Sparks "Amateur Hour" Fairfield Halls, Croydon London 1975

[@hillarywest971]

Saw this clip in the film "The Sparks Brothers" a few days ago. While I don't condone physical attacks, it was laugh out loud when Russell was floored by 14 year old girls - and then got up and carried on singing! One of the girls, who was 14 at the time, appeared in the film and told how there had been a network of teenage girls keeping tabs on where Spsrks were going to be next. How that was done without Internet and social media I can't imagine, but it happened in the 60s following the Beatles. It is a fantastically absorbing film, highly recommend seeing it.

[@zombywoof1015]

☎️ would be me guess Mate.

[@teemusid]

Russell was a high school QB, so he knew how to take a hit.

[@dannyderidder4957]

Could not spot any amateurism in the clip. Sheer professionalism from Russell singing his lungs out and the girls tackling him.

[@KevinHallSurfing]

@@zombywoof1015 Definitely. Used STD (Standard Trunk Dialling) to catch up back in the day. On public phones you could get around non-local and interstate blocking of calls if you knew the tricks. 😁😇

[@aestroai8012]

My old rocker buddy called them a flash in the pan, I showed him this footage!!! Most spectacular proto-punk, number one American Glitter band ever. For those who get it, they are a marvel.

[@eauhomme]

A flash in the pan that has been performing 56 years now... They were much more successful in Europe than in America, which is interesting considering they're from Anaheim.

[@thevoid99]

"the sparks brothers" brought me here as the one fan who hugged ron was interviewed in the film.

[@debbierichens3910]

I had to laugh at the way Ron carried on playing the synthesiser while Russell was mobbed by the girls! And Russell, once recovered, carried on singing professionally! I was there but don’t remember that happening at the time.

[@velmad3091]

Debbie Richens Yes they carried on 😄😄

[@GEricG]

Just the way that he got knocked flying was hilarious.

[@donyoung7874]

It looks like Russell is lip synching at the 2:03 mark, or the audio somehow got thrown out of synch. He's walking away from Ron, holding the mic out, but we hear him singing, "sooooooo".

[@darrensean8080]

Instablaster...

[@scienz]

@@donyoung7874 u just destroyed this clip for me. total lip sync 😆 🤣

[@jamespollard4866]

Sparks' influence on the music security industry is on full display here.

[@geofflee6038]

Still going , still CLASS! Still relevant , Still brilliant!

[@Squeaky1423]

"I think we should have a little restraint in the hall, OK?" LOL

[@aliebaron9194]

Sadly, they never listened.

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

I love the way he says it though, His bandmates used to mock his faux Anglo-Franco accent but I honestly think it's so cool.

[@Orion3741]

Fascinating band. So, so, original. Thanks, Sparks. From a Queen fan.

[@larsnielsen847]

Sparksmanenia at its peak. I’m sure the Mael brothers were happy to have experienced it but glad to have moved on. Timeless bliss!!!

[@davidscottheath]

I'd heard the audio from this on one of the special CD rereleases, and I always assumed that Russell missing his cue was due to getting distracted or forgetting, not getting mobbed by teenage girls! It may be staged, but it's an amusing illustration of the song's lyrics and themes.

[@sparksfan]

Dude I have the audio version and I have always thought the same thing, that Russell just got distracted or forgot the words at the beginning! That was hilarious! The boys have put out some super funny videos over the years: Ron shaving his moustache on the titular video; Russell sporting mascara while Ron gets repeatedly pied in the face on AYETAIS; R&R boxing each other on Tips for Teens, Ron's physique slightly less imposing than a concentration camp survivor...Check out the vid for La Dolce Vita (Great song, btw!) I defy you -- or anybody reading this, for that matter! -- to watch that vid from beginning to end and not lol (or at least crack a smile..) when you see Ron's facial expressions. A truly bizarre video that could only come from the mind of Sparks!

[@annabackman3028]

@@sparksfan I PREDICT!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Now also 'Lawnmower', you just got to love that one 💓 💖 😍

[@lauriegiemza4570]

not staged!

[@darrellminx5459]

I love Russell's early dancing while Ronald was so Chaplinesqe and stowick. They were quite popular in Europe and still are. Thanks.

[@MyLife-hl4or]

So much energy at this show, onstage especially. I loved it xxx

[@PhyllisJay]

The very last stampede on Russell is hilarious!

[@inherentmirth5180]

One of the better spoof videos of all time.

[@philexile0]

Fantastic! I heard that the guy in the green sweater pulling kids off of Russell is now the Rolling Stones tour manager.

[@the9-2-5outlawdoestech9]

For a Los Angeles based American rock band that had to go to the United Kingdom to further establish themselves and their craft when they couldn't make it in the US, then returning to the US after they became successful in the UK. I love the Brothers Mael, Ron and Russell. But this was their defining album kimono my house featuring this town ain't big enough for both of us.

[@Luann29]

Absolutely! Love me some Ron Mael!

[@peteowen3539]

Opposite was the Greyhound pub where Bowie, Roxy Music, MC5, Genesis, Groundhogs appeared. I saw em.

[@flowerboy9419]

Love the jumpsuit

[@micklee2552]

Just stumbled across this video. I was actually at this gig with my mates from the art college next door. The band Pilot were supporting. I don't remember much about it though, or the chaotic scenes below as we were in the top tier. Good times!

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Oh, oh, oh it’s magic!

[@simonedgbaston]

The song that got Alex from Franz Ferdinand & FFS into Spark's 😃

[@TheBoyMooner]

Fantastic glam rock band

[@lanabanana68]

agreed

[@annabackman3028]

Fantastic in whatever they do! Talent is an asset, and they surely ha it! 2020, A Steady Drip Drip Drip!

[@knust2329]

@@annabackman3028 I like every song on that album. That's rare.

[@trentigalaxy]

probably the coolest thing to come out of the states at the time

[@govinda102000]

Those girls went crazy.

[@ianskeggs5294]

A very underrated band

[@seltaeb3302]

By you maybe.

[@hershelmccoy]

this recording is on the re-release of Kimono My House as a bonus track, maybe the audio is from there.

[@tiggasmum]

Excellent, can't stop watching this clip, wish security was as bad when I went to see them, believe me I tried my hardest to get onto the stage :)

[@fuluimranibomani6223]

God blimey!!! Memories right 🤣🤣🤣 there...still in high 🏫 school then.I remember watching that on the TV Ron there keyboard player,use to scare me!!! the he would look in TV cameras...

[@PEGGLORE]

Saw this clip from this Sparks Brothers clip on KZbin. Couldn't believe it. I'm from Croydon. Know Fairfield Halls very well. Been there a few times to watch English Wrestling there when I was a kid, about 10 years after this concert.. I am actually seen in the audience in the 'Mick McManus World of Wrestling' vhs, that was filmed there. This concert was unfortunately 5 years before I was born so was unaware of it, and Sparks. It was the same year that my parents got married actually.

[@oenthusiast]

This video IS English Wrestling, in a certain sense.

[@Aestros909]

I love my era, but my god what I wouldn't give to be there!

[@lanabanana68]

sound is too low on this great song :(

[@joeblow578]

This is more like an early music video (staged) than concert footage, and it's quite hilarious. But for those who worry they can't sound great live, there are lots of youtubes of them doing this and other songs from the era, live, and they sound fantastic! Find Russell in the Nordic sweater and orange gloves - you'll see.

[@theunrealtimemm]

It is real, though. The hall had apparently cut its budget for security, which was a mistake.

[@zabadakxanadu]

I was thinking the same thing. Russell's vocal track doesn't match with visual.

[@michaelcorkery7108]

Great video. It's funny to see the girls tackle Russell, here in the United States Sparks couldn't get arrested if they tried. The new documentary about them was good. Maybe the new movie "Annette"which features their music, will help them be more popular in America.

[@oenthusiast]

I'd say it worked, since they sold out the Walt Disney Hall two nights in a row and then went on to a successful US tour before they headed off for Europe in 2022. In 2022 they played the Hollywood Bowl. They're doing okay!

[@The_Hoxton_Hipster]

Croydon was wild even in those days!

[@MichaelCohen48]

Assuming they only played the Fairford Halls once in 1975 I was at this concert .

[@nessihoi]

this is CRAZY :D russel deafinitely has a way with girls.. and boys for sure. amazing...

[@Wildwomanofwonga-z3c]

I was there! Couldn't see myself in this footage though I was done the front at the end and I *didn't* climb up on stage!

[@HrobbTutorials]

In spite of how accurate it is, the audio was definitely overdubbed/heavily produced. 1:13 and onwards on the verse, the audio is extremely mismatched from his lips and distance from the mic. I’d love to know what show the audio is originally from, as it was clearly live but from a different show

[@the9-2-5outlawdoestech9]

Even the venue and stage crew couldn't contain the barrage of female fans rushing the stage to get close to Russell and Ron. It's crazy!

[@davidk6271]

Ron , always a Gentleman , keeps his hat in during the melee.

[@sequentialable12]

Dear Croydon. The Fairfield Halls

[@edmund184]

More females appreciating the subtleties of the lyrics and the interesting chord progressions.

[@yecats5000]

HAHAHA, teenage carnage!

[@cpdaddy7]

That's Croydon for you.

[@snakemanpete55]

If that's Croydon I think I'll give it a miss thanks ..lol

[@mike2462]

@@snakemanpete55 Fuck that haha. I'll be there loving every minute.

[@brunovieira6902]

Amazing...🎸👍

[@johna419]

Best video ever!!

[@gigikapp]

so goood!!!! oh my god

[@glennproctor4178]

4:19 Russell Mael was never seen again

[@steveaustin6467]

how did Ron and Russell survive that? sorry how did Russell survive that, the brilliant sparks......

[@audreyh.2912]

i hope no one got hurt.. that being said i want to be one of those girls !!

[@jonsmith20766]

Me too. And I'm a straight man!

[@SuperStevieP123]

brilliant!

[@LordFreddie]

The girls are screaming for Ron

[@marytoleina5498]

Those Croydon girls huh? haha....great clip :)

[@splitsseconds9965]

So this is where drive on stage from Morrissey concerts come.

[@friendlier]

Can someone please match the sound to the video? It's off about a second.

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

Young Faroukh Bulsara at 0:55....

[@rzbrzotrz]

Lol. He had no mustaches in 1975, though. But I'm sure you know that

[@fluorosco]

Nice crowd control - Amateur Hour

[@mollyj6286]

Well, you know what they say....Chicks Dig Metaphors.

[@annabackman3028]

"A metaphor is a glorious thing A diamond ring, the first day of summer A metaphor is a breath of fresh air A turn-on, an aphrodisiac" Obviously true 🤣🤣

[@mrsaxobeat3700]

Very good...

[@velmad3091]

Wow they girls got crazy! Hope they didn’t hurt Ron❤️and Russell❤️

[@oenthusiast]

They may have. Russell has mentioned getting a cracked rib from fans rushing the stage. Ot may have been this show.

[@TGHA2011]

It was great concert footage in all. But there was some really bad dubbing i thought.

[@annabackman3028]

What a baby-face Ron had here! He looks like not even 20 years, except for the mustache 😂

[@olliethecat9204]

He looks so skinny!!

[@annabackman3028]

@@olliethecat9204 Well... I don't think he's put on more during the years 😅

[@eyeqew9695]

If they just played the one gig then I was there!

[@daniellehall9679]

I like Russel's showmanship and movement during the seventies so much. Very similar to Freddie Mercury of Queen. Their eighties stuff is great, but Russell started doing the same new wave dance every one did in the early eighties and just stuck with that. Visually he was less impressive, and I think his brother Ron actually started stealing to spot light away from him

[@giorgiolavagna8570]

Kings of Glam Rock!

[@FumbleAIBO]

lmao, Russell at his doe-eyed prettiest being mobbed by teenage maenads while Ron nods to the beat

[@UberSynth]

These and Freddy Mercury from Queen are so alike.

[@valtervalterz8672]

before the queen ...queen are not original

[@eauhomme]

I have heard that Freddy studied the stage work of Russell Mael to help develop his own persona.

[@zachjohnson637]

@@eauhommeFreddie was performing live with Queen in 1970 before Sparks had even started (or at least before anyone knew who they were).

[@eauhomme]

@@zachjohnson637 Sparks started in 1968 as Halfnelson. Not sure when either Russell Mael or Freddie Mercury developed the stage personas they were known for. But as I mentioned, I heard Mael was an influence on Mercury.

[@youkosekiya7369]

ロンのランニング良いわ～

[@bondbug73]

3:05 LoL

[@SRDhain]

is this actually the live desk audio or just an overdub for some thing...the audio is out of sync, which isnt uncommon on youtube, but it all sounds a bit too "clean" other than the screams which sound o-dubbed.

[@dcooke5421]

I notice Russell's performing barefoot. Did he start the gig that way, or was that the result of a few rugby tackles?

[@thatdavejones]

Russel Mael, heartthrob of the 70’s teen mingers.😂

[@zombywoof1015]

I'm kinda bummed that Russell didn't just hug the girl at 3:25.

[@evazen4665]

What a hilarious lunatic muddle :) !

[@TANTRUMGASM]

That, is a Rock Singer delivering %100 into an absolute white hot audience, good lord he has them whipped up......notice ,on the very last, perfect note of the song he gets absolutely smashed by a girl.............totally looks like a linebacker crushing a QB at 4:18

[@maxinebuxton8875]

That girl was me I only just found this footage I didn't even know this existed.

[@TANTRUMGASM]

@@maxinebuxton8875 really ? damn, Thanks for writing ! you were quite a passionate young lady !! as a 20 year rock guitarist myself (85-05) I am blown away by this footage.

[@maxinebuxton8875]

Yep Deffo me! That was one of the best nights of my life ❤

[@slyasleep]

oh, Tony Visconti

[@batphink2655]

Yes they just won't let go of Russel, kind of like "Invasion Of The Klingons!" Even Ron got some attention lol!

[@kennethkendrick4795]

Interesting how his voice keeps going several times when the microphone is nowhere near his face and the music is refined regardless of people bumping into them. Definitely some lip syncing and staging going on in this performance.

[@yvonnesanders4308]

The video and audio is out of synch

[@retro-langerlulatsch7753]

Warum hatte der Sänger Ron Mael keine Schuhe an?? War Barfuß damals in nach Harpo???

[@girlfromgermany]

Der Sänger heißt Russell und er ist der "kleine" Bruder von Ron am Keyboard. ;-)

[@MiaPaboplanesSantos]

Crazy people in the audience,mostly girls. It makes me remember the movie Born To Boogie by T. Rex,it had girls exactly like these. If i were there,i would be staring at them with a strange face like Ron does,instead of grabbing them haha

[@Pacquaio]

I've actually heard Captain Sensible talk about that, watching Marc Bolan and the girls reactions to him and thinking 'yep, this is the job for me'

[@martincairns1555]

The girl at 3.30 who tries to carry him off the stage only to find her kidnapping plan has a flaw……. 🤣🤣🤣

[@FumbleAIBO]

lol, she straight-up threw him over her shoulder cavewoman-style

[@billmercer1229]

At 3:32 it looks like David Cassidy leaping up on stage to do some bouncing !

[@rossturcotte419]

🍓🌙

[@rutherfordsquire]

1:24

[@neonskyline1]

Ok did Russ copy off Freddie Murcury or vise versa ?

[@Koraketta]

theres no copying. besides, sparks came first and i wouldnt be surprised if queen was inspired by them.

[@neonskyline1]

@@Koraketta hmmm, i know Queen was an excellent band but i never did have an urge to listen to them, even though "Seven seas" is the first song i ever listened to and my favorite Queen song, i always had some kind of dislike to Brian May for some reason, Sparks is really 10 times more creative, well than just about everybody lol

[@lizethlopezdelgado]

almost devour

[@Meddled]

That vocal is re-dubbed, surely?!

[@flimbar]

Why's he talking with an English accent?

[@hillarywest971]

They came over here early 70s as the Americans did not take to their style, which is more British than American. Until I saw their film recently, I had no idea they were from America.

[@aliceborealis]

Because it's funny.

[@maxinemckenzie5765]

Stage Invasion!

[@mark240862]

Hilarious... What a laugh. Obviously staged and mimed for a tv show I would imagine as they could definitely pull it off live if they wanted to...but maybe not if your going to be rugby tackled to the ground though. Fantastic band.

[@vanomaden]

The clear and brutal proof that musical taste and female affection are inversely proportional. ;-)

[@Daneelfan]

The girls in this video are completely hysterical. Whatever happened to dignity? What about personal space boundaries? It looked as though the Brothers Mael were actually hurt by the girls. Sometimes it's hard to understand human behaviour, matter how many degrees you have :-/

[@rsmith7912]

Personal space boundaries? They weren't words that were used back in the 70's so I guess you must be more of a millennium child Emma. Hysterical girls were let loose in 'the '60s with Beatlemania. '74 & '75 were the fabulous years of Sparksmania. Don't forget the Bay City Rollers, Osmonds, Bowie, Duran Duran etc....Dignity was another word never used either but they had fun even if it was total madness. Everyone is so well behaved these days, teenagers can't comprehend the real joy of pop music as it was. Mainly because sadly pop doesn't exist anymore.

[@JohnInTahoe]

Weird.

[@snakemanpete55]

They should have put a water hose to that audience. .or better still a flame thrower ...there is only so much artists can put up with before they have to walk out ..then a few over excited fans have spoilt it for everyone else...but fair play to the lads they carried on like the troupers that are

[@aliceborealis]

doesn't look like anybody's good time was spoiled to me.

[@PAULLONDEN]

Apart from the brilliant "Kimono" and three tracks from "Propaganda" this couple was much too clever for their own good. No surprise this party lasted not longer than 18 months.... This "mayhem" seems somewhat orchestrated though.. All the screams were mixid in later ,like most live performances that rely on teen mania. "Directed by *NICHOLAS FERGUSEN* " great job Nick.....

[@oenthusiast]

Party only lasted 18 months? They sold out the Royal Albert Hall twice this year!

[@PAULLONDEN]

@@oenthusiast Ok.....I stand corrected. They still have a long lasting career. I'm too predisposed towards their early 70's glam period.

[@cpdaddy7]

Typical Croydon gig.

[@seltaeb3302]

Think thats a Bay City Rollers audience there & wasting your talent on them. Go find a slinky jazz club & I'll meet you there.

[@PAULLONDEN]

What the fuck...this is total playback......Great band ,but this is a letdown. Is this proof they couldn't reproduce their amazing sound in a live situation ?

[@joeblow578]

***** Look up Amateur Hour on youtube, and click on the one called 'Amateur Hour Live' (dark background, orange trousers). They were awesome live. Still are, I gather!

[@johnwalsh128]

I saw them in Manchester a couple of months ago, and they were excellent.