Convinced that their real drawing power came from the shows themselves, they persuaded Epic to deploy a strategy that had worked for KISS: making a live album to convey how REO really sounded when you saw them. Producers will come in and want to make you commercial, or punk, or this or that, but it just isnt us. This may sound weird after everything else, but this tour is turning out to be our best yet, Cronin said. But what about you? The REO Motor Car Company was a company based in Lansing, Michigan, which produced automobiles and trucks from 1905 to 1975. Although he has never been one of REO Speedwagon's primary songwriters, Doughty has written or co-written several of the band's songs. Speedwagon ), or simply REO, is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Formed in 1967, the group originally included drummer and backing vocalist Alan Gratzer, guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and lead vocalist Mike Blair, and keyboardist Neal Doughty. When youre writing a song, you have no idea where that songs going to end upyou dont know whats going to happen. Moreover, is the lead singer of REO Speedwagon married? Gary Richrath, the REO Speedwagon guitarist who wrote some of the band's biggest hits, including "Take It on the Run" and "In Your Letter," died Sunday, according to a post by REO lead singer. Who are the original members of REO Speedwagon? When I rejoined, the band had moved from Champaign, Illinois to Los Angeles. For some bands, success comes overnight. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. This happens in any artistic endeavor. Gary Richrath, songwriter and lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon for decades, has died, the band announced on its Facebook page Sunday. The Ultimate Guideto Choose The Right Guitar Slide, The Ultimate Guide to Choose Guitar Picks. Usually for me, the title is the last thing that happens. When you were recording Hi Infidelity, did you and the band feel that this was your best album up to that point? It just so happens that the album came out when I was in junior high school. Their keyboard player was the leader, but the others wanted out. Hi Infidelity would receive a diamond certification for sales exceeding 10 million records. Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure byBill Fiorioand later Steve Scorfina. Most of these businesses failed and the company was bankrupt again by 1966. Cronin: I was kind of a late bloomer with the ladies. Speedwagon was released in October of 1971 and credited all five members (Doughty, Gratzer, Richrath, Philbin, and Luttrell) as the writers of all eight songs.While single "Sophisticated Lady" just missed the Hot 100, the album's second track, "157 Riverside Avenue," has remained the most popular song from . So it all kind of came true. So until their last LP, a long-overdue live set called You Get What You Play For, REO Speedwagon has carried the image of a second-rate boogie band whose most devoted fans would forget them shortly after the third-encore cheers had died away. Marty Shepard also came in as trumpet player with Joe McCabe playing the saxophone until he moved to Southern Illinois University. Dont see anything coming up in 2022 yet, but am loving their new Crash of the Crown album from just earlier this year. Roll with the Changes. In 1897 Olds founded Oldsmobile. So the band got together after the tour, and we decided we werent going to make another record until we felt we could., The bands newest album, Wheels Are Turnin, is bringing REO back to terms with its audience via two singles, a rocker called I Dowanna Know (Cronins answer to all of the unsolicited advice he received after REO hit it big) and a ballad, Cant Fight This Feeling.. guitarist Gary Richrath Could use a Which Ones Pink? [1] They then went on the United We Rock tour with Styx and Don Felder, which debuted June 20, 2017 at the Sunlight Supply Amphitheater. So that was the song that kind of got it going. But this year I think I need to start tapping into the creative side of my being, because otherwise it starts exploding (laughs) in other ways. L.A. [3], From 1915 to 1925, under Scott's direction, REO remained profitable. I think so. Cronin came back for 1976s R.E.O. Notably, these five band members have been together since 1989. The album went double-platinum and produced two signature songs, Roll with the Changes and Time for Me to Fly. Though their subsequent Nine Lives record had a harder edge, the band chose after that recordto broaden their approach to incorporate more pop layers into their rock sound. When my children were born, I didnt name my children when my wife was pregnant. Cronin: We talked about Music Manthat song has a very special place for me because it kind of got me the gig. They signed with Epic Records in 1970 and hit the big time in more ways than one. Kevin and Lisa share the story of their storybook romance and secret to their successful 24-year marriage. In the big business that is rock in its third decade, it takes a lot more than hard work to succeed. As of late, its received quite a bit of FM airplay, and the latest LP, a live two-record set, entered the Rock World record chart at 160 with a bullet, and Cashboxs at 186 with a bullet. Material on this site is provided for education, criticism, commentary, cultural reporting, entertainment, historical reference, and news reporting/analysis. By Bruce Meyer - Rushville Republican (Indiana) Nov 16, 1977 . Up until then, the songwriting was credited to the whole bandthat they all wrote the songs togetherbut I think the truth was that it was mostly Gary who would spark (the songs creation) and then the band would get together and jam and finish it. In the fall of 1967, the group returned to campus; Doughty brought with him a Farfisa electronic organ. The band began when college freshman and keyboard player Neal Doughty met drummer Alan Gratzer on his first day at the University of Illinois in the fall of 1966. In fact, he concluded, its that creative tension that makes REO Speedwagon work., AND ABOUT THAT NAME The original REO Speedwagon vehicles & other classic REO cars and trucks, By Bruce Meyer Rushville Republican (Indiana) Nov 16, 1977. So on the last day of school that year, band guitarist Joe Matt called the leader and informed him that he, Gratzer and Mike Blair chose to leave and join a new one with Doughty. They frequently team with other veteran rockers like Pat Benatar, Styx, .38 Special, and Chicago. It was actually Doughty who first followed Gratzers band, listening to them play songs. [7] Mike Murphy took over and recorded Ridin' the Storm Out, Lost in a Dream and This Time We Mean It, but was replaced by a returning Cronin in 1976. REO Speedwagon (originally styled as R.E.O. Platinum albums and radio staples soon followed, setting the stage for the release of the band's explosive Hi Infidelity which contained the . Unlike so many of the undeserving in the entertainment industry, theyre out there giving it their all. The group compiled a list of songs that summer while Doughty worked a summer job to buy his first keyboard, a Farfisa organ. Wed always been known as a strong live band. You cant take success that seriously, Cronin said. Speedwagon" written across the blackboard when he walked into the classroom. A convertible Victoria was listed at $3,195 but only one is known to have been built. We are pleased to do a new interview with Cronin, about how he wrote his classic REO songs, and his creative songwriting process. These singles were on the charts for over a year, selling over 10 million copies. Classic Rock 105.1 relates that the Speedwagon was designed as a series of light, quick delivery vehicles a sort of precursor to today's pickups. With Cant Fight This Feeling, I did not know what the name of that song was. Were happy with the sound, because we got what we wanted rather than what some producer wanted. It was the first album to feature Mike Murphy on vocals. Their popularity began to decline in the late 1980s, but they still perform at summer festivals today. [2] Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure by Bill Fiorio and later Steve Scorfina. Doughty and Gratzer were constants, but the bass and guitar slots changed frequently. The truck was, of course, the REO Speed Wagon, though the band closed Speedwagon to one word. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; In addition to its coachwork by Murray designed by their Amos Northup, the Royale also provided buyers with a 125hp (93kW) straight-eight with a nine-bearing crankshaft, one-shot lubrication, and thermostatically-controlled radiator shutters. I had written some songs before that were okaythey were passable. The resulting Nuclear Corporation of America, Inc., diversified and purchased other companies to become a conglomerate, spreading into an array of fields including prefabricated housing and steel joist manufacturing in addition to nuclear services. This was on the first day he and the rest of the band decided to look for a name. The current lineup of REO Speedwagon consists of Cronin, original member Neal Doughty (keyboards), Bruce Hall (bass), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums). At about $35, theyre affordable too. And, he added after a moments pause, I guess it sort of is. Even our (REO) song Take It On The Run which Gary Richrath wrote, Heard it from a friend, who heard it from a friend, who heard it from another youve been messin aroundwhen I heard that line that Gary wrote, I said this song is amazing. I was determined to do everything I could possibly do to get that song finished and help Gary in any way, so we could record that song, because that opening line just killed me. 2. For others, however, the wait can last for years. https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Kevin_Cronin_interview_excerpt2.mp3. If we were going to make it, a live album might be the way to do it. Today, Doughty, Cronin, and Hall remain with the band; guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt have been in since 1989. What do you think of their name? Who is famous for playing a 12-string guitar. Your email address will not be published. Boylan said yes. The first track REO recorded featuring Bruce's vocals was Back On the Road Again from 1979, which was also a successful single . The current lineup of REO Speedwagon consists of Cronin, original member Neal Doughty (keyboards), Bruce Hall (bass), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums). REO Speedwagon has recorded 16 studio albums which have sold a total of more than 40 million units. The band formed when drummer Alan Gratzer and keyboardist Neal Doughty, a couple of students at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, got together to jam after class. We saw this happening, so we took it (the album) into our own hands. I wrote Keep On Loving You, Cant Fight This Feeling and Roll With The Changes on the piano. Cronin: I cant say that we felt that. So well seethis year should be interesting. Two years later, Olds claimed that he had built the best car he could, a tourer able to seat two, four, or five, with a 3035hp (2226kW) engine, 112 inches (2,845mm) wheelbase, and 32 inches (81cm) wheels, for $1,055 (not including top, windshield, or gas tank, which were US$100 extra); self-starter was $25 on top of that. Were in tune with ourselves and I trust our taste. Before they met, Gratzer was a drummer in high school and played in a local group on the weekends while Doughty was studying the Beatles songs closely using his parents piano. But did you wonder how on earth they got their name? My biggest inspiration in music is the Beatles, and Lennon & McCartney in my mind are the great songwriting duo in the history of the world, and I owe everything that I know about being in a band, writing a songI owe it all to the Beatles. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. I could have very easily followed that fear that I had about that title and thought Oh Man, I better not call it this, because of some commercial concern. When we play those songs, you can just feel the energy in the room light up. R.E.O. We were kids from Cloud Nine. Cronin: I actually wrote that song as I was traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles, when I rejoined the band; I left the band for a couple years. Olds Motor Works soon adopted the popular name of its vehicles, Oldsmobile (which, along with Buick and Cadillac, became a founding division of General Motors Corporation). And there were some radio stations in the Midwest that were playing those songs. DK: Besides some of your big hits, what are some of your songs that are your favorites? When you feel the inspiration for a song, then you have to actually craft it. It did land a recording contract with Epic Records back in 1971, but six years and seven albums later, its still waiting for seemingly overdue popularity, on the east and west coasts. Free shipping for many products! However, with six albums under their belt, the band still believed they werent hitting their full potential with the audience. [17] Members [ edit] Current [ edit] Former [ edit] Timeline [ edit] The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! The following semester of 1967, they had their rehearsals before classes started, naming the band REO Speedwagon. A lot can go on between the band members after working together for so long, so they have to make some difficult decisions before coming and going. Band member and lead singer Kevin Cronin stressed about the announcer getting the name right. The next year, Richrath was fired. (Brandon Nagy / Shutterstock), Become a Saturday Evening Post member and enjoy unlimited access. All rights reserved. REO opted to soldier on, however, with replacement members Dave Amato (ex- Ted Nugent, guitar) and Bryan Hitt (ex- Wang Chung, drums) in tow, as their 14-track 1988 compilation The Hits proved to be a steady seller over the years. Its like a college diploma, Cronin said. Kevin Cronin - lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, piano Gary Richrath - electric guitars Bruce Hall - bass Neal Doughty - Hammond organ Alan Gratzer - drums Additional personnel Steve Forman - percussion Tom Kelly - backing vocal Richard Page - backing vocal Chart performance Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications See also amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Traveling 4,176 miles (6,720km) from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Vancouver, British Columbia, in a 1912 REO special touring car, mechanic/driver Fonce V. (Jack) Haney and journalist Thomas W. Wilby made the first trip by automobile across Canada (including one short jaunt into northeastern Washington State when the Canadian roads were virtually impassable). Can Kevin Cronin still sing? Ill have to re-check Vitellos, just a few miles from the El Portal in North Hollywood. I think the main reason that I got the gig, was that REO had released one album, and they were working on songs for their second album for Epic Records. In 1897 Olds founded Oldsmobile. Ransom E. Olds was an entrepreneur who founded multiple companies in the automobile industry. They perform about 100 dates a year. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. Kevin Patrick Cronin Jr. (born October 6, 1951) is an American singer and songwriter, who is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and pianist for the rock band REO Speedwagon. After reorganizing, only the successful steel-joist business remained; the company started producing recycled steel and eventually renamed itself Nucor. The latter I had tickets for June 2020 but had to have my $$ credited back due to the situation. Im thankful for that and proud of that as well. But now, even these more discriminating listeners are beginning to take notice of REO Speedwagon. In 1975, this company filed for bankruptcy and most of its assets were liquidated. How to Choose the Right Guitar String Gauges? Founding a long-running, successful rock band has always been a long shot. We really needed one a long time ago. Finally in 2020, the band appeared in an episode in the third season of Ozark, which was released on March 27, 2020. Currently, the group is on what Cronin considers a landmark 52-city tour. [5] During 1925, however, Scott, like many of his contemporaries/competitors, began an ambitious expansion program designed to make the company more competitive with other automobile manufacturers by offering cars in different price ranges. Unfortunately, Richrath passed away in 2015, sad news that was broken in an announcement by Cronin. After the Good Trouble tour, we needed a break, Cronin said. Then I thoughtyou know what, so be it, then thats how it has to be, because thats what this songs name is. For REO Speedwagon, 1983 and 1984 were years to recoup from the huge success of its 1980 platinum album. It was really my songs that got me the gig. Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Youre with another person, youre bouncing ideas around and I enjoy that. Copyright 2023 Saturday Evening Post Society. 1 hits Keep on Loving You and Cant Fight This Feeling., Celebrity Q&A, Featured Article, Where Are They Now, https://americanprofile.com/articles/where-are-they-now-reo-speedwagon-video/, https://americanprofile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/reo-speedwagon-150x150.jpg. lead singer of reo speedwagon. Now that you know, have fun looking around! Were a high-energy band, Cronin emphasized, but our studio recordings didnt show this, and people want consistency. Thats my titlethats what this song is about. By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitaristGary Richrathin place of Scorfina. Speedwagon through 2009's Not So Silent Night . Notably, both Cant Fight This Feeling and Keep On Loving You reached number one on Billboards Hot 100 singles chart, and became two of the most popular rock ballads of the 1980s. Formed in 1967, the band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s. Subscribe now. They perform about 100 dates a year. Because of all the traveling wed done, and the work wed been doing over the years, we all just arrived at this place where we really needed each other as brothers for mutual support. [4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. REO has been recording since 1971, but the success that sent Cronin and his band members into such a culture shock came a decade later, when Hi-Infidelity stayed on top of the pop charts for nearly six months, making REO one of the hottest groups of 1981. Cant Fight This Feeling would hit #1 in 1984. Free shipping for many products! What is the most expensive bass guitar in the world? With the tour titled Storming the U.S., tickets for the opening night show in Milwaukee sold out in two days. But with [Music Man] I thought, Hmmmthis song had structure to it, it has a nice feel to it, there were some nice rhymes in it. REO's two most memorable cars were its Reo Flying Cloud introduced in 1927[6] and the Reo Royale 8 of 1931. When you talk about (the line) I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me, the opening line from Norwegian Wood, which is arguably the greatest opening line in the history of songwriting. I used to listen to the Beatles Rubber Soul albumI know that album inside and out. Although truck orders during World War II enabled it to revive somewhat, the company remained unstable in the postwar era, resulting in a bankruptcy reorganization.
Stabbing In Halesowen Today, Articles W