Sparks popped into a Paris record store for what was billed as a simple Q&A but felt more like a celebration. With their new album MAD! officially dropping May 23rd, fans in attendance were handed copies a full four days early—an unexpected bonus that earned more than a few stunned smiles.
Ron and Russell Mael have been spoiling their Parisian audience. Their next date in the city is set for June 30th at Salle Pleyel, coming almost exactly two years after their 2023 stop at Le Grand Rex. In fact, it’ll mark their fourth Paris concert in eight years—and that’s with three of those years basically wiped out by the pandemic. (Remember that?)
The conversation was hosted by actor and journalist Thomas VDB, who previously opened Sparks’ 2022 Paris show at Casino de Paris with a DJ set. Audience questions ranged from thoughtful to delightfully odd, all handled with the Mael brothers’ signature deadpan wit. At some point, a hidden choir stood up mid-event and launched into an a cappella version of “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us" to the the brothers' surprise and delight.
The audience came with genuine affection, and the band met it with warmth and generosity. Every question came with a thank-you; every answer was met with applause. In fact, the event could be summed up with one word: gratitude.
