32 Facts About REO Speedwagon

The Early Days of REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon, an American rock band, has been a staple in the music industry for decades. Their journey from humble beginnings to rock stardom is filled with interesting tidbits.

1. 01

   Formed in 1967: REO Speedwagon was founded in Champaign, Illinois, by Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer while they were students at the University of Illinois.

2. 02

   Named After a Truck: The band's name comes from the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck designed by Ransom Eli Olds.

3. 03

   First Album in 1971: Their debut album, simply titled "REO Speedwagon," was released in 1971, marking the start of their recording career.

4. 04

   Early Struggles: The band faced numerous lineup changes and struggled to find commercial success in their early years.

Rise to Fame

The band's persistence paid off, and they eventually found their way to the top of the charts.

5. 05

   Breakthrough Album: "Hi Infidelity," released in 1980, became their most successful album, selling over 10 million copies.

6. 06

   Hit Singles: The album featured hit singles like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run," which became radio staples.

7. 07

   MTV Era: REO Speedwagon embraced the MTV era, producing popular music videos that helped boost their fame.

8. 08

   First Number One: "Keep On Loving You" became their first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Band Members and Changes

REO Speedwagon's lineup has seen many changes over the years, but some members have left a lasting impact.

9. 09

   Kevin Cronin: Lead vocalist Kevin Cronin joined the band in 1972, left briefly, and then rejoined in 1976, becoming a defining voice for the band.

10. 10

    Gary Richrath: Guitarist Gary Richrath was a key member from 1970 to 1989, known for his distinctive guitar style.

11. 11

    Neal Doughty: Keyboardist Neal Doughty is the only original member who has remained with the band since its inception.

12. 12

    Bruce Hall: Bassist Bruce Hall joined in 1977 and has been a steady presence in the band.

Memorable Performances

REO Speedwagon has delivered countless memorable performances throughout their career.

13. 13

    Live Aid: They performed at the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music.

14. 14

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Although not inducted, they performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th Anniversary Concert in 2009.

15. 15

    Touring with Styx: REO Speedwagon has frequently toured with fellow rock band Styx, creating a powerful double bill for fans.

16. 16

    Las Vegas Residency: In recent years, they have had successful residencies in Las Vegas, drawing fans from all over.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Beyond their music, REO Speedwagon has some fun and quirky facts that fans might not know.

17. 17

    TV Appearances: They have made guest appearances on TV shows like "Ozark" and "The Goldbergs."

18. 18

    Charity Work: The band is known for their charitable efforts, including benefit concerts and donations to various causes.

19. 19

    Pop Culture: Their music has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, cementing their place in pop culture.

20. 20

    Fan Club: REO Speedwagon has a dedicated fan club that has been active for decades, showing the enduring love for the band.

Legacy and Influence

REO Speedwagon's influence on rock music and their lasting legacy cannot be overstated.

21. 21

    Influence on Bands: Many modern rock bands cite REO Speedwagon as an influence on their music.

22. 22

    Longevity: The band has been active for over 50 years, a testament to their enduring appeal.

23. 23

    Awards: They have received numerous awards and accolades, including American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

24. 24

    Greatest Hits: Their greatest hits album, released in 1988, remains one of the best-selling compilation albums of all time.

Personal Lives and Interests

The members of REO Speedwagon have interesting personal lives and hobbies outside of music.

25. 25

    Kevin Cronin's Writing: Kevin Cronin is an avid writer and has penned numerous songs and even a memoir.

26. 26

    Neal Doughty's Hobbies: Neal Doughty enjoys photography and often shares his work with fans.

27. 27

    Gary Richrath's Solo Career: After leaving the band, Gary Richrath pursued a solo career and released his own music.

28. 28

    Bruce Hall's Art: Bruce Hall is also an artist and enjoys painting in his spare time.

Recent Activities

Even after decades in the industry, REO Speedwagon continues to stay active and relevant.

29. 29

    New Music: The band continues to release new music, with their latest album coming out in 2020.

30. 30

    Virtual Concerts: During the COVID-19 pandemic, they adapted by performing virtual concerts for their fans.

31. 31

    Social Media: They maintain a strong presence on social media, engaging with fans and sharing updates.

32. 32

    Documentary: A documentary about the band's history and impact is currently in the works, promising to give fans an in-depth look at their journey.

The Legacy of REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon's journey through rock history is nothing short of legendary. From their humble beginnings in Illinois to becoming arena rock giants, they've left an indelible mark on music. With hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling," they've created timeless anthems that continue to resonate. Their resilience and adaptability have kept them relevant for decades, proving their staying power in an ever-changing industry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to their music, REO Speedwagon's story is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. So next time you hear one of their classic tunes, remember the incredible journey and the legacy they've built over the years. Rock on!