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REO Speedwagon

From Alfawiki
REO Speedwagon
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1966 in Champaign, Illinois, United States
Headquarters
Champaign
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

REO Speedwagon—initially presented as R.E.O. Speedwagon and occasionally shortened to REO—originated as a rock ensemble from Champaign, Illinois, United States.

Established in 1966, the group cultivated a dedicated audience throughout the 1970s before reaching peak commercial acclaim in the 1980s. Their most successful album, Hi Infidelity (1980), produced four singles that entered the US Top 40 charts and achieved sales exceeding 10 million copies.

Throughout their career, REO Speedwagon sold upwards of 40 million albums and attained 13 Top 40 singles, including chart-topping hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling".

Formation

During the autumn of 1966, Neal Doughty, then a junior at the University of Illinois, connected with Alan Gratzer. Doughty was known for playing Beatles tunes on his family’s piano, while Gratzer had experience as a drummer. The pair began informal jam sessions in their dormitory basement.

Gratzer had been part of a band featuring a lead singer who also played keyboards; Doughty started joining them at performances. After the spring term concluded, guitarist Joe Matt and several others decided to establish a new band with Doughty on keyboards and all members contributing vocals.

Over the summer break, they rehearsed material, during which Doughty acquired his first organ. Upon returning in fall 1967, they solidified their rehearsals and chose the name REO Speedwagon, inspired by the 1915 REO Speed Wagon truck designed by Ransom Eli Olds. They opted to spell out "R-E-O" rather than pronounce it as a single word. Their initial live appearance was at a fraternity party arranged through an advertisement in the campus newspaper. They primarily performed cover songs at university bars and events.

In early 1968, Terry Luttrell took on lead vocal duties, while Bob Crownover replaced Matt on guitar. Following bassist Mike Blair’s departure mid-1968, Gregg Philbin joined the lineup; Joe McCabe briefly played saxophone before leaving. Trumpeter Marty Shepard joined alongside another trumpeter named Steve, with Doughty also adding horn parts. However, by summer 1969, the band discontinued using horns.

Crownover exited around mid-1969 and was succeeded by Bill Fiorio (later known as Duke Tumatoe). Steve Scorfina joined for over a year until Gary Richrath replaced him in late 1970.

Richrath, a guitarist and songwriter from Peoria, traveled about 100 miles to join the group, bringing original compositions that enhanced their regional appeal. The St. Louis-based rock radio station KSHE began supporting them, helping extend their audience beyond the Midwest.

In 1971, Epic Records signed REO Speedwagon after producer Paul Leka witnessed their performance during a rainstorm in Peoria and invited them to his Connecticut studio to record original tracks for their debut album. The lineup on this first release consisted of Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, Philbin, and Luttrell.

Early years

In its formative years, REO was managed by Irving Azoff, an alumnus of the University of Illinois who later became a prominent figure in artist management within the music industry, notably managing acts such as the Eagles.

The band extensively toured throughout the Midwest utilizing minimal equipment while releasing their debut album R.E.O. Speedwagon under Epic Records in October 1971. The track "157 Riverside Avenue" emerged as a fan favorite and remains regularly featured in live performances. During the production of their first three albums, lead vocalists changed multiple times: original singer Luttrell departed in 1972 and was replaced by Kevin Cronin, who recorded R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972) but left amid internal disagreements during sessions for Ridin' the Storm Out (1973). Michael Bryan Murphy completed that album and remained with the group for two additional releases before Cronin returned in 1976 to record R.E.O..

Cronin’s comeback occurred after Greg X. Volz declined to assume lead vocal responsibilities for personal reasons.

In 1977, REO persuaded Epic Records to produce their inaugural live album titled Live: You Get What You Play For, which eventually received platinum certification. That same year marked their relocation to Los Angeles.

Also in 1977, bassist Philbin left—reportedly due to dissatisfaction with changes in the band's corporate dynamics or lifestyle concerns impacting performance—and was succeeded by Bruce Hall, another alumnus of Centennial High School. Hall contributed to You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, released in March 1978; this album became their first to enter the Top 40 chart (peaking at No. 29) and achieved double platinum status propelled by hits like "Roll with the Changes" and "Time for Me to Fly".

In July 1979, REO Speedwagon revisited hard rock with their release of Nine Lives.

Mainstream success

Epic Records unveiled Hi Infidelity on November 21, 1980, marking a transition from the band's hard rock roots towards a more pop-centric sound.[1] This album yielded four successful singles penned by Richrath and Cronin, including the number one hit "Keep On Loving You" (Cronin),[2] "Take It on the Run" (No. 5) (Richrath), "In Your Letter" (No. 20) (Richrath), and "Don't Let Him Go" (No. 24) (Cronin). It remained on the charts for 65 weeks, spending 32 weeks within the top ten and maintaining the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 for 15 weeks, with sales surpassing ten million copies.

Their subsequent release, Good Trouble in June 1982, achieved moderate success and featured tracks such as "Keep the Fire Burnin'" (U.S. No. 7), "Sweet Time" (U.S. No. 26), along with the Album Rock chart hit "The Key".

In November 1984, Wheels Are Turnin' was issued, containing the chart-topping single "Can't Fight This Feeling" and three additional hits: "I Do' Wanna Know" (U.S. No. 29), "One Lonely Night" (U.S. No. 19), and "Live Every Moment" (U.S. No. 34).[2]

Throughout 1985, REO Speedwagon embarked on an extensive tour, highlighted by a sold-out show in Madison, Wisconsin in May.[3] On July 13 of that year, they performed at the U.S. segment of Live Aid in Philadelphia, presenting "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Roll with the Changes" alongside members of the Beach Boys, their relatives, and Paul Shaffer.

The band's 1987 release, Life as We Know It, experienced a downturn in sales but delivered two top-20 singles: "That Ain't Love" (U.S. No. 16) and "In My Dreams" (U.S. No. 19).[4]

The compilation album The Hits released in 1988 included fresh tracks "I Don't Want to Lose You" and "Here with Me," which were the final recordings featuring Richrath and Gratzer. The song "Here with Me" reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured a top ten position on Adult Contemporary charts, marking their last appearance in the Top 40.

Changes in the 1990s

By the end of the 1980s, REO Speedwagon's prominence had diminished. Gratzer exited in September 1988 to pursue retirement from music and establish a restaurant business. Early in 1989, Richrath left following escalating conflicts with Cronin. During this period, Cronin performed with The Strolling Dudes, a jazz group featuring trumpet player Rick Braun—co-writer of "Here with Me"—Miles Joseph on lead guitar, and Graham Lear on drums. Lear joined REO in September 1988 as Gratzer's successor, while Joseph temporarily substituted for Richrath. The band also incorporated backup vocalists Carla Day and Melanie Jackson. This configuration only appeared once live on January 7, 1989, at Viña del Mar, Chile, where they won best group at the International Song Festival. Subsequently, Joseph and the backup singers were replaced by Dave Amato—formerly guitarist for Ted Nugent—in May 1989 and keyboardist/songwriter/producer Jesse Harms.

Released in 1990, The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, featuring Bryan Hitt from Wang Chung on drums, did not meet commercial expectations. It produced a single Billboard Hot 100 entry—the band's final one to date—titled "Love Is a Rock," which peaked at No. 65. Disheartened by its reception, Harms departed early in 1991.

After leaving REO Speedwagon, Richrath formed his own band named Richrath with former Vancouver members. They toured extensively for several years and released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 under GNP Crescendo Records before disbanding in the late '90s. Richrath made brief returns to perform with REO during encore appearances of "157 Riverside Avenue" in Los Angeles in September 1998 and May 2000; however, no formal reunion occurred.

Following their separation from Epic Records, REO issued Building the Bridge in July 1996 via Priority/Rhythm Safari. When that label folded financially, Castle Records re-released the album but faced similar fiscal difficulties. Ultimately self-funded by the band, this release failed to enter the charts; nevertheless, its title track attained a position within R&R's AC Top 30.

Resurgence of Classic Material

Following the lackluster commercial response to their newer releases, the marketing approach was revised. Epic Records began issuing re-releases of earlier albums, featuring refreshed artwork and packaging. Starting in 1995, more than a dozen compilation records were launched, including the 1999 collection The Ballads, which introduced two fresh tracks: "Just for You" (written by Cronin and Jim Peterik) and "Till The River's Run Dry" (written by Cronin).

In 2000, REO joined forces with Styx for a co-headlining tour, highlighted by a June 9 performance at St. Louis’ Riverport Amphitheater. This concert was later issued as the live video Arch Allies: Live at Riverport in September 2000. REO’s portion of the show was subsequently reissued under three separate titles—Live - Plus, Live Plus 3, and Extended Versions (all released in 2001)—with Extended Versions earning RIAA gold certification in April 2006. The band toured once more with Styx in 2003 as part of Classic Rock's Main Event, sharing the stage with Journey.

2000–2025

In April 2007, REO Speedwagon independently funded their album Find Your Own Way Home. While it did not achieve album chart status, it yielded two singles—"I Needed to Fall" and "Find Your Own Way Home"—that appeared on Billboard's Adult Contemporary radio listings.

REO Speedwagon maintained an active touring schedule, predominantly performing their well-known hits. In March 2009, they collaborated with Styx on the single "Can't Stop Rockin'" and embarked on a co-headlining tour featuring special guest .38 Special. November of that year saw the release of their holiday album Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon. On December 2, they introduced an online video game titled Find Your Own Way Home, developed by Curious Sense, which was recognized as a pioneering promotional tool within the music industry. Mid-2010 brought news of a 30th anniversary deluxe reissue of Hi Infidelity, announced while touring alongside Pat Benatar.

On June 30, 2011, REO Speedwagon headlined the M&I Classic Rock Stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest. Frontman Kevin Cronin made an appearance on Canadian reality show Star Académie on March 11, 2012, performing REO classics with finalists.

REO revealed plans on November 22, 2013, for a benefit event titled "Rock to the Rescue" alongside Styx to aid families impacted by tornadoes in central Illinois. The December 4 concert in Bloomington featured Richard Marx joining REO on stage and included a final performance of "Ridin' the Storm Out" with original guitarist Gary Richrath returning. Richrath also participated in an encore with Styx and other performers.

Early in 2014, REO Speedwagon announced a joint tour with Chicago spanning fifteen dates. Gary Richrath passed away on September 13, 2015, due to complications following surgery. The following year, REO toured with Def Leppard and Tesla. In 2016, they performed "Messin' Around" live alongside rapper Pitbull on ABC's Greatest Hits and released it as a single. That December saw them touring UK arenas with Status Quo.

The year 2017 featured a U.S. tour with Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder under the banner "United We Rock," commencing June 20. That same year, Hi Infidelity received Diamond certification for sales exceeding ten million copies in the United States. In 2018, REO and Chicago reunited for a thirty-city tour.

In March 2020, the band appeared during season three of Netflix’s Ozark, leading to four REO tracks re-entering the Billboard rock charts post-episode. Their song "Take it on the Run" had also been prominently featured in a 2018 episode of Cobra Kai.

REO Speedwagon was inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame in Joliet in 2021. By mid-2022, they were touring alongside Styx on the Live and Unzoomed Tour, supported by Loverboy.

Bassist Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022. On January 4, 2023, founding member Neal Doughty announced his retirement from live touring after five and a half decades; bassist Bruce Hall confirmed that Doughty would remain part of the band’s heritage and might appear at select events. Derek Hilland (formerly of Iron Butterfly) was named as Doughty’s substitute for touring duties.

On November 7, 2023, Bruce Hall took a temporary leave from touring to undergo back surgery; Matt Bissonette was appointed as his stand-in.

On September 16, 2024, REO Speedwagon declared they would discontinue touring effective January 1, 2025. This decision was attributed to Hall’s ongoing recovery challenges and internal disagreements between Cronin and Hall. Previous cancellations had been caused by Cronin’s emergency surgery. On December 21, Cronin confirmed that evening’s performance would be their last under the REO Speedwagon name; he plans to continue solo concerts as the Kevin Cronin Band while incorporating REO material.

Later that month it was announced that the Kevin Cronin Band—comprising Cronin, Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt, Derek Hilland, and Matt Bissonette—would co-headline the "Brotherhood of Rock Tour" alongside Styx in summer 2025 with Don Felder opening. This lineup reunites much of the ensemble from the 2017 "United We Rock Tour." The Kevin Cronin Band will perform REO Speedwagon's full Hi Infidelity album plus additional hits; Styx will present their album The Grand Illusion, while Felder will showcase solo work and Eagles classics.

On June 14, 2025, REO Speedwagon reunited for a singular hometown show in Champaign featuring Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, original drummer Alan Gratzer, early members Terry Luttrell (vocals), Steve Scorfina (guitar), Mike Murphy (vocals), and Gary Richrath’s son Eric Richrath. Kevin Cronin, Dave Amato, and Bryan Hitt were unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts.

On September 28, 2025, members of the classic lineup (excluding the late Gary Richrath) performed alongside the University of Illinois Marching Illini during the Illinois homecoming halftime show. Hall, Gratzer, and Doughty played "Ridin' the Storm Out," "Roll With The Changes," and "157 Riverside Avenue," accompanied by the marching band. This marked the first occasion since December 31, 1988 that Cronin, Hall, Doughty, and Gratzer shared a stage; however, Cronin did not provide vocals as melodies were supplied by the band itself. The group officially reunited as Grand Marshals during the homecoming parade but have yet to confirm any future reunions.

Band members

Final roster

  • Neal Doughty – keyboards
  • Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
  • Bruce Hall – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Dave Amato – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Bryan Hitt – drums and percussion

Discography

Studio albums

See also

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named The Great Rock Discography
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Larkin
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Inc.1985
  4. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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