We are FFS. Thanks for joining us on the internet. Ask us anything.

First of all, I haven’t been this excited about an album in a long time—I will absolutely be picking it up after work.

This is kind of a weird question, but I’m going to ask it because I’ve always been curious. On the show Gilmore Girls, both Sparks and Franz Ferdinand were clearly adored on the show, to the point where Sparks even made an appearance in one of the later episodes. Is there a story behind this? Were you aware of your popularity on the show before being asked to cameo?

Here’s a link to the clip, for anyone who hasn’t seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yyW-IDgWss

Also, are you planning to tour in the midwest any time soon? Specifically in St. Louis, MO?

They used a couple of our songs prior to asking us come on and we were 'street buskers' on that episode doing a song called 'Perfume'. Amy Sherman-Palladino (the creator) wanted us and we did it. We'll do anything for money. (Ru)

Hey guys! You are definietly my favourite supergroup - the very concept had me hooked. The mashup of This Town and Take Me Out I saw on Jools Holland recently was brilliant.

I'm looking forward to seeing you perform on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury in a few weeks time; possibly quite jealous of your clean clothes by that point in the weekend! On that subject, what are your favourite festival experiences? Either as a performer or a punter? :)

p.s. please play Michael, dedicated to Eavis, he might turn up and dance for us.

AK: Always liked Sziget Festival. Always feels quite anarchic. RU: Fuji Rock in Japan!

Hey guys, the FFS album is awesome, such a great combination of talents.

For Sparks: Any stories about how you came to have a cameo in the (very underrated) 1976 disaster movie Rollercoaster?

For Franz Ferdinand: Not really a question, but I saw you in 2004 at what must have been one of your first US shows, at Northsix in Brooklyn. I was surprised to see you guys come out beforehand to set up your own gear. I was right at the front, so I said to Nick, "You guys don't have roadies?" He kinda laughed and replied, "No, not yet." Well, it was an amazing show, and I'm glad to see you have roadies now.

RO: Underrated? RU: Kiss were supposed to do it but who better to fill in than us!?

RO: Underrated? RU: Kiss were supposed to do it but who better to fill in than us!?

Thank you guys for doing this AMA on here! My girlfriend got me into Sparks a while back, and as soon as I saw this AMA listed on Reddit, I have been really excited about it, just like I was about getting the album. My questions are:
What did you find was the easiest and most difficult things about working together on this project?
What would you say are your favorite songs by each other?
And finally, any chance of a North American tour? I'm sure we would love to have you guys here in Toronto.
Thank you again for everything! (PS - My gal still has a massive crush on Ron, but don't tell him)

The easiest thing was making the music. The hardest thing was the commute. (A)

Where is Nick? Why is not answering?

Gin. (N)

Are there any current intentions for a US tour (Please come to richmond, Va) Can we expect both sparks and FF songs on the live setlist Besides just FFS (which I'm loving btw) And is hawkeye a liability to the avengers? Y or n

YES to songs by both bands in addition to FFS and YES to the tour. (Ru)

The album arrived this morning and I'm loving it!

The media have jumped on the perceived irony of Collaborations Don't Work, but is it really ironic or simply a refutation of the perception that this IS a collaboration? You've said something to the effect of FFS being a unique band independent of both Sparks and Franz Ferdinand, so is it really a "collaboration" at all? The fact the song may not be ironic is so ironic my head hurts.

Also, as my username suggests, I'm a Serge Gainsbourg fan. Franz Ferdinand have covered him in - ahem - collaboration with Jane Birkin, and Ron and Russell knew him somewhat. Any stories about the man himself that you're willing to share?

Neither band uses irony in any of their material so FFS doesn't use irony in any of their material. This question is so ironic that our heads hurt. (Ru)

We saw him play in Paris backstage, long past Jane Birkin, and he had nude photos of her everywhere even though he was with a new girlfried, Bamboo. (Ro)

And he's extremely flatulent. (A)

Hey guys! Big fan here!

Ron, Russell, is there a chance that "Mai, the Psychic Girl" music would ever be released some way?

We hope so. The movie is still in Tim Burton's arsenal of films in development so maybe some day, we hope. (Ru)

FFS is seriously a dream come true, I've followed Franz Ferdinand since I was 11 (back in 2004) and Sparks since I was 17. I've travelled all over the country from Manchester (and stayed in airports overnight) to see them live. I can't wait until Glasgow!

Where is the furthest you've travelled in order to see one of your favourite musical acts perform?

I drove from Glasgow to Rye to go to the Bowlie. (B)

Thanks for doing this! Here's hoping you guys come to Canada.

Question time: What are your favourite songs to play live, whether from FFS or from before your collaboration with each other?

Police Encounters (out of the 3 we know so far). (A)

We love Canada and yes but everything is completely unconfirmed (Ru).

How's it going?

Really good. (Ru)

What would be the best way to bring FFS to México? What mexican food would be necessary to entice you south of the US border?

Aero Mexico. Also, bug the FFS agents and we will come. (Ru)

Sopa de lima would get us there also. (A)

What's the actual number one song in heaven?

The Number One Song in Heaven (Ru)

What is your favorite song that the other band ( Franz Ferdinand and Sparks ) wrote and recorded?

AK: When Do I Get To Sing 'My Way' - Sparks RU: Michael - Franz Ferdinand

AK: When Do I Get To Sing 'My Way' - Sparks RU: Michael - Franz Ferdinand

Hello guys! I hope you are having a great time! So, my 1st question is: Which song took the longest time to make?

PS Paul's hair looks hella cool

Piss Off took a long time. It took 11 years, it took a long time to perfect. (A)

Like a fine wine, Piss Off had to be nurtured, aged. (Ru)

Hi guys! Crossing fingers to see you soon in Mexico. I'm wondering, were the songs for this collaboration exclusively made for FFS or did you create any of them to play it on your own bands?

Yeah, they were exclusively made for FFS. It was the dedication that everyone had to make this a very special thing. We wanted to make all new material (Ru)

Hey Sparks and Franz Ferdinand! Love both of you, so this is pretty exciting. Thanks for doing this AMA! I wondered, since the BBC refused to play 'Dick Around' when it was released because of its "language", were you both surprised when 'Piss Off' got airplay?

It just shows Dick Around wasn't played because of the language, it was just an excuse. (Ro)

I enjoyed hearing hearing the song on the radio but not being able to say the title of the song. (A)

Hey! HUGE FF fan here.

Aside from your fabulous main albums, you guys also have so many great B-sides and such. So to any FF member, what's your favorite Franz Ferdinand B-side? (Mine would have to be Wine in the Afternoon)

BH: Love and Destroy AK: Brown Onions

What is something you thought you would never get addicted to?

Heroin (A)

Can you talk about how the concept for the Johnny Delusional video came about? It's dizzying and mesmerizing. Was it challenging to shoot?

Also, I have my fingers crossed you'll play near NY! I love you guys to death.

For the cameraman it was. (P)

It was this use of repetitive motion that we kind of developed into the video. We didn't have anything to do with the technical bit but it was pretty complex. (Ro)

We all wanted to dress the same as well as to make the character - Johnny Delusional. (A)

As a huge fan of both FF and Sparks, it's been fascinating seeing both side's fanbase's reactions to the new album. What has been your reaction to either side's reactions?

I am pleased that they seem to be getting on together well. (A)

Same for us. (Ru)

Are you going to play Collaborations Don't Work during this summer tour? I want to see Bob sing!

Yes. Bob will be singing a large portion of the set. (A)

When will you be able to announce your North American tour dates?

We hope they'll be some news sometime soon (Ru)

BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?

The human voice. (A)

The human voice. (Ru)

The guitar. (N)

Thanks for doing this AMA - I preordered the new record and was lucky enough to receive one the signed copies and looking forward to the Art School gig.

My question is for Paul:

Apart from the new LP, what do you recommend picking up next time I'm in Mono?

Bonus: Are you going to get back into doing "They're Only Records Paul" at some point? You've put me on to a ton of great music through the show.

The Golden Teacher / Den Bovell 12" (P)

Hey guys! Is there a story behind picking FFS as your collaborative name?

It was Paul's idea (A) Paul was responsible for the corny pun (Ru) It's just the initials of the band...(P)

Hey Franz guys!

Was over the moon when you turned out to be the secret band at Bowlie 2 a few years ago. If you were curating your own Bowlie/ATP style festival, who'd play and where'd you hold it?

Sealand. (P)

Butlins Ayr and I'd put on Magnetic Fields. (B)

I'd have Trout playing. (A)

AC/DC. (N)

Babymetal. (Ro)

The Beatles. I think they're still going. (Ru)

Hi!

Any chance you guys could move your Glastonbury slot so I can watch you guys and Flying Lotus?

Thanks for being so understanding

Ask Flying Lotus. (B)

Hi guys! I'm elated that you've all joined forces, this album is incredible. Question is for anyone: what do you think when you see or hear people cover your music, like on YouTube or something. Is it weird? Flattering? I love music from both  bands and think it'd be really cool to be able to play these songs on guitar someday. 

I always enjoy it; especially when it's a strange arrangement, different from the original (A)

I always enjoy a drum cover (P)

I always enjoy it; especially when it's a strange arrangement, different from the original (A)

I always enjoy a drum cover (P)

Favorite soup?

Spinach and Watercress (B) Gazpacho (P) Wanton (Ru) Miso (Ro) Cupa (A)

Let's say I know nothing about your band but want to listen to one song to see if I like what I hear. What song would you recommend?

Police Encounters. It's the most collaborative song on the whole album (Ro)

Police Encounters. It's the most collaborative song on the whole album (Ro)

If you could pick how you were going to die, no money or expense would be spared. How would you do it?

Listen to the song 'So Many Bridges' on the deluxe version of the album. (N)

Nitrous oxide. (A)

Question for Franz:

Have you returned to Govan Town Hall at any point since Tonight for recording/rehearsing?

I think I have once (A) I feel like I have but I don't know why...(B)

hi! this is a question for Bob, Paul and Nick why the song Stefania Salomone's Letter wasn´t recorded?!?!

It was, but it just wasn't finished. We recorded it and then deleted it. (N)

Ro and Ru: 1) Can you please set the Mael Modeling rumors to rest? Were you really child models? 2) When are you guys going to release your cookbook "Munching Meals the Mael Way"?

We found out that Alex has a cook book so we've put ours on hold until the fervour over that one dies down (Ru)

We found out that Alex has a cook book so we've put ours on hold until the fervour over that one dies down (Ru)

Ron and Russell - you are beyond amazing. Two questions:

Will there be a new Sparks album in the not too distant future?

And Ron - will you be resurrecting your infamous shuffle dance for this tour?

Love you guys. :D

Maybe yes. Maybe no...come and see.....(Ro) Best to buy tickets to all 31 of the shows just incase! (Ru)

Maybe yes. Maybe no...come and see.....(Ro) Best to buy tickets to all 31 of the shows just incase! (Ru)

And for all of you: The Ninja's costumes're is very suitable for you. Would you like to use something like this in the tour? It'll be great! ;-)

Thank you for giving us the idea! It will be duly considered (Ru & Ro)

I prefer to keep my ninja outfit for the bedroom (A)

Are you gonna play things like Take me out/This town in live performances? talking about FF songs vs Sparks songs because it was really good the day you did it in Later with Jools Holland.

You'll have to come down to find out. (A)

But yes, we will. (B)

Will you being adding any more bands to the mix for the next album? I’m thinking Fleet Foxes, Fiery Furnaces, Foo Fighters, Sufjan Stevens, Scissor Sisters and Shed Seven could really add something to your sound.

Probably so. (Ro)

I see what you did there. (A)

I don't get it. (B)

Hey guys I want to know about the B sides? Can we expect surprises? And pls come to Brazil

The deluxe edition of the album has an additional 4 songs on it - consider them B sides (A & Ro)

Hi. I love the album it is so great and the lyrics are amazing can't imagined other band able to do that. Thank you for do it. Did you have any fear about this project ? that the fans wouldn't understand? And pls come to Brazil

Nooope. Only positivity (Ru)

Nooope. Only positivity (Ru)

what unnatural color would you dye your hair if you had to?

Grey. (Ro)

Hi guys, love the new album. I was wondering who you would consider your biggest non-musical creative influences to be; writers, artists, filmmakers etc?

Mickey Mantle, American baseball player (Ru) Mitch Hedberg, American stand up comedian (A)

Mickey Mantle, American baseball player (Ru) Mitch Hedberg, American stand up comedian (A)

I understand that Franz ferdinand and the sparks have been good friends for a long time and that you have even attempted a cover of one of their songs many years ago.

How has it been finally doing your collaboration together? Has it been stressful and tested your friendship at all? Is this only going to be the start and that we can expect more in the future?

P.S I am coming to see you live and I have already listened to your new album 4 times :D.

One can only hope (Ru)

Hello FFS! Congrats on the album, its fantastic!

My question is for Ron:

What is your favorite album cover that you've been featured on? (with Sparks releases)

(P.S your wardrobe is one of my favorite things ever!) And thank you both for keeping Sparks amazing <3

If the wardrobe is important then I guess Angst In My Pants (Ro)