Sparky Grinstead

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This is Sparky performing the song "Open the Door", a song co-written with his friend Angelina Bentley, in spring of 2009. Sparky is playing his Martin Norman Blake model, a former soldier in Greg Reznick's Martin Army.

This was taped in 2006 during the Backorders' summer tour of Albany block parties. All of the current band is present except Greg Reznick, who did not join until Fall of that year. Sparky plays his red Epiphone Dot, later upgraded to Casino specs by Greg Philpott of Orbiter Guitars. The Epiphone remains in Sparky's collection - he considers it his "official" guitar - and is often brought out for special occasions like the recent Won Out show.

Sparky performs with bassist Dave Smearman and drummer Guy Messenger, the first Backorders, in 1992, for a local cable music show. Cool pants! "Rockin' and Rollin' in Heaven" is the leadoff song on Sparky's long-out-of-print album FSGBOC. Sparky is playing his "Fat Dog" Telecaster which was later remade (by Greg Philpott at Orbiter, of course) into the green "Al" guitar. The guitar is still in Sparky's collection although he rarely performs with it.

“My Lover’s Grave”

Sparky, Matt, Robin, Greg and Mark stumble through "My Lover's Grave", part of the "August" suite, at the the Blackthorn Tavern. Drummer Matt is probably hearing the song for the first time and Greg and Robin had just returned from a cross-country drive that day. Sparky and Mark have no excuse.

“Bad Ass”

At 33 Revolutions the Backorders perform this classic song from Won Out with Greg taking the lead. Although Sparky's solo is nearly inaudible he seems to be hitting most of the right notes.

“Everything They Say”

The Backorders harmonize their way through this song fron the Won Out album. Sparky take what lead vocal there is.

“Fall On Me”

“Feel Better Now”

Sparky and band tear through "Feel Better Now" at the Blackthorn Tavern. Keyboardist Eric is not there, so Sparky takes two solos on his modified Epiphone Dot - and he and drummer Matt really tear things up.

“Wa”

Zak Grinstead joins the Backorders on drums for this performance of "Wa", Sparky's 1980 single. Jim "One Note" Usher moves over to keyboard.

“Love Is All Right”