Reo Speedwagon Newcastle City Hall 28th October 1985
I saw Reo Speedwagon once, when they toured the UK in 1985 and played at Newcastle City Hall. The line-up at the time was Neal Doughty (keyboards), Alan Gratzer (drums), Gary Richrath (lead guitar), Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), and Bruce Hall (bass). They were touring off the back of their eleventh studio album “Wheels Are Turnin'”. They had been in the UK singles charts earlier in the ’80s with “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run”, and in 1984 with “Can’t Fight This Feeling”. REO Speedwagon formed in 1967 in the USA, and have had considerable success. Their 1980 album “Hi Infidelity” contained four US Top 40 hits and is the group’s best-selling album, with over ten million copies sold. Over the course of their career, the band have sold more than 40 million records and continue to play to this day. The concert was an evening of great adult-oriented pop rock. I recall lots of jangling acoustic guitars and strong harmonies. Support came from Robin George.
Thanks to Mitch for the setlist: Don’t Let Him Go, Tough Guys, I Do’ Wanna Know, One Lonely Night, Back On The Road Again, Take It On The Run, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Wherever You’re Goin’ (It’s Alright), The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot, Shakin’ It Loose, Keep On Loving You, Keep Pushin’, Roll With The Changes.
Encores: Riding The Storm Out, Time For Me To Fly.
10 Apr
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by jeffollerton on April 10, 2014 at 10:22 am
My favourite REO Speedwagon factoid: their original drummer was a guy called Doug Schemske. He left the band before they made it big and is now a very influential professor of evolutionary ecology. Not as well known as the band, of course, but he’s famous within the field.
Posted by vintagerock on April 10, 2014 at 11:00 am
Hi Fascinating stuff Jeff. I’ve just had a look at his web page and his CV which is pretty impressive Cheers Peter
Posted by jeffollerton on April 10, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Yeah, bet it doesn’t mention REO Speedwagon though 🙂
Posted by Blue Boy on May 8, 2018 at 9:58 pm
What is the shame of mentioning being a founder member of a band which have went on to be one of the biggest selling rock bands in US music! Great band, great songs. One of those bands who could and have released more than one greatest hits compilations, and I guarantee not one of those tracks is unknown or filler. Another great band in this vein, one which I guess you would be ashamed to be in, The Cars. Who? You might be familiar with ‘Drive’ (Live Aid) written and sung by the late, great bass guitar player, Benjamin Orr.
Let me guess…you’re probably a fan of bands who couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket..I.e. The Smiths, Oasis, R.E.M., The Rolling Stones……yawn….
Posted by Mitch on April 10, 2014 at 2:21 pm
I was at this concert . I recall REO being a well rehearsed polished act who went down particularly well with the City Hall crowd – including me. I thought they were great.
The Newcastle set list was:
Don’t Let Him Go, Tough Guys, I Do’ Wanna Know, One Lonely Night, Back On The Road Again, Take It On The Run, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Wherever You’re Goin’ (It’s Alright), The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot, Shakin’ It Loose, Keep On Loving You, Keep Pushin’, Roll With The Changes.
Encores: Riding The Storm Out, Time For Me To Fly.
Posted by vintagerock on April 10, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Many thanks Mitch. I agree, I recall them being much better than I had expected. I am not a massive fan of AOR/pop but enjoyed them. Cheers Peter
Posted by Blue Boy on May 8, 2018 at 10:17 pm
For goodness sake…”AOR/pop. This band is not afflicted with a disease called AOR/pop. This band and others branded in the same way, usually by ‘British music fans’ reading the NME. Remember the NME? This rag was the one who declared punk as the alternative to outdated, outmoded music ‘for dinosaurs’.
All I know is that John Lydon now does butter commercials, and I’m still watching some of the same bands – that punk was supposed to replace – for over forty five years now in their various ensembles.
REO, and others, were learning their chops along with, and at the same time as, so called ‘real’ rock and roll bands, whoever they might be. Led Zeppelin, The Stones, The Who, couldn’t hold a candle musically to a lot of these ‘AOR/pop’ bands! ‘‘
…better than I expected”. How condescending of you. Come as a shock did it. Can actually play their own instruments can they! Wow fancy that! Who’d have thought! Your musical education is sadly lacking, along with most other ‘British’ music fans who think rock music began with Led Zeppelin and Cream and ended with The Smiths. The words ‘ like watching paint dry’ in a musical equivalent spring to mind!
Posted by DM on September 23, 2014 at 1:25 am
I to was at the City Hall gig and vividly racall them being very quiet to begin with. But as the gig went on they gradually got louder, never been to a gig like it sound wise… I recall really enjoying it though despite not being a massive fan.
Posted by vintagerock on September 23, 2014 at 6:13 am
Thanks DM Cheers Peter
Posted by Mart on October 18, 2015 at 7:22 pm
I was at that show too, front row seat right in front of Richrath. The short length of the show was later blamed on vocal problems for Kevin Cronin – forcing them to cancel a surprise gig at London’s Marquee club. I remember Gary’s guitar being quite low down in the mix, which was a shame as he was one hell of a guitarist. Also it was Turkey Trot, not Tuna.
I always thought it sad that Richrath left the band, though I certainly understand why, he was the soul of the group and they were never the same without him.
Posted by vintagerock on October 18, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Thanks Mart Best wishes Peter
Posted by Blue Boy on May 8, 2018 at 10:36 pm
Hi Mart
Nice to read a post from someone at the gig, as I was, and who I assume is British, but not being patronising, like some others who describe their shock and immense surprise at this band who actually can play their instruments!
Incidentally, no one has mentioned Kevin Cronin suddenly appearing in front of those in the back balcony, about three feet from me! Everyone just stood there!!! Then he went away. I have lots of examples of great bands from the US who didn’t grasp how UK audiences can differ to those in the US. Two notable bands being Styx in 1977, and Boston in 1979. Styx learnt from the experience and stormed it on the Pieces Of Eight Tour in 1978!
It was a disappointing gig for me in terms of the sound mix. I can definitely concur about Gary’s guitar being quite low down. Marvellous player! I am aware that you posted in 2015 and will have predated Gary’s passing. This was in 2016.
I couldn’t believe it when I recently watched some REO concert footage just prior to his passing where he guested. He was as enormously obese by this time as he was stick thin in his glory days. Very disturbing and sad. A great loss to music
Posted by Andy Thompson on February 11, 2021 at 6:47 pm
I was at that show, me and my two mates went to Maddison’s nightclub with the band ( really lucky),, as we had REO t-shirts ( the Maddison people ) thought we were with the band ! Spent about an hour in their company ,, beers and banter with them all, KC spoke to my girlfriend on the phone,,( no mobiles then , he came with me to a phone box in the club) they were great with us, Neal was homesick, as was Alan, Bruce and KC friendly,, and Gary,, he was a Rockstar!,, amazing memories of a great show 👍🍺
Posted by vintagerock on February 11, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Great memories Andy many thanks for sharing them happy days Peter
Posted by Martin on February 11, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Great read! I’m so jealous!
My mate and I went to Julie’s afterwards – we figured that’s where Dire Straits went after the show….
Oh well! Days before mobiles…
It would’ve been great to hang out with Gary though!
I was in the front row – got my ticket so it’d be right in front of Richrath. He WAS the band really, and they were never the same without him.
Good show, but the sound was shite.
We didn’t realise it at the time – but that was their peak.
Over 35 years ago now…jeez.
Mart.
Posted by vintagerock on February 12, 2021 at 10:14 am
Many thanks Mart happy days Peter