Ever found yourself belting out "Keep On Loving You" in the shower, or felt a sudden urge to rock out to "Take Me Home Tonight"? You're not alone. REO Speedwagon, the American rock band that's been around since the '60s, has left an indelible mark on our collective playlist. But have you ever wondered, how old are the REO Speedwagon band members?
Meet the Band
REO Speedwagon, hailing from Champaign, Illinois, was formed in 1967. The band's name, by the way, is a reference to a type of towing vehicle, not a speedboat. The original lineup included Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, guitar), Gary Richrath (lead guitar), Alan Gratzer (drums), Gregg Philbin (bass), and Terry Luttrell (vocals).
Over the years, the band has seen some changes, but the current lineup consists of Kevin Cronin, Dave Amato (lead guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), and Bryan Hitt (drums). Let's dive into their ages.
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Kevin Cronin: The Frontman
Kevin Cronin, the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, was born on July 6, 1951. That makes him a Cancer, in case you're into astrology. He's been the band's frontman since 1972, with a brief hiatus in the '70s. So, as of 2021, Cronin is 70 years old. Yes, you read that right. He's been rocking our world for over five decades!
Fun fact: Cronin is also a bit of a foodie. He's known to whip up a mean batch of chili, and he even has a cookbook, "Rock & Roll Recipes: The Cookbook for Rockers by Rockers." So, next time you're listening to "Roll With the Changes," you can imagine Cronin in the kitchen, stirring up a pot of his famous chili.
Dave Amato: The New Kid on the Block
Compared to the rest of the band, Dave Amato is the new kid on the block. He joined REO Speedwagon in 1989, replacing Gary Richrath. Born on July 28, 1958, Amato is a Leo, known for his leadership qualities. As of 2021, he's 63 years old.
Amato's musical journey is quite interesting. Before joining REO Speedwagon, he was a member of the band Survivor, known for their hit "Eye of the Tiger." So, he's no stranger to rock 'n' roll fame. He's also a talented painter, with his artwork often featured on the band's merchandise.
The Rest of the Band
Bruce Hall, the band's bassist, was born on November 11, 1953, making him a Scorpio. He joined REO Speedwagon in 1977 and is currently 68 years old. Before REO Speedwagon, Hall was a member of the band Starcastle.
How Old Are The Reo Speedwagon Members | Detroit Chinatown
Neal Doughty, the band's keyboardist, is the oldest member. Born on December 20, 1948, he's a Sagittarius and is currently 73 years old. Doughty is one of the founding members of REO Speedwagon and has been with the band since its inception.
Bryan Hitt, the band's drummer, was born on November 22, 1957, making him a Scorpio like Hall. He joined REO Speedwagon in 1989, replacing Alan Gratzer, and is currently 64 years old. Before REO Speedwagon, Hitt was a member of the band Streetheart.
Age is Just a Number
So, there you have it. The ages of the REO Speedwagon band members. From 63 to 73, these rockers are proof that age is just a number. They've been around the block a few times, but they're still going strong, touring and making music that resonates with fans of all ages.
Next time you're at a REO Speedwagon concert, or jamming to their music at home, remember that these guys have been doing this for decades. They've seen the music industry evolve, they've weathered the storms, and they're still here, giving us music that makes us feel alive. That's something to celebrate, no matter what your age.
So, here's to REO Speedwagon, the band that's been keeping us young at heart since the '60s. Keep on lovin', keep on rockin', and remember, age is just a number. Now, who's ready to sing "Ridin' the Storm Out"?