As an old friend of Gary, I watched him, & REO for that matter, go from being a Midwest bar band, to a premier headliner. Gary's phrasing & tonal choices still stand up, as sounding like...Gary....
I saw REO in the early 80s at the Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. When Gary would do a solo during the songs, it’s one of the few times that I can recall hearing the crowd erupt and cheer so loudly that you could hear the cheers over the band. It was special. Kevin and the rest were great, but it felt like Gary was the heart and soul. A great memory!
I have not spoken with Bruce Hall for ages, but will try to connect up with him soon. I was surprised to see "REO Speedwagon" at the Milwaukee Summer Fest on July 4th, & saw a spare parts hired bassist. My response was definitely "the Kevin Cronin Band," not REO.
REO became a tribute band in 1989. Gary was the one to make Kevin’s sappy ballads famous. I believe Gary created the power ballad and he did so because he wanted to play guitar like the rock god he was.
Gary mentioned to us back around '88 or maybe '89, at latest, that he was going to quit the band, because he was sick of playing ballads, when he intended REO Speedwagon to be a Rock band. I was surprised when I found out in a backstage conversation with one of the original band members that "Gary was fired!" Gary & I kept in touch for years, including after he had the Gary Richrath Band, which I thought was a huge & unnecessary mistake.
In my opinion, for most of us, REO was pretty much non-existent until the release of their 1978 album "You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish". Roll with the Changes, Time for Me to Fly and Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight. Then they were getting some radio airplay outside of their area. The band formula that made this happen is Gary, Neal, Alan, Bruce and Kevin. It was the addition of Kevin that propelled them to the biggest band in the land with the 1980 release of "Hi Infidelity. But it was a group effort.
The band was getting noticeably bigger & better when Gary brought his old buddy, Mike Murphy into the band. Murphy was actually a great fit, & I saw that lineup several times...always solid! Last time that I saw Mike Murphy touring, it was ages ago with Joe Walsh's band, as Joe's rhythm guitarist & keyboardist. I was briefly in the middle of after show issues in Des Moines. It turned out that Gary had been thinking seriously about bringing Kevin back into the band. Like many touring / recording bands, sometimes personnel changes improve the band, sometimes, not, but the bands usually have to go through the 1000s of shows to get to their pinnacle....
@@budman0705 my opinion nine lives was better but I don’t care for them damn ballads they were not none for ballads till Hi Infidelity. They were pure classic rock till then
@thestevechampagneradioshow7294 my guy ...im sorry for not knowing, but do you have like a scheduled show i can listen too... love seeing ppl like you that also have amazing pipes ...plz let me know if you have time to respond
Kevin is a toolbox... Eric is all class and good for him telling the truth. I was one of those huge fans that followed them from 73-76 around Missouri and Illinois when they were a regional band. But they ROCKED. Gary was so phenomenal. When KC came they little by little wimped out. The concerts slowly were less and less rockin. Saw them around 50 times, but all of them when Gary was in. After he was "let go" I never went to another REO show...
Show Kevin NO mercy, for what he has done. He has done more bad than good, I can go on all day if you like. I met Gary back in late 80's, we talked, I'm not going into great detail, Before I left he gave me a kiss and said "I'll see ya" RIP GARY 💖💋
Kevin Cronin was my first guitar teacher when I started at age 5. Met him thru Rossi Music and we live a few blocks away. I was actually contacted by Kevin wanting me to be "pulled from audience" as his first student. He asked how much I still played, well every day for 50 years, Went to studio, did an REO track and it was sent to management. It Quickly turned to 1 appearence, then wanting to talk about back up and if all went well Kevin would want me to be full time next year. I said I was not interested in touring full time and a 1 time on stage, unpaid was great. The we contacting me daily, about to fly to Texas to sit in some rehersals and it was cancelled because of Train singers voice... a week later Kevin left message saying everything is going to be on hold until he can arrange what he wants.... Then I get message from Management say they are no longer working on an offer for me ( Not like I would ever tour anyway.. im 56, retired with no debt, 2 houses and grandchildren who I have a blast with),,,, Then I hear tour cancelled. I think Kevin was just wanting new people he controlled. I would never be a part of that.. Most I wanted was a 1 off song on stage...oh well.. they are older than me and I too old to be running around the country like that.. it is not a fun life,
I knew Bruce and Gary. Bruce and Gary were my friends. I was a co founder of the Champaign IL group Feathertrain where both Bruce and Gary got their start in the Champaign music scene that gave birth to REO Speedwagon. I was present at the first meetings with both of them where we interviewed them followed by try outs. Gary was my replacement on lead guitar when I decided to quit to focus on my pre law studies. Bruce was our bass player and back up vocalist throughout my tenure with the group. (MIke Murphy was also in the group later on). I have written about the details of those encounters previously. I agree that this was not warranted and fully agree with Gary's son on on this.
Actually, Kevin did sing the original version of Riding the Storm out. But, he left the band before the release of that Album. Mike Murphy then joined the band and they rerecorded all the songs with Murphys vocals on the album.
The word you did not use was SYNERGY. That phenomenon struck with Kevin and Gary as band members. Thank God, we are all better for it. In our lives we all need to”Turn Some Pages”!!!’
Gary was my biggest influence as a guitar player and feel the band lost their drive when he was no longer with them. I totally agree with Gary’s son he is spot on with his comments
No, I’m not really surprised that Gary‘s son came in and said what he did however, I am disappointed with Kevin because I’ve been a fan since 1973 since he joined the band… I was supposed to see them on September 11 in Phoenix and they bowed out because apparently Kevin got hurt and then the next day I find out they’re breaking up, so it’s really really disappointing for us longtime fansfor them to go out like this what are your thoughts?
Let me tell you something, I dated Kevin’s sister in 1990. She took me to Kevin’s wedding in Racine, WI. Kevin is such a control freak, that he accused me dating his sister just to get info on the band, so I can sell it. He even called my home demanding any pictures I may have took at the wedding. I told him that it’s 1991, nobody gives a shit about REO anymore. He then sent his sister and some muscle to retrieve anything I might have. I had nothing. His sister apologized to me but I had had enough. We broke up. That guy is a real piece of work.
It's crazy that your handle is Champaign. REO Speedwagon is from Rantoul Illinois, about 16 miles from Champaign. I'm going to say it's about time some of these bands retired. Some of them will be on walkers playing concerts.
My concern about REO SPEEDWAGON is ,has.but ... im 60years old and rocked to this band and probably seen them 4-5 times live in concert and watch there concerts on U TUBE ... Hey all the band members are gone but kevin !!!!This america and im proud this band keeps pushin on ..... We dont get younger only in our hearts ,,, good day and ride the the storm out .... Hope Bruce and Kevin can work something out ,,,, REO back on the road again ..
Wow alot of Kevin Cronin bashing. I met him a couple of times, down to earth, real nice guy and approchable. The talented voice is what carries most bands, and Kevin had it. No Brad Delp for Boston, no Boston. Rip Brad
Maybe since KC has been carrying the torch for REO for years, he had grown tired of sharing the touring profits with other REO investee non-touring members. Just a thought.
I really love and enjoy what Kevin Cronin has done,, I appreciate what everyone has done with the band I enjoy seeing them live.. They're not here to make more music. New music they're here to put A show on.. No different then Lynyrd Skynyrd FROM TOM..
Gary is a great guitar player for all the years he was with them. You can't hear one of those songs on the radio today without his guitar playing and not knowing it's REO. You also can't not know it's a REO song without hearing Kevin's voice also. He is the only original member left in REO so I feel it should be up to him if he wants to bring the band to a close. Alan and Gary left towards the end of the eighties. Neal left a while back and now Bruce. I know it sad to hear the news especially to all of life long fans who want the train to keep going but we know all good things have to come to an end and this sounds like this is one of them. I have been a fan since HI INFEDELITY first came out so they was a big part of my young kid days teenage days and my adult life. The show is over but we still have the music to listen to and all the good and bad memories that go along with it. To Allen Bruce Gary Kevin Neil Bryan and Dave Thank You guys for the music a nd memories you gave us all.
It's just sad all around. Eric most definitely has the right to express his feelings over this and he did it for Bruce and his family not for his own gain. I applaud him for that. Kevin did not have to treat Bruce the way he did, plain and simple. If he wanted to go out on his own, I'm sure everyone would have understood. It's just the way he did it. Like Eric says, it didn't have to end this way especially for the fans who would have loved a different approach to end it. Kc will indeed have his following and I wish him well. I will not be one of them and I have been a fan of almost 50 years. I have always loved the songs and the live shows I've attended over the years were always great. For a man who can write such uplifting, postive songs, it's a shame he acts the way he does when he doesn't get his way. And even sadder that he treats a man he claimed was like a brother as if he no longer mattered. 😢
I've got stop you there, video paused. I want to say a couple things here, and I'm not alone, because there are 10's of thousands, and probably more all over the world. Gary Richrath is, Reo Sppedwagon, PERIOD..DOT, ! . PERIOD. I started listening to Reo when I was 13 yrs old, 6 mo. later my best friend and I slept outside a Record Store for 2 days for tickets for the April 1981 show. We were 10th in line, and got 8th row. The show sold out in 12 minutes. Second a second show was added and that sold out in 20mn. Keep in mind there were no internet, phone, or tablets, you had to earn front row area tickets. Any we get there and they tell us they were filming to make a Concert Movie for MTV, the first one for MTV. This was the show in my hometown, Denver, Colorado. So there I was 8fh down right in front of Gary, and I was awe struck with chills up and down the back of my neck from his fade in w feedba k for "Dont LET him Go" to the end of the show. I fell in love with the Gibson Les Paul's, and Gary's amazing playing. Gary was the most under rated player ever. But to the point here, Gary, Alan, and Neil were on track to break out regardless of Kevin Cronin who I think is an average rock n roll singer at best, if had to there were some dudes out there at the time that Gary and Alan could have tried out. Reo Speedwagon was made, and still stands on Gary's guitar playing, song writing, and song arrangements, which he was teaching to Kevin Cronin. The would of hit big anyway, so stop that bs. Reo Speedwagon ended the day Gary left the band. Kevin then saw his opportunity to steal full control of what was left. If that's my band, and Gary was having some problems my ass would have been over at his house sitting w him, getting him some medical and rehab, and id be visiting him, doing what friends and band mates do, what humans do when you say "he was my brother" I don't know all the legalities of who owns what at this point, I'm sure there's ownership things wit Neal and Alan, and Bruce for royalties, streaming, and $$ for song usage and I'm sure Gary had some kind of ownership, hopefully that's been passed to his sons. I fully support Bruce's. Daughter and she's pissed, rightly so, and of course Gary's sons and their feelings about all of this. But please, STOP all the poor Kevin gobity gook. 👎🏻
Laugh if you want, or puke, but we'll be seeing Cronin doin REO on his own. The band wasn't as famous before Cronin, but the tunes were every bit as good; and no whining ballads
I met Gary's son in the 90's, he was selling windows door to door and handed me a card. When I saw the name, I asked if he was related. I don't know why he hates Kevin, as Kevin was always a big supporter of Gary and stated he wanted Gary back in the band and could return any time he wanted to.. Gary left the band because he said the lifestyle was going to kill him. Gary was one of the best guitarist ever. I saw them live at least a dozen times. I took my 16 year old daughter to see them and Styxx in 98 and she was thrilled. Keven threw her several of his picks as we sat 10 feet away. My daughter stated that her generations music sucked, she had previously seen Beyonce/Destiny Child and the spice girls, etc, and that my music rocked. Styxx bassist came over off stage and played right in front of us. She is a classic rock fan till this day. She repaid me a year later by taking me to see Tom Petty, 11th row floor seats. Everyone has an opinion, but the truth is, everyone will spin it to make themselves the Hero or the victim. I prefer to enjoy the music and leave the drama to the players in the game. REO rocked me starting in 75 or 76 when I saw them live, they continue to rock me to this day.
Kevin pushed Gary out of the band for the right reasons. BUT Gary got clean and sober and should have been invited back. Kevin was jealous of Gary and couldn't allow his ego to be controlled enough to do what was right for the band.
I been a R.E.O. fan since late 73 or early 74. Shortly after T.W.O. came out. R.E.O. was a great band clear back then. Then Kevin came back in, and they were still a great band, but still not worldly know. Then, in 1981, MTV showed the whole world what we already knew in the midwest. R.E.O. was a great band! So, no. I won't agree that Kevin was the success that people give him credit for. IMHO, MTV was the biggest thing that pushed R.E.O. into the stratosphere. T.W.O. is a great album, as is the Tuna album. Also, at that same time in 77 they started producing their own music. Then, someones head got bigger than it really was, and it destroyed the R.E.O. sound that everyone around the midwest loved. RIP, Gary, and Gregg!!! You two guys, along with Alan, were the best of the best! This was a typical dick move by Kevin! This type of action was exactly what drove Gary to drunking more. That really hurt coming from someone that you hired, and considered your best friend. Then stabs you in the back.
I stand by Eric Richrath and his statement. He did reach out to KC on his new KC Facebook page with another comment REO was at its best from 1972 1976-1989 Kevin, Neal, Bruce, Alan, and Gary. 72 and 76 with Gregg. REO isn’t relevant without Gary or Kevin. You need both to have real REO sound and songs. REO wasn’t really relevant without KC and REO hasn’t been great without Gary. I agree with you it’s no REO anymore and KC is the only relevant member. Also remember Kevin isn’t original just as Tommy isn’t with Styx.
I like the studio version of Riding the Storm out. Lost in a dream is their best song. Don’t let him go sucks hahahaha. Golden Country really rocks. Cronan did write time for me to fly (from REO) he does seem to have a god complex
Plenty that I would like to write about some of the behind the scenes issues for years, but due to other friendships,...I have to hold back what I am really thinking....
Yes, it is too bad. I've heard some of the behind the scenes from others who were there and a few more have come to surface since this whole Bruce/Kc issue. I feel Kevin has some real issues and it's too bad that the long time fan base was treated like they don't matter.
What's at play here. I think its business tactics; reminiscent of a band, athlete etc. stating they/he is retiring and after some time will come out an announce they/he will be coming out of retirement. The "fans" are overwhelmed with excitement and they are willing to pay 'top dollar' to see them/him again. I think REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin) after a few months will come out and announce REO Speedwagon's business matter with Bruce Hall have been resolved enabling Mr. Hall back with REO Speedwagon. Announcing, REO Speedwagon set on a US tour.
Yet another rock band who can't seem to act like adults even though they're in their 60's, 70's, etc. It's such a turnoff. I'm glad I was able to see Reo with Gary 3 times in the "old days".
As a guy who was there in the beginning, R.E.O Speedwagon was dead after Richrath was no longer in the band. No success without him should tell the story. Letting Cronin back in was the big mistake. Luttrell and Murphy both fit better.
Kevins voice is REO. Richtrath was a Chonic Alcoholic. They had to cut him loose or the band would've died years ago. The bands hits were with both men. Chemistry between the right people is the key to success BUT if a person is struggling the entire band is pulled down without a change.
Well i dont know how much junior learned from daddy,he may have gotten his daddys guitar talent,much like wolfgang got Eddie Van Halens,if so he definately deserves a say,if he hasnt hell let Cronin and whoever else has worked for the success of Reo do what they do
I don’t think Gary was underrated he was one of many great guitar players of that era. I don’t recall it being an issue especially since most of those players had their own sound and style, and if you can stand out from the crowd you don’t need a rating.
No surprise here. Nothing has changed since Cronin slowly pushed Gary aside and out of the band. Cronin has always been an a hole and an egomaniac. Plus he now looks like someone’s grandmother
Kevin is the voice of REO. He quit. He didn’t want Bruce Hall back. Thats why. Neal wanted Bruce back. It’s a shame that he did it. There should have been a farewell tour. It didn’t have to end so ugly. Thanks to Kevin.
I never watch REO Speedwagon anymore since Gary has been gone. Kevin Cronin made a big mistake. I never watch any other videos anymore and a lot of people don’t. It’s his conscious not mine but personally, I don’t think he gives a damn judge jury and executioner. I wouldn’t join Oreo, for $1 million.
I don't know anyone who really likes Kevin Cronin. There's nothing I dislike worse in a rock band than someone who wasn't even there for the first few years of the band's existence---was a folky who didn't even care to play rock music in the first place, had to be warmed up to it--then years later---its HIS band!
I think one thing we can all agree on is that musical tastes are subjective. IMO, REO were relative from 1971-1973, three albums and out. Bring in Kevin Cronin and he turns them into a pop hit machine. Unlistenable sugar coated non rock for your underage girlfriend. Without reading any legalese, KC should be able to continue on with whatever, I would be surprised if anyone cares anymore and shows up. IMO.
Gary was the most Underrated Guitar Player and my first Guitar Hero He should have never brought Kevin back after the first firing - Kevin is living off shoe strings and needs to go away
As much as I love Kevin, I agree with Eric. If Tommy Shaw left Styx because he became a Diva, it would have ruined STYX. It's sad that REO is going out like this. If it was because of health issues , that would be different. Kevin needs to get off his high horse and do the RIGHT thing. If he actually thinks he'll be better off on his own, good luck pal.
I actually thought the album after hi infedelity i think it's called good trouble was a much better album than its predecessor,and i think gary had a lot to do with that. r.i.p. gary
Although Kevin will not make quite as much money touring as " Kevin Cronin from Reo Speedwagon". The reality is 95% of the people going to see an REO show do not recognize or care who is in the band as long as Kevin is singing the hits. The REO brand will take a hit when he tours as Kevin Cronin in the future but if the casual fan goes to a K. Cronin show they won't be able to tell the difference.
@MFINS1384 not only do they not care about who is in the band but they're totally oblivious to the fact it's de-tuned a full step low and played a dozen or more beats per minute slower than the glory days. To me it's just no fun to listen to anymore when it sounds nothing like it used to. Everyone gets old, and we can't change that. But when it sounds like a record player with a burned up motor, I'm not able to pretend it sounds good and bullshit myself into enjoying it.
Hearing Kevin singing everything tuned a full step low, not being able to push, and the band playing their classic songs all a dozen or more beats per minute slower than their slowest performances has run its course for me. REO has sounded like they're on qualudes for the past decade. It's like listening to your REO albums on a turntable with a motor that's burning up. Everyone gets older. I get it. But Kevin's performances have zero fire anymore and it's not enjoyable to listen to.
@jmm1817 I don't disagree. I'm just saying that my senses can't ignore the sub par product enough to pretend to enjoy it. If someone else enjoys it, good for them.
Well said, the 70s rockers are all getting older and the vocals are no longer what they were. These bands sell tickets because nostalgia sells. I was a teen in the 70s, my favs were Heart, Styx, and others from that time. Would I go see them today? No, it’s not the same. You can’t recapture the magic of that time period. There’s a line in a song called flies in the butter, the line says there’s a road that can take you back to the place (where you grew up), but it can’t take you back in time..
@@nonya-hn4lk As an old friend of Howard Leese - Heart, 22 years, Paul Rodgers Band, around 25 years, & overlapped with Paul, co-lead guitarist for around 10 years for Bad Company, I continued to pay some attention to what was left of Heart....after both of the versions with Howard, were gone. Heart has not had a hit since Howard left the band...
@@edseelig9465 well said. Howard was a superb musician, the original heart featuring Fossen, Derosier, Fisher and Leese was fantastic. The Wilson sisters are living off what once was. Don’t get me wrong, Anns vocals were awesome back in the day. Nancy’s acoustic abilities and back up singing helped to make Heart what it was then. But their moment in the sun has long since passed. I appreciate you pointing out Howard’s phenomenal musical abilities👍
Kevin Cronin made the band rich. Kevin, if you are reading this I want you to know we know the truth. Gary just couldn't handle the truth. Second place isn't bad. Just ask Buzz Aldrin. Gary should have been pinching himself even being on the same stage with a Kevin Cronin. Some guys would die for that gig.
The band now is in chaos Kevin’s voice is no where near what it was . But he doesn’t want Bruce back because of his hunch. Bruce can play the bass without any problem so It’s sickening to me to see this . If the band tours in 25 it should be called Kevin Cronins REO Speedwagon not REO SPeedwagon
The "Hits" were performed by ALL the band members. Alan Gratzer on the drums is the ONLY one who plays those songs right. And the same thing can be said for Gary Richrath and Neal Doughty. Together with Bruce and Kevin they are REO Speedwagon. Kevin wants to go solo, I wish him the best, because whatever he does it isn't REO Speedwagon. Will I get his album, probably not, especially if he tries to sound like REO. There is a time in any carrier when one must hang it up. Maybe that time has come.
He should’ve quit years ago! I can’t believe they have so many fans! Without Gary, they suck! Gary wrote all the hits, except the two little Nancy songs that Cronin wrote. He destroyed a rockin midwestern band! Turned it into a bubble gum band!
True they weren't the same band sans Gary Richrath. But Gary could have gone back anytime if he cleaned up, and he never did. The powerhouse he was, Gary could have formed and led his own band and built it up to something just based on the Gary Richrath brand and aura. Richrath could have been as big as GNR or maybe bigger. He didn't. And look how pathetic he got and how bad off he was when he died. People wanna say that Kevin Cronin fired Gary, but the truth is the whole rest of the band agreed to fire Gary. A primarily touring band has to have (mostly) clean and sober players - while they are touring. Nobody says they can't do what they went when they are off the road. But rehersing for a tour, on tour, gotta be clear headed, and it is a ripoff of the fans if they aren't. To this day, Metallica other than James Hetfield, off the road they party down like dey no one aroun, but when they are getting ready to go out and when they are out, they TCB. In other words the 2 different lifestyles are doable, it's not an impossibility. Gary got in too deep and wouldn't (couldn't??) follow that cardinal rule. Sad to say, because he was a singular talent for a long time, and even KC says there would have no REO without Gary Richrath, but Gary's unwillingness to be there for his bandmates and the fans, it lead him to the worst of R&R fates, he both burned out AND faded away. Simple as that.
@@charlesjames4956 couldn’t have said it better myself! It would have been awesome to see him work with other artists. He just couldn’t or wouldn’t clean up!……sad.
If Cronin never joined, that band does nothing. Some people don't realize that they did jack shit prior to him coming g in and writing some of those huge songs everyone has heard on the radio and were hits. Not saying at all no one else in the band didn't bring important ingredients to it and wrote too, especially Gary, but it took that combination with Kevin in the fold to make that happen.
Kevin is the bad guy because he would rather go solo touring than pay concert royalties to former members and their families. I think Kevin in his 70’s is entitled to take a few guys on the road and travel as “Kevin Cronin” which he can earn a nice dollar doing. He’s earned the honor. Eric is allowed to his opinion. No one is wrong. In the final analysis, all things must pass including REO and Kevin Cronin has worked hard to start touring solo.
Gary was Reo Kevin should g Ave been fired that guy is a goof he can't sing he has a weird voice always did and looks goofy Gary was advised Reoband one of the Best
What does Gary's dog have to say about all of this? What nonsense. Gary's son was not in the band. Gary had not been in the band for the last 30 years! You are making something of nothing. Kevin has always been the leader of this band, and did most of the writing and performing. At his ripe old age he has every right to retire when he chooses. Farewell tour? You must be joking they have been doing that for decades. If you did not take an opportunity to see them over the past 20 years that is on you.
Gary was a Great guitar player with his own unique sound
As an old friend of Gary, I watched him, & REO for that matter, go from being a Midwest bar band, to a premier headliner.
Gary's phrasing & tonal choices still stand up, as sounding like...Gary....
Gary's departure marked the end for me. Their 70s sound was the best, and it wasn't the same without him.. RIP.❤
Stop the Gary stuff
REO is KC's band
REO stopped being REO when Gratzer and Richrath exited.
Exactly! RIP Gary.
Gary was the "balls" of the band, RIP Gary.
That was not the way that Gary phrased it but,....that sort of summed it up for him.
I can't believe what Kevin Cronin has done to Bruce Hall and really the entire band. Gary's son is absolutely right.
REO sucks🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂😂😂
I saw REO in the early 80s at the Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. When Gary would do a solo during the songs, it’s one of the few times that I can recall hearing the crowd erupt and cheer so loudly that you could hear the cheers over the band. It was special. Kevin and the rest were great, but it felt like Gary was the heart and soul. A great memory!
I was also at the Greensboro Show. You are spot on. Gary had us on the edge of our seats.
Erick said it very well...Bruce, and us fans got screwed badly
I have not spoken with Bruce Hall for ages, but will try to connect up with him soon. I was surprised to see "REO Speedwagon" at the Milwaukee Summer Fest on July 4th, & saw a spare parts hired bassist.
My response was definitely "the Kevin Cronin Band," not REO.
REO became a tribute band in 1989. Gary was the one to make Kevin’s sappy ballads famous. I believe Gary created the power ballad and he did so because he wanted to play guitar like the rock god he was.
Gary was the best!❤️🙂
Wow what a sad fracture...Gary was an amazing talent! He has only appreciated with time...love his playing!
After Gary left it wasn’t Reo anymore His Turkey Trot and the way they did 157 Riverside Avenue. It just wasn’t the same anymore
And they didn’t have a single hit after he fired Gary!
They didn’t even try. Sad how this has ended up
Gary mentioned to us back around '88 or maybe '89, at latest, that he was going to quit the band, because he was sick of playing ballads, when he intended REO Speedwagon to be a Rock band.
I was surprised when I found out in a backstage conversation with one of the original band members that "Gary was fired!"
Gary & I kept in touch for years, including after he had the Gary Richrath Band, which I thought was a huge & unnecessary mistake.
@@edseelig9465 awesome! I agree, and thank you for the info!
Gary was not fired
@@JackieSpidle yes he was. Cronin said so, in VH1’s “Behind the Music, yes he admitted it in front of cameras, God, and everyone
No Gary, no REO
In my opinion, for most of us, REO was pretty much non-existent until the release of their 1978 album "You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish". Roll with the Changes, Time for Me to Fly and Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight. Then they were getting some radio airplay outside of their area. The band formula that made this happen is Gary, Neal, Alan, Bruce and Kevin. It was the addition of Kevin that propelled them to the biggest band in the land with the 1980 release of "Hi Infidelity. But it was a group effort.
The band was getting noticeably bigger & better when Gary brought his old buddy, Mike Murphy into the band.
Murphy was actually a great fit, & I saw that lineup several times...always solid!
Last time that I saw Mike Murphy touring, it was ages ago with Joe Walsh's band, as Joe's rhythm guitarist & keyboardist.
I was briefly in the middle of after show issues in Des Moines.
It turned out that Gary had been thinking seriously about bringing Kevin back into the band.
Like many touring / recording bands, sometimes personnel changes improve the band, sometimes, not, but the bands usually have to go through the 1000s of shows to get to their pinnacle....
@@budman0705 my opinion nine lives was better but I don’t care for them damn ballads they were not none for ballads till Hi Infidelity. They were pure classic rock till then
This steve guy is amazing ..no idea how this popped up in my suggestions, but I'm glad AF it did ..just subbed to you, my dude !!
@@mostlycrazyallthetime thank you very much
@thestevechampagneradioshow7294 my guy ...im sorry for not knowing, but do you have like a scheduled show i can listen too... love seeing ppl like you that also have amazing pipes ...plz let me know if you have time to respond
Kevin is a toolbox... Eric is all class and good for him telling the truth. I was one of those huge fans that followed them from 73-76 around Missouri and Illinois when they were a regional band. But they ROCKED. Gary was so phenomenal. When KC came they little by little wimped out. The concerts slowly were less and less rockin. Saw them around 50 times, but all of them when Gary was in. After he was "let go" I never went to another REO show...
I'm glad you read every comment because I ❤ your show!!!!!
Show Kevin NO mercy, for what he has done.
He has done more bad than good, I can go on all day if you like.
I met Gary back in late 80's, we talked, I'm not going into great detail,
Before I left he gave me a kiss and said "I'll see ya"
RIP GARY 💖💋
Kevin Cronin was my first guitar teacher when I started at age 5. Met him thru Rossi Music and we live a few blocks away. I was actually contacted by Kevin wanting me to be "pulled from audience" as his first student. He asked how much I still played, well every day for 50 years, Went to studio, did an REO track and it was sent to management. It Quickly turned to 1 appearence, then wanting to talk about back up and if all went well Kevin would want me to be full time next year. I said I was not interested in touring full time and a 1 time on stage, unpaid was great. The we contacting me daily, about to fly to Texas to sit in some rehersals and it was cancelled because of Train singers voice... a week later Kevin left message saying everything is going to be on hold until he can arrange what he wants.... Then I get message from Management say they are no longer working on an offer for me ( Not like I would ever tour anyway.. im 56, retired with no debt, 2 houses and grandchildren who I have a blast with),,,, Then I hear tour cancelled.
I think Kevin was just wanting new people he controlled. I would never be a part of that.. Most I wanted was a 1 off song on stage...oh well.. they are older than me and I too old to be running around the country like that.. it is not a fun life,
I knew Bruce and Gary. Bruce and Gary were my friends. I was a co founder of the Champaign IL group Feathertrain where both Bruce and Gary got their start in the Champaign music scene that gave birth to REO Speedwagon. I was present at the first meetings with both of them where we interviewed them followed by try outs. Gary was my replacement on lead guitar when I decided to quit to focus on my pre law studies. Bruce was our bass player and back up vocalist throughout my tenure with the group. (MIke Murphy was also in the group later on). I have written about the details of those encounters previously. I agree that this was not warranted and fully agree with Gary's son on on this.
Actually, Kevin did sing the original version of Riding the Storm out. But, he left the band before the release of that Album. Mike Murphy then joined the band and they rerecorded all the songs with Murphys vocals on the album.
@@scottroselius8211 he actually got kicked out and it was the other guy that sang it you stupid b****
The word you did not use was SYNERGY. That phenomenon struck with Kevin and Gary as band members. Thank God, we are all better for it. In our lives we all need to”Turn Some Pages”!!!’
Gary was my biggest influence as a guitar player and feel the band lost their drive when he was no longer with them. I totally agree with Gary’s son he is spot on with his comments
Kevin has always reminded me of Dennis DeYoung. Both talented guys who insisted on the sappy songs and they think they are the band.
Upon re-listening(yrs. Later) looking for Ritchrath moments, it struck me how vital, unique and talented Kevin was.
Prayers 🤲
First time. Thorough work over Steve A+
RIP
REO
No, I’m not really surprised that Gary‘s son came in and said what he did however, I am disappointed with Kevin because I’ve been a fan since 1973 since he joined the band… I was supposed to see them on September 11 in Phoenix and they bowed out because apparently Kevin got hurt and then the next day I find out they’re breaking up, so it’s really really disappointing for us longtime fansfor them to go out like this what are your thoughts?
Sorry about your lost Eric, your dad was always nice to me when I was coming up.
Interesting.
Let me tell you something, I dated Kevin’s sister in 1990. She took me to Kevin’s wedding in Racine, WI. Kevin is such a control freak, that he accused me dating his sister just to get info on the band, so I can sell it. He even called my home demanding any pictures I may have took at the wedding. I told him that it’s 1991, nobody gives a shit about REO anymore. He then sent his sister and some muscle to retrieve anything I might have. I had nothing. His sister apologized to me but I had had enough. We broke up. That guy is a real piece of work.
After Gary left and passed REO Speedwagon died when he left.
It's crazy that your handle is Champaign. REO Speedwagon is from Rantoul Illinois, about 16 miles from Champaign. I'm going to say it's about time some of these bands retired. Some of them will be on walkers playing concerts.
My concern about REO SPEEDWAGON is ,has.but ... im 60years old and rocked to this band and probably seen them 4-5 times live in concert and watch there concerts on U TUBE ... Hey all the band members are gone but kevin !!!!This america and im proud this band keeps pushin on ..... We dont get younger only in our hearts ,,, good day and ride the the storm out .... Hope Bruce and Kevin can work something out ,,,, REO back on the road again ..
Who the heck would go see Kevin perform without his current band members along with Bruce?!?! I personally don't know of any
That.band.is.done
Wow alot of Kevin Cronin bashing. I met him a couple of times, down to earth, real nice guy and approchable. The talented voice is what carries most bands, and Kevin had it. No Brad Delp for Boston, no Boston. Rip Brad
Maybe since KC has been carrying the torch for REO for years, he had grown tired of sharing the touring profits with other REO investee non-touring members. Just a thought.
I really love and enjoy what Kevin Cronin has done,, I appreciate what everyone has done with the band I enjoy seeing them live.. They're not here to make more music. New music they're here to put
A show on.. No different then Lynyrd Skynyrd FROM TOM..
Gary is a great guitar player for all the years he was with them. You can't hear one of those songs on the radio today without his guitar playing and not knowing it's REO. You also can't not know it's a REO song without hearing Kevin's voice also. He is the only original member left in REO so I feel it should be up to him if he wants to bring the band to a close. Alan and Gary left towards the end of the eighties. Neal left a while back and now Bruce. I know it sad to hear the news especially to all of life long fans who want the train to keep going but we know all good things have to come to an end and this sounds like this is one of them. I have been a fan since HI INFEDELITY first came out so they was a big part of my young kid days teenage days and my adult life. The show is over but we still have the music to listen to and all the good and bad memories that go along with it. To Allen Bruce Gary Kevin Neil Bryan and Dave Thank You guys for the music a nd memories you gave us all.
Kevin not original member.
Whos Kevin Cronin??
It's just sad all around. Eric most definitely has the right to express his feelings over this and he did it for Bruce and his family not for his own gain. I applaud him for that. Kevin did not have to treat Bruce the way he did, plain and simple. If he wanted to go out on his own, I'm sure everyone would have understood. It's just the way he did it. Like Eric says, it didn't have to end this way especially for the fans who would have loved a different approach to end it. Kc will indeed have his following and I wish him well. I will not be one of them and I have been a fan of almost 50 years. I have always loved the songs and the live shows I've attended over the years were always great. For a man who can write such uplifting, postive songs, it's a shame he acts the way he does when he doesn't get his way. And even sadder that he treats a man he claimed was like a brother as if he no longer mattered. 😢
💯 agree KC did this, not Bruce!!
I've got stop you there, video paused. I want to say a couple things here, and I'm not alone, because there are 10's of thousands, and probably more all over the world. Gary Richrath is, Reo Sppedwagon, PERIOD..DOT, ! . PERIOD.
I started listening to Reo when I was 13 yrs old, 6 mo. later my best friend and I slept outside a Record Store for 2 days for tickets for the April 1981 show. We were 10th in line, and got 8th row. The show sold out in 12 minutes. Second a second show was added and that sold out in 20mn. Keep in mind there were no internet, phone, or tablets, you had to earn front row area tickets. Any we get there and they tell us they were filming to make a Concert Movie for MTV, the first one for MTV. This was the show in my hometown, Denver, Colorado. So there I was 8fh down right in front of Gary, and I was awe struck with chills up and down the back of my neck from his fade in w feedba k for "Dont LET him Go" to the end of the show. I fell in love with the Gibson Les Paul's, and Gary's amazing playing. Gary was the most under rated player ever.
But to the point here, Gary, Alan, and Neil were on track to break out regardless of Kevin Cronin who I think is an average rock n roll singer at best, if had to there were some dudes out there at the time that Gary and Alan could have tried out. Reo Speedwagon was made, and still stands on Gary's guitar playing, song writing, and song arrangements, which he was teaching to Kevin Cronin. The would of hit big anyway, so stop that bs.
Reo Speedwagon ended the day Gary left the band. Kevin then saw his opportunity to steal full control of what was left. If that's my band, and Gary was having some problems my ass would have been over at his house sitting w him, getting him some medical and rehab, and id be visiting him, doing what friends and band mates do, what humans do when you say "he was my brother"
I don't know all the legalities of who owns what at this point, I'm sure there's ownership things wit Neal and Alan, and Bruce for royalties, streaming, and $$ for song usage and I'm sure Gary had some kind of ownership, hopefully that's been passed to his sons. I fully support Bruce's. Daughter and she's pissed, rightly so, and of course Gary's sons and their feelings about all of this. But please, STOP all the poor Kevin gobity gook.
👎🏻
I liked REO. But knowing what I know now I wouldn’t go see Kevin play if he was playing at a local pub.
its all about money!!as per usual in life!!
Good, Cronin treated him like shit toward the end. And here’s a good example of Kevin’s BS, trying to take credit for helping to write this
ua-cam.com/video/0HIYPQP6ekk/v-deo.htmlsi=R6Mdvv9kI5fiBnp9
Laugh if you want, or puke, but we'll be seeing Cronin doin REO on his own.
The band wasn't as famous before Cronin, but the tunes were every bit as good; and no whining ballads
Still love Kevin
I met Gary's son in the 90's, he was selling windows door to door and handed me a card. When I saw the name, I asked if he was related. I don't know why he hates Kevin, as Kevin was always a big supporter of Gary and stated he wanted Gary back in the band and could return any time he wanted to.. Gary left the band because he said the lifestyle was going to kill him. Gary was one of the best guitarist ever. I saw them live at least a dozen times. I took my 16 year old daughter to see them and Styxx in 98 and she was thrilled. Keven threw her several of his picks as we sat 10 feet away. My daughter stated that her generations music sucked, she had previously seen Beyonce/Destiny Child and the spice girls, etc, and that my music rocked. Styxx bassist came over off stage and played right in front of us. She is a classic rock fan till this day. She repaid me a year later by taking me to see Tom Petty, 11th row floor seats. Everyone has an opinion, but the truth is, everyone will spin it to make themselves the Hero or the victim. I prefer to enjoy the music and leave the drama to the players in the game. REO rocked me starting in 75 or 76 when I saw them live, they continue to rock me to this day.
Kevin pushed Gary out of the band for the right reasons. BUT Gary got clean and sober and should have been invited back. Kevin was jealous of Gary and couldn't allow his ego to be controlled enough to do what was right for the band.
I been a R.E.O. fan since late 73 or early 74. Shortly after T.W.O. came out. R.E.O. was a great band clear back then. Then Kevin came back in, and they were still a great band, but still not worldly know. Then, in 1981, MTV showed the whole world what we already knew in the midwest. R.E.O. was a great band!
So, no. I won't agree that Kevin was the success that people give him credit for. IMHO, MTV was the biggest thing that pushed R.E.O. into the stratosphere. T.W.O. is a great album, as is the Tuna album. Also, at that same time in 77 they started producing their own music. Then, someones head got bigger than it really was, and it destroyed the R.E.O. sound that everyone around the midwest loved. RIP, Gary, and Gregg!!! You two guys, along with Alan, were the best of the best!
This was a typical dick move by Kevin! This type of action was exactly what drove Gary to drunking more. That really hurt coming from someone that you hired, and considered your best friend. Then stabs you in the back.
I stand by Eric Richrath and his statement. He did reach out to KC on his new KC Facebook page with another comment
REO was at its best from 1972 1976-1989
Kevin, Neal, Bruce, Alan, and Gary.
72 and 76 with Gregg.
REO isn’t relevant without Gary or Kevin. You need both to have real REO sound and songs.
REO wasn’t really relevant without KC and REO hasn’t been great without Gary.
I agree with you it’s no REO anymore and KC is the only relevant member. Also remember Kevin isn’t original just as Tommy isn’t with Styx.
They become less relevant after Gary left
Only reason I listened to REO was because of Garys guitar playing I can stand cronin
I like the studio version of Riding the Storm out. Lost in a dream is their best song. Don’t let him go sucks hahahaha. Golden Country really rocks. Cronan did write time for me to fly (from REO) he does seem to have a god complex
Plenty that I would like to write about some of the behind the scenes issues for years, but due to other friendships,...I have to hold back what I am really thinking....
That's too bad. We'd appreciate hearing the truth from someone who knows.
Yes, it is too bad. I've heard some of the behind the scenes from others who were there and a few more have come to surface since this whole Bruce/Kc issue. I feel Kevin has some real issues and it's too bad that the long time fan base was treated like they don't matter.
What's at play here. I think its business tactics; reminiscent of a band, athlete etc. stating they/he is retiring and after some time will come out an announce they/he will be coming out of retirement. The "fans" are overwhelmed with excitement and they are willing to pay 'top dollar' to see them/him again. I think REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin) after a few months will come out and announce REO Speedwagon's business matter with Bruce Hall have been resolved enabling Mr. Hall back with REO Speedwagon. Announcing, REO Speedwagon set on a US tour.
Yet another rock band who can't seem to act like adults even though they're in their 60's, 70's, etc. It's such a turnoff. I'm glad I was able to see Reo with Gary 3 times in the "old days".
As a guy who was there in the beginning, R.E.O Speedwagon was dead after Richrath was no longer in the band. No success without him should tell the story. Letting Cronin back in was the big mistake. Luttrell and Murphy both fit better.
Neil was the last orignal member, not even Gary was an original member. Neil along with Kevin and Bruce still owns a 3rd of REO.
Sometimes you have to stop on top ! I guess !
Kevins voice is REO. Richtrath was a Chonic Alcoholic. They had to cut him loose or the band would've died years ago. The bands hits were with both men. Chemistry between the right people is the key to success BUT if a person is struggling the entire band is pulled down without a change.
Well i dont know how much junior learned from daddy,he may have gotten his daddys guitar talent,much like wolfgang got Eddie Van Halens,if so he definately deserves a say,if he hasnt hell let Cronin and whoever else has worked for the success of Reo do what they do
Gary’s son. Who is he? Is he someone we should know?
There Is No Original Members Of REO Speedwagon In The Band Anymore, When Gary Richrath Left The Band Just Got Worse. So It Is What It Is.
I don’t think Gary was underrated he was one of many great guitar players of that era. I don’t recall it being an issue especially since most of those players had their own sound and style, and if you can stand out from the crowd you don’t need a rating.
No surprise here. Nothing has changed since Cronin slowly pushed Gary aside and out of the band. Cronin has always been an a hole and an egomaniac. Plus he now looks like someone’s grandmother
No doubt he was jealous of Gary. He had all the talent and good looks..no one wanted to watch Kevin
Kevin is ok, but I really did like the earlier albums before Kevin. Those are the ones I cranked.
Kevin is the voice of REO. He quit. He didn’t want Bruce Hall back. Thats why. Neal wanted Bruce back. It’s a shame that he did it. There should have been a farewell tour. It didn’t have to end so ugly. Thanks to Kevin.
I never watch REO Speedwagon anymore since Gary has been gone. Kevin Cronin made a big mistake. I never watch any other videos anymore and a lot of people don’t. It’s his conscious not mine but personally, I don’t think he gives a damn judge jury and executioner. I wouldn’t join Oreo, for $1 million.
It's called the Dennis De Young syndrome.
Other than the name, it could be better. Kevin has the voice, that's the key. Same songs will be played for sure.
I don't know anyone who really likes Kevin Cronin. There's nothing I dislike worse in a rock band than someone who wasn't even there for the first few years of the band's existence---was a folky who didn't even care to play rock music in the first place, had to be warmed up to it--then years later---its HIS band!
I love REO. But Kevin always seemed like such a wuss. To your point, I couldn't agree more with your points.
Look at Quiet Riot look at Queensryche they are not the same bands as they were in their heyday. Gary was an amazing guitar player rest in peace
I think one thing we can all agree on is that musical tastes are subjective. IMO, REO were relative from 1971-1973, three albums and out. Bring in Kevin Cronin and he turns them into a pop hit machine. Unlistenable sugar coated non rock for your underage girlfriend. Without reading any legalese, KC should be able to continue on with whatever, I would be surprised if anyone cares anymore and shows up. IMO.
Gary was the most Underrated Guitar Player and my first Guitar Hero He should have never brought Kevin back after the first firing - Kevin is living off shoe strings and needs to go away
Kevin Cronin I never care for his keening, overwrought vocals. I listened to the studio Storm Out, which I thought was very good.
Kevin wrote the songs, sang, and was reo. Any number of studio musicians could have been the band.
As much as I love Kevin, I agree with Eric. If Tommy Shaw left Styx because he became a Diva, it would have ruined STYX. It's sad that REO is going out like this. If it was because of health issues , that would be different. Kevin needs to get off his high horse and do the RIGHT thing. If he actually thinks he'll be better off on his own, good luck pal.
I actually thought the album after hi infedelity i think it's called good trouble was a much better album than its predecessor,and i think gary had a lot to do with that. r.i.p. gary
Although Kevin will not make quite as much money touring as " Kevin Cronin from Reo Speedwagon". The reality is 95% of the people going to see an REO show do not recognize or care who is in the band as long as Kevin is singing the hits. The REO brand will take a hit when he tours as Kevin Cronin in the future but if the casual fan goes to a K. Cronin show they won't be able to tell the difference.
Sadly true.
@MFINS1384 not only do they not care about who is in the band but they're totally oblivious to the fact it's de-tuned a full step low and played a dozen or more beats per minute slower than the glory days. To me it's just no fun to listen to anymore when it sounds nothing like it used to. Everyone gets old, and we can't change that. But when it sounds like a record player with a burned up motor, I'm not able to pretend it sounds good and bullshit myself into enjoying it.
Kevin and Bruce need to hangout with Neal and Jon from Journey and have a big drama fest. 😅
Hearing Kevin singing everything tuned a full step low, not being able to push, and the band playing their classic songs all a dozen or more beats per minute slower than their slowest performances has run its course for me. REO has sounded like they're on qualudes for the past decade. It's like listening to your REO albums on a turntable with a motor that's burning up.
Everyone gets older. I get it. But Kevin's performances have zero fire anymore and it's not enjoyable to listen to.
still selling tickets. he loves performing live is what it is
@jmm1817 I don't disagree. I'm just saying that my senses can't ignore the sub par product enough to pretend to enjoy it. If someone else enjoys it, good for them.
Well said, the 70s rockers are all getting older and the vocals are no longer what they were. These bands sell tickets because nostalgia sells. I was a teen in the 70s, my favs were Heart, Styx, and others from that time. Would I go see them today? No, it’s not the same. You can’t recapture the magic of that time period. There’s a line in a song called flies in the butter, the line says there’s a road that can take you back to the place (where you grew up), but it can’t take you back in time..
@@nonya-hn4lk As an old friend of Howard Leese - Heart, 22 years, Paul Rodgers Band, around 25 years, & overlapped with Paul, co-lead guitarist for around 10 years for Bad Company, I continued to pay some attention to what was left of Heart....after both of the versions with Howard, were gone. Heart has not had a hit since Howard left the band...
@@edseelig9465 well said. Howard was a superb musician, the original heart featuring Fossen, Derosier, Fisher and Leese was fantastic. The Wilson sisters are living off what once was. Don’t get me wrong, Anns vocals were awesome back in the day. Nancy’s acoustic abilities and back up singing helped to make Heart what it was then. But their moment in the sun has long since passed. I appreciate you pointing out Howard’s phenomenal musical abilities👍
Kevin Cronin made the band rich.
Kevin, if you are reading this I want you to know we know the truth.
Gary just couldn't handle the truth.
Second place isn't bad.
Just ask Buzz Aldrin.
Gary should have been pinching himself even being on the same stage with a Kevin Cronin.
Some guys would die for that gig.
The band now is in chaos Kevin’s voice is no where near what it was . But he doesn’t want Bruce back because of his hunch. Bruce can play the bass without any problem so It’s sickening to me to see this . If the band tours in 25 it should be called Kevin Cronins REO Speedwagon not REO SPeedwagon
They were a rock band back in the day now they are just sad
Paul and Gene did the same thing half a PISS
The "Hits" were performed by ALL the band members. Alan Gratzer on the drums is the ONLY one who plays those songs right. And the same thing can be said for Gary Richrath and Neal Doughty. Together with Bruce and Kevin they are REO Speedwagon. Kevin wants to go solo, I wish him the best, because whatever he does it isn't REO Speedwagon. Will I get his album, probably not, especially if he tries to sound like REO. There is a time in any carrier when one must hang it up. Maybe that time has come.
He should’ve quit years ago! I can’t believe they have so many fans! Without Gary, they suck! Gary wrote all the hits, except the two little Nancy songs that Cronin wrote. He destroyed a rockin midwestern band! Turned it into a bubble gum band!
True they weren't the same band sans Gary Richrath. But Gary could have gone back anytime if he cleaned up, and he never did. The powerhouse he was, Gary could have formed and led his own band and built it up to something just based on the Gary Richrath brand and aura. Richrath could have been as big as GNR or maybe bigger. He didn't. And look how pathetic he got and how bad off he was when he died. People wanna say that Kevin Cronin fired Gary, but the truth is the whole rest of the band agreed to fire Gary. A primarily touring band has to have (mostly) clean and sober players - while they are touring. Nobody says they can't do what they went when they are off the road. But rehersing for a tour, on tour, gotta be clear headed, and it is a ripoff of the fans if they aren't. To this day, Metallica other than James Hetfield, off the road they party down like dey no one aroun, but when they are getting ready to go out and when they are out, they TCB. In other words the 2 different lifestyles are doable, it's not an impossibility. Gary got in too deep and wouldn't (couldn't??) follow that cardinal rule. Sad to say, because he was a singular talent for a long time, and even KC says there would have no REO without Gary Richrath, but Gary's unwillingness to be there for his bandmates and the fans, it lead him to the worst of R&R fates, he both burned out AND faded away. Simple as that.
@@charlesjames4956 couldn’t have said it better myself! It would have been awesome to see him work with other artists. He just couldn’t or wouldn’t clean up!……sad.
If Cronin never joined, that band does nothing. Some people don't realize that they did jack shit prior to him coming g in and writing some of those huge songs everyone has heard on the radio and were hits. Not saying at all no one else in the band didn't bring important ingredients to it and wrote too, especially Gary, but it took that combination with Kevin in the fold to make that happen.
@@mr.timebombman2230 correct!!
Gary was reo
Im sure there's plenty of blame to go around, but you can only manage a relationship with an addict for so long.
Kevin may have brought it on.
@HARDASSER 💯
REO died when Gary died
Kevin is the bad guy because he would rather go solo touring than pay concert royalties to former members and their families. I think Kevin in his 70’s is entitled to take a few guys on the road and travel as “Kevin Cronin” which he can earn a nice dollar doing. He’s earned the honor. Eric is allowed to his opinion. No one is wrong. In the final analysis, all things must pass including REO and Kevin Cronin has worked hard to start touring solo.
I wouldn't pay to see the Kevin Cronin band would you?
@@romanm9718 honestly I would not. I'd go for free.
The son should have stayed out of it before you know it they won't be able to tour everybody's getting too old tour
It has been the Kevin Cronin Band for a few decades now. Why is this news to any of you?
Gary was Reo Kevin should g Ave been fired that guy is a goof he can't sing he has a weird voice always did and looks goofy Gary was advised Reoband one of the Best
What does Gary's dog have to say about all of this? What nonsense. Gary's son was not in the band. Gary had not been in the band for the last 30 years! You are making something of nothing. Kevin has always been the leader of this band, and did most of the writing and performing. At his ripe old age he has every right to retire when he chooses. Farewell tour? You must be joking they have been doing that for decades. If you did not take an opportunity to see them over the past 20 years that is on you.
Always like Oreo Speedwagon