FFS, the collaboration of Franz Ferdinand and Sparks, really does work. Led by singers Alex Kapranos and Russell Mael, the band of six clearly has tremendous fun playing together.
Russell was in fine form, his falsetto gloriously intact and his energy as bright and hoppy as ever. Alex, when not on guitar, seemed to relish the opportunity to move freely about the stage. He jumped, kneeled, posed, and danced. Their performance was effervescent and seamless.
The band performed their wonderful eponymous debut album in its entirety, along with a few Franz Ferdinand and Sparks hits. This was a real treat, to hear Sparks songs live with the sound of a full band. When Alex paused the show to wish Russell a happy birthday, there were hugs. You could feel the admiration and respect between these musicians.
I didn’t want the show to end. But when it did, and after the band took their bows, Russell took his time leaving the stage, lapping up the attention. Seeing a PYT in the audience, he looked right at her, put his hand to his ear miming a phone, and mouthed “Call me.” Oh, Russell.
Set List
Johnny Delusional
The Man Without A Tan
Police Encounters
Do You Want To (FF)
The Power Couple
Little Guy From The Suburbs
Save Me From Myself
Thing I Won’t Get
So Desu Ne
The Number One Song In Heaven (Sparks)
Michael (FF)
This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us (Sparks)
Dictator’s Son
Take Me Out (FF)
Piss Off
Encore
When Do I Get To Sing “My Way”
Call Girl
Collaborations Don’t Work
