Sponsor the "Sparks Spectacular"

When Sparks announced they would be playing their 21 albums in 21 nights in London, they evoked one loud, resonating WTF. Playing from 1971’s Halfnelson all the way to the world premiere of a brand new album, seemed almost like an impossible feat — something a band would have to be half-crazy to attempt. But since Sparks are three-quarters and a third crazy, fans quickly jumped to the conclusion that, if anyone could pull something like this off, it’s the Brothers Mael.

But Sparks are no supermen, and succeeding in an event as grand as something dubbed the "Sparks Spectacular” requires a bit of outside help. So in a clever way to generate some finances and push the limits of audience participation, the art-glam-Italo-disco-loving duo have announced the chance for you — yes, it could even be you — to sponsor one of the upcoming 21 shows, which run from May 16 to June 13.

Via the band’s website, they have set up their own mini eBay, whereby you bid/donate on which Sparks show you would like to sponsor. You register, log in and then bid your way to Sparks sponsorship fame. And if you do become an official sponsor (i.e., dish out enough cash) on April 14, when the auction closes, you will be treated with the following rock’n’roll perks:

• Have your details included on the relevant page in the Spectacular program. (These details can be personal or corporate.)
• Will receive two tickets for the show.
• Receive a Spectacular program signed by Sparks.
• Meet Ron and Russell Mael before the show and, subsequently, receive a souvenir photograph of the sponsor with Ron and Russell.

Also, if you are musically inclined, the pop innovators are offering 20 bands/artists to step up and audition for a chance to become the opening acts for the Sparks Spectacular. To enter, bands — new, established, have or have not heard "Who Don’t Like Kids” — upload a live-performance video to YouTube, send the link to info@republicmedia.net, and it will be added to the channel, youtube.com/republicmedia. Then it is assumed Russell Mael will view the videos, while Ron sits back and practices his faces.

To see which album generates the most bids and the highest-valued sponsorship, visit AllSparks.com/auction. And if you plan to bid on No. 1 in Heaven remember: This town ain’t big enough for both of us, and it ain’t me who is gonna leave.

Sparks Spectacular dates:

Halfnelson
16th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing
17th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Kimono My House
18th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Propaganda
20th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Indiscreet
21st May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Big Beat
23rd May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Introducing Sparks
24th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

No. 1 In Heaven
25th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Terminal Jive
27th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Whomp That Sucker
28th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Angst In My Pants
30th May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

In Outer Space
31st May 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat
1st June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Music That You Can Dance To
3rd June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Interior Design
4th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins
6th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Plagiarism
7th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Balls
8th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Lil' Beethoven
10th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

Hello Young Lovers
11th June 2008 - Islington Carling Academy

NEW ALBUM WORLD PREMIERE
13th June 2008 - Shepherds Bush Empire

SPARKS - Dick Around