by Scott Kiefer
When it comes to certain musical acts and this region, two names that always come up are of course Sammy Hagar, and "the boyz from Illinoiz" as REO Speedwagon's leader Kevin Cronin has phrased. On their annual pilgrimage to St Louis, REO has teamed up this year with Chicago for a a tour that stops at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater tomorrow night.
"At first, I just didn't know how a tour with Chicago would work out, or if it even made sense," Cronin said Wednesday night during a telephone interview. "It had been mentioned a few years back, and I just didn't feel right about it. Not because of anything bad, I just had a 'different' feeling. When it was time to talk about this summer's tour, once again the idea was brought up, and I got to thinking about their great list of hits, and I listened to some of their music, and this time it just felt right. I don't have a specific answer, but all I can say is I am glad we did worked this up together."
The group's tour began last week, and filmed a show at Red Rocks in Denver on Monday night.
Cronin explained for the finale at each show all members of both groups are on the stage jamming to each other's hits.
"In our day and age, there are really no more secrets and surprises because of the internet, and there are already a couple of YouTube videos, so it's fair game to talk about it," Cronin said. "It is something the people need to know about, and to stick aroung to the end for.'
The show will end with both Chicago and REO playing on the latter's hit "Roll With The Changes," which gives Cronin the "shivers" every time.
"It's like the most amazing experience I have had with that song," Cronin said. "When you hear us and Chicago both playing it, you're gonna get rocked. We have two lead guitars, two drummers, the complete horn section.... and the harmonies.. it' definitely and experience."
Cronin also noted the band plays a new song "Whipping Boy" in the set. Is this a hint of new music from the group?
"I wrote the song and we worked it up," Cronin said. "It's not been recorded in the studio and that's about as far as it goes. Right now, we don't have any plans to record yet, but I'm not saying we won't. If people want to hear new REO, they gotta come to the show for now."
Speaking of Hagar, Cronin said the band just played a show with him at a rock festival in Minnesota.
"We did a show and he was on his way to St. Louis, and we talked about how much we love to play there," Cronin said. "I'm good friends with Sammy and we all love to play there, I think it's because St. Louis is a true 'rock and roll town.' The people are genuine and they really do love to see us. It's not because it's us or Sammy, or whoever. People in that are love to see who they want and no matter how often we go back there, we are always welcomed. We have family there, but the entire area is our family. K-SHE was the first radio station to ever play our music, and we've had the close connection ever since."
Cronin also said that one thing he would love to do is play a show in St. Louis with Hagar.
"I'll tell ya, it's been talked about, sure," Cronin said. "There aren't any specific plans, and nothing is in the works right now, but who knows what the future holds. It's something that I am definitely on board with, and I would love to do that. The bug is out there is all I can say about it."
Every year the band stops through, and brings high numbers to the show, leaving the fans wanting more. With Cronin's hint dropping, there is definitely more to come from REO Speedwagon, but for now, it's all about Friday night.
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WHO: REO Speedwagon and Chicago
When: Friday, August 7
Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Time: 7:30
Tickets: $15 -$75
How: www.ticketmaster.com
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