Sparks Spectacular: Halfnelson
Posted in Concert Reviews, Music, Reviews, Sparks Spectacular |By Albert Resonox
First off, meeting everyone in The EdVI (Edward The Sixth to the uninitiated—only 20 seconds away from the Islington Academy) was a treat: Sparks music blaring, meeting friends old and new, absolutely everyone smiling, lots of hand shaking and kissing. There were so many pictures being posed for and taken that there should’ve been a flash photography warning. Rolf deserves a great big thank you for getting that arranged! It was really nice to see Sparks guitarist Jim Wilson there meeting the hoi-polloi (nice fella).
Queuing outside any venue is usually a bit of a pain, but not that night. People were all talking and joking with one another like they had known each other for years, including the bouncers (sorry, “security staff”). The merchandise stall was selling retro T-shirts as well as brand new 21 x 21 ones (amongst various other items) but the glossy Programme on sale for a piddling £10.00 was an absolute snip. The hall itself was initially very dark, but in my opinion, that only gave a more intimate feeling to the night.
Photo © Daniel Gray @Dead By Sunrise
I would’ve thought that an opening act on the first night of such an historic occasion would’ve been very well-known and at least adequate for the task. Although young Rod Thomas was not well-known, I’m sure he soon will be. And as for being adequate, he surpassed that goal in spades. His was a tough crowd to please but he did a first class job of pleasing us whilst we waited (some more impatiently than others) for the main event. Sparks bassist Steve McDonald was in the crowd enjoying Rod’s set, a testimony indeed!
Then after a short, but seemingly endless wait, a cheer spread through the crowd, and on came Sparks: Ron as pristine, neat, and business-like as ever; Russell in a bright red suit. The others in the group were wearing shirts with the Halfnelson car picture on them.
Russell warmly welcomed the crowd and outlined the plans for the tour, explaining that they were a prelude to the premiere of the new album Exotic Creatures Of The Deep. At this point he gave us an impromptu “Good Morning” falsetto (just those two words) then said that was a “preview.” Big audience laugh.
Russell chatted and joked throughout the whole set, after the first song commenting “one down” before saying “Oh Christ, what have we let ourselves in for?” Ron was laughing a lot, as well as really belting away on those keys. He did his trademark not-moving-anything-higher-than-the-wrists maneuver. By George, those hands worked like they were demon-possessed to compensate, though! The drum-kit looked massive but Steven Nistor was more than man enough to handle it. He had incredible energy as did Steve McDonald and Jim Wilson. Marcus Blake guested on two tracks and Russell promised we’d see more of him at future dates. Together the band was really tight and well-rehearsed, and in fact, relaxed in each other’s company.
The Halfnelson/Sparks album played in order was unbelievable. Each song was my favorite one because each individual performance was so powerful. I honestly couldn’t pick a top track as every single one was perfection! Russell dedicated “(No More) Mr. Nice Guys” to Todd Rundgren (as well as expressing his gratitude for giving Sparks the benefit of the doubt and allowing them to record the album in the first place) and boy, did it rock.
After the show, the bands left the stage to tumultuous applause and shouts of “more more!” When they returned to the stage—again to thunderous applause—Russell introduced the band members and explained about voting online for the encore of the Exotic Creatures show before launching into “England,” to another great cheer (and ironically the biggest cheer was from the Scots). Then they departed for the last time to even more cheers.
I have never seen or sensed such immense joy and sheer pleasure from the band as I witnessed that night. The audience were still smiling and buzzing as they made their way to various homes, hotels or pubs and clubs. In fact, I’m still smiling. . . what a night indeed!
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