REO Speedealer began in Lubbock, Texas with founding members Jeff Hirshberg (guitar) and Rodney Skelton (bass). In the 90’s the band reformed in Dallas, Texas under the name The Sexellent, with Jeff and Rodney, Champagne Lyles III (vocals), Mike Noyes (guitar – also from Lubbock), and Toby Sheets (drums). After Champagne’s departure the band adopted their old name of REO Speedealer and brought on David Woodard to handle the vocals.
After a relentless touring schedule taking them through the Midwest often enough for fans to think they were locals, REO Speedealer was picked up by Spanish Fly Records – a division of Twin Tone. They recorded, mixed and mastered 24 songs in 5 hours, playing live to 2" tape. The band recorded some new tracks in the home garage studio of the Butthole Surfers' guitarist, most or all of which ended up on the band’s second, and more well-known, self-titled CD with the image of a Diesel truck on the cover. It was around this time the band received a cease-and-desist letter from REO Speedwagon’s representation claiming that Speedwagon’s fans would be confused. This caused the band to change their name to Speedealer. Speedealer moved into a more heavy metal direction, and the only remaining original member was Jeff Hirshberg, who assumed the lead vocal role in addition to his guitar playing and song writing.