More about: Franz FerdinandGlastonbury FestivalSparksFFS

"Glastonbury is such a totemic festival - it's the king of the festivals," Alex Kapranos tells Gigwise, ahead of their huge John Peel tent slot. "To be, kind of in a way introducing the band live to the British public via Glastonbury is quite a treat."  

The collaboration between the cross-generational art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand and Sparks has proven to be one of the most surprising aural delights of the year - with their album FFS ranking among the best of 2015 due to its playful and dramatic ambition. 

Either act would be more than worthy of closing the John Peel Stage on Sunday, but combined this going to make for one hell of a finale. Speaking of spectacles, what do they make of the furore that surrounds Kanye headlining? 

"I don't see how it's a controversy, what's the controversy? Let him play," replies Kapranos. "There seems to be a controversy among some rather backward-looking rock purists, but that's not what any of us are."

Ron Mael continues:: "Despite his personality, which you might like or not like, I think musically, he's probably done things that were more challenging than 98% of bands. I think that kind of thing is just snobbery." 

And what of FFS' own set? Can we expect them to play the hits from both bands?

"We will actually," says Russell Mael. "Obviously the primary focus is going to be the FFS album because we're so proud of it, but we also thought it would be interesting to present three of four songs from each band's catalogue and to do it via FFS. We may veer off course from the original, but that's the result of different members performing these songs."

Kapranos adds: "FFS are going to be covering songs by Sparks and Franz Ferdinand, because none of those songs are going to sound like they would have done by each band. 

Watch our interview with FFS below

FFS will headline the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury on Sunday 28 June from 10.05pm-11.15pm.

Their remaining tour dates are as follows. For tickets and information, visit here. 

June
24 June Brussels AB
26 June -  Paris Bataclan
29 June - London, The Troxy

July
1 July - Cologne Gloria
2 July - Amsterdam Melkweg
5 July - Lyon Transbordeur
10 July -  Trencin, Slovakia Pohoda Festival
19 July - Benicassim, Benicassim Festival

September
12 September - Berlin Lollapalooza 

More about: Franz FerdinandGlastonbury FestivalSparksFFS