10 Fun Facts About REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon is a classic rock band that has been entertaining audiences with their signature sound for over four decades. Known for their melodic rock anthems and powerful ballads, the band has created a timeless catalogue of music that has earned them a legion of devoted fans. Some of their biggest hits, such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Take It On the Run,” have become staples of classic rock radio and cemented the band’s status as one of the most beloved acts of the genre. REO Speedwagon has also received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including multiple platinum albums and a string of awards. With their passionate performances and instantly recognizable sound, REO Speedwagon continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of rock musicians.
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1-How a Truck Brand Inspired the Name of a Rock Band: The Strange but True Story of REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon was named after a truck brand that was popular in the early 20th century. The band’s name was inspired by the REO Motor Car Company, which was founded in 1905 by Ransom E. Olds (hence the name REO). The company produced a variety of vehicles, including trucks and buses, which were known for their speed and durability. The band chose the name REO Speedwagon as a tribute to the company and its reputation for producing high-quality vehicles.
2- From Playing for Beer at a Bar to Rock Superstardom: The Unlikely Journey of REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon’s first gig was at a bar called “The Black-Eyed Pea” in Champaign, Illinois, where they played for $100 and all the beer they could drink. The band was formed in 1967 and played their first gig at “The Black-Eyed Pea” in 1968. Despite the humble beginnings, REO Speedwagon went on to become one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, selling more than 40 million records worldwide and achieving numerous top 40 hits.
3-From Struggling Actor to Rock Star: Kevin Cronin’s Unlikely Journey with REO Speedwagon
Lead singer Kevin Cronin once worked as a struggling actor. Before joining REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin worked as a struggling actor in Hollywood, appearing in small roles in TV shows and movies.
4-How a Radio Station Made REO Speedwagon’s ‘Keep On Loving You’ a Hit
The band’s record label was not initially interested in releasing “Keep On Loving You” as a single, but after a radio station started playing it and it became a hit, the label changed its mind and released it as a single. It went on to become one of REO Speedwagon’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts and earning the band a Grammy nomination. The song has since become a classic rock staple and is still played regularly on the radio.
5-REO Speedwagon: Still Waiting for Their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
REO Speedwagon has been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1999. Despite being eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1999, REO Speedwagon has not yet been inducted into the Hall.
6-Illinois’ Favorite Sons: The Strong Connection Between REO Speedwagon and the Prairie State
Most of the members of REO Speedwagon grew up in Illinois and the band has a strong connection to the state. In fact, they were inducted into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. The band formed in 1967 at the University of Illinois in Champaign, and many of the members grew up in the state. Despite achieving international success, the band has remained closely tied to their roots in Illinois.
7-REO Speedwagon’s Meme-worthy ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ Music Video
In the late 2000s, a clip from REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” music video featuring Kevin Cronin singing the line “I can’t fight this feeling any longer” became a popular Internet meme. The clip, which shows Cronin singing the line with intense emotion, was often used in memes to convey a sense of hopelessness or longing. Despite being over 30 years old, the song and the clip continue to be popular online.
8-REO Speedwagon’s Marathon of Music: Over 20 Studio Albums and Counting
The band has released more than 20 studio albums. REO Speedwagon has released more than 20 studio albums over the course of their career, including their debut album “R.E.O. Speedwagon” (1971) and their most recent album “The Hits” (2018).
9-REO Speedwagon’s Record-Breaking Sales: Over 40 Million Records Sold Worldwide
REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million records worldwide. REO Speedwagon has had a successful career, selling more than 40 million records worldwide and achieving numerous top 40 hits.
10-Energetic live performances
REO Speedwagon is known for their energetic live performances. REO Speedwagon is known for their energetic live performances and have toured extensively throughout their career, performing for millions of fans around the world.