REO Speedwagon: The Rollercoaster Journey of Success and Setbacks
REO Speedwagon's journey in the music industry has been a rollercoaster ride of successes and setbacks. The band's early years saw the addition of frontman Kevin Cronin, but his departure led to a period of struggle with three albums that failed to make an impact. However, Cronin's return brought about their first Hot 100 song with a live version of "Ridin' the Storm Out," propelling the album to platinum status.
Their breakthrough came with the release of 1978's You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, which sold over two million copies and featured radio hits like "Roll with the Changes" and "Time for Me to Fly." Despite this success, their follow-up album, Nine Lives, failed to produce any hit songs, leading to a period of uncertainty.
REO Speedwagon reached superstar status with 1980's Hi Infidelity, which topped the charts and sold millions of copies. However, subsequent releases like Good Trouble and Wheels Are Turnin' faced mixed reception, with internal conflicts between band members affecting their output. The band's gold-selling album Life as We Know It in 1987 marked a turning point as they navigated through challenges.
The core trio of Cronin, Doughty, and Hall continued to release albums under the REO Speedwagon name, with three more non-holiday LPs before retiring the band's name. Their discography reflects a mix of highs and lows, showcasing their resilience and enduring legacy in the rock music scene.