“Live!” (1979) by Head East: Middle Class Pride – Dirty Rock Magazine

Head East is part of a generation of American bands that thrived in the late 70s with a common denominator: they were adored by a public that valued their integrity, attitude, and sound but were vilified and ignored by the more refined and snobbish critics. Rooted in primal rock and roll, with generous doses of hard rock and some progressive twists, their lack of stylistic novelty and absence of hype may have irritated the most sophisticated journalistic circles, but not their fans or FM radio stations.

Originating in Illinois in the mid-1960s, it wasn’t until 1973, after numerous lineup changes, that the band settled on its definitive members: John Schlitt on vocals, Mike Somerville on guitar, Roger Boyd on keyboards, Dan Birney on bass, and Steve Huston on drums – the classic lineup that would produce six outstanding records.

Their live double album marks the pinnacle of their career, capturing not only the best of their first four releases but also the overflowing energy the band exuded on stage. Their hit “Never Been Any Reason” remains a staple on American classic rock radio stations, featuring great vocal harmonies, prominent keyboard work, and assertive guitar riffs.

Tracks like “Man I Wanna Be,” “Gettin’ Lucky,” “City of Gold,” and “Fly By Night Lady” are pure rock and roll gems that never let up on an album with little room for rest or ballads. In the cover song department, a hardened version of The Beatles’ “It’s For You,” an up-tempo rendition of Russ Ballard’s “Since You Been Gone,” and a powerful take on Rick Springfield’s “Take A Hand” showcase the band’s prowess.

In the same year, they released “A Different Kind Of Crazy,” a swan song laced with hints of the ’80s. By April 1980, they had staged their final concert together, and following a mass exodus, only Boyd and Huston remained, keeping the Head East name alive (albeit in a more subdued form). Get up and enjoy yourself with the timeless music of Head East.