REO Speedwagon: Heartland Arena Rock Pioneers

REO Speedwagon is an American rock band that rose from the fertile Midwest music scene to become one of the defining arena rock acts of the 1970s and 1980s. Hailing from Champaign, Illinois, the group achieved monumental commercial success with their 1980 album "Hi Infidelity," which sold over ten million copies in the United States alone and spawned several chart-topping soft rock and hard rock hits.

Early career

The band was formed in 1967 by keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, taking its unusual name from a flatbed truck, the REO Speed Wagon. After solidifying a lineup that included vocalist Kevin Cronin, guitarist Gary Richrath, and bassist Bruce Hall, REO Speedwagon built a formidable reputation through relentless touring across the American heartland. Their early albums for Epic Records, such as 1971's "REO Speedwagon" and 1974's "Lost in a Dream," showcased a grittier, guitar-driven heartland rock sound that cultivated a dedicated live following long before mainstream radio breakthrough.

Breakthrough

The band's persistence paid off dramatically with their ninth studio album, 1980's "Hi Infidelity." Released on Epic Records, the album marked a shift toward a more polished, radio-friendly blend of hard rock and soft rock balladry. It became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard 200 chart for 15 weeks and eventually earning a Diamond certification from the RIAA for over 10 million units sold, powered by a string of massively successful singles.

Key tracks

Keep On Loving You - This power ballad was the band's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, defining their softer rock direction and opening the floodgates for "Hi Infidelity's" success.

Take It on the Run - Another top-five hit from the landmark album, this track showcased the band's ability to craft catchy, guitar-centric rock anthems with widespread appeal.

Ridin' the Storm Out - A staple of their earlier, heavier live sets, this song remained a concert highlight and illustrated the hard rock roots that endeared them to their initial fanbase.

Can't Fight This Feeling - The band's second number-one single, from 1984's "Wheels Are Turnin'," became another quintessential soft rock power ballad and a permanent fixture on adult-oriented radio.

The massive success of "Hi Infidelity" cemented REO Speedwagon's status as arena rock headliners. Subsequent albums like "Good Trouble" (1982) and "Wheels Are Turnin'" (1984) continued their chart run, though the musical landscape shifted with the rise of MTV and new genres. The band weathered lineup changes, most notably the departure of guitarist and key songwriter Gary Richrath in 1989, but continued to tour extensively, leveraging their catalog of hits and maintaining a strong connection with their core audience. Their music, spanning heartland rock, AOR, and pop rock, has proven enduring, with their biggest songs becoming classic rock radio standards.

Fans of REO Speedwagon's blend of anthemic rock and heartfelt ballads often appreciate the work of similar American arena rock acts. The blue-collar storytelling of Bob Seger shares a similar heartland rock spirit. The melodic hard rock of Styx comes from the same era and touring circuit. For another act that mastered the rock power ballad, listeners might enjoy Journey. The guitar-driven rock of 38 Special also offers a comparable Southern-tinged arena rock sound.