595]

Magnifique ♡♡♡♡

[@dukedepommefrites8779]

Love the cool dry humour.

[@MillieonaVespa]

Amazing aren’t they just amazing ! …I danced around my house as a 10 year old to this song while watching top of the pops..man they still have it …that was great !

[@aldershot5100]

In 1974 at School ,we all did the Ron silly look

[@michaellavery4899]

I am 50 and have been aware of this band for about 40 years (This Town...) but only became aware of their true magnificence after seeing this appearance. True geniusesie's.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Still brilliant after all these years. I saw them on Top of the Pops in the 1970’s and nearly split my sides laughing. True showmen and simply legends.

[@julieirons2248]

Just brilliant. A national treasure - so underrated!!

[@andele7938]

wow what an incredible performance! I will always Love Sparks!

[@jlsutton4819]

Ron is beautiful i love him & sparks so much.

[@garyhardman8369]

Bought it when it first came out. Amazing that they can still do it justice today.

[@anthyoung3127]

Seen sparks live last year in Newcastle, one of the best bands i have seen in along time

[@martinkulkarni3569]

My brothers were there. Sadly, I couldn’t go. We have loved them since the early seventies!

[@skeptcho]

They bring such happy memories, even better performers today.

[@nicoladouglas3270]

Still got it after all these yrs! still sound as good!

[@anthonykelly2002]

Such a great tune

[@winny8420]

These guys are fantastic and still going strong today

[@HermanSays]

I love how they incorporated the chorus of Edith Piaf as the middle eight.

[@snakemanpete55]

Still as sharp as they were 40 year's ago ...rock on sparks always loved ya

[@se9f282]

I want what these guys are taking. Haven't aged, still creating, still sound great.

[@sundromos9456]

"Makin' art" is strong medicine. Infinity in a suitcase.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Living legends! Absolute genius!

[@MrHairyNeck]

Great to see them looking great and in good humour.

[@marshalllucky]

So much energy.. the new album is awesome too ...

[@steveaustin6467]

absolutely brilliant, still on top of there game

[@johncady9780]

The Mael brothers are still awesome after all these years!

[@alanpenfold000]

I was there in london 4 the release of Hipo great show and great 2 meet them again after . Looking 4wood to the new album . Keep well Ron and Russ .

[@greengekko-ps3hr]

Beat the clock my all time favourite

[@anthonypowick97]

Impressive live performance from a classic group !

[@jeffreynolds8949]

If it's possible the new album a steady drip drip drip is fantastically great it is a gorgeous musical journey makes me feel young again at 68 and a half May the duo get their commercial success after all of these years of being under the radar this is really a shame please spread it around how great these guys really are prayers Jeff