Who Is Sparky the Wonder Dog?

[styxfanNH]

Who is
SPARKY THE FLYING DOG?



This year believe it or not is the 25th anniversay of the release of, "The Paradise Theater" album. In accordance with this event I have decided to tell the story of, " SPARKY THE FLYING DOG."

Step one, drag out your "Paradise" record album or CD and get yourself a magnifying glass. On the album cover depicting the old rundown theater, look under the marquee on the right hand side and you will see a poster. With your magnifying glass in hand you will notice a picture of a dog with this banner, "Appearing Thru July 7, Sparky The Flying Dog."
Next put on the, "Rockin the Paradise" tract and listen to the guitar solo and you will here me shout, "Go Sparky Go!"
Next listen to the opening lyrics on this record, "Tonight the night we'll make history as sure as dogs can fly." Next play this tract backwards and....oh I'm sorry that was the, "Beatles" who did that, at my age I tend to get confused.
Yeah, so what you say! Who the heck is this mutt?


To me, Sparky was symbolic of many metaphors for the underdog, no pun intended. For instance, "The Little Train Who Could," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Dumbo" etc. Those of whom little was expected but much was accomplished. A theme that I have explored many time in my lyrics, you know "Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try."


I knew the odds against me realizing my dream of being a succesful musician were astronmical, but I believed I could fly, just like Sparky! Hell everybody knows dogs and guys like me can't fly, but we did. So Sparky represents that spark in all of us that refuses to take no for an answer. Here's to all the the Sparky's of the world, the ones who have flown and those about to.

PS. When traveling on the road throughout the 80's I stayed under the name of Sparky Allen.

Dennis
July 6,2006



www.dennisdeyoung.com

[whocares]

well, that's certainly a new use for my magnifying glass.

[Zan]

Thanks for posting that. I enjoyed reading it, but I am now faced with a dilemma: Do I smile and say, "Gee, it's always cool when one of our guys from Styx takes time out of their life to connect with us fans," or do I copy & paste the entire note here, and dissect every sentence, adding negative commentary so to call attention to the fact that the Styx fan base is a divided camp, and everyone, no matter how you feel about the music, has to choose sides? Decisions are sometimes tough in life...So maybe in the spirit of unity, I'll do both. I hope I get the spelling right.

"GREAT NOTE - thanks for posting, NH!"

This year believe it or not is the 25th anniversay of the release of, "The Paradise Theater" album. In accordance with this event I have decided to tell the story of, " SPARKY THE FLYING DOG."

Great a stupid concept when it came out in the first place why do we want to revisit it?
the jig is up dennis you lost
move on

Step one, drag out your "Paradise" record album or CD and get yourself a magnifying glass. On the album cover depicting the old rundown theater, look under the marquee on the right hand side and you will see a poster. With your magnifying glass in hand you will notice a picture of a dog with this banner, "Appearing Thru July 7, Sparky The Flying Dog."
Next put on the, "Rockin the Paradise" tract and listen to the guitar solo and you will here me shout, "Go Sparky Go!"

Great idea wheres waldo with musical clues
Sad

Next listen to the opening lyrics on this record, "Tonight the night we'll make history as sure as dogs can fly." Next play this tract backwards and....oh I'm sorry that was the, "Beatles" who did that, at my age I tend to get confused.
Yeah, so what you say! Who the heck is this mutt?

Please were all on the edge of our seats
Go smoke another bong dennis

To me, Sparky was symbolic of many metaphors for the underdog, no pun intended. For instance, "The Little Train Who Could," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Dumbo" etc. Those of whom little was expected but much was accomplished. A theme that I have explored many time in my lyrics, you know "Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try."

many many times
try exploring new concepts dennis
I got one how about give it up

I knew the odds against me realizing my dream of being a succesful musician were astronmical, but I believed I could fly, just like Sparky! Hell everybody knows dogs and guys like me can't fly, but we did.

I'm sure you did
but how could you go wrong with the moomoo and the magic suit?

So Sparky represents that spark in all of us that refuses to take no for an answer. Here's to all the the Sparky's of the world, the ones who have flown and those about to.

Im going to blow chunks

PS. When traveling on the road throughout the 80's I stayed under the name of Sparky Allen.

Nobody is listening nobody cares
go home to your wife of 37 years
were done


Dennis
July 6,2006

[froy]

I hope I get the spelling right.

HEY HEY no shots to early in the morning ';

This year believe it or not is the 25th anniversay of the release of, "The Paradise Theater" album. In accordance with this event I have decided to tell the story of, " SPARKY THE FLYING DOG."

Great a stupid concept when it came out in the first place why do we want to revisit it?
the jig is up dennis you lost
move on

He Lost what ?
At least he is not saying how great his gigs are,

Step one, drag out your "Paradise" record album or CD and get yourself a magnifying glass. On the album cover depicting the old rundown theater, look under the marquee on the right hand side and you will see a poster. With your magnifying glass in hand you will notice a picture of a dog with this banner, "Appearing Thru July 7, Sparky The Flying Dog."
Next put on the, "Rockin the Paradise" tract and listen to the guitar solo and you will here me shout, "Go Sparky Go!"

Great idea wheres waldo with musical clues
Sad

Come on Zan you can do better than this

Next listen to the opening lyrics on this record, "Tonight the night we'll make history as sure as dogs can fly." Next play this tract backwards and....oh I'm sorry that was the, "Beatles" who did that, at my age I tend to get confused.
Yeah, so what you say! Who the heck is this mutt?

Please were all on the edge of our seats
Go smoke another bong dennis

Wow Zan trying to be like Froy here

To me, Sparky was symbolic of many metaphors for the underdog, no pun intended. For instance, "The Little Train Who Could," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Dumbo" etc. Those of whom little was expected but much was accomplished. A theme that I have explored many time in my lyrics, you know "Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try."

many many times
try exploring new concepts dennis
I got one how about give it up

Its funny Paradise was there biggest cd of all time any you are blasting it.
I know your a STYX fan but this is silly,.

I knew the odds against me realizing my dream of being a succesful musician were astronmical, but I believed I could fly, just like Sparky! Hell everybody knows dogs and guys like me can't fly, but we did.

I'm sure you did
but how could you go wrong with the moomoo and the magic suit?

That was GI .

So Sparky represents that spark in all of us that refuses to take no for an answer. Here's to all the the Sparky's of the world, the ones who have flown and those about to.

Im going to blow chunks

And the band also don 't forget ,

PS. When traveling on the road throughout the 80's I stayed under the name of Sparky Allen.

Nobody is listening nobody cares
go home to your wife of 37 years
were done

37 Years
Oh I just woke up .

[DerriD]

Zan,

I can only hope that you are channelling the Anti-Froy and have not turned over a new leaf.

[Zan]

Wow Zan trying to be like Froy here

Damm your quick

To me, Sparky was symbolic of many metaphors for the underdog, no pun intended. For instance, "The Little Train Who Could," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Dumbo" etc. Those of whom little was expected but much was accomplished. A theme that I have explored many time in my lyrics, you know "Winners are losers who got up and gave it one more try."

many many times
try exploring new concepts dennis
I got one how about give it up

Its funny Paradise was there biggest cd of all time any you are blasting it.

Froy you ignorant slut im blasting his legacy of writing the same song over & over with different lyrics not PT

I know your a STYX fan but this is silly,.

no, I'm being sarcastic theres a difference
But thank you for acknowledging I am a STYX fan
Finally.
(Who do i gotta bl*w to be recognized as a styx fan around here? )

I knew the odds against me realizing my dream of being a succesful musician were astronmical, but I believed I could fly, just like Sparky! Hell everybody knows dogs and guys like me can't fly, but we did.

I'm sure you did
but how could you go wrong with the moomoo and the magic suit?

That was GI .

no shit sherlock i was addressing how his dream was astronomical but he believed he could fly and made the leap anyway. I'm saying with the mad wardrobe he had goin on, how could he fail?

So Sparky represents that spark in all of us that refuses to take no for an answer. Here's to all the the Sparky's of the world, the ones who have flown and those about to.

Im going to blow chunks

And the band also don 't forget ,

Dont hate me because i'm beautiful.

PS. When traveling on the road throughout the 80's I stayed under the name of Sparky Allen.

Nobody is listening nobody cares
go home to your wife of 37 years
were done

37 Years
Oh I just woke up .

screaming

[Zan]

"Anti-Froy"

I LOVE it. I'm stealin' it.

I quoted your shockie guy because he's my favorite.

[styxfanNH]

Hey Yogi,

Another reference to Froy's dog.

[froy]

Wow Zan trying to be like Froy here

Damm your quick

Thats what you told me last night .

Froy you ignorant slut

hey Im not ignorant get it right,

Who do i gotta bl*w to be recognized as a styx fan around here?

There is really nobody left you covered just about everyone,

Dont hate me because i'm beautiful.

Any women on there knees is beautifull especially you Zan

37 Years
Oh I just woke up .

screaming

JY is buying .

[Zan]

Wow Zan trying to be like Froy here

Damm your quick

Thats what you told me last night .

and then you woke up

Froy you ignorant slut

hey Im not ignorant get it right,

sorry.
froy you moronic slut,

Who do i gotta bl*w to be recognized as a styx fan around here?

There is really nobody left you covered just about everyone,

and back in the day, the odds were against me
but i perservered
i should write songs

Dont hate me because i'm beautiful.

Any women on there knees is beautiful...

you remember that far back?

especially you zan

well that goes for anything

37 Years
Oh I just woke up .

screaming

JY is buying .

Dreams do come true

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Thanks for posting this Mark.

I loved when I found out about "Sparky". I remember when I used that name for one of my stupid trivia's on here that no one could get - HAH!

My kids and I love our Sparky T-shirts!

[StyxCollector]

Look, it's not a bad thing to celebrate 25 years of PT with some sort of symbolism. It is a bit obscure, sure, but it appeals to the more die-hard fan. No issues with that. I think that's about it with the Sparky thing.

When the current Styx lineup was selling retro tees and stuff with Man of Miracles logos, was that not the same sort of thing? My favorite was the 3/4 sleeve shirt which was the same as the Cornerstone era-shirt, but they just cut DDY out of the graphic. That made me laugh. I got the sheet of stickers that had that one as well just because.

[styxfanNH]

I wish they'd celebrate the past albums more.

How awesome would this be.....It's the 25th anniversary of PT, so here it is cover to cover, toss in the medley (althugh a bit abreviated) and 8-10 other songs and you would have a show.

Sort of what Brian Wilson does with the Smile tour, here's 50 minutes of my hits and heres this album.

The anniversary tours would cut into some cuts they've never played before. It would be cool.

[StyxCollector]

I wish they'd celebrate the past albums more.

How awesome would this be.....It's the 25th anniversary of PT, so here it is cover to cover, toss in the medley (althugh a bit abreviated) and 8-10 other songs and you would have a show.

Sort of what Brian Wilson does with the Smile tour, here's 50 minutes of my hits and heres this album.

The anniversary tours would cut into some cuts they've never played before. It would be cool.

Have you heard Gowan doing "The Best of Times"? If you have, you'd know why they aren't doing it anymore They do "Too Much ..." and occasionally "Snowblind". They used to play "Half Penny" pretty regularly, as well as "Rockin'". "She Cares" is too much of a wuss song to pull out live for this lineup (and I have seen no evidence Styx played it live in 1981 either). I would love to see Dennis pull out "Nothing Ever Goes As Planned", though.

[froy]

I would love to see Dennis pull out "Nothing Ever Goes As Planned", though.

I saw them do this song live in 1981
I think they only did it 1 time
It was in Milwaukee and during the middle parts They were doing a limbo
This is another rare Gem from Dennis

I personally will suggest that Dennis add a horn section and do 3 tunes'


Nothing Ever Goes as Planned
Why Me and
Back To Chicago

Now that would send me flying,

[froy]

I wish they'd celebrate the past albums more.

They would need to be the same band before they celebrate anything.
They are to happy celebrating getting pay checks.
They don't care about anything but cash plain and simple.

[StyxCollector]

I would love to see Dennis pull out "Nothing Ever Goes As Planned", though.

I saw them do this song live in 1981
I think they only did it 1 time
It was in Milwaukee and during the middle parts They were doing a limbo
This is another rare Gem from Dennis

I personally will suggest that Dennis add a horn section and do 3 tunes'


Nothing Ever Goes as Planned
Why Me and
Back To Chicago

Now that would send me flying,

Well, DDY had a sax player for the 1st orchestral show. I was surprised he didn't do "Call Me". In fact, I'm surprised he hasn't done it at all in the past few years.

As far as NEGAP, it was done more than once. I know it was done in NYC on that tour as I have a boot of it somewhere.

[StyxCollector]

They don't care about anything but cash plain and simple.

And DDY doesn't? I'm sure he enjoys what he's doing, but he's certainly not doing it "just because". The man expects to get paid.

[styxfanNH]

I wish they'd celebrate the past albums more.

They would need to be the same band before they celebrate anything.
They are to happy celebrating getting pay checks.
They don't care about anything but cash plain and simple.

Froy,

Do you work for free?

[yogi]

Styx did perform 'Nothing Ever Goes As Planned' on either night one or night two in Minneapolis at the old Met Sports Center. I saw both shows.

I believe it was the first show that they played Nothing Ever Goes As Planned. On that night they did not perform Lady. On night two they sang Lady, but not Nothing Ever Goes As Planned.

[StyxCollector]

Styx did perform 'Nothing Ever Goes As Planned' on either night one or night two in Minneapolis at the old Met Sports Center. I saw both shows.

I believe it was the first show that they played Nothing Ever Goes As Planned. On that night they did not perform Lady. On night two they sang Lady, but not Nothing Ever Goes As Planned.

It's definitely a rotated song on that tour. There's no soundboard recording of it I know that exists and is circulated. Just audience stuff.

[froy]

I wish they'd celebrate the past albums more.

They would need to be the same band before they celebrate anything.
They are to happy celebrating getting pay checks.
They don't care about anything but cash plain and simple.

Froy,

Do you work for free?

Im not a whore thats the difference
Im the same guy I was 20 years ago except Im better looking thanks to botox.
JY is a whore and looks worse thanks to botox

[Blue Falcon]

Perhaps DDY is engaging in the same sort of historical revisionism that JY is doing now. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't JY's nickname Sparky?

If so, then DDY is trying to rewrite JY out of Styx's history...just like JY is doing to him. JY plays the guitar solo on that song...

[StyxCollector]

Perhaps DDY is engaging in the same sort of historical revisionism that JY is doing now. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't JY's nickname Sparky?

If so, then DDY is trying to rewrite JY out of Styx's history...just like JY is doing to him. JY plays the guitar solo on that song...

I have to say, I've heard a lot of conspiracy theories over the years, but this one is a stretch for me.