So if Gary rejoined, they'd get a recording contract and start having hit records again would they? No they wouldn't. Gary's. Not the reason their contract wasn't renewed and neither is he the reason they don't have hits anymore.They wouldn't have a hit if Jimmy Page joined their music isn't fashionable any more
Ever hear any REO song on the radio since Gary left? The only songs that charted and the only records that sold well were with Gary in the band. Kevin Cronin is from my hometown and old neighborhood (Oak Lawn, Illinois). He was a pain in the ass skinny Irish kid growing up, and had a big ego all the way back to the days of St. Linus Catholic school. The older brothers of my best friend lived a couple of doors down and loved beating the crap out of him every chance they got. Karma's a bitch
What people often don't realise is that Kevin Cronin wasn't an original member! He didn't come along as a permanent member until several year later! Nor did he even begin as a "rock singer"! The only thing is, I don't think any of those original members, like Neal Doty or Alan Gratzer, who formed REO back in 1968 had any "leadership skills", or even a real vision for the band. Kevin came along much later and basically made this band his own
I totally agree. I remember when they were just a club act and I'd go see them when they were in town. It was thrilling to wach their quick rise to success. I was one of REO's biggest fans until Gary left. The songs got really wimpy after that and I just couldn't stand listening to them anymore. They are really not "REO Speedwagon" any longer.
Having seen this band live in Illinois in the 70's when they were playing college bars...including my college a lot....it makes me ill that Gary isnt with the group anymore. One of the greatest bands...when Gary played...from the greatest decade of rock...imo...the 70's.
@StratsRgreat You from the Midwest? I remember they played the heck out of Champaign and the rest of Illinois. They were, at least we thought, just the best. Miss Richrath's guitar licks though. Why did he leave, by the way?
@1danrobbins Gary had a drinking problem. (working with Kevin who wouldn't?) & Cronin wanted to do love songs & ballads instead of Richrath's traditional hard rock. So Gary was EXILED from the group in 89. Leaving Cronin free as he pleased with his sissy love songs & ballads. THANK'S FOR DRIVING THE SPEEDWAGON IN THE DITCH CRONIN!!!
@ExDemocrat64 Thank you for the post. I do believe I have heard he had a drinking problem before but honestly had forgotten. As for the direction Cronin took the band, I, too, disliked the direction. Hi Infidelity was thought by many of us long time fans as a sellout. I mean, anytime some of those in Hollywood brag up the album, as they did, you know their hard rock past was left behind.
Gary Richrath was REO Speedwagon. It's a shame he let Kevin take over. It's like Van Halen without David Lee Roth....Sorry if that sounds a little old school but Gary made that REO Speedwagon sound. Gary should sue the shit out of Kevin. Kevin wrote the lyrics... THATS ALL!!!!
I live in and grew up in the Midwest in the 60's. REO ruled. Great band and always have liked Kevin Cronin. Still miss Richrath, but the new guy does a good job.
I was going to slam Cronin as an embarrassment to Irish Americans. But he sounds like such a nice guy. Grateful for his succees. Positive, Kind. I just do not get his music -- no soul or depth. But God Bless Cronin. I'll take the Pogues, Dropkicks, Floggin Molly, Curtis Mayfield. Listen to "Across 110th St" by Bobby Womack & tell me what you think.
winkydink your opinion stinks. The reason Kc is still "performing" is because he's a greedy s.o.b. His big ego didn't want to share the stage with the gifted and talented Mr. Gary Richrath. I admit that i once enjoyed kevins talents. His voice is gone. I think Gary should sue him everytime kevin claims credit for GARYS songs. I met them both and let me say, there is no comparison. Gary was sweeet and kind , Kevin was an ass.
@veronicalovesgdr Unfortunatly, Gary signed over all his rights to the band to Kevin when he left, therefore Cronin can take credit all he wants for Gary's songs. Cronin is a snake in the grass!!!
You people are clueless. I just saw REO Speedwagon and let me be honest, I could give a crap who plays guitar. Kevin Cronin was and is REO Speedwagon. Just like Rob Halford is Judas Priest, Roger Waters is Pink Floyd and Ozzy was Black Sabbath. The other guys are great. But please....you know the old saying, what do you call someone who hangs around a band...The bass player. Name 10 great bass players...uh...duh...Lead sings make the bands, period. REO still rocks without Mr. Gary.
hello Kevin Cronin i have the same name as you and surname.. i also play music i am hoping you and me could play sometime.. i also know of a guy in america head of the police in somewhere i saw on discovery and has the same name also.. very popular name..
send me message on IsCumaFut2 if you can.. thank you if you get this msg
Kevin recently summed it up...."There was a band in the 70s called REO Speedwagon but we have stripped it down and started again, so although we were part of that past, we consider ourselves a new band." Gary is not in this band - GET OVER IT!!
If REO is nothing without Gary how is it they are still touring successfully? Gary is awesome, not doubt....but he hasn't been in the band for quite some time now. The "Cronin haters" need to move on and listen to something else. Why waste your time listening to or posting comments about a band you no longer like?
What a joke!! REO is nothing without Gary. Gary was the heart of REO. Kevin wants to write a bunch of lame songs let him, but it is nothing compared to REO with Gary.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
No one gives a crap about that guy, if he was so great and the heart and soul of REO why has no one heard of this guy...no one cared then and no one cares now. Kevin Cronin is Reo Speedwagon, period. Deny it all you want, but the truth is he is out there performing, Gary is still collecting his unemployment checks.
Kevin Cronin Is One Of The Best Songwriters Of All Time. And From One Of The Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time For Many Years Try Listening To Their Music You Just Might Like It.
Give it a rest about Gary, he had the opportunity to come back and he chose not to. REO evolved without him. Get over it! If you don't like REO don't watch the vids an don't listen to them.
Since Gary left, Cronin sounds like he is a snake oil salesman. Always trying to sell people that REO is better now then back in the day. By any measure, REO has sucked after Gary left.
Wouldn't say it was done, but Gary was a great loss. A lot of the stuff after Gary Richrath was just not the same quality. My favorite period is '77 through '85.
So if Gary rejoined, they'd get a recording contract and start having hit records again would they? No they wouldn't. Gary's. Not the reason their contract wasn't renewed and neither is he the reason they don't have hits anymore.They wouldn't have a hit if Jimmy Page joined their music isn't fashionable any more
Carpetlay1 3 months ago
Thumbs this up if you think REO would be a better band today if Gary was in it!
TNMinuteMan 5 months ago 3
Ever hear any REO song on the radio since Gary left? The only songs that charted and the only records that sold well were with Gary in the band. Kevin Cronin is from my hometown and old neighborhood (Oak Lawn, Illinois). He was a pain in the ass skinny Irish kid growing up, and had a big ego all the way back to the days of St. Linus Catholic school. The older brothers of my best friend lived a couple of doors down and loved beating the crap out of him every chance they got. Karma's a bitch
rileysirishmom 5 months ago
What people often don't realise is that Kevin Cronin wasn't an original member! He didn't come along as a permanent member until several year later! Nor did he even begin as a "rock singer"! The only thing is, I don't think any of those original members, like Neal Doty or Alan Gratzer, who formed REO back in 1968 had any "leadership skills", or even a real vision for the band. Kevin came along much later and basically made this band his own
notfragile33 7 months ago
I totally agree. I remember when they were just a club act and I'd go see them when they were in town. It was thrilling to wach their quick rise to success. I was one of REO's biggest fans until Gary left. The songs got really wimpy after that and I just couldn't stand listening to them anymore. They are really not "REO Speedwagon" any longer.
nvr2old2rnr 8 months ago
Why do they NOT play any songs from good trouble?
skavenger67 10 months ago
Having seen this band live in Illinois in the 70's when they were playing college bars...including my college a lot....it makes me ill that Gary isnt with the group anymore. One of the greatest bands...when Gary played...from the greatest decade of rock...imo...the 70's.
StratsRgreat 1 year ago
@StratsRgreat You from the Midwest? I remember they played the heck out of Champaign and the rest of Illinois. They were, at least we thought, just the best. Miss Richrath's guitar licks though. Why did he leave, by the way?
1danrobbins 1 year ago
@1danrobbins Gary had a drinking problem. (working with Kevin who wouldn't?) & Cronin wanted to do love songs & ballads instead of Richrath's traditional hard rock. So Gary was EXILED from the group in 89. Leaving Cronin free as he pleased with his sissy love songs & ballads. THANK'S FOR DRIVING THE SPEEDWAGON IN THE DITCH CRONIN!!!
ExDemocrat64 1 year ago
@ExDemocrat64 Thank you for the post. I do believe I have heard he had a drinking problem before but honestly had forgotten. As for the direction Cronin took the band, I, too, disliked the direction. Hi Infidelity was thought by many of us long time fans as a sellout. I mean, anytime some of those in Hollywood brag up the album, as they did, you know their hard rock past was left behind.
1danrobbins 11 months ago
Gary Richrath was REO Speedwagon. It's a shame he let Kevin take over. It's like Van Halen without David Lee Roth....Sorry if that sounds a little old school but Gary made that REO Speedwagon sound. Gary should sue the shit out of Kevin. Kevin wrote the lyrics... THATS ALL!!!!
BigWave8750 1 year ago
I live in and grew up in the Midwest in the 60's. REO ruled. Great band and always have liked Kevin Cronin. Still miss Richrath, but the new guy does a good job.
1danrobbins 2 years ago
I was going to slam Cronin as an embarrassment to Irish Americans. But he sounds like such a nice guy. Grateful for his succees. Positive, Kind. I just do not get his music -- no soul or depth. But God Bless Cronin. I'll take the Pogues, Dropkicks, Floggin Molly, Curtis Mayfield. Listen to "Across 110th St" by Bobby Womack & tell me what you think.
Hetzel56 2 years ago
i got to school with his daughter holly and is close friends with her. KEVIN CRONIN ROXS !!!!!!!!
colinamiddle 2 years ago
SAMMME!!!!!!!!
killerROCK38 2 years ago
lol my name is Kevin Cronin
Cronin107 2 years ago
Thank you Kevin for some of the best music I have heard.
ZenBarracuda 2 years ago
winkydink your opinion stinks. The reason Kc is still "performing" is because he's a greedy s.o.b. His big ego didn't want to share the stage with the gifted and talented Mr. Gary Richrath. I admit that i once enjoyed kevins talents. His voice is gone. I think Gary should sue him everytime kevin claims credit for GARYS songs. I met them both and let me say, there is no comparison. Gary was sweeet and kind , Kevin was an ass.
veronicalovesgdr 3 years ago
@veronicalovesgdr Unfortunatly, Gary signed over all his rights to the band to Kevin when he left, therefore Cronin can take credit all he wants for Gary's songs. Cronin is a snake in the grass!!!
ExDemocrat64 1 year ago
REO sucks without Gary
SlipKnot7480 3 years ago 2
It never too late. Kevin Cronin is great.
cheyenne86 3 years ago
You people are clueless. I just saw REO Speedwagon and let me be honest, I could give a crap who plays guitar. Kevin Cronin was and is REO Speedwagon. Just like Rob Halford is Judas Priest, Roger Waters is Pink Floyd and Ozzy was Black Sabbath. The other guys are great. But please....you know the old saying, what do you call someone who hangs around a band...The bass player. Name 10 great bass players...uh...duh...Lead sings make the bands, period. REO still rocks without Mr. Gary.
winkydink1961 3 years ago
Not even close. What you saw was a Kevin Cronin solo project.
Search ROLL WITH THE CHANGES 1978 and you will see the real REO. The guy Kevin has playing guitar now can't come close on the solos.
c99999992003 3 years ago 2
hello Kevin Cronin i have the same name as you and surname.. i also play music i am hoping you and me could play sometime.. i also know of a guy in america head of the police in somewhere i saw on discovery and has the same name also.. very popular name..
send me message on IsCumaFut2 if you can.. thank you if you get this msg
IsCumaFut2 3 years ago
Kevin recently summed it up...."There was a band in the 70s called REO Speedwagon but we have stripped it down and started again, so although we were part of that past, we consider ourselves a new band." Gary is not in this band - GET OVER IT!!
leecalvin 3 years ago
If that is the case why is Kevin playing Gary's songs!! See how many people go to see him play if they don't play Gary's songs!!
c99999992003 3 years ago 6
If REO is nothing without Gary how is it they are still touring successfully? Gary is awesome, not doubt....but he hasn't been in the band for quite some time now. The "Cronin haters" need to move on and listen to something else. Why waste your time listening to or posting comments about a band you no longer like?
scotman240 3 years ago
I love REO. Just not the Cronin solo project that he calls "REO" now.
They are touring successfully now because they play all the old songs that Gary wrote or help write.
c99999992003 3 years ago 3
What a joke!! REO is nothing without Gary. Gary was the heart of REO. Kevin wants to write a bunch of lame songs let him, but it is nothing compared to REO with Gary.
c99999992003 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No one gives a crap about that guy, if he was so great and the heart and soul of REO why has no one heard of this guy...no one cared then and no one cares now. Kevin Cronin is Reo Speedwagon, period. Deny it all you want, but the truth is he is out there performing, Gary is still collecting his unemployment checks.
winkydink1961 3 years ago
You must be 13, cause your obviously not old enough to remember the real REO.
Search ROLL WITH THE CHANGES 1978 and you will see Gary's contribution. You will never hear the solos played like that again.
c99999992003 3 years ago 2
Kevin Cronin Is One Of The Best Songwriters Of All Time. And From One Of The Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time For Many Years Try Listening To Their Music You Just Might Like It.
rockfan2k8 3 years ago
Give it a rest about Gary, he had the opportunity to come back and he chose not to. REO evolved without him. Get over it! If you don't like REO don't watch the vids an don't listen to them.
leecalvin 4 years ago
Since Gary left, Cronin sounds like he is a snake oil salesman. Always trying to sell people that REO is better now then back in the day. By any measure, REO has sucked after Gary left.
cbrugh 4 years ago 6
I thought they always sucked...maybe they suck more now than ever.
backbeat64 3 years ago
@cbrugh BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Are you kidding cbrugh? No Way! Kevin Makes REO
IKissmydogonthelips 5 months ago
Saw REO Speedwagon a few days ago in Salt Lake City. Great concert - kept everyone entertained; everyone enjoyed! :)
queenlivesforever 4 years ago
reo is finished. when richrath left, it was done. Nobody gives a shit now. Cronin is a flake, too!
getchasumm 4 years ago
Wouldn't say it was done, but Gary was a great loss. A lot of the stuff after Gary Richrath was just not the same quality. My favorite period is '77 through '85.
BullRun1861 4 years ago
hey vin i'd take him up on that offer for a free beer. They better come somewhere near albany like he said, spac would be sweet.
cooldude546 4 years ago
Reo is Riding The Storm out forever. Keep rocking
Satori1800 4 years ago
great interview. Man, does this DJ have the voice or what? Kevin does = da man! REO is it!
ridesuperglide 4 years ago
Thanks for posting the interview!
renegade79 5 years ago
Kevin = the man. Can hardly wait for the new album to hit the shelves. Let's hope radio will pick up some of the new singles. .
trdguy82 5 years ago