Sparks (August 14, 2026) – Live On The Moon 2LP Moon-Coloured Vinyl Limited Edition

Aug 14

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Updated: 3 days ago

Live On The Moon is the first full live album released by Sparks. Issued by Transgressive Records on August 14, 2026, the album presents a complete concert performance spanning multiple eras of the band's career.

The album is framed around a fictional narrative in which Sparks become the first band invited to perform on the Moon at Taruntius Crater near Mare Fecunditatis. Accompanying notes by Russell and Ron Mael describe the sold-out lunar concert and the involvement of Cate Blanchett as the event's Lunar Emcee.

The release combines classic Sparks recordings with songs drawn from the group's most recent studio work, creating one of the most comprehensive live overviews of the band's catalogue.

RECORDING

The album was recorded during Sparks' post-2025 World Tour live performances.

Recording and production management were handled by Jim Carmichael.

Mixing was completed by David Wrench.

Mastering was carried out by Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz at D2 Mastering.

The touring line-up featured Russell Mael, Ron Mael, Eli Pearl, Evan Weiss, Max Whipple and Darren Weiss.

This edition was manufactured in Poland.

STYLE & THEMES

Live On The Moon blends art pop, alternative pop, rock and theatrical performance.

The setlist deliberately balances recent studio material with classic catalogue selections, reflecting the broad range of Sparks' musical history.

The fictional Moon-concert concept continues the band's tradition of combining imaginative storytelling, humour and conceptual presentation with their music.

PERSONNEL

Russell Mael — vocals

Ronald Mael — keyboards

Eli Pearl — guitar

Evan Weiss — guitar

Max Whipple — bass

Darren Weiss — drums

Cate Blanchett — Lunar Emcee

PRODUCTION

Produced by Russell Mael

Recorded by Jim Carmichael

Mixed by David Wrench

Mastered by Bill Inglot

Mastered by Dave Schultz

Art Direction by Julie Vlasak

Design by Julie Vlasak

Cover Photography by Munachi Osegbu

Inside Photography by Joe Okpako

Inside Photography by Projoe Photography

Inside Photography by Peter Freeth

Inner Sleeve Photography by Emmi Joutsi

Inner Sleeve Photography by Jonathon Lee Burlew

Inner Sleeve Photography by Steve White

Label: Transgressive Records

Catalogue Number: TRANS971X

Recorded At: Live Concert Recording

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• So May We Start — Opening performance introducing the concert.

• Do Things My Own Way — Contemporary Sparks recording performed live.

• Reinforcements — Recent catalogue favourite.

• Academy Award Performance — Presented in a full concert arrangement.

• Goofing Off — Live version from Sparks' modern era.

• Beat The Clock — Classic Sparks favourite.

• Please Don't Fuck Up My World — Modern audience favourite.

• Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab — Contemporary live highlight.

• Suburban Homeboy ("Ron Speaks" Version) — Features spoken-word contributions.

• All You Ever Think About Is Sex — Live version of the band's 1980 recording.

• Drowned In A Sea Of Tears — Opens the second LP.

• Jansport Backpack — Contemporary Sparks material.

• Music That You Can Dance To — Live revival of the 1980s recording.

• When Do I Get To Sing "My Way" — One of the band's best-known later-period songs.

• The Number One Song In Heaven — Major concert centrepiece.

• This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us — Signature Sparks live anthem.

• Whippings And Apologies — Modern catalogue selection.

• Lord Have Mercy — Featured from more recent studio work.

• The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte — Contemporary Sparks favourite.

• All That — Extended closing performance.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released worldwide on August 14, 2026 by Transgressive Records.

Issued simultaneously with the limited-edition 2CD version.

Marketed as Sparks' first full concert album.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Cat No.	Date	Format
Sparks	Live On The Moon	Transgressive Records	UK	TRANS971CD	August 14, 2026	2CD, Limited Edition
Sparks	Live On The Moon	Transgressive Records	Worldwide	TRANS971X	August 14, 2026	2LP, Moon-Coloured Vinyl, Limited Edition

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
2LP NOTES • Worldwide release issued on August 14, 2026. • Released by Transgressive Records. • Catalogue number TRANS971X. • Issued as a limited-edition 2LP set. • Pressed on exclusive Moon-Coloured Vinyl. • Contains the complete twenty-song concert programme. • Features the same running order as the companion 2CD edition. • Marketed using a dedicated hype sticker. • Hype sticker text reads: • LTD Edition • Moon-Coloured 2LP • An Out Of This World Live Recording By The Inimitable Sparks • Represents Sparks' first full live album. • Released following the band's 2025 World Tour. • Features material from across several decades of Sparks recordings. • Includes classic catalogue staples such as This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us, Beat The Clock, Music That You Can Dance To and The Number One Song In Heaven. • Includes contemporary recordings such as Do Things My Own Way, Reinforcements, Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab and The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte. • Produced by Russell Mael. • Mixed by David Wrench. • Mastered by Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz. • Mastered at D2 Mastering. • Recording and production management handled by Jim Carmichael. • Art direction and design by Julie Vlasak. • Features cover photography by Munachi Osegbu. • Includes extensive inner sleeve and live photography. • Cate Blanchett is credited as Lunar Emcee. • The album's concept imagines Sparks performing at Taruntius Crater near Mare Fecunditatis on the Moon. • The fictional sleeve notes describe Sparks becoming the first band to perform a concert on the Moon. • The accompanying narrative references a sold-out lunar audience and a four-day spaceflight. • Licensed to Transgressive Records Ltd. • ℗ 2026 Sparks. • © 2026 Sparks. • Made in Poland. • Issued simultaneously with the limited-edition 2CD release (TRANS971CD). • One of the most substantial live releases in the band's catalogue, documenting both classic and contemporary periods of Sparks' career. • Serves as a companion document to the fictional "Live On The Moon" concert storyline created by Russell and Ron Mael. • The vinyl edition spreads the complete performance across four sides while retaining the full concert sequence.	TRANS971X	LP1 SIDE ONE: • So May We Start • Do Things My Own Way • Reinforcements • Academy Award Performance • Goofing Off LP1 SIDE TWO: • Beat The Clock • Please Don't Fuck Up My World • Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab • Suburban Homeboy ("Ron Speaks" Version) • All You Ever Think About Is Sex LP2 SIDE ONE: • Drowned In A Sea Of Tears • Jansport Backpack • Music That You Can Dance To • When Do I Get To Sing "My Way" • The Number One Song In Heaven LP2 SIDE TWO: • This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us • Whippings And Apologies • Lord Have Mercy • The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte • All That