Your favorite classic rocker’s favorite classic rocker is hitting the road.
Sparks just announced they’re embarking on their international ‘Mad! Tour’ in support of their forthcoming 26th studio album “Mad!” which hits shelves May 23.
While out and about, the prolific group is scheduled to make a lone New York stop when they drop into Brooklyn’s Kings Theater on Friday, Sept. 12.
These shows will be the band’s first since 2023’s ‘World Tour,’ which included a gig at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.
“After 55 years together, Sparks still sounds like Queen was put in a blender with T. Rex, The Beatles and Kraftwerk,” The New York Post wrote in an emphatic review of the concert. “If any of those bands strike your fancy, seek them out live now, now, now.”
Prior to the new record’s release, The Mael brothers have released three singles — “Drowned In A Sea Of Tears,” “JanSport Backpack” and “Do Things My Own Way.” Based on our findings on Spotify, the “Mad!” will be comprised of 12 tracks with cheeky titles like “Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab,” “Don’t Dog It” and “A Little Bit of Light Banter.”
Fans Mael men and women can purchase tickets for all upcoming North American Sparks shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale for the ‘Mad! Tour’ is Friday, April 11.
Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.
They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.
Sparks tour schedule 2025
A complete calendar including tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.
Sparks set list
As noted above, The Post attended Sparks’ June 27, 2023 concert at the Beacon Theatre. According to Set List FM, here’s what they performed that evening.
01.) “So May We Start”
02.) “The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte”
03.) “Angst in My Pants”
04.) “Beaver O’Lindy”
05.) “When I’m With You”
06.) “Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is”
07.) “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way”
08.) “Balls”
09.) “Shopping Mall of Love”
10.) “The Toughest Girl in Town”
11.) “Escalator”
12.) “We Go Dancing”
13.) “Bon Voyage”
14.) “Music That You Can Dance To”
15.) “When Do I Get to Sing ‘My Way’”
16.) “The Number One Song in Heaven”
17.) “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us”
18.) “Gee, That Was Fun”
Encore
19.) “My Baby’s Taking Me Home”
20.) “All That”
Sparks new music
Brothers Russell and Ron Mael are in their late ’70s and are somehow still delivering some of the most vital music of their career.
If you don’t believe us, we recommend you check out the grabby three lead singles that predate the release of “Mad!”
Album opener “Do Things My Own Way” is an urgent piece of piece of power-pop that gets under your skin until you’re grooving right along with its sexy bass line. Right after, the bouncy “JanSport Backpack” embraces the group’s sillier side. Goofy lyrics accompany a carnival-like tune, something self-serious rockers would never even consider. The sense of fun that pervades the band’s sound is certainly a welcome touch.
Finally, the cinematic “Drowned In A Sea Of Tears” — which might take the cake for the most dramatic song title of all time — thankfully never approaches the maudlin. Ron’s deadpan vocals (which sound a little David Byrne-y here) mixed with the tune’s propulsive backbeat give the song a real thrust. And, yes, like most Sparks songs, you’ll likely be humming this one for days.
To hear for yourself, you can find all three “Mad!” lead singles here.
And, if you haven’t seen Edgar Wright’s fantastic documentary “The Sparks Brothers” about the Maels, you can find the eye-opening look at the band on Amazon.
Classic rockers on tour in 2025
Love music from before the Carter Administration?
Us, too.
If that’s the case, here are just five of the biggest hitmakers who’ve been going strong for 50+ years that you can catch live this year.
• Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band
Need even more live music in your life? Take a look at our list of all the biggest classic rockers on tour in 2025 to find the show for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
