AboutKathy Expertise History of the band, their music, lyrics, instrumentation, touring, hits, chart activities, and just about everything else in between. President of REO FANS, the band's largest international fan club, and REO fan for over 35 years, having attended hundreds of concerts all over the world.
Experience
Publications REO FANS NEWS, Editor & Publisher for the last 15 years
Education/Credentials Attorney
Awards and Honors With a 30+ year photographic history of the band, one of her photos was selected to appear on the band's 25th anniversary t-shirts. She was also featured on VH-1's "Rock Collectors," where her rock photography was displayed.
Thanks for the info regarding my earlier question about "The Session" episode.
There is something that has been nagging away at me for a very long time regarding the 'ousting' of Gary Richrath. As you say, everyone has their own version of what really happened. But, I am wondering if you can possibly give me any insight as to who the other band members would have preferred? Obviously there was no way Gary and Kevin were going to coexist and since Kevin (in my opinion) was abandoning the band for his "Strolling Dudes" pursuits, it seems from the outside looking in that REO Speedwagon with Neal, Gary, Bruce, Graham and Michael Jahnz was all set. So, while I realize you're saving a lot of this for your book, (Which I am anxiously awaiting) I'd love to know what the others thought. Did they prefer Kevin run the band instead of Gary? Were the others afraid of Kevin? Even after all these years, this is still a very difficult thing for me to accept. I love all the guys in REO and even with Kevin's BS, I still have a great deal of love for his contributions but I also find his behavior towards Gary unacceptable. I'm sure there is a question in here somewhere, I'm just not sure there's an easy way to explain it all. Again, I know you're putting a book together and if I have to wait for that, I suppose I have to wait. But I want to say that it's been a blessing for us long time fans to have someone like you to continue to be a faithful link to the band for us.
Answer Hi Ed:
REO chaos? I like that! Indeed, with so many versions about what happened, seeking the "truth" has made the story all the more captivating. Like you, I will always love this band's music. But as fans, we desperately want to believe the best about those we admire, and are disappointed when we learn the guys in the band are mere mortals influenced by greed, jealousy, betrayal, cold calculation, guilt, deception and depraved hearts like anyone else.
To answer your specific question, I frankly don't think Bruce or Neal cared who was leading the band, as they saw the balance of power shift back and forth repeatedly over the years. They were self-taught musicians with limited skills who dropped out of school to pursue their dream of playing in a rock and roll band, and the reality of that dream had plenty of perks: drugs, women, travel, fame and money. They were willing to climb aboard any train leading to that destination. What followed then and to this day is a sequence of events worthy of the immortal words of the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus: "It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered."
Thanks so much for your question and kind words. The research and photographic chronology of this band's history has truly been a fascinating and intriguing journey.
