(editor’s note – no ex post facto proof for the Rockets)

REO Speedwagon Draws Big Crowd

by Patrick Hussey and Michael Italia, Rutland Daily Herald, September 2, 1981

As the lights dimmed Sunday, the largest crowd ever to attend the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer (31,400) erupted into a frenzy that lingered through the first two songs.

Upon opening with their hit single. “Don’t Let Him Go,” REO Speedwagon captivated its audience with pulsating energy that grew in intensity.

From that point, REO proved why they are the hottest “new” band on the charts today.

While they may be “new” to the ears of many listeners, REO has actually been playing for over a decade and has produced a number of albums. The group has its own following in the Midwest, where it originated. The release of the album “Hi inFidelity” has vaulted them to national fame.

The album has been the longest-running Number 1 LP of the year, producing such hits as “Don’t Let Him Go,” “Take It on the Run,” “Keep on Loving You,” “Follow My Heart,” “In Your Letter,” and “Tough Guys.”

The music of REO, which reflects their Midwestern influences, comprises catchy, uptempo, pop rockers and ballads infused with a great deal of energy.

The two key writers are Gary Richrath and Kevin Cronin. Richrath, the lead guitarist, is one of the original founding members. He is known, with his influences from guitarists Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, as one of the fastest pickers around.

He blends country picking, blues bends, and searing rock phrasing on single- and double-string lead lines on his highly amplified vintage Gibson Les Paul.

Kevin Cronin, the band’s catalyst on vocals, keyboards, and rhythm guitar, is also an original member who quit the band in the middle ’70s, only to rejoin the group in the late ’70s. His powerful, wide-ranging, clean vocals and drive have been a major factor in the band’s success.

Another longtime member is Neal Doughty, master of the keyboards, Hammond organ and synthesizer. Alan Gratzer is on drums, and Bruce Hall is on bass.

When the lights came up, there appeared lead singer Kevin Cronin, center stage, glowing from the aura of his white satin suit. The electricity of his distinguishable, snipping voice emulated in a tone that was as clear as the album from which it originated.

With his references to the band’s early / struggles while performing in clubs around Champaign, Ill., Cronin quickly establishes a oneness with his audience. “Follow your dreams and most of all keep believing in yourself,” suggests Cronin as the band bursts into “Keep Pushing,” then onto “Only the Strong Survive.”

It’s Cronin’s storytelling preluding each song, describing how the tune developed, that brings the audience to a closer understanding of each ballad. He continues this trend with “Take It on the Run,” a story of how secrets, which are not supposed to be revealed in the first place, leak out and return all misconstrued.

Again, the story of a near plane crash in West Virginia prompted the band’s instrumental, “Flying Turkey.” Richrath’s talents are featured in this song as he goes into a lingering solo. Cronin later emphasizes how the band’s partying characteristics formed the song “Riding the Storm Out,” a story of being trapped in a snowstorm during the winter of 1973 in the Colorado Rockies.

The Post-Star, August 29, 1981

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