Californian act Sparks – brothers Ron and Russell Mael – have been at the cutting edge of pop, creating new musical genres and inspiring generations of musicians.
Buoyed by Edgar Wright’s admiring 2021 documentary, Sparks have gone from strength to strength, scoring major films, releasing critically acclaimed records, and touring the world with rapturously received, sold-out performances.
The influence of “your favourite band’s favourite band” – Sparks have been recognised by successive generations of artists from Joy Division and Squeeze to Depeche Mode, Bjork and Beck, to The Last Dinner Party and beyond. Their impact on music cannot be overstated – as super-producer Jack Antonoff declared “all pop music is re-arranged Sparks”. They’ve collaborated with everyone from electronic guru Giorgio Moroder to Todd Rundgren, The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin and maverick French filmmaker Leo Carax (on 2023’s musical Annette), and earned high-profile fans from Paul McCartney to “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Following the 2024 release of their acclaimed 28th studio album MAD! and the companion EP MADDER!, the band’s recent world tour was rapturously received. New Zealand concert-goers can expect musical thrills and euphoric entertainment from the career-spanning show by this legendary band. With more than six-decades of classics – including ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us’, ‘Angst In My Pants’, and ‘The Number One Song In Heaven’ – plus recent hit albums The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte (2023) and MAD! (2025) in their arsenal, Sparks is set to deliver a euphoric evening of music that has become the stuff of legend.
★ ★ ★ ★ “An infectious joy.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Anyone who loves Sparks remembers the moment the band entered their lives.” – Rolling Stone
“These days, every new alternative and indie rock band that comes up owes a huge musical debt to the Maels.” – Forbes
★ ★ ★ ★ “It’s impossible not to be swept up in their manic delight.” – The Guardian
“The Mael brothers’ career-spanning set pairs the genuinely moving with the flagrantly ridiculous – and their refusal to play things straight still has audiences dancing in the aisles.” – The Guardian
“Among music’s most underrated geniuses.” – Dallas Observe
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Proudly part of the Auckland Council whānau
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the Aotea Arts Quarter. The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, Q Theatre and plenty of dining options are all within a short walk.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Aotea Centre is in Aotea Square on Queen Street, in the heart of the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is nearby, with frequent bus services along Queen Street and surrounding streets. If driving, The Civic Car Park is the closest option. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
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