Never Been Any Reason

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with Head East's "Never Been Any Reason" from their debut album Flat as a Pancake! This classic track, spun by your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO, has a killer story behind it. The song’s iconic double-tracked Minimoog solos, played by keyboardist Roger Boyd, were a happy accident. During mixing, the band forgot to mute one of the Moog tracks, and when they heard the layered sound, they were blown away. Boyd later shared on the band’s official website, “We thought WOW! So we decided to go back and record the second part to match/compliment the primary solo part.” This serendipitous moment gave the song its signature psychedelic edge, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vibe.

Another cool tidbit is the vocal interplay on "Never Been Any Reason." Drummer Steve Huston kicks off each verse with the first two lines, then lead vocalist John Schlitt takes over, with the whole band joining in for multi-part harmonies on the choruses and final verse lines. This communal vocal style feels like a nod to the Zoo Freaks’ free-spirited community. The song also made waves beyond the airwaves, popping up in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused and the 2005 flick Sahara. Fun fact: some say AC/DC borrowed the song’s riff for their 1980 hit “You Shook Me All Night Long,” adding a bit of rock ‘n’ roll controversy to its legacy.

Head East started as a hard rock quintet in south central Illinois, later moving to Champaign. Formed in 1968, the band—originally called TimeAtions—honed their sound playing Midwest gigs, building a loyal following. By 1974, they’d recorded Flat as a Pancake on their own Pyramid Records label, pressing 5,000 LPs and 500 eight-tracks. They sold every single one at their shows, catching the eye of A&M Records. A&M re-released the album in 1975, and it went gold by 1978, driven by the success of “Never Been Any Reason,” which hit #68 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band’s gritty, DIY spirit and tight musicianship, led by guitarist Mike Somerville’s songwriting and Boyd’s swirling keys, made them a Midwest rock staple.

Today, you can keep up with Head East through their official website and connect with the band on social media. Check out their Facebook for updates on tours and throwback posts, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. They’re also active on X, sharing news with fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, join the Head East Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. While no official fan websites stand out, the Facebook group is a groovy spot for fans to connect.