REO Speedwagon, an American rock band hailing from Champaign, Illinois, first took the music scene by storm in the 1970s with their distinctive blend of hard rock power ballads and melodic pop rock. Founded in 1967 by keyboardist Neal Doughty and named after the flatbed truck on the logo of a classroom flip chart, REO Speedwagon hit their commercial peak in the 1980s, led by the charismatic frontman Kevin Cronin, who joined in 1972. They achieved significant success with albums like 'Hi Infidelity' in 1980, which included hit singles such as "Keep on Loving You" and "Take It on the Run."

Throughout their career, they pivoted from a tough live act known for tireless touring into radio-friendly chart-toppers. The band has undergone several lineup changes, but Cronin has remained a constant presence, wielding his distinctive voice across generations. While their popularity has waned since their heyday, REO Speedwagon retains a loyal fanbase and enjoys a legacy of influence. Their music continues to resonate with audiences today, capturing the essence of an era when rock ballads told stories and guitars ruled the airwaves. With the release of concert albums such as "Live on Soundstage (Classic Series)" and the live recording from their "Live Aid" performance, REO Speedwagon has preserved their lively stage presence and continues to be celebrated for their role in shaping classic rock music.

Genres

Album Rock

Classic Rock

Glam Metal

Hard Rock

Mellow Gold

Rock

Soft Rock

Related Artists

Journey

Foreigner

Kansas

Boston

Styx

Survivor

Cheap Trick

Night Ranger

Eagles

TOTO

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Heart

Latest Release

Live At Rockpalast 1979 (Live, Hamburg, 1979)

REO Speedwagon

Album - 15 Tracks - Released July 5, 2024