The Flyer

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Flyer" by Saga, a track from their 1983 album Heads or Tales, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a staple of Saga’s progressive rock sound, carries an energetic vibe that captures the band’s signature blend of staccato guitar riffs and intricate keyboard arrangements. In a 2013 interview with Prog Magazine, vocalist Michael Sadler shared that "The Flyer" was inspired by the idea of breaking free and chasing dreams, reflecting a universal urge for freedom that resonated with fans. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody made it a radio hit, peaking at No. 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1983, marking Saga’s final U.S. charting single.

Another piece of trivia comes from keyboardist Jim Gilmour, who revealed in a 2001 fan Q&A on the now-defunct Saga fan forum SagaClub that the keyboard solo in "The Flyer" was initially improvised during a late-night studio session. The band liked the spontaneous energy so much that they kept it in the final recording, giving the song its distinctive live feel. On social media, particularly in posts from the Saga Fan Club on Facebook, fans often cite "The Flyer" as a highlight of Saga’s live performances, with its pulsing beat igniting crowds during their 1980s tours. The song’s music video, featuring the band in a futuristic setting, was also a minor hit on early MTV, adding to its cultural footprint.

Saga, hailing from Oakville, Ontario, began their journey in 1977, originally under the name Pockets. The band emerged from the remnants of the Canadian rock group Fludd, with bassist-keyboardist Jim Crichton and vocalist Michael Sadler forming the creative core. According to their official biography on sagaontour.com, the Crichton brothers—Jim and guitarist Ian—along with Sadler, aimed to blend progressive rock’s complexity with accessible melodies. Their self-titled debut album, released in June 1978, laid the groundwork for their sound, but it was their 1979 album Images at Twilight that earned them their first Canadian charting single, "It’s Time." Saga’s early years were marked by relentless touring, particularly in Canada and Europe, where they built a loyal fanbase, especially in Germany.

The band’s breakthrough came with 1981’s Worlds Apart, produced by Rupert Hine, which achieved gold status in Canada and Germany. This success set the stage for Heads or Tales, where "The Flyer" became a standout track. Saga’s lineup has seen changes over the years, with drummer Steve Negus and keyboardist Jim Gilmour joining by 1979, though Negus left in 1986. Despite these shifts, Saga has sold over eight million albums worldwide, with a strong following in Puerto Rico, where their 1981 concert sparked riots due to overwhelming fan demand. Their reputation for electrifying live performances, as noted in a 1998 Detours live album review, remains a cornerstone of their legacy.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Saga’s official website is sagaontour.com, where you can find tour dates and band updates. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share behind-the-scenes content and engage with fans. Fans can also connect through the Saga Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community discussing everything from rare vinyl finds to favorite concert memories. Another fan hub is SagaPlanet, a fan-run site offering discographies and archived interviews, keeping the spirit of Saga alive for dedicated followers.