REO Speedwagon: From Bars to Arenas, the Ultimate Rock and Roll Journey 🎸🚗
🎶
When you think of arena rock, power ballads, and infectious singalongs, one band that always comes to mind is REO Speedwagon. From their humble beginnings in the Midwest to dominating the 1980s charts, this band has crafted some of the most timeless rock anthems ever.
So, let’s take a Ride the Storm Out through their history, the hits, and the fun facts that make REO Speedwagon one of the most legendary bands in rock!
🏁 The Road Begins: How REO Speedwagon Started
Before they were playing to sold-out stadiums, REO Speedwagon started as a college bar band in 1967 at the University of Illinois.
🚛 What’s with the name? The band is named after the REO Speed Wagon, an early 1900s fire truck built by Ransom E. Olds (yes, the same guy behind Oldsmobile!).
🎸 The early lineup included Neal Doughty (keyboards) and Alan Gratzer (drums), but it wasn’t until Kevin Cronin (vocals/guitar) joined in 1972 that REO found its signature sound.
🚨 Fun Fact: Cronin actually left the band for a short time in the ‘70s but returned to lead them to their biggest success!
🎶 The Hits That Keep on Rollin’
REO Speedwagon had a slow climb to fame, but when they hit, they hit BIG. Let’s talk about some of their most legendary songs:
🔥 “Ridin’ the Storm Out” (1973) – A classic rock staple, especially for Midwesterners who’ve survived brutal winters!
🔥 “Roll with the Changes” (1978) – A song about embracing life’s twists and turns, with one of the most epic piano riffs in rock history.
🔥 “Keep On Loving You” (1980) – The ultimate power ballad that made them superstars.
🔥 “Take It on the Run” (1980) – “Heard it from a friend who… heard it from a friend who…”—try not to sing along!
🔥 “Can’t Fight This Feeling” (1984) – The song that made slow dances legendary and solidified REO Speedwagon as ballad kings.
📀 Their 1980 album Hi Infidelity became their biggest success, selling over 10 million copies and making them rock royalty.
🏆 The Secret to Their Longevity? They Never Stopped Rocking!
Unlike many classic rock bands that broke up or faded away, REO Speedwagon never quit.
🎤 They’ve kept touring for over 50 years, still playing to massive crowds.
🎸 They’ve appeared in everything from Supernatural to Ozark, proving their music is still relevant.
📺 Kevin Cronin guest-starred on Netflix’s Cobra Kai, proving REO Speedwagon’s music is still kicking just like Johnny and Daniel!
🤯 Fun Facts You Might Not Know!
🚗 They Played 200+ Shows a Year in the ‘70s! – Before hitting the big time, REO was one of the hardest-working bands on the road.
📼 They Were MTV Pioneers! – Their music videos helped define early MTV, making them one of the first video-era rock stars.
🎭 Kevin Cronin Turned Down a Broadway Role! – He was offered a lead role in Rock of Ages but chose to keep touring instead.
🏅 They Still Sell Out Shows! – Decades later, REO Speedwagon still packs venues, proving great music never goes out of style.
🎸 REO Speedwagon’s Legacy: More Than Just a Band
REO Speedwagon didn’t just create music—they created memories. Their songs are the soundtrack to first loves, road trips, and rock anthems that never age. Whether you’re rocking out to “Roll with the Changes” or slow dancing to “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” REO’s music is forever.
💬 What’s YOUR favorite REO Speedwagon song? Drop a comment below and let’s talk classic rock! 🚗🔥🎸
Leave a Reply