Hit-making ’70s rockers are still riding the storm out REO Speedwagon
By John Benson
REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin heard it from a friend, who heard it from another that the only way to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was to kiss some Rolling Stone magazine tush.
That said, the singer doesn’t sound as though he’s willing to go that route anytime soon. Instead, REO Speedwagon will just keep touring its cherished baby boomer catalog, which includes platinum albums (“Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “You Can Tune a Piano but You Can’t Tuna Fish” and “Wheels Are Turnin’”) and hit singles (“Keep On Loving You,” “Take it on the Run” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”).
The Vindicator talked to Cronin about, well, The Vindicator and the group’s return to Northeast Ohio for an April 7 show at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Q. REO Speedwagon has played plenty of gigs in Northeast Ohio. What are your memories of Youngstown?
A. My first memory is of The Vindicator. I know the newspaper well. My father was in the newspaper advertising representative business. They had a company that represented a number of newspapers for national advertising. My summer job was in the filing room where every day three to six giant bags of newspapers would come in. I’d have to file them. And the Sunday Vindicator was a bear to fold it in half and file. So I remember the Youngstown Vindicator quite well. So basically, I feel like at one point I worked for The Vindicator.
Q. That said, for the last 40 some odd years, your job has been with REO Speedwagon. Do you guys have any new music planned?
A. In this climate of uncertainty in the music recording business, it’s a little daunting to think about going into the studio. So the thought of making a record is just not in the cards. Yet, every time I pick up the guitar, it’s a weird thing. I start playing and something happens that’s potentially a song. I love making records. I kind of miss it. I imagine we’ll do it again.
Q. HBO’s new series “Vinyl” depicts the New York City music scene in the early ’70s, which is when REO Speedwagon got its start. Does anything in the show ring true for you?
A. I have watched it. It’s pretty dark and, honestly, I never experienced some of the things this show kind of portrays. But some of it is true. The fact everybody is pouring cocaine out on any shiny surface you can find, I definitely went through that phase.
Q. Speaking of phases, what was up with your mullet?
A. I take exception to the characterization of it as a mullet. I characterize it as more of a mull-fro, a hybrid of a mullet and afro. A lot of the venues we play have pictures of bands who played there over the years, and I recently saw a picture of myself in St. Louis. It was right at that point where my hair was going through its metamorphosis into what it is today. It was quite a sight to behold, I will tell you. But there were never any curling irons involved or any attempt at manipulating my hair. That is what it was, au naturel.
Q. Finally, do you think REO Speedwagon will ever get inducted into the Rock Hall?
A. I’m not that desperate to get into the Rock Hall. Honestly, I know a lot of really good ballplayers who didn’t get into the Baseball Hall of Fame. They had great careers with a lot of hits. They were fan favorites and just didn’t get in. I’m OK with that.