If you had told 17-year-old me that one day the members of REO Speedwagon would be playing just a few feet away from me, I would have freaked right out. I mean, we’re talking about one of the most popular and prolific bands from my high-school and college days; the guys whose songs got me through more than one break-up, and whose lyrics we used to belt out at the tops of our lungs whenever they came on the radio. But it happened last night, and it made me ridiculously happy. It was more than just being in the presence of these rock legends, though. Frontman/guitarist Kevin Cronin, bassist Bruce Hall, guitarist Dave Amato, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Bryan Hitt were having a blast on the stage, and their mood was infectious. From the first notes of “Don’t Let Him Go,” through the end of “Listen to Her Heart,” Cronin’s rapport with the audience and bandmates was wonderful. He told little stories and anecdotes between each song, and even went into the relationship that REO Speedwagon has with Indianapolis. He seemed genuinely grateful for the support Naptown has shown the band. Honestly, I felt really connected with the band afterward. REO Speedwagon will be on tour through mid November; if you have a chance to see them, by all means do it!
www.reospeedwagon.com/