By Matt Sotlar / The Jambar
Last semester, I broke the unfortunate news that Daryl Hall and John Oates were parting ways after 54 years together. While I hate to be the bearer of bad news — again — I must inform you all that after 57 years together, REO Speedwagon will be disbanding.
Speedwagon, the epitome of midwestern arena rock, was formed in Champaign, Illinois in 1967. The band featured Terry Luttrell on vocals, legendary guitarist Gary Richrath, bassist Gregg Philbin, drummer Alan Gratzer and rockin’ keyboardist Neil Doughty.
Speedwagon, still wet behind the ears, released their self-titled debut in 1971 on Epic Records. A mix of hard rock, progressive rock and boogie rock, the album contains later live staple “157 Riverside Avenue.”
Like a lead balloon, the album crashed and burned. Luttrell parted ways and was replaced by Kevin Cronin, the iconic lead vocalist for Speedwagon in 1972. Following another commercial failure with “R.E.O./T.W.O.,” Cronin decided it was time for him to fly and he left the band.
After only two years signed with Epic Records, Speedwagon was searching for a third lead vocalist. They settled on Mike Murphy, who made three albums with the group, all of which failed to gain much attention from outside Chicago.
Murphy left following the failure of the ironically titled “This Time We Mean It” in 1975.
Cronin had been ridin’ the storm out for four years, but he heard the call of the Speedwagon and returned for their 1976 album “REO.” Just to interject, this is one of my favorite albums ever. Despite my love for an album released 28 years before my birth, it failed to chart higher than 159.
Soft rock was all the rage in 1976 and 1977. The Guardian called 1976 “the worst year in rock history.” Check out the biggest hits of the year, they’re softer than butter sitting in the Arizona sun. But Speedwagon was attracted to the soft rock sound, and it would have to roll with the changes if they wanted to succeed
“You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish” — yes that’s the album’s full title — was released in 1978. With new bassist Bruce Hall, Speedwago cultivated a softer, poppier sound, and after nine years, the band finally had a Top 40 album.
“Hi Infidelity” was released in 1980, right at the peak of arena rock, alongside artists like Journey and Styx. “Keep On Lovin’ You” was Speedwagon’s first Top 10 and No. 1 hit. The band could now take it on the run with a diamond-certified album under their belt.
Despite 1984’s smash hit “Wheels Are Turnin’,” Speedwagon’s popularity began to wane. Nearly 20 years of hard work and musicianship had paid off with a second and final No. 1 hit “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” After this, the water grew rather stagnant.
Although 1987’s “Life as We Know It” charted at No. 28 on Billboard 200, Richrath and Gratzer had grown tired of riding in the Speedwagon. They both departed following the release of the album. Richrath sadly died in 2015. Thus was the end of the iconic REO Speedwagon.
Although the band is still touring, Cronin, the band’s vocalist, announced in September because of internal conflicts, Speedwagon would be separating on Jan. 1, 2025. It is in my humble opinion all flags fly half-staff in honor of REO Speedwagon, one of America’s greatest bands.
