Expert: Kathy - 4/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: Well, Kathy, they've finally released this CD and I have to say I was stunned to
find Neal Doughty only credited with playing on ONE TRACK!!  Not what I signed
up for, but I suppose there could be issues I'm not aware of.  Nothing against
Joe Vanelli, but where's Neal?
ANSWER: Hi Spenser!

You weren't the only fan stunned by the absence of original keyboardist Neal Doughty on "Find Your Own Way Home!"

Although there has been much speculation, Neal himself has not made any formal announcement. However, he has provided a number of clues that suggest he had personal, professional and economic reasons for not fully participating. Here's a list of chronological events:

1) Back in January of 2005, Kevin Cronin announced, "Of the eight songs we are going in [to the recording studio] with next week, there is one, kind of sweet acoustic number, and the rest are all sweaty, blister-fingered, Midwest rock'n roll."

2) In February of 2005, Neal was asked how the CD was progressing. He admitted, "I actually fell asleep while some of the guys were recording. When they started kidding me about it, I just said maybe the song needs to be more exciting."  He also claimed that bassist Bruce Hall and lead guitarist Dave Amato had likewise fallen asleep.

3) In April 2005, Neal announced that he was not in the studio with the rest of the band, but instead chose to work with a music coach to improve his playing ability. He said, "Some of the guys are working now, but not me. When I'm not playing a part, I tend to avoid the 2-hour round trip [to Blue Moon Studio], just to sit on the couch and fall asleep. Instead, I'm spending some time with a music coach - someone who takes pros and teaches them new tricks."

4) In May 2005, Neal was again asked how the new album was progressing. In answering the question, he indicated he was going though a number of personal challenges, including psychotherapy and cosmetic surgery. He said, "Everything's just fine. The heavy touring starts in July, and we're still in the studio on and off until then. We're having a new stage built - visually similar, but with structural improvements. And - with the help of Coach Rob [Mullins], two shrinks, and a team of cosmetic surgeons - I'm also visually similar, but with structural improvements."

5) By August 2005, Neal claimed to have written an untitled song he submitted to the band for review. He said, "I gave my demo to everyone. Bruce [Hall], Bryan [Hitt] and Wally [tour manager] liked it. Haven't heard from KC or Dave [Amato], but it will probably at least make it to rehearsals." Nothing more was heard about Neal's demo.  

6) In September 2005, Neal appeared to directly contradict Kevin's earlier characterization of songs on the new CD. Instead of being "sweaty, blister-fingered, Midwest rock'n roll," Neal said in an interview with the Coloradoan that the band was "anxious to see what the fans think" of the band's "departures from the REO norm." In addition to the pop rock sound the band is known for, Doughty said the new album would feature songs that touch on everything from a Cajun beat to jazzy undertones. When asked if any songs on the new album would have orchestral arrangements, Doughty admitted it "was a distinct possibility."

7) Eight months later, in May 2006, Neal started selling off his keyboard equipment on eBay. (See: http://tinyurl.com/l6egy). The new CD was financed by the band and their management company. Recording, producing and distributing a CD takes a considerable about of cash, especially since the band does not have a record label or recording contract. Neal may not have been in a position to take a significant financial risk on this CD, especially such an abrupt departure from the band's signature songs, and especially if he was uncomfortable with its' artistic direction.

8) Finally, we learned several months ago that Neal had moved "in the dead of winter" from Los Angeles to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to pursue a romantic relationship with a high school teacher. When a female fan from Minneapolis took her picture with him at a backstage event and joked "I tell everyone that I'm gonna be your next MRS," Neal told her, "You're too late, I think I have already found her."

Based upon the above, it appears there were a number of professional, economic and personal reasons why Neal chose not to fully participate on this particular recording. If he ever makes a formal announcement, you can be sure we'll report the details in REO FANS NEWS, located at Speedwagon.info.

Thanks for a great question about one of REO's original members!

Kathy
REO FANS Prez

For more REO info, check these links:
Speedwagon.Info: http://Speedwagon.info
REO FANS: REO Speedwagon Fan Club: http://REO-FANS.COM
REO FANS eGroup: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/REOFANS


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the great info, as always, Kathy.  I have heard bits from a couple of
people that falls right in line with what you suspect.  Not knowing these guys
beyond the music they make, I don't expect any certain behavior from them, but
I was surprised and disappointed.  I am curious what fan reaction and your
reaction has been to the new material.  Care to review?

Answer
Hi Spenser:

"Find Your Way Home" has only been on store shelves for a couple of days now, so the new songs the band has written are still in the process of being "cussed and discussed" by fans. I'm going to pass on my personal review, because I wouldn't want to prejudice anyone for or against any certain song. :-) However, there's plenty of discussion over at the REO FANS eGroup, both pro and con. Here's the link: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/REOFANS/ Jump in an join us!

Kathy
REO FANS Prez