Head East

American rock band Head East, from Illinois, was formed in 1969 by John Schlitt, Danny Piper, Roger Boyd, Larry Boyd, and Steve Huston. Initially known as TimeAtions, they adopted the name Head East on August 6, 1969. Their debut album, Flat as a Pancake, recorded in 1974 and re-released by A&M Records in 1975, reached gold status by 1978 and featured the hit single "Never Been Any Reason". The band followed up with albums such as Get Yourself Up (1976), Gettin' Lucky (1977), and their self-titled album in 1978, which included a cover of Russ Ballard's "Since You Been Gone". In March 1980, bassist Dan Birney and guitarist Mike Somerville left the band. Schlitt was fired due to drug dependency. Remaining members Boyd and Huston continued with new personnel, releasing U.S. 1 in October 1980. After a hiatus, Head East returned with Choice of Weapons (1988), their last studio album featuring original material. The band has continued touring and performing, with notable live releases including Concert Classics Vol. 7 (1999). Head East was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2011. Several former members have passed away, including Birney in 2003, Somerville in 2020, and Huston in July 2023.