Ian Hampton, the Scottish bassist who performed with Sparks, died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 79.
Associated with the art pop, art rock, glam rock, electronic, synth-pop and new wave worlds, Hampton was part of a group whose 1968 beginnings in Los Angeles under the name Halfnelson preceded a long career built around brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Sparks became known for sharply written songs and a theatrical stage presence, with later successes including “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,” “The Number One Song in Heaven,” and “Beat the Clock.” The band’s later work included Lil’ Beethoven in 2002 and the 2015 collaboration FFS with Franz Ferdinand.