REO Speedwagon now join the list of bands with no original members as keyboardist Neil Doughty has retired from touring.
He says, “I want everyone to know that it was all that traveling finally got to me. I always enjoyed playing the shows and looking out to see all the loyal fans who allowed me to do this for so long.”
Bassist Bruce Hall, who joined the band in 1977, says, “Neal will always be a member of the REO brotherhood and we all wish him well as he enters this exciting phase of his life.”
And singer Kevin Cronin, who first joined in 1972 (and again in 1976), adds, “It will be a big change to look around and not see Neal behind the keyboards, and we will miss his quick wit and interesting conversation on those long bus rides. But this is what Neal needs, and we support him.”
Doughty, who may join them at select shows, founded the band in 1967 with drummer Alan Gratzer while they were students at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Gratzer retired in 1988.
Hot Takes:
- So with REO no longer having an original member, does this make them a tribute band?
- Some of the more successful bands with two or fewer original members include the Eagles, Bad Company, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones, KISS, Jethro Tull, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Queen, Toto, AC/DC, Boston, The Who and Foreigner.
- Who do you feel has to leave a band to make them what some feel are tribute bands?