REO Speedwagon

July 6, 2008

Classic rock remains as hot as ever and bands like REO Speedwagon are proving that fact. The onetime kings of ‘80’s arena rock (along with Styx and Journey) are part of that “born again classic rocker religion” that is sweeping the country.
REO will take to Interlochen’s Kresge Auditorium on Thursday, July 10, performing hits from the past including number one songs “Take It On The Run” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
The band has been together since 1967 when the formed while in college at the University of Illinois.
“Wow, it was that long ago,” laughs Kevin Cronin. “Actually I didn’t join the band until 1972, so I am not as old as the other guys.”
Cronin was the band’s second singer, but after recording with them, he was quickly dismissed for missing rehearsals and creative differences. He would rejoin the band in 1976 and has remained as the lead singer ever since.
As for the band’s name, they grabbed it from the old REO Motor Company (the initials of Ransom Eli Olds, who founded Oldsmobile that would become part of the General Motors family). It was easily a trademark infringement, but General Motors looked the other way and gave the band rights to the name and logo.
“They must have thought it would be free advertising,” said Cronin. “Interesting that we are still around and Oldsmobile is no more.”
Much of REO’s success in the early years laid in the songwriting and guitar playing hands of Gary Richrath. He penned most of the band’s top hits and was considered one of the top guitarists during the ‘70s and ‘80s. In 1989 Richrath left the band as a result of musical and lifestyle differences (apparently the rest of the band had given up the wild partying lifestyle of the road and chosen a healthier path).
After Richrath’s departure and changing musical landscape, REO Speedwagon was dropped by their label. During the ‘90s they dropped out of sight. They went from major arena shows to the occasional fairground and club gig. But by 2000 music fans were screaming for classic rockers and REO began touring with bands from their era, including Styx and Journey.
“It was 2003 when we toured with those bands for the Classic Rock’s Main Event tour that we saw things come full circle,” said Cronin. “It energized us as a band.”
Last year REO released a self-financed album Find Your Own Way Home, that produced two songs: the title track and “I Needed To Fall”. They both climbed into the top 25 of the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.
“It is a fun time for us right now as a band. We have been re-connecting with our fans and making new ones along the way,” said Cronin. “The music business is tough and we are happy to still be a part of it.”
Other REO Speedwagon hits include “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Take It On The Run,” and “Keep The Fire Burnin.” Expect to hear all of these and other classics, along with new material, on Thursday, June 10 at Interlochen’s Kresge Audtiorium. A few tickets remain and may be purchased by contacting the Interlochen box office at 800.681.5920.