50 Facts About REO Speedwagon

Formation and Early Years

REO Speedwagon's journey began in the late 1960s. Let's dive into their origins and early struggles.

1. Formation: REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 by Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer while they were students at the University of Illinois.
2. Early Years: The band's early years were marked by various lineup changes and struggles to find their sound. They were initially known for their blues-oriented music.
3. Name Origin: The band's name is derived from the REO Motor Company, founded by Ransom Eli Olds, who also founded Oldsmobile. The name was chosen for its association with speed and power.
4. Debut Album: Their debut album, "R.E.O. Speedwagon," was released in 1971 and featured eight original songs, all credited to the band as a whole. The album included the popular track "157 Riverside Avenue".
5. Vocalist Terry Luttrell: The band's first vocalist, Terry Luttrell, left the band in 1972 due to creative differences, particularly over the direction of the band's music. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin.

Key Members and Contributions

The band saw several key members who shaped its sound and success. Here are some pivotal figures and their contributions.

6. Kevin Cronin's Return: Kevin Cronin initially joined the band in 1972 but left due to missing rehearsals and creative differences. He rejoined the band in 1976 and has remained the lead vocalist ever since.
7. Gary Richrath's Contribution: Gary Richrath, who joined the band in 1970, was a key songwriter and guitarist. He penned many of the band's top hits, including "Ridin' the Storm Out" and "Keep On Loving You".
8. Philbin's Departure: Philbin, the original bassist, left the band in 1977 and was replaced by Bruce Hall, who remains the band's bassist to this day.
9. Neal Doughty's Keyboards: Neal Doughty's keyboards have been a defining element of REO Speedwagon's sound. His piano intro in "157 Riverside Avenue" is particularly notable for its influence on contemporary rock music.
10. Alan Gratzer's Drumming: Alan Gratzer's drumming has been a cornerstone of the band's rhythm section. His contributions to tracks like "157 Riverside Avenue" and "Dead at Last" are highly regarded by fans and critics alike.

Breakthrough and Success

The band's breakthrough came with a series of successful albums and singles. Let's look at their rise to fame.

11. Live Album Success: The band's live album, "Live: You Get What You Play For," released in 1977, was a huge success, selling over a million copies and featuring the hit single "Ridin' the Storm Out".
12. Hi-Infidelity Album: The album "Hi-Infidelity," released in 1980, marked a significant turning point for the band. It was their first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart and included hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run".
13. "Keep On Loving You": The song "Keep On Loving You" was written by Kevin Cronin after he woke up with three simple piano chords running through his head. It became the band's first No. 1 single.
14. MTV Impact: REO Speedwagon was one of the first bands to heavily utilize MTV. Their concert videos were staples of the channel's early programming, helping to keep "Hi-Infidelity" on the charts.
15. Conceptual Videos: The band's often wacky conceptual videos were influential in the early days of MTV. They were part of the template followed by other bands like Huey Lewis & The News.

Tours and Collaborations

Touring and collaborations have played a significant role in the band's career. Here are some notable moments.

16. Touring with Styx and Journey: In the early 2000s, REO Speedwagon toured with bands from their era, including Styx and Journey. This tour, known as the Classic Rocks Main Event, helped revitalize the band's career.
17. Self-Financed Album: In 2015, the band released a self-financed album titled "Find Your Own Way Home," which included the hit singles "Find Your Own Way Home" and "I Needed to Fall".
18. Current Lineup: The current lineup of REO Speedwagon includes Neal Doughty (keyboards), Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Dave Amato (lead guitar), and Bryan Hitt (drums).
19. Touring Schedule: The band continues to tour, performing hits from their past as well as new material. They have been known to perform at various venues, from major arenas to smaller clubs and festivals.
20. Fan Base: REO Speedwagon has a dedicated fan base that spans multiple generations. Fans appreciate the band's ability to connect with them through their music and live performances.

Musical Evolution and Legacy

REO Speedwagon's musical style has evolved over the years, and their legacy in rock music is undeniable.

21. Impact on Rock Music: REO Speedwagon's influence on rock music cannot be overstated. They have been part of the evolution of rock music, contributing to its growth and popularity over the decades.
22. Musical Style Evolution: The band's musical style has evolved over the years, from their early blues-oriented sound to the more polished, radio-friendly rock of the 1980s.
23. Gary Richrath's Departure: Gary Richrath left the band in 1989 due to musical and lifestyle differences. His departure marked a significant change in the band's sound and direction.
24. Post-Richrath Era: After Richrath's departure, the band struggled to find their footing. They were eventually dropped by their label and went into a period of relative obscurity.
25. Comeback Tour: The band's comeback tour with Styx and Journey in the early 2000s helped them regain their momentum and connect with their fans once again.

Chart Success and Live Performances

The band's chart success and live performances have been crucial to their enduring popularity.

26. New Material: Despite their classic rock status, REO Speedwagon continues to produce new material. Their self-financed album "Find Your Own Way Home" is a testament to their ability to adapt and evolve.
27. Chart Success: The band has had significant chart success over the years, including their No. 1 album "Hi-Infidelity" and numerous Top 40 hits like "Take It on the Run" and "Can't Fight This Feeling".
28. Live Performances: REO Speedwagon is known for their high-energy live performances. Their shows often feature extended versions of their hit songs, showcasing the band's musicianship and stage presence.
29. Fan Engagement: The band has been actively engaging with their fans through social media and live events. This engagement has helped them maintain a strong connection with their audience.
30. Legacy: REO Speedwagon's legacy extends beyond their music. They have been an integral part of rock history, influencing countless other bands and contributing to the evolution of rock music.

Influence and Innovation

REO Speedwagon's influence on other bands and their innovative approach to music videos have left a lasting impact.

31. Influence on Other Bands: The band's influence can be seen in many other rock bands. Their style and sound have been emulated by numerous artists, cementing their place in rock history.
32. MTV Debut: REO Speedwagon was part of MTV's early programming, with their concert videos being staples of the channel. This exposure helped them reach a wider audience and achieve greater success.
33. Conceptual Videos Impact: The band's conceptual videos were innovative for their time. They influenced the way bands approached music videos and helped establish MTV as a major force in music promotion.
34. Touring with Other Bands: REO Speedwagon has toured with various bands over the years, including Styx, Journey, and Pat Benatar. These tours have helped them connect with new fans and maintain their relevance in the music industry.
35. Fan Appreciation: Fans appreciate REO Speedwagon for their dedication to their craft. The band's ability to produce high-quality music and deliver energetic live performances has earned them a loyal following.

Notable Members and Their Roles

Key members have played significant roles in shaping the band's sound and success. Here are some notable contributions.

36. Musical Evolution: The band's musical evolution is a testament to their adaptability and commitment to their art. From their early blues sound to their later radio-friendly hits, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music.
37. Gary Richrath's Guitar Work: Gary Richrath was known for his exceptional guitar work. His solos on tracks like "157 Riverside Avenue" and "Dead at Last" are considered some of the best in rock music.
38. Neal Doughty's Keyboards: Neal Doughty's keyboards have been a defining element of REO Speedwagon's sound. His piano intro in "157 Riverside Avenue" is particularly notable for its influence on contemporary rock music.
39. Alan Gratzer's Drumming: Alan Gratzer's drumming has been a cornerstone of the band's rhythm section. His contributions to tracks like "157 Riverside Avenue" and "Dead at Last" are highly regarded by fans and critics alike.
40. Terry Luttrell's Departure: Terry Luttrell's departure from the band was a significant turning point. It led to Kevin Cronin's return and the eventual success of "Hi-Infidelity".

Songwriting and Instrumentation

The band's songwriting and instrumentation have been key to their success. Let's explore some notable aspects.

41. Kevin Cronin's Songwriting: Kevin Cronin is not only the lead vocalist but also a skilled songwriter. His contributions to the band's success are evident in hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run".
42. Bruce Hall's Bass Work: Bruce Hall has been the band's bassist since 1977. His contributions to their sound have been instrumental in maintaining their signature style.
43. Dave Amato's Guitar Work: Dave Amato joined the band in 1989 and has been a key element in their sound ever since. His guitar work on tracks like "Can't Fight This Feeling" is highly regarded by fans.
44. Bryan Hitt's Drumming: Bryan Hitt has been the band's drummer since 1989. His drumming style has been a perfect complement to the band's rhythm section, contributing to their energetic live performances.

Continued Success and Influence

Despite changes in the music industry, REO Speedwagon continues to tour and influence new generations of rock fans.

45. Touring Schedule 2024: As of 2024, REO Speedwagon continues to tour, performing at various venues across the United States. Their setlists typically include a mix of their classic hits and newer material.
46. Fan Reactions: Fans have consistently praised the band for their dedication to their craft. The band's ability to connect with their audience through both their music and live performances has earned them a loyal following.
47. Influence on Contemporary Rock: Despite the band's classic rock status, they continue to influence contemporary rock music. Their style and sound have been emulated by numerous artists, ensuring their legacy in the music industry.
48. MTV Debut Concert: It is often reported that REO Speedwagon performed the first-ever live concert on MTV. While this is disputed, their concert videos were certainly staples of the channel's early programming.
49. Conceptual Video Style: The band's conceptual videos were known for their innovative style. They often featured elaborate storylines and visual effects, setting a new standard for music videos in the early days of MTV.
50. Collaborations: Over the years, REO Speedwagon has collaborated with various artists, including Pat Benatar. These collaborations have helped them reach new audiences and maintain their relevance in the music industry.

REO Speedwagon's Enduring Legacy

REO Speedwagon's journey from their formation in 1967 to becoming rock legends is nothing short of remarkable. With hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run," they've left an indelible mark on rock music. Their ability to adapt, whether through lineup changes or evolving musical styles, has kept them relevant for over five decades. The band's dedication to high-energy live performances and fan engagement has earned them a loyal following across generations. Despite the ups and downs, including Gary Richrath's departure and periods of obscurity, REO Speedwagon has always found a way to bounce back. Their influence on rock music is undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire new artists. As they keep touring and producing new material, REO Speedwagon proves that true rock legends never fade away.