Report by Jo Ann Solders.

Well I just got back to SF from seeing Sparks at the Greek Theater. I read everyone's posts and was glad, indeed, that Carl could make the show. I was not aware of his predicament.

It was great to have a small meeting of Sparks fans before the show since this was a Go-Gos show and we were in the minority. It was also an added treat to hear the soundcheck before where they played "Cool Places" with Jane about 4 or 5 times to get some practice in I'm sure of that song.

I was a bit worried that people would boo or just be indifferent to Sparks but they got a good response from Ron's "Heigh Ho" entrance and after the first song. The place was only half full by the time they started (and it was still daytime which takes away from the effect as well) but by the time they did the last two numbers, the place was full, and did respond well to "I Wished I Looked a Little Better" and "Cool Places", but then again they were HUGE in LA during that era of Sparks. Several people were puzzled by Sparks, but even the bevy of babes sitting in our row (North Terrace a few rows behind Carl O.) did manage to stop talking and smile throughout Ron's tap dance. What could they have been thinking? "Cool Places" was fun with Russ and Jane with turbans on their heads but it ended right after that, which I was not expecting.

I loved "More Than A Sex Machine" and "Aeroflot", "Balls" i'm still having trouble with. But then again, I didn't care much for "Tits" either :-) What can I say.

Russ looked great as usual, this time donning prisons stripes and a new shorter haircut. I like it but my boyfriend, Rob, didn't like it one bit. Ron was dapper as usual and Tammy seemed to be playing much harder this time. Still, Russ was not as at ease at the Key Club but it's not surprising since this was not their showcase and they started playing to a less than full house. After reading Sandy's post, I forgot that Rex the Wonder Dog was onstage but didn't make an "appearance." I wonder if he was supposed to or if he was their for god luck.

Any Sparks show is a great event for me, but I couldn't help think back in 1983 when I saw them at the Greek, headlining to a full house of screaming kids. It just didn't seem right for them to be opening. I can't complain since I can count myself lucky to be able to see Sparks (well Ron and Russ) play a live concert after all these years. They could have hung it up years ago.

The Go-Go's were better than I expected but I saw them back in 80-81 before their first album came out and they can play much better now and seemed to be having fun. Also back in the 80's, I was in my own "all girl" band so I wasn't very willing to like them at all.

Can't wait until the single and album come out. I"m buying them on Import as has been the case lately. Hopefully, next time, Sparks will play a headlining show befitting their genius. Hey, I'd be happy watching Ron and Russ go grocery shopping, but that's my problem

Great to see Sandy, Chris and the kids, Craig Jacks, Carl and his wife (sorry I forgot her name - thanks for the promo 12"), Marisa, the other far-traveling Carl and the other Sparks fans that were there. Marisa had a great scrapbook with her which she shared with all of us from past Sparks encounters.

Well, that's my spiel. Thank God (or what have you) for the Maels.