Now, I am dumbfounded... From what you wrote, our opinios do not seem to be that far apart. You just admitted, that the "new guys" are better players. However I have to disagree about Bigfoot and the line up changes. Take Toto for instance! Any of the singers that followed Bobby Kumball were better than him.

I am fully aware of Gary Richrath's contributions to REO Speedwagon's body of work. Hell, I've been a fan since 1980! I played Gary's guitar solo from "You get what you play for" to death.

However I was intrigued by Dave Amato's playing and stage presence since I first saw him with Cher and I still hold his debut with REO in high regard!

So, I don't really care if you think that I am dumb or not. But I do not understand those peole wetting their pants about line-up changes. Gary is out of REO, Perry is out of Journey, Lou is out of Foreigner, Kimball is out of Toto (Thank God!) - and DDY is out of Styx.

Nothing's gonna change that and all is GOOD!