REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom).
REO Speedwagon was an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Formed in 1967, the group originally included drummer and backing vocalist Alan Gratzer, guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, and keyboardist Neal Doughty.[1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals.[2] Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure by Bill Fiorio and later Steve Scorfina.[3] Blair left a few months after Matt, with Gregg Philbin taking his place.[4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968.[3]
By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitarist Gary Richrath in place of Scorfina.[5] In early 1972, shortly after the release of the band's self-titled debut album, Luttrell left REO Speedwagon following a disagreement with Richrath.[6] The vocalist was replaced by Kevin Cronin, who performed on the group's second album R.E.O./T.W.O. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up.[7] Mike Murphy took over and recorded Ridin' the Storm Out, Lost in a Dream and This Time We Mean It, but was replaced by a returning Cronin in 1976.[8][9] Philbin left the following year, with Bruce Hall taking his place.[10]
The band's lineup remained stable thereafter for more than ten years until Gratzer decided to retire in 1988, with Graham Lear brought in as his replacement.[11] Richrath also left early the next year, with Miles Joseph filling in for a show before Dave Amato took over in May.[12][13] Also in 1989, Bryan Hitt replaced Lear on drums,[14] while Jesse Harms joined as a second keyboardist, performing on the band's 1990 album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken.[15] Since the end of Harms's brief tenure with the group, REO Speedwagon has retained a consistent lineup of Neal Doughty, Kevin Cronin, Dave Amato, Bruce Hall, and Bryan Hitt[16] until 2023 when Doughty announced he was retiring from touring. His touring replacement was announced as former Iron Butterfly and Whitesnake member Derek Hilland.[17]
In November 2023, Hall was replaced on tour by Matt Bissonette as the bassist had injured his back.[18] Bissonette continued to play with REO Speedwagon until the group disbanded in December 2024,[19] due to tensions between Doughty, Hall and Cronin.[20]
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken (1990)
Touring
Image
Name
Years active
Instruments
Release contributions
John Aldridge
2005–present
percussion
occasional drums
John Aldridge, Bryan Hitt's drum tech since July 2005, performed additional percussion parts live from around July 2005 until the present day.[41] He also performed drums at soundchecks when Bryan was running late.
Doughty was absent from the REO Speedwagon Unplugged Live in Washington XM Radio show in early April 2007, with producer Joe Vannelli filling-in on keyboards.[42] Vannelli also performed piano, Hammond organ, and synthesizer on the 2007 album Find Your Own Way Home.[43]
Derek Hilland
2023–2024 (substitute)
With Doughty's retirement from touring being announced in January 2023, Derek Hilland been filled-in for Doughty live from January 2023[44] until the group ceased in December 2024.[45]
With Hall's hiatus to have back surgery in November 2023, Matt Bissonette has been filling in for Hall.[18] He continued to do so until the band ceased touring in 2024.[45]
Notes: Derek Hilland is currently the touring replacement for Neal Doughty. Matt Bissonette is currently the touring replacement from Bruce Hall, who plans to return in 2024.
^Graham, Samuel (November 28, 1981). "The REO Speedwagon Story"(Scan). Record World. Vol. 18, no. 1791. New York City, New York: Record World Publishing. p. 14 (Section II). Retrieved December 30, 2017.
^Fell, Ron (August 26, 1988). "Biofeedback"(Scan). Gavin Report. No. 1721. San Francisco, California. p. 21. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
^Fell, Ron (April 14, 1989). "Biofeedback"(Scan). Gavin Report. No. 1752. San Francisco, California: Gavin Report, Inc. p. 23. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
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