The recent release of the 2023 Harvest Rock festival lineup has sent shockwaves of excitement through the music scene. Among the numerous exciting acts, there’s one name that stands out for a specific group of ardent fans – electronic legends Sparks.

For Sparks, the iconic LA pop duo, this announcement carries a special weight, as it marks their return to Australian stages after a prolonged hiatus since their last visit in 2001 when they performed only two intimate club shows. This scarcity is remarkable, given the band’s nearly six-decade-long career of consistently producing captivating music.

While many might mistake them for English, Sparks are actually native Californians. Formed in 1966 by the enigmatic Mael brothers, Ron and Russell, the band boasts 25 studio albums and recently garnered acclaim for their 2021 documentary, The Sparks Brothers.

Their musical style is a shape-shifting blend of art rock, glam, big band swing, electro-disco, new wave, and synthpop – a testament to their ever-evolving creativity.

With their 25th album, The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte, released this May, Sparks are set to make their mark again in Australia. Come October, they will grace the stage for four highly-anticipated shows, including performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Palais Theatre.

Despite their unmistakable Californian roots, Sparks have been lovingly adopted by British fans. Even on the prestigious British music show Top of the Pops, the producer was initially taken aback when Russell introduced himself with an American accent. Eventually, they got their chance to shine on the esteemed program, solidifying their place in British music culture.

Sparks tickets are available from 9am, Friday 25 August.

  • Thursday, 26 October – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
  • Sunday, 29 October – Harvest Rock, Adelaide
  • Tuesday, 31 October – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
  • Thursday, 2 November – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane