Big fan of "Ridin' the storm out" And love your show.

"If you're tired of the same old story, turn some pages... I will be here when you are ready, to roll with the changes" This song is great when you feel like you're stuck in a rut - it makes you feel like you can embrace all life's changing dramas - Thanks, REO!

Never made the connection to Love the One You're With. Hard to unhear it now. Love R.E.O.!

REO became my favorite band in 1978 when I heard the You Get What You Play For album in a dorm room of a student at WKU from the Chicago area (John McGirk) - I then saw them for the first time in the summer of 79 at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN (NIne LIves Tour) - One of my favorite songs is from the Tuna album - Blazin Your Own TRail Again - They, to my knowledge have never played it live - it has a great message - thanks for the video!!

So many people don't know how hard REO can rock... Riding the storm out, roll with the changes, back on the road again, keep pushin, Don't let him go, That ain't love, etc etc.

Great stories to tell about REO. My best friend Dan is a Sailor in the Navy. One night while sailing in the middle of the Ocean, a storm began to awaken. The Fleet was sailing through waters with over fifty foot waves just to survive the storm. My friend Dan told me that the Captain of his battleship ordered REO Speedwagon, "Riding the Storm Out" and "Keep on Rolling" to continuously play on board until they had cleared the storms path. Talk about the lasting impact of the iconic REO, how badass is that? Moreover, My Bride and I got to see REO Speedwagon and Styx in Saginaw Michigan is 2018 for my birthday. What a great show that was as well!! I am hoping to see REO play the Capital Theater in Flint Michigan sometime in the future. It's a beautiful venue. Professor, keep killin it Brotha!!! You're doing a fantastic job.

REO Speedwagon continue to be under appreciated, even in the Melodic Rock community. I was so glad the Ozark netflix show featured them prominently in a episode this last season. I'm also glad that Journey, Toto, & Styx have seen a revaluation of their music, taking their rightful place in contemporary popular culture, & gaining a new audience. Now it's long overdue for REO to join those ranks. They more than deserve it. Thank You for showing Kevin & REO some love! And Thank You for archiving these great artists & acting as a curator & keeper of the flame for the coming generations to discover & love, like we used to. The gift of timeless music.

This was fantastic. My personal favorite is Time For Me To Fly. I would love to hear more about that one. 🤘🏼

My all time favorite REO Speedwagon classic is "Golden Country". This is Gary Richrath's masterpiece! Talk about a song that is still as relevant today. Love to hear more about this song. Keep it up Professor!!

REO Speedwagon, a awesome band that deserves to go to the Rock n Roll hall of fame. My top 5 REO albums are 5. Nine Lives, 4. You Can Tuna a Piano but you can't Tuna a Fish, 3. Good Trouble, 2. High Infidelity 1. Wheels are Turnin. This band is amazing from the orginal line and with Kevin taking lead, Gary your guitar playing is just speechless, and Neil, Bruce and Allen a chemistry to success. Gary R.I.P. your legacy lives on. Andrew Lake Havasu City, Az

"Golden Country"...especially right now

REO Speed Wagon my all time favorite band.Ive been Rolling with them since the 75 at least. Their second album with Kevin is one of those top 5 albums awesome one it still is to this day one of my favorites.Keep on Rolling with the changes REO.Speed Wagon. The first time I saw you all was in 75 or 76 Black Oak opened up for you all great show. At Freedom Hall Johnson city TN.

What a awesome interview andInn conversation. Is REO deserve be part of RHF? YES!!! NOT DOUBT. R.I.P Gary Richrath, for me: one of the best rock guitars

Love that group. I will always turn up the radio for them.

It's not a big hit but as I recall 157 Riverside Avenue had an interesting backstory if you all discussed it.

I would love to hear the stories behind "Time for Me to Fly" and "Keep on Loving You".

one of the all time great rock songs. Insane energy!

Some songs achieve absolute perfection. Roll with the Changes is one of them.

I've always been a big fan of REO!! Great vid!👍

I've always thought this song should be very near the top of the greatest all-time rock songs ever. It just rocks! I don't know what else to say. I also think 'Back on the Road Again' was one of REO's best songs. Saw them twice and they put on a great show. Kevin Cronin is a talented front man.

I could listen to these stories all day.....

All REO tunes, for me anyway, have a contagious feeling of optimism. Whenever I would have a set back in life, which we all know there can be many, I would cranck up Roll With The Changes, Only the Strong Survive or pretty much any Speedwagon tune and Walla, I'd be feeling so much better. In my opinion the definition of REO Speedwagon is, the best rock n roll band ever. God bless KC and all the guys in the band. Also rip Gary, my favorite guitarist of all time. From his Gibson to his Marshall with only an occasional wah wah pedal in between, Richrath new how to bring out the most in that Les Paul.

"Ridin' the Storm Out" has a few versions out there. There is one of the live versions that is the best live performance of one song that rivals any live song of U2 or Peter Frampton. If you crank the volume on that you will be at that concert. They played that version all through the '80s and I always wondered if the crowd was simulated because they meshed into that performance so perfectly. I recommend that you DON'T watch the video because it detracts from the energy that is in the music (the band is not banging their heads but really focused). A perfect live performance. "....thank you!...you are beautiful, people!"

Time for me to fly is the song that saved my life .. I had a bad relationship and I was driving around crying, the radio was playing softly in the background then I heard the beginning lyrics and I had to turn it up and I just felt empowered. So now that song is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you REO SPEEDWAGON .

REO was my very favorite band in the late 70’s & early 80’s. I have all of their albums from the 70’s & 80’s. I saw them twice in concert in the early 80’s. I was a huge fan of all the band members but lead guitarist Gary Richrath was my favorite. The band originated in my home state of Illinois. So when Gary passed away several years ago, stories began to emerge about him and how he got started playing guitar as a young teenager. Gary was from Peoria, IL and DJ’s and radio personalities were telling stories about REO’s early days and how they would play these local music festivals and such. A story that I heard from a radio program shortly after Gary died was from a guy who handled the band’s equipment. And the story he told went something like REO was playing at a music festival downstate, (this was in the early-mid 70’s when REO was well known IL & IN but still not known nationwide.) Several other band were playing there as well, including KISS , who were quite popular at the time. Well supposedly, members of KISS heard how amazing Gary was and didn’t want him to outshine them when they performed. Apparently they had someone mess with the equipment that went into Gary’s guitar so that when he played, most of the audience wouldn’t be able to hear him! The guy said that Gary found out about it shortly before REO was about to play and he was absolutely furious! If I remember the story correctly, somehow, they managed to resolve the situation because Gary was refusing to go on stage. He played amazingly well and got the last laugh thankfully! Gary Richrath was so completely underrated as a guitarist and as a song writer. Two old REO’s best songs ever, in my opinion were written by him. “Golden Country” which ironically has more relevance today than it did back when Gary wrote it and the other is the iconic “Riding The Storm Out”. The live version of the latter song that was recorded on the “Decade of Rock and Roll” album is an arena anthem for the ages. If you have never listened to it, you must. It’s one of those songs that should’ve been a huge hit but didn’t quite get there. However, at their live concerts, it was probably the crowd’s favorite. Kevin Cronin is very talented too, but Gary as a founding member of the band was the glue that held them together. And when he left the band and had a falling out with Kevin, it was never the same. I’m glad that Kevin and Gary patched things up when they performed together one last time during a benefit concert downstate in IL where a tornado had torn through a nearby town and did tons of damage. Gary got on stage and played one song or two with the band. It was a great to see. Shortly after that, Gary passed away at the age of 65. Far too young. As far as I’m concerned, the band deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Gary himself deserves to be in it for his amazing talent as a lead guitarist and as a songwriter.

Great voice. Great tune.

My friend Steve Scorfina played with them for about a year while Kevin took a break. He wrote a couple of songs, but left to form Pavlov's Dog before REO got signed.

One of the best songs ever written."So if you're tired of the same old story, turn some pages." Pretty much says it all right there. Great channel, I'm about to subscribe right now.

How could he not mention Gary? Without Gary, literally *no one* would know who Kevin is.

I felt this song put them in the spotlight that set them up for the epic "Hi Infidelity"run... Great tune and a real gentleman!

Can you talk to Kevin about the death of Gary Richrath? What an amazingly talented guitarist, there’s nobody else like him!

I have been listening to REO since I was 16 and I am 60 now. I remember when the Hi Infidelity album hit the charts and I couldn't play it enough in my 69 Chevelle pumping it out through a Jenson cassette deck and a 8 channel power booster equalizer cranking out of the Pioneer 6909's /6x9's on the back seat deck. Those were the days ! Now my 17 year old daughter cranks that album in her room on a 1977 Sansui combo record player/cassette deck/ 8 track /radio and with the factory speakers I found in a yard sale. Its mint too. Keep on Rollin REO ! Chris in Lincoln RI.

One of the most awesome jam songs of all time. I can still play all the Air Instruments til this day. All jokes to the side. This song has one of the best guitar solos of all time Gary nailed it . I get goose bumps sitting here thinking about it. The piano is off the charts also. I could go on and on about this song. Good pick Professor. 2 thumbs up!

one of the all time great rock n roll bangers

Roll with the Changes.. A BIG song in my life. Thanks!!

"I knew it had to happen,.Felt the tables tuuurnin'. Got me though my darkest hour. I heard the thunder clappin'. Felt the desert buuuurrrnin'..." Damn. Those lyrics lift me off my feet.

Always a great show! Their lyrics and music are usually upbeat and positive.

So glad I found your channel! Truly admire your work. Keep the rock n roll alive!

Great great song. Always lights me up.

I just "keep on lovin'" the back story from these signature mega hits from back in the day... and your YT channel! Been seeing comments on how radio , that so many of us grew up with, is not playing "the new hits" or music that COULD be "the new hits" or radio producers are only playing a small number of the same artists. There's gotta be some great talent out there.?You've probably covered this topic, Prof, so I'll look for it. Thanks!

Thank You, I've been so interested and developed love some of your bands. REO speedwagon is a great band I wouldn't have heard of unless you exposed me. Thanks Prof!

REO is such an underrated band. Gary was AMAZING on guitar, and man his tone on Roll With The Changes was KILLER.

Because it can’t be said often enough: If you’re tired of the same old story, baby turn some pages! Thank you Kevin!

REO Speedwagon ! ICant fight this Feeling anymore ! 80s 🎼📻 Great Job PROFESSOR 🕵️‍♀️ from Alabama!

Keep on loving you

The first REO Speedwagon album I ever bought was Wheels Are Turnin' (1984), which was a perfect addition to the radio hits that I already knew, not to mention the videos on MTV. I had loved REO for a long time, so I was thrilled when I was fortunate enough to see them in March 1991 when they played in the gym on my college campus in upstate NY! I even caught one of the drumsticks at the end of the show! I wrote the date on it, and it's been proudly hanging on my wall for nearly 30 years! Unfortunately, it wasn't their classic lineup. By that time, Dave Amato had replaced Gary Richrath, and Bryan Hitt was drumming for Alan Gratzer, but Kevin, Neal, and Bruce were as incredible as ever! I was saddened to hear of Gary's death in 2015. His blistering guitar against Kevin's soulful voice helped to make REO's sound as incomparable as it was, which is why these songs are still amazing decades later. REO Speedwagon is, and will always be, one of my favorite bands EVER. Keep on rollin', guys! 😎

I posted this to another of these videos by the Professor then came to this one……where the comment belongs. REO peaked for me with the Tuan Fish Album. Still enjoyed the heck out of the music past this, High Infidelity was phenomenal, but Roll with the Changes became an absolute life anthem for me. The message carried me through some horrendous periods of my life. Don’t want to be hyperbolic and say it ‘saved my life’, just that it helped me power thru when giving up seemed the best option.

Saw Reo Speedwagon in the late 80s or early 90s in an open venue a cold rainy night in Quito Ecuador. They put an amazing show!

REO is one of my faves

REO has been in my top tier of bands since I first started listening to rock in about 1980. Even though High Infidelity was my first exposure, I really loved the followup, Good Trouble. I feel this album doesn't get much love from the band for some reason. Love to know more about Keep the Fire Burning and The Key. Why do they down play this album? Love your youtube videos!

I have never met another REO fan face to face. This has always vexed me greatly. I have been terribly vexed.

It's my favorite REO song of all time (#2 is Keep on Loving You)

Just saw tgem 2 nights ago, again. They've still got it.

Best song you've ever discussed!

Fantastic album...You Can Tune a Piano but You Can’t Tuna Fish.

Always liked Kevin. I think I also like Steven Stills being cool about his song and Kevin’s song. Life has been good to both musicians and each guy just enjoying each other’s music instead squabbling about similarities of song they wrote is so great. I really enjoy both musicians and it’s great they are both really good dudes.

Riding the storm out Time for me to fly Don't let him go Back on the road again Keep the fire burning

Keep on Loving You

Gary is so underrated!! Great guitar talent

Greatest organ solo ever.

Gary's guitar work in this song is phenomenal. To me, it's the greatest guitar work in any song ever.

The interview I’d love to see you score would be a character named Roy Wood. He’s the Mad Scientist that in the late hours of the night, germinated not only The Move, Electric Light Orchestra, although Jeff Lynne would take over control of ELO, and Roy Wood would leave ELO and create yet another band called Wizard in which he would yield the most success. Roy Wood is the guy I’d love to see you interview.

Kevin Cronin and REO Speedwagon's we're on the TV show Ozark which airs on Netflix. If you haven't checked it out you really should because it's hysterical. I don't want to spoil it for anyone. This was last season and I believe it's episode 3. I believe it's entitled Kevin Cronin is here.

RIDIN' THE STORM OUT!

Holy shit, how have I never noticed that before?? It totally sounds like “Love the One You’re With”! Oh well… I love both songs. The way Kevin sings the opening line grabs me every time. “As soon as you are ablllle…!”

Keep Pushin'

Miss Gary terribly , he was my guitar hero .

All over the tube are black folks playing white bands songs and then they give their impressions. I love to see their impression of Roll With The Changes because its such a power, joyous song that no one can deny!

Nice job! I'd LOVE to hear what Golden Earring was thinking when they wrote 'Are You Receiving Me?'. The lyrics are biblical.

Great band seen them 5 times , I love the song 157 riverside avenue

Best organ solo in Rock history by one of REOs founding members who is not Cronin

Take it on the run... The best...

Great stuff. I would like to hear about time for me to fly and take it on the run. And all about hi infidelity. Thanks professor

Adam, Kevin caught lightning in a bottle with this song and you did the same with this interview.

Nice

Loved their early albums. Bought their debut album at a local record shop in my hometown in Sweden. Knew nothing of the band. REO TWO was even better and to me their masterpiece. The following albums were also good but they became less interesting with time. I just want to forget the horrible eighties ballad band. The went down that cheesy commercial road like so many great seventies bands like Journey and Chicago.

Anothe great story!! Speaking of losing people, we just lost the great Rupert Hine. If you don’t know who he is please look him up.

How was he able to tow a u-haul trailer with a ford pinto station wagon?

My HS class song.

Talk about "Back on the road again" by Bruce Hall , bass player for REO , and have Bruce talk about when he joined REO !!!!!!

I like to know if Reo Speedwagon is going to make a new album

Could you feature CROWDED HOUSE sir?? Thanks POF!!!

I would love to know the story behind the song Find Your Own Way Home that Kevin wrote in 2007.

I love both songs love the one your with and roll with the changes Everything is inspired by some thing It’s like picking a great book and saying it was plagiarized from the dictionary now my sweet lord and he’s so fine although not intentional they are the same some

How about Building the Bridge? That song is so current nowadays. It goes: Father to son, husband to wife Brother to brother, black man to white Living together, falling apart Looking for the common ground in every human heart It all comes down to the two of us Yeah, this is where we start We are building the bridge One small stone at a time With a lot of love And some help from above From your heart to mine .....

@2:15 - Did it have Squire Option?

Would like to hear the of the song "Easy Money"

@ Professor of Rock: I'd love to see you get Huey Lewis, Corey Hart, and Richard Marx for a one on one interviews. :-)

I'm not on Patreon... Can you set up a KZfaq "Join" feature? I'll subscribe to that if you do.

Does he still have the brown bag he wrote the song on

Unfortunately Gary is not with us. I'd love to hear the story behind Golden Country.

Loved this video but I would have loved to have heard what contribution to the song that Gary Ritchrath had. Obviously, without his guitar playing the song lacks fire.

First record I ever bought with my own money was 'High Infidelity', I dumpster dived for aluminum cans and glass soda bottles to recycle, to raise the $$$'s to get it. As soon as I got back from the record store, I was so excited, I immediately ran down to my friends house to show him, but I had the record sleeve opening turned to the side, and the record rolled out, hit the sidewalk and shattered.....lol. Kids today will never know that kind of heartbreak...lol...!!!

From " You Can Tune A 🎹 , But You Can't Tuna A 🐟 " 😎

Tough guys and 157 riverside avenue

This song doesn't quite make my REO 5'er, but that doesn't mean it isn't great!

Hmmm.... Kevin Cronin taking credit for Neil Doughty's B3 keyboard solo - how unusual 🤔 #sarcasm

This has nothing to do with reo but I like to see something about Tommy Bolin Post Toasties

“Changes” is much better than “love the one your with” anyway