Easy Money

The song "Easy Money" from REO Speedwagon's 1979 album Nine Lives carries a gritty, hard-rock edge with a narrative that stands out in the band’s catalog. According to a review on PureGrainAudio.com, the track, penned by guitarist Gary Richrath, tells a presumed fictional tale of a cocaine-smuggling misadventure, with lyrics referencing a run “south of the border” gone wrong, complete with being “thrown in a cell with a killer.” The song opens with jungle-themed sound effects, including screeching monkeys and birds, which a Riverfront Times review mockingly described as a cliché, paired with a “formulaic wailing guitar solo.” Despite its Caribbean vibe, the song didn’t match the commercial success of REO’s later hits, but its raw energy and storytelling make it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks who dig the band’s heavier side. A 2019 retro review on V13.net praised Nine Lives as capturing REO’s “white hot” creative peak, with “Easy Money” showcasing their ability to craft radio-friendly rock with a rebellious streak.

REO Speedwagon formed in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967, born out of a chance meeting between keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer at the University of Illinois. As detailed on Wikipedia, Doughty, an electrical engineering student, had taught himself Beatles songs on piano, while Gratzer was a seasoned drummer from local bands. They named the band after an old flatbed truck Doughty learned about in a Transportation History class. Their first gig was a chaotic frat party that ended in a food fight, earning them $40, according to Amoeba Music. The early years saw a revolving door of musicians, with pivotal guitarist Gary Richrath joining in 1970, bringing songwriting chops that shaped their hard-rock sound. The band slogged through Midwest bars and college gigs, building a loyal fanbase before signing with Epic Records in 1971. Despite early struggles and multiple lead vocalist changes—Terry Luttrell, Kevin Cronin, and Mike Murphy all took turns at the mic—REO’s live performances, as noted in a 1977 Epic Records pitch, became their strength, leading to their breakthrough with 1980’s Hi Infidelity.

Fans of REO Speedwagon, much like the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO, can connect with the band across social media. Their official website, reospeedwagon.com, offers tour updates and news, though it announced in September 2024 that the band would cease touring by year’s end. On Facebook, the band shares nostalgic photos and tour memories, engaging with over a million followers. Their Instagram account posts concert clips and behind-the-scenes shots, while their X account keeps fans updated with tour announcements and tributes to late members like Gary Richrath, who passed in 2015. For deeper fan interaction, the REO Speedwagon Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where fans swap stories, vinyl finds, and concert experiences. While no standalone fan websites dominate, the band’s legacy lives on through fan-driven discussions on platforms like Reddit, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits celebrating REO’s hard-rock roots.