Drop It (An Old Disguise)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Drop It (An Old Disguise)" by REO Speedwagon from their 1979 album Nine Lives. This track, a high-energy cock-rocker penned by frontman Kevin Cronin, is a standout on the album, showcasing the band’s hard rock roots with a blistering guitar intro from Gary Richrath and a crisp piano solo by Neal Doughty. According to a 2019 retro review by V13.net, the song’s “carefree swagger” evokes early Def Leppard, making it a perfect anthem for a wild night out. The lyrics, urging listeners to shed superficial facades, reflect a raw, rebellious spirit, with lines like “Drop it, drop it, you ain’t got nine lives” delivering a punchy call to authenticity. Fans on Louder have debated its merits, with some calling it a highlight of the album’s tough, riff-driven sound, while others find it less compelling than tracks like “Heavy on Your Love.”

Another tidbit about "Drop It (An Old Disguise)" comes from its place in Nine Lives, which was named for being the band’s ninth release (including their live album) and featuring nine songs. As noted in a Discogs review, the album marked a pivotal moment, being the last to prominently feature REO Speedwagon’s hard rock edge before their pop-oriented shift with 1980’s Hi Infidelity. The song’s production, handled by Cronin, Richrath, and Kevin Beamish, gave it a scrappy yet polished feel, with Doughty’s organ and piano work adding a distinctive layer. Longtime fan and author Brent Jensen, in his 2012 memoir referenced on Yperano Records, called Nine Lives the band’s “white hot” creative peak, with “Drop It” exemplifying their hungry, radio-friendly rock vibe. It’s a track that still gets the blood pumping, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to crank it up.

REO Speedwagon began in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, both students at the University of Illinois, bonded over music. As detailed on Wikipedia, Doughty, who had taught himself Beatles songs on his parents’ piano, and Gratzer, a seasoned high school drummer, formed the band, initially playing covers at frat parties. They were soon joined by a rotating cast of musicians, with guitarist Gary Richrath and bassist Gregg Philbin solidifying the lineup by 1970. The band’s name, inspired by the REO Speed Wagon truck, reflected their blue-collar, Midwestern ethos. By the early 1970s, after adding singer Kevin Cronin (who replaced original vocalist Terry Luttrell), they signed with Epic Records, grinding through bar gigs and anti-war protests to build a loyal following.

Their early sound, as described on Defenders of the Faith, was aggressive, bordering on early metal, with Richrath’s searing guitar work defining their live shows. Despite frequent lineup changes, including Cronin’s brief departure, the band’s 1977 live album Live: You Get What You Play For captured their raw energy, earning them credibility among hard rock fans. This tenacity led to their 1980 breakthrough with Hi Infidelity, which sold over 10 million copies, cementing their legacy with hits like “Keep On Loving You.” Over the decades, REO Speedwagon has sold over 40 million records, with 13 Top 40 hits, and remains a beloved live act, even as they announced in 2023 that they would cease touring by 2025.

Connect with REO Speedwagon on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also join the vibrant community at the REO Speedwagon Fan Club on Facebook or check out tribute bands like Nine Lives - A Tribute to REO Speedwagon, a St. Louis-based group celebrating the band’s music. For collectors, sites like Vinyl Pussycat Records offer rare Nine Lives vinyl, keeping the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning spirit alive.