“In a certain way, longevity is its own kind of success. While we would like to be in the position of those bands that are secure in ways that maybe we're not, we kind of feel like we're in a better position. We're bitter for short periods of time, but in the long run, we think we won out.”

American musician and songwriter, born 1948

Ron Mael is an American musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, music programmer, and film director. Born Ronald David Mael, he is best known as the keyboardist and principal songwriter of the pop and rock duo Sparks, which he founded with his younger brother Russell Mael in 1971. He is known for his offbeat, highly specific songwriting and for a keyboard style that is intricate and rhythmically driven. Onstage, he is often remembered for a dry, unmoving presence, set against Russell Mael’s more animated performance style. He is also noted for his conservative dress and his distinctive moustache, and he and his brother founded Lil' Beethoven Records.