REO Speedwagon
Encyclopedia
REO Speedwagon is an American
rock
band. Formed in 1967, the band grew in popularity during the 1970s and peaked in the early 1980s. Hi Infidelity
is the group's most commercially successful album, selling over ten million copies and charting four Top 40 hits in the US. Over the course of its career, the band has sold more than forty million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits. REO Speedwagon's popularity has declined over the years but the band still tours regularly, and remains popular on the fair and casino circuits and teams up with other acts to play larger venues. In summer 2010, the band – then touring with Pat Benatar
– announced that it will release a 30th anniversary deluxe edition reissue of Hi Infidelity.
, a flatbed truck
and fire engine, manufactured by the REO Motor Car Company
. ("R.E.O." are initials of the company's founder, Ransom Eli Olds, who also founded Oldsmobile
, once a division of General Motors.)
REO Speedwagon was formed by students attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois
in the fall of 1967 to play cover songs in campus bars. The first line up consisted of Alan Gratzer on drums and vocals, Neal Doughty
on keyboards, Joe Matt on guitar and vocals, and Mike Blair on bass and vocals. In the spring of 1968, Terry Luttrell
became lead singer, and Bob Crownover and Gregg Philbin replaced Matt and Blair. Joe McCabe played sax at this time until moving to Southern Illinois University
. Crownover played guitar for the group until the summer of 1969 when Bill Fiorio replaced him. Fiorio then departed in late 1969, eventually assuming the name Duke Tumatoe
, and went on to form the All Star Frogs. Another guitarist, Steve Scorfina, came aboard briefly, and was replaced by Gary Richrath
in late 1970.
Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois
-based guitar
player and prolific songwriter
who brought original material to the band including REO's signature song "Ridin' the Storm Out". With Richrath on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. The Midwestern United States was the original REO Speedwagon fan stronghold and is pivotal in this period of the band's history.
The band signed to Epic Records
in 1971. Paul Leka
, an East Coast
record producer, brought the band to his recording studio
in Bridgeport
, Connecticut
where it recorded original material for its first album. The lineup on the first album consisted of Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, Philbin, and Luttrell.
, was released on Epic Records
in 1971. The most popular track on this record was "157 Riverside Avenue
". The title refers to the Westport, Connecticut
address, where the band stayed while recording in Leka's studio in nearby Bridgeport
and remains an in-concert favorite.
Although the rest of the band's line-up remained stable, REO Speedwagon switched lead vocalists three times for their first three albums. Luttrell left the band in early 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle
. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin
. Cronin recorded one album with the band, 1972's R.E.O./T.W.O.
but left the band during the recording sessions for 1973's Ridin' the Storm Out
because of internal conflicts. Ridin' the Storm Out was completed with Michael Bryan Murphy on lead vocal. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, Lost in a Dream
and This Time We Mean It
, before Cronin returned to the fold in January 1976 and recorded R.E.O.
, which was released that same year. Cronin's return came after Greg X. Volz
turned down the position for lead vocalist due to his commitment to Christianity.
In 1977, REO convinced Epic Records that their strength was in their live performances. Amazingly, Epic agreed to let them produce their own record, Live: You Get What You Play For
. REO Speedwagon's first live album, Live: You Get What You Play For (1977), was certified platinum
. In 1977 Philbin was replaced with Bruce Hall
to record You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish
, released in 1978, which received FM
radio airplay. The album was REO's first to make the Top 40, peaking at #29. The album sold over 2 million copies in the U.S., which led it to go 2x Platinum. In 1979 the band took a turn back to hard rock with the release of Nine Lives
.
, which represented a change in the music from hard rock
to more pop
-oriented material. Hi Infidelity spawned four hit singles written by Richrath and Cronin, including the #1 "Keep on Loving You" (Cronin), the #5 "Take It on the Run
" (Richrath), "In Your Letter" (#20) (Richrath), and "Don't Let Him Go" (#24) (Cronin), and remained on the charts for 65 weeks, 32 of which were spent in the top ten, including 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200
. Hi Infidelity
sold over 10 million copies and set the bar for rock bands across the country.
Good Trouble
(1982) and Wheels Are Turnin'
(1984) were follow-up albums which also did well commercially, the former containing the hit singles "Keep the Fire Burnin'" (U.S. #7), "Sweet Time" (U.S. #26) and the un-ranked "The Key" and the latter containing the #1 hit single "Can't Fight This Feeling
" plus three more hits: "I Do' Wanna Know" (U.S. #29), "One Lonely Night" (U.S. #19), "Live Every Moment" (U.S. #34) and the un-ranked "Break His Spell".
On July 13, 1985, the band made a stop in Philadelphia (en route to a show in Milwaukee) to play at the US Leg of Live Aid
, which broke a record for number of viewers. They performed "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Roll With the Changes", which featured members of the Beach Boys
, the REO Speedwagon band members' families, and Paul Shaffer on stage for backing vocals. 1987's Life as We Know It saw a decline in sales, but still managed to provide the band with the hits "That Ain't Love" (U.S. #16) and "In My Dreams" (U.S. #19).
, Miles Joseph on lead guitar and Graham Lear
on drums. Lear was invited to join REO to replace Gratzer and Joseph was brought in as a temporary guitarist. Back up singers Carla Day and Melanie Jackson were also added in 1989 to boost the group's vocal sound onstage. This lineup did only one show—in Viña del Mar, Chile—winning the award for best group at the city's annual International Song Festival. After that, Miles Joseph and the back up singers were dropped in favor of former Ted Nugent
guitarist Dave Amato
and songwriter/producer/keyboardist Jesse Harms (Eddie Money
, Sammy Hagar
). Gratzer moved to CA to open a restaurant then moved into the mountains. He is currently active in his community and is an advocate of the Big Brothers Big Sisters foundation.
The 1990 release The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
, with Bryan Hitt
(formerly of Wang Chung
) replacing Graham Lear on drums, Dave Amato
debuting on lead guitar, and songwriter/keyboardist Jesse Harms
, was a commercial disappointment. The album produced only one, and at this time the last, Billboard Hot 100
single, "Love Is a Rock" at #66. Harms was disillusioned and his tenure in the group ended in early 1991.
Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. After touring for several years, the Richrath band released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo
label. Richrath continued to perform for several years before disbanding in the late 1990s.
In the meantime, REO Speedwagon lost their recording contract with Epic, and ended up releasing Building the Bridge
(1996) on the Priority/Rhythm Safari label. When that label went bankrupt, the album was released on the ill-fated Castle Records
which also experienced financial troubles. REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which failed to chart.
From 1995 to the present, the label released over a dozen compilation albums featuring greatest hits, including 1999's The Ballads. In 2000, REO teamed up with Styx
for an appearance at Riverport Amphitheater in St. Louis, which was released as a live concert video Arch Allies: Live at Riverport
. The REO portion of the show was released again under three separate titles: Live - Plus (2001), Live Plus 3 (2001) and Extended Versions (2001)(which was certified Gold by the RIAA on 4/26/2006). REO once again teamed with Styx in 2003 for the Classic Rock's Main Event tour which also included Journey
. In 2008 they teamed with Styx and Def Leppard
for another major tour headlined by Def Leppard to promote its latest album.
in April 2007. Though it did not chart as an album, it produced two singles which appeared on Billboard
's Adult Contemporary
radio chart.
REO Speedwagon continues to tour regularly, performing mostly their classic hits. They are popular on the fair and casino circuits, but still team with other acts to play large venues. They teamed up with Styx
to record a new single entitled "Can't Stop Rockin'", released in March 2009, as well as for a full tour that includes special guest .38 Special.
In November 2009, REO Speedwagon released a Christmas album, Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon.
On December 2, 2009, REO Speedwagon released an online video game, Find Your Own Way Home, produced by digital design agency, Curious Sense. The game was the first "downloadable casual game
" produced with a rock band and was cited by numerous publications including the New York Times as an innovative marketing product for a music act.
REO Speedwagon headlined on the M&I Classic Rock Stage at the Milwaukee Summerfest on June 30, 2011, playing a number of their classic hits, this being Hi Infidelity's 30th anniversary, as well as some other material.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band. Formed in 1967, the band grew in popularity during the 1970s and peaked in the early 1980s. Hi Infidelity
Hi Infidelity
Hi Infidelity is the ninth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1980 . It went on to become the biggest selling rock LP of 1981, eventually selling over ten million copies. Six songs from this album hit Billboard charts, including "Keep on Loving You" which was the band's first Number 1 hit,...
is the group's most commercially successful album, selling over ten million copies and charting four Top 40 hits in the US. Over the course of its career, the band has sold more than forty million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits. REO Speedwagon's popularity has declined over the years but the band still tours regularly, and remains popular on the fair and casino circuits and teams up with other acts to play larger venues. In summer 2010, the band – then touring with Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American singer and four-time Grammy winner. She had considerable commercial success particularly in the United States...
– announced that it will release a 30th anniversary deluxe edition reissue of Hi Infidelity.
History
REO Speedwagon took its name from the REO Speed WagonREO Speed Wagon
The REO Speed Wagon was a light motor truck manufactured by REO Motor Car Company. It was an ancestor of the pickup truck....
, a flatbed truck
Flatbed truck
A flatbed truck is a type of truck which can be either articulated or rigid. As the name suggests, it has an entirely flat, level 'bed' body with no sides or roof...
and fire engine, manufactured by the REO Motor Car Company
REO Motor Car Company
The REO Motor Car Company was a Lansing, Michigan based company that produced automobiles and trucks from 1905 to 1975. At one point the company also manufactured buses on its truck platforms.REO was initiated by Ransom E. Olds during August 1904...
. ("R.E.O." are initials of the company's founder, Ransom Eli Olds, who also founded Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...
, once a division of General Motors.)
REO Speedwagon was formed by students attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of...
in the fall of 1967 to play cover songs in campus bars. The first line up consisted of Alan Gratzer on drums and vocals, Neal Doughty
Neal Doughty
Neal Doughty is an American keyboardist and the sole remaining founding member of REO Speedwagon.Doughty wrote "Sky Blues" from 1973, "One Lonely Night" from 1984 and "Variety Tonight" from 1987...
on keyboards, Joe Matt on guitar and vocals, and Mike Blair on bass and vocals. In the spring of 1968, Terry Luttrell
Terry Luttrell
Terry Luttrell is an American rock singer/musician who was the original lead vocalist for the band REO Speedwagon. He had played guitar with a local Champaign band, Terry Cook and the Majestics in the early to mid-sixties. In 1968, Terry joined REO Replacing Mike Blair on Vocals, at the...
became lead singer, and Bob Crownover and Gregg Philbin replaced Matt and Blair. Joe McCabe played sax at this time until moving to Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a state university system based in Carbondale, Illinois, in the Southern Illinois region of the state, with multiple campuses...
. Crownover played guitar for the group until the summer of 1969 when Bill Fiorio replaced him. Fiorio then departed in late 1969, eventually assuming the name Duke Tumatoe
Duke Tumatoe
Bill Fiorio , a.k.a. Duke Tumatoe, is an American blues guitarist and singer, who was an early member of the band REO Speedwagon. He has developed a presence as a blues performer and entertainer in the Midwest.-Career:...
, and went on to form the All Star Frogs. Another guitarist, Steve Scorfina, came aboard briefly, and was replaced by Gary Richrath
Gary Richrath
Gary Richrath is an American guitarist, best known as a member of the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989...
in late 1970.
Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
-based guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
player and prolific songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
who brought original material to the band including REO's signature song "Ridin' the Storm Out". With Richrath on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. The Midwestern United States was the original REO Speedwagon fan stronghold and is pivotal in this period of the band's history.
The band signed to Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
in 1971. Paul Leka
Paul Leka
Paul Leka was an American songwriter, pianist, arranger, and orchestrator, most notable for his writing associations with the 1960s hits "Green Tambourine" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", the latter of which has become a standard song at sporting events.-Life and career:Born in Bridgeport,...
, an East Coast
East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, refers to the easternmost coastal states in the United States, which touch the Atlantic Ocean and stretch up to Canada. The term includes the U.S...
record producer, brought the band to his recording studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
in Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut.Bridgeport may also refer to:-Places:In Canada:* Bridgeport, Nova ScotiaIn the United States:* Bridgeport, Alabama* Bridgeport, California, in Mono County...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
where it recorded original material for its first album. The lineup on the first album consisted of Richrath, Gratzer, Doughty, Philbin, and Luttrell.
Early years
With their equipment being hauled to dates in a friend's station wagon, REO played bars and clubs all over the Midwest. The band's debut album, REO SpeedwagonREO Speedwagon (album)
REO Speedwagon was the debut album by American rock band REO Speedwagon. Released in 1971, it was the only album recorded with singer Terry Luttrell until Kevin Cronin joined the band for R.E.O./T.W.O. The album sold well and produced the fan favorites "157 Riverside Avenue," "Sophisticated Lady"...
, was released on Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
in 1971. The most popular track on this record was "157 Riverside Avenue
157 Riverside Avenue
"157 Riverside Avenue" is a song by REO Speedwagon from their first album, REO Speedwagon, released in 1971. It was written by all five band members at the time, Terry Luttrell, Gary Richrath, Gregg Philbin, Neal Doughty, and Alan Gratzer...
". The title refers to the Westport, Connecticut
Westport, Connecticut
-Neighborhoods:* Saugatuck – around the Westport railroad station near the southwestern corner of the town – a built-up area with some restaurants, stores and offices....
address, where the band stayed while recording in Leka's studio in nearby Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut.Bridgeport may also refer to:-Places:In Canada:* Bridgeport, Nova ScotiaIn the United States:* Bridgeport, Alabama* Bridgeport, California, in Mono County...
and remains an in-concert favorite.
Although the rest of the band's line-up remained stable, REO Speedwagon switched lead vocalists three times for their first three albums. Luttrell left the band in early 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle
Starcastle
Starcastle was a progressive rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri in 1969.-Formation:Starcastle began life in 1969 as "St. James". Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album...
. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin
Kevin Cronin
Kevin Cronin is the lead vocalist/ rhythm guitarist/ occasional pianist for the American rock band, REO Speedwagon. REO Speedwagon had two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 written by Cronin, "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling" .- Early life and career :Cronin was born in Evanston,...
. Cronin recorded one album with the band, 1972's R.E.O./T.W.O.
R.E.O./T.W.O.
R.E.O./T.W.O. is the second LP released by the Illinois based rock band REO Speedwagon. Under the leadership of guitarist Gary Richrath, this album continued the musical direction set on 1971's R.E.O...
but left the band during the recording sessions for 1973's Ridin' the Storm Out
Ridin' the Storm Out
Ridin' the Storm Out is the third album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1973. It was the first album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The sessions started out with Kevin Cronin, but he left the band before the album was finished, due to creative differences. The title track would later become a hit...
because of internal conflicts. Ridin' the Storm Out was completed with Michael Bryan Murphy on lead vocal. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, Lost in a Dream
Lost in a Dream
Lost in a Dream is the fourth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1974. It was the second album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The title track was written by Murphy and future bassist Bruce Hall, who would join the band in 1978. The title track was featured on the compilation A Decade of...
and This Time We Mean It
This Time We Mean It
This Time We Mean It is the fifth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1975. It was the third and last album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The CD version of this album has been out of print for many years, but produced the single "Reelin'"...
, before Cronin returned to the fold in January 1976 and recorded R.E.O.
R.E.O.
R.E.O. is the sixth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1976. It marked the return of Kevin Cronin to the band, after a four year absence. Five of the songs were featured on the band's subsequent live album, Live: You Get What You Play For...
, which was released that same year. Cronin's return came after Greg X. Volz
Greg X. Volz
Gregory Xavier Volz is a Christian singer. He is most noted for being the former lead singer of Christian rock band Petra from 1979 to 1985 and is currently the lead vocalist of the reunited lineup.-Biography:...
turned down the position for lead vocalist due to his commitment to Christianity.
In 1977, REO convinced Epic Records that their strength was in their live performances. Amazingly, Epic agreed to let them produce their own record, Live: You Get What You Play For
Live: You Get What You Play For
Live: You Get What You Play For is a live album by rock band REO Speedwagon, which was released as a double-LP in 1977...
. REO Speedwagon's first live album, Live: You Get What You Play For (1977), was certified platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
. In 1977 Philbin was replaced with Bruce Hall
Bruce Hall (musician)
Bruce Hall is the current bass guitarist for the rock and roll band REO Speedwagon. He joined the band in 1977, making an appearance on the album, You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish released the following year...
to record You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish
You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish
You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, REO Speedwagon's seventh studio album, was the first to be co-produced by lead singer Kevin Cronin and lead guitarist Gary Richrath. The album was REO's first to make the Top 40, peaking at #29. The album sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. which led...
, released in 1978, which received FM
FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
radio airplay. The album was REO's first to make the Top 40, peaking at #29. The album sold over 2 million copies in the U.S., which led it to go 2x Platinum. In 1979 the band took a turn back to hard rock with the release of Nine Lives
Nine Lives (REO Speedwagon album)
Nine Lives is the eighth studio album by REO Speedwagon. The title Nine Lives was chosen because the album was the band's ninth, including their live album, and it also featured nine songs. It was the last REO album to prominently feature a more hard rock sound...
.
Mainstream success
The stage was now set for the band's most popular era. In the fall of 1980, REO Speedwagon released Hi InfidelityHi Infidelity
Hi Infidelity is the ninth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1980 . It went on to become the biggest selling rock LP of 1981, eventually selling over ten million copies. Six songs from this album hit Billboard charts, including "Keep on Loving You" which was the band's first Number 1 hit,...
, which represented a change in the music from hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
to more pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
-oriented material. Hi Infidelity spawned four hit singles written by Richrath and Cronin, including the #1 "Keep on Loving You" (Cronin), the #5 "Take It on the Run
Take It On the Run
"Take It on the Run" is the fifth track on the REO Speedwagon album Hi Infidelity. It was released as a single in 1981 and reached #5 on the Billboard charts. The song was written by guitarist Gary Richrath. "Take It on the Run" was the follow-up single behind the group’s #1 hit, “Keep on Loving You”...
" (Richrath), "In Your Letter" (#20) (Richrath), and "Don't Let Him Go" (#24) (Cronin), and remained on the charts for 65 weeks, 32 of which were spent in the top ten, including 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. Hi Infidelity
Hi Infidelity
Hi Infidelity is the ninth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1980 . It went on to become the biggest selling rock LP of 1981, eventually selling over ten million copies. Six songs from this album hit Billboard charts, including "Keep on Loving You" which was the band's first Number 1 hit,...
sold over 10 million copies and set the bar for rock bands across the country.
Good Trouble
Good Trouble
Good Trouble is the tenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1982 as a follow up to Hi Infidelity. It was the second best selling album in the band's history, peaking at #7 on the Billboard charts. None of the songs from this album have been performed by the band in concert since 1983...
(1982) and Wheels Are Turnin'
Wheels Are Turnin'
Wheels Are Turnin' is the eleventh studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1984 . It features "Can't Fight This Feeling," which was REO's second and longest-running #1 single. The LP version contained a cut-out stroboscope...
(1984) were follow-up albums which also did well commercially, the former containing the hit singles "Keep the Fire Burnin'" (U.S. #7), "Sweet Time" (U.S. #26) and the un-ranked "The Key" and the latter containing the #1 hit single "Can't Fight This Feeling
Can't Fight This Feeling
"Can't Fight This Feeling" is a number-one power ballad from REO Speedwagon about a man falling in love with a girl with whom he has been friends for a long time....
" plus three more hits: "I Do' Wanna Know" (U.S. #29), "One Lonely Night" (U.S. #19), "Live Every Moment" (U.S. #34) and the un-ranked "Break His Spell".
On July 13, 1985, the band made a stop in Philadelphia (en route to a show in Milwaukee) to play at the US Leg of Live Aid
Live Aid
Live Aid was a dual-venue concert that was held on 13 July 1985. The event was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, United Kingdom ...
, which broke a record for number of viewers. They performed "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Roll With the Changes", which featured members of the Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
, the REO Speedwagon band members' families, and Paul Shaffer on stage for backing vocals. 1987's Life as We Know It saw a decline in sales, but still managed to provide the band with the hits "That Ain't Love" (U.S. #16) and "In My Dreams" (U.S. #19).
Declining popularity
By the end of the 1980s, the band's popularity was waning. In September 1988, Gratzer retired and in early 1989, Richrath was asked to leave over disagreements with Cronin regarding musical direction. Cronin had been playing in a jazz ensemble called "The Strolling Dudes" with jazz trumpet player Rick BraunRick Braun
Rick Braun is a smooth jazz trumpet player.Before embarking on a solo career, Braun got his start by playing in several bands, including guitarist Jeff Golub's Avenue Blue...
, Miles Joseph on lead guitar and Graham Lear
Graham Lear
Graham Lear is a Canadian drummer. He was born in the United Kingdom on July 24, 1949. In 1952 his family moved to London, Ontario . He began his professional career at the age of 13 with the London Symphony Orchestra. During his teenage years he practiced, played and toured with several bands in...
on drums. Lear was invited to join REO to replace Gratzer and Joseph was brought in as a temporary guitarist. Back up singers Carla Day and Melanie Jackson were also added in 1989 to boost the group's vocal sound onstage. This lineup did only one show—in Viña del Mar, Chile—winning the award for best group at the city's annual International Song Festival. After that, Miles Joseph and the back up singers were dropped in favor of former Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent
Theodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
guitarist Dave Amato
Dave Amato
Dave Amato is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band REO Speedwagon.He was born and raised near Framingham, Massachusetts...
and songwriter/producer/keyboardist Jesse Harms (Eddie Money
Eddie Money
Eddie Money is an American rock guitarist, saxophonist and singer-songwriter who found success in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of Top 40 hits and platinum albums...
, Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar
Sam Roy "Sammy" Hagar , also known as The Red Rocker, is an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Also sings Country Music....
). Gratzer moved to CA to open a restaurant then moved into the mountains. He is currently active in his community and is an advocate of the Big Brothers Big Sisters foundation.
The 1990 release The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is the thirteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, and was released in 1990. To date, it's the last REO album to chart, peaking at #129 on the Billboard 200...
, with Bryan Hitt
Bryan Hitt
Bryan Keith Hitt is the drummer for the rock band REO Speedwagon.Prior to his involvement with REO Speedwagon, Hitt played with Cher, Graham Nash, and The Spencer Davis Group. He also recorded with Nick Gilder, Gary Busey and Wang Chung.He joined the band's line up in 1990 for the release of album...
(formerly of Wang Chung
Wang Chung (band)
Wang Chung are an English New Wave musical group.The group found their greatest success in America, with five Top 40 hits in the US, all charting between 1983 and 1987, including "Dance Hall Days" , "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" and "Let's Go!" .-Pre-history: The Intellektuals and 57 Men :Jeremy...
) replacing Graham Lear on drums, Dave Amato
Dave Amato
Dave Amato is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band REO Speedwagon.He was born and raised near Framingham, Massachusetts...
debuting on lead guitar, and songwriter/keyboardist Jesse Harms
Jesse Harms
Jesse Harms is a session keyboard player and songwriter who was a member of Sammy Hagar's backing band from 1984 to 1987 , and from 1997–2003 as a member of Hagar's band, The Waboritas...
, was a commercial disappointment. The album produced only one, and at this time the last, Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
single, "Love Is a Rock" at #66. Harms was disillusioned and his tenure in the group ended in early 1991.
Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. After touring for several years, the Richrath band released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo
GNP Crescendo Record Co.
GNP Crescendo Record Co. is an American record label based in Hollywood, California. Its catalog primarily consists of jazz records, as well as motion picture and television soundtracks and film scores, mostly in science fiction, fantasy and horror....
label. Richrath continued to perform for several years before disbanding in the late 1990s.
In the meantime, REO Speedwagon lost their recording contract with Epic, and ended up releasing Building the Bridge
Building the Bridge
Building the Bridge is a 1996 album by REO Speedwagon. The album, which features mostly Adult Contemporary-flavored ballads, received mixed reviews from fans and is generally regarded as REO's weakest effort...
(1996) on the Priority/Rhythm Safari label. When that label went bankrupt, the album was released on the ill-fated Castle Records
Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
which also experienced financial troubles. REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which failed to chart.
Revival of the hits
The commercial failure of the band's newer material with its revised lineup demanded a change in marketing strategy. As a consequence, Epic began re-releasing recordings from older albums with updated artwork and design.From 1995 to the present, the label released over a dozen compilation albums featuring greatest hits, including 1999's The Ballads. In 2000, REO teamed up with Styx
Styx (band)
Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
for an appearance at Riverport Amphitheater in St. Louis, which was released as a live concert video Arch Allies: Live at Riverport
Arch Allies: Live at Riverport
Arch Allies is a live album recorded by REO Speedwagon and Styx at Riverport Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis....
. The REO portion of the show was released again under three separate titles: Live - Plus (2001), Live Plus 3 (2001) and Extended Versions (2001)(which was certified Gold by the RIAA on 4/26/2006). REO once again teamed with Styx in 2003 for the Classic Rock's Main Event tour which also included Journey
Journey (band)
Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
. In 2008 they teamed with Styx and Def Leppard
Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Since 1992, the band have consisted of Joe Elliott , Rick Savage , Rick Allen , Phil Collen , and Vivian Campbell...
for another major tour headlined by Def Leppard to promote its latest album.
Current
The band released a self-financed album entitled Find Your Own Way HomeFind Your Own Way Home
Find Your Own Way Home is the fifteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon. It was released in 2007, eleven years after the band's previous studio album, Building the Bridge. The album found the band returning to its trademark hard rock sound after the soft ballads of Bridge...
in April 2007. Though it did not chart as an album, it produced two singles which appeared on Billboard
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
's Adult Contemporary
Adult contemporary music
Adult contemporary music is a broad style of popular music that ranges from lush 1950s and 1960s vocal music to predominantly ballad-heavy music with varying degrees of rock influence, as well as a radio format that plays such music....
radio chart.
REO Speedwagon continues to tour regularly, performing mostly their classic hits. They are popular on the fair and casino circuits, but still team with other acts to play large venues. They teamed up with Styx
Styx (band)
Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
to record a new single entitled "Can't Stop Rockin'", released in March 2009, as well as for a full tour that includes special guest .38 Special.
In November 2009, REO Speedwagon released a Christmas album, Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon.
On December 2, 2009, REO Speedwagon released an online video game, Find Your Own Way Home, produced by digital design agency, Curious Sense. The game was the first "downloadable casual game
Casual game
A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games...
" produced with a rock band and was cited by numerous publications including the New York Times as an innovative marketing product for a music act.
REO Speedwagon headlined on the M&I Classic Rock Stage at the Milwaukee Summerfest on June 30, 2011, playing a number of their classic hits, this being Hi Infidelity's 30th anniversary, as well as some other material.
Current members
- Neal DoughtyNeal DoughtyNeal Doughty is an American keyboardist and the sole remaining founding member of REO Speedwagon.Doughty wrote "Sky Blues" from 1973, "One Lonely Night" from 1984 and "Variety Tonight" from 1987...
- Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Synthesizers (1967–present) - Kevin CroninKevin CroninKevin Cronin is the lead vocalist/ rhythm guitarist/ occasional pianist for the American rock band, REO Speedwagon. REO Speedwagon had two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 written by Cronin, "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling" .- Early life and career :Cronin was born in Evanston,...
- Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Piano (1972–1973, 1976–present) - Bruce HallBruce Hall (musician)Bruce Hall is the current bass guitarist for the rock and roll band REO Speedwagon. He joined the band in 1977, making an appearance on the album, You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish released the following year...
- Bass Guitar, Vocals (1977–present) - Dave AmatoDave AmatoDave Amato is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band REO Speedwagon.He was born and raised near Framingham, Massachusetts...
- Lead Guitar, Banjo, Dobro, Backing Vocals, 12 String Guitar (1989–present) - Bryan HittBryan HittBryan Keith Hitt is the drummer for the rock band REO Speedwagon.Prior to his involvement with REO Speedwagon, Hitt played with Cher, Graham Nash, and The Spencer Davis Group. He also recorded with Nick Gilder, Gary Busey and Wang Chung.He joined the band's line up in 1990 for the release of album...
- Drums, Percussions (1990–present)
Former members
- Alan Gratzer - Drums, Percussions, Backing Vocals (1967–1988)
- Mike Blair - Bass Guitar, Vocals (1967–1968)
- Joe Matt - Lead Guitar, Vocals (1967–1968)
- Gregg Philbin - Bass Guitar (1968–1977)
- Terry LuttrellTerry LuttrellTerry Luttrell is an American rock singer/musician who was the original lead vocalist for the band REO Speedwagon. He had played guitar with a local Champaign band, Terry Cook and the Majestics in the early to mid-sixties. In 1968, Terry joined REO Replacing Mike Blair on Vocals, at the...
- Lead Vocals (1968–1972) - Bob Crownover - Lead Guitar (1968–1969)
- Joe McCabe - Saxophone (1968)
- Marty Shepard - Trumpet (1968)
- Bill Fiorio (aka) Duke TumatoeDuke TumatoeBill Fiorio , a.k.a. Duke Tumatoe, is an American blues guitarist and singer, who was an early member of the band REO Speedwagon. He has developed a presence as a blues performer and entertainer in the Midwest.-Career:...
- Lead Guitar (1969) - Steve Scorfina - Lead Guitar (1969–1970)
- Gary RichrathGary RichrathGary Richrath is an American guitarist, best known as a member of the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989...
- Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Slide Guitar, Acoustic & Classical Guitar (1970–1989) - Mike Murphy - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (1973–1976)
- Graham LearGraham LearGraham Lear is a Canadian drummer. He was born in the United Kingdom on July 24, 1949. In 1952 his family moved to London, Ontario . He began his professional career at the age of 13 with the London Symphony Orchestra. During his teenage years he practiced, played and toured with several bands in...
- Drums, Percussions (1988–1990) - Miles Joseph - Lead Guitar (1989)
- Carla Day - backing vocals (1989)
- Melanie Jackson - backing vocals (1989)
- Jesse HarmsJesse HarmsJesse Harms is a session keyboard player and songwriter who was a member of Sammy Hagar's backing band from 1984 to 1987 , and from 1997–2003 as a member of Hagar's band, The Waboritas...
- Keyboards, Backing Vocals (1989–1991)
Discography
- REO SpeedwagonREO Speedwagon (album)REO Speedwagon was the debut album by American rock band REO Speedwagon. Released in 1971, it was the only album recorded with singer Terry Luttrell until Kevin Cronin joined the band for R.E.O./T.W.O. The album sold well and produced the fan favorites "157 Riverside Avenue," "Sophisticated Lady"...
(1971) - R.E.O./T.W.O.R.E.O./T.W.O.R.E.O./T.W.O. is the second LP released by the Illinois based rock band REO Speedwagon. Under the leadership of guitarist Gary Richrath, this album continued the musical direction set on 1971's R.E.O...
(1972) - Ridin' the Storm OutRidin' the Storm OutRidin' the Storm Out is the third album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1973. It was the first album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The sessions started out with Kevin Cronin, but he left the band before the album was finished, due to creative differences. The title track would later become a hit...
(1973) - Lost in a DreamLost in a DreamLost in a Dream is the fourth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1974. It was the second album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The title track was written by Murphy and future bassist Bruce Hall, who would join the band in 1978. The title track was featured on the compilation A Decade of...
(1974) - This Time We Mean ItThis Time We Mean ItThis Time We Mean It is the fifth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1975. It was the third and last album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. The CD version of this album has been out of print for many years, but produced the single "Reelin'"...
(1975) - R.E.O.R.E.O.R.E.O. is the sixth album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1976. It marked the return of Kevin Cronin to the band, after a four year absence. Five of the songs were featured on the band's subsequent live album, Live: You Get What You Play For...
(1976) - Live: You Get What You Play ForLive: You Get What You Play ForLive: You Get What You Play For is a live album by rock band REO Speedwagon, which was released as a double-LP in 1977...
(1977) - You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna FishYou Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna FishYou Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, REO Speedwagon's seventh studio album, was the first to be co-produced by lead singer Kevin Cronin and lead guitarist Gary Richrath. The album was REO's first to make the Top 40, peaking at #29. The album sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. which led...
(1978) - Nine LivesNine Lives (REO Speedwagon album)Nine Lives is the eighth studio album by REO Speedwagon. The title Nine Lives was chosen because the album was the band's ninth, including their live album, and it also featured nine songs. It was the last REO album to prominently feature a more hard rock sound...
(1979) - Hi InfidelityHi InfidelityHi Infidelity is the ninth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1980 . It went on to become the biggest selling rock LP of 1981, eventually selling over ten million copies. Six songs from this album hit Billboard charts, including "Keep on Loving You" which was the band's first Number 1 hit,...
(1980) - Good TroubleGood TroubleGood Trouble is the tenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1982 as a follow up to Hi Infidelity. It was the second best selling album in the band's history, peaking at #7 on the Billboard charts. None of the songs from this album have been performed by the band in concert since 1983...
(1982) - Wheels Are Turnin'Wheels Are Turnin'Wheels Are Turnin' is the eleventh studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1984 . It features "Can't Fight This Feeling," which was REO's second and longest-running #1 single. The LP version contained a cut-out stroboscope...
(1984) - Life as We Know ItLife as We Know It (album)Life as We Know It is the twelfth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1987 . It features "That Ain't Love" and "In My Dreams," both of which were Top 20 hits; "Variety Tonight", which reached #60 on the Hot 100; and "One Too Many Girlfriends", which showcased the ongoing friction between...
(1987) - The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a ChickenThe Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a ChickenThe Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is the thirteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, and was released in 1990. To date, it's the last REO album to chart, peaking at #129 on the Billboard 200...
(1990) - Building the BridgeBuilding the BridgeBuilding the Bridge is a 1996 album by REO Speedwagon. The album, which features mostly Adult Contemporary-flavored ballads, received mixed reviews from fans and is generally regarded as REO's weakest effort...
(1996) - Find Your Own Way HomeFind Your Own Way HomeFind Your Own Way Home is the fifteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon. It was released in 2007, eleven years after the band's previous studio album, Building the Bridge. The album found the band returning to its trademark hard rock sound after the soft ballads of Bridge...
(2007)