Were a pair of brothers from Los Angeles partly responsible for Queen? Some people think so. Sparks, a duo comprised of Ron and Russ Mael, were a California group that made it back in Britain and continental Europe (but not in their homeland) with a speeded-up music-hall rock sound that at least one critic said encouraged Queen's own operatic rock. Sparks enjoyed successful (in England) LP's like A Woofer in Tweeter's Clothing and Kimono My House and singles like "This Town Ain't big Enough For Both Of Us." They even appeared in a Hollywood movie - Rollercoaster - as themselves, performing at an amusement park. Ron Mael looks a lot like a cross between Freddie Mercury and Hitler! :lol:

So - any Sparks fans here? ;)

That's very interesting. Sparks was big back in the 80's in the LA club scene. I thought they came after Queen. Just goes to show you never know who inspired whom.:wave:

Sparks's self-titled debut album came out on the Bearsville label in 1972. :)

Originally posted by Steve M.
Sparks's self-titled debut album came out on the Bearsville label in 1972. :)

Just goes to show you do learn something everyday.;)

I saw a Sparks video on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert in the mid-70's, I thought Ron Mael with that mustache looked interesting! He later showed up on Paul McCartney's "Coming Up" video in 1980.