Four decades in music.(Tribute)

1968 Former child actors and models, brothers Ron and Russell Mael, on keyboards and vocals respectively, form Urban Renewal Project, later renamed Halfnelson, with guitarist Earle Mankey and drummer John Mendelssohn,

1971 Halfnelson, now joined by bassist Jim Mankey, release their first, self-titled album, produced by Todd Rundgren, on Bearsville. The single Wonder Girl is a local hit in Montgomery, Alabama. When their label suggests a name change, the album is re-released under the title Sparks

1972 Sparks embark on a three month club tour of Europe and make their first TV appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test.

1973 Follow-up album, A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing, produced by James Lowe of The Electric Prunes, is released. Failing to make much impact at home, the brothers decide to relocate to the UK.

1974 Now signed to Island, Ron and Russell recruit UK musicians Adrian Fisher (guitar), Martin Gordon (bass) and Dinky Diamond (drums) to record Kimono My House. This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us reaches number two in the UK singles charts. The follow-up single, Amateur Hour, peaks at number seven. Kimono ... reaches number four in the UK, is a top five hit in Belgium and Holland and enters the Top 20 in Germany and France. The follow-up album, Propaganda, released a few months later, goes to number 20 in the UK and gives Sparks two further UK Top 20 singles, Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth and Something For The Girl With Everything.

1975 Indiscreet, produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T.Rex) is released.

Considered too eclectic by some critics, it nevertheless enters the Top 20 in the UK and gives Sparks two Top 30 singles with In The Swing and Looks Looks Looks.