Radiohead
Radiohead first heard Sparklehorse in an EMI limo in the backstreets of Cairo. They soon hooked up several opening spots for the band during their 1995 European tour. Sparklehorse were again enlisted for Radiohead's 1997 European tour in support of 'Ok Computer'. Supposedly the song 'No Surprises' from said album is loosely based on the Sparklehorse track 'It's a Sad and Beautiful World'. Thom Yorke sang over-the-phone backup vocals on Mark's cover of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here', and channel-surfed on his hotel room TV set to provide atmospheric effect to the song.
Tindersticks
Sparklehorse were on tour with the Tindersticks in the UK in early 1996, but Mark's accident put an early end to the tour.
Mazzy Star
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Cracker
Sparklehorse accompanied Cracker on a tour of the US in late 1996. Mark and David Lowery had gotten to know each other when Camper van Beethoven was playing in L.A. in the late 80s and early 90s, when Mark and the Dancing Hoods were doing the same thing. Mark apparently roadied for CVB at some stage as well. Later the two ran into each other in the entirely different setting of Richmond, Virginia. When Cracker went off touring, Dave would leave his 8 track with Mark to play around with. Mark and Dave share writing credits and guest appearances on various Cracker and Sparklehorse songs.
Son Volt
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Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel were the support act for Sparklehorse's 'Good Morning Spider' tour of the UK and Europe in September/October 1998.
Varnaline
Varnaline played support act for Sparklehorse's US tour in the spring of '99.
Mercury Rev
Mercury Rev and Sparklehorse toured the US in the summer of '99, alternating as headline act for each show. Mark would occasionally lend vocals to Mercury Rev's set, while Jonathan cracked out his saw for some additional instrumentation on Sparklehorse's 'Spirit Ditch'. Mark has also been known to borrow the odd couplet from Mercury Rev to use in the same song. 'It's a Wonderful Life' was produced by Mercury Rev producer/sometime bassist Dave Fridmann at his Tarbox Studio.
Ed Harcourt
Essex singer/song-writer Ed Harcourt opened up for Sparklehorse for a few UK shows in June 2001. Ed released his debut album not long after the series of UK gigs, and called it 'Here be Monsters'.
Built Like Alaska
Modesto, California band Built Like Alaska accompanied Sparklehorse on some US dates in late 2001. Playing in Fog reviewed an earlier gig of theirs supporting the Red House Painters and said, "Built Like Alaska have been around in various configurations for about five years, but their most recent line-up, which makes them a quintet with the addition of Fiver guitarist Chris Doud, has only been around for two weeks . . . and so, twice in one day, this little unsigned band from the Central Valley rose to occasion, kicked ass with good musicianship, and basically made anyone who knew them extremely proud. Built Like Alaska will be back soon. Better buy those tickets in advance."
Gemma Hayes
Irish lass Gemma Hayes played support on the band's late 2001 tour of the UK. Mark and Gemma have plans to put together an EP sometime. As it is, Dave Fridmann produced Gemma's debut, 'Night on my Side', which was released in May 2002.

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