1976: Rest in Peace

 

Within a few weeks, we were going at each other. I called it the "A Team" and the "B Team" syndrome. Not that one was more important than the other. It wasn't, but we were split right down the middle and not along "3 Dog" lines, either. We started congregating in pairs of 3 after the gigs, saying stuff like "Man, this has got to stop. If only we could do .... blah, blah, etc..." You know, plain old bickering crap. The "coke" permeation was a major factor in our inability to get along. Sometimes, I think about groups that would give their ass to have just one shot with a major record label, and how cavalier we were to just let it blow up. The group disbanded during our very first tour. Lots of talent, but short on maturity. That goes for all of us, in my opinion. Let's be philosophical and say that the personal chemistry just wasn't there. Am I sorry that I ever got involved with that group? Do I think it was a mistake? "Hell no," on both accounts. It was my pleasure to work with such talented people. It's like a love relationship. Just because it's over, doesn't necessarily mean it was a mistake. When I listen to our album today, I still get chills on "I Just Love the Feelin'" and the loping funk groove of "Fool Hard E." "What Ever Happened to America" was a great song of the times that many Vietnam vets returning home could relate to. Truth is: I love the entire album and still have warm feelings for all the members AND the music we made together. I always will.

 

And so, S.S. Fools was no more.

 

A few years later, Bobby Kimball was asked to join "TOTO," which he did. They went on to have even more hit records, with Bobby singing lead on most of them, including their Grammy winning song, "Africa." I'm very proud of Bobby and his success. He's a great talent and we are still friends today.

 

 

In Loving Memory of Joe Schermie

 

As I was still writing the last few chapters of this book, I received a phone call informing me that my dear friend and music compatriot, Joe Schermie passed away from a massive heart attack. All of us are deeply saddened by his passing. He was just 56 years old, and one of the purest music men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He loved music dearly. There was never a day that Joe didn't pick up a guitar and play just for the pure fun of it.

 

1946 - 2002

Joe was born on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12th, 1946 in Menasha, Wisconsin. A uniquely gifted musician that changed my life forever. I loved him like a brother. Joe in 1970 on stage with Three Dog Night. My friend and music mentor. With all my love and admiration. --M--

Having lost keyboardist Wayne DeVillier a few years ago, Joe's death leaves 4 of the original 6 members that were on the album still alive. I'm thankful to be one of them, and hope that Bobby, Floyd and Stan's times are way into this new century.

 

Michael Allsup

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