REO Speedwagon Concerts Setlist

Formed in the college town of Champaign, Illinois, back in 1967, the story of REO Speedwagon began when Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer met while attending the University of Illinois. The band took a name from a 1915 truck-but gave it their own twist by pronouncing each letter-and started to play fraternity parties and local bars, building a small following.

There were a lot of lineup changes in the early years, but it wasn't until Gary Richrath came aboard as guitarist in 1970 that things really began to click. His songwriting talents and guitar work helped expand their regional popularity, thanks in part to influential St. Louis radio station KSHE. Epic Records came calling in 1971, marking the beginning of their recording career.

They developed a following in the 1970s through constant touring and a string of records but finally hit paydirt in 1980 with "Hi Infidelity." It proved to be the band's watershed album as it spent 32 weeks in the Billboard top ten and included their first number-one single, "Keep On Loving You." The record would go on to sell over 10 million copies and attain Diamond certification.

Throughout the 1980s, REO Speedwagon remained one of the big names in rock. In 1984, they again reached number one with "Can't Fight This Feeling." In 1985, the band performed for Live Aid. The late '80s ushered in major changes as both drummer Alan Gratzer and guitarist Gary Richrath left the band. They continued touring and recording well into the 1990s and beyond.

Fast forward to 2023, and last original member Neal Doughty finally hung up his keys after an incredible 56-year run. Though the band called it quits in late 2024, they'd already left their mark: 40 million records sold, 13 Top 40 hits, and countless car stereos cranked to eleven. Not bad for a bunch of college kids from Champaign, Illinois.