Feel free to contribute! You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Freelance writer for Classic Rock since 2005, Paul Elliott has worked for leading music titles since 1985, including Sounds, Kerrang!, MOJO and Q. Gratzer continued to perform with his band (which had a keyboard-playing lead singer), and Doughty began turning up at gigs. REO Speedwagon followed up the "Hi Infidelity" LP with the power ballad "Can't Fight This Feeling" from Good Trouble in 1982, and dented the charts again with 1984's "Wheels Are Turning" album, 1987's "Life as We Know It" was the last new release to go gold, before popularity waned, and their long winning streak subsided. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. on which he wrote 3 tracks including Music Man. In early 1968, Terry Luttrell became lead singer, and Bob Crownover joined as the guitar player, replacing Matt. I play around until I find the right one and then I hang on for dear life! REO Speedwagon: Spotify Amazon: 2 : Throw the Chains Away. By the late 1980s, the band's popularity was starting to decline. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, Lost in a Dream and This Time We Mean It, before Cronin returned to the fold in January 1976 and recorded R.E.O., which was released that same year. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. At the end of the Doors song "Touch Me," Jim Morrison chants, "Stronger than dirt!" And it was his songs that gave them their two US number one hits: the quintessential power ballads Keep On Loving You and Cant Fight This Feeling. They are from Champaign, Illinois. It took me 10 years to finish that song! Weve not been in a great deal of contact in the past 20 years. Post Malone came up with "White Iverson" after getting braids in his hair and thinking they looked like basketball legend Allen Iverson's signature cornrows. He left the band during the recording of the Ridin The Storm Out album, due to creative differences. And after the show, someone laid out an item that was about the size of a cue ball it was the same colour as a cue ball as well and I respectfully declined. In the fall of 1966, Neal Doughty entered the electrical engineering program at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, coming in as a junior. It was some years ago when we were touring in South America. [25] The song, "Take it on the Run," features prominently in a 2018 episode of the first season of the TV series "Cobra Kai." climbed to #1 on the Hot 100, Katy Perry became the first woman to send five songs from one album to the top of the charts. And from that point I needed music like I needed air. His lead vocals allowed REO to complete Ridin the Storm Out. Believe me, I get it. It did okay. Sure. They named the band REO Speedwagon, from the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck Doughty had studied in transportation history, and the initials are those of its founder Ransom E. Olds. When I had that realisation, I said: Okay, this has gone too far. But some of the other guys were like: Tough shit! On his Farfisa organ, he learned "Light My Fire" by The Doors. For the first time in your life, you were making serious money. The game was the first "downloadable casual game" produced with a rock band and was cited by numerous publications including The New York Times as an innovative marketing product for a music act. Over the course of its career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted thirteen Top 40 hits, including the number ones "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling". The vocal tracks for the album were rerecorded by Mike Murphy. But in defence of my over-use of the rhyme, I wrote that chorus in 15 minutes. REO Speedwagon was first formed in 1968 by a pair of University of Illinois students, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. New Releases . Since 1995, the label has released over a dozen compilation albums featuring greatest hits, including 1999's The Ballads which features two new songs: "Just for You" (Cronin and Jim Peterik) and "Till The River's Run Dry" (Cronin). Kevin first joined REO Speedwagon in 1972 for the album R.E.O./T.W.O. Ive got three teenage kids at home. Your comeback was the REO album. REO remains a popular live band which tours steadily throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Michael Ellis Murphy (born 1962) is a Republican political consultant, entertainment industry writer, and producer. Speedwagon. Oh yeah. But every night when I sing those songs, I feel like I find another part of it. His lead vocals allowed REO to complete Ridin' the Storm Out . Once more, a frontman change was required, and instead of searching for a fresh new face, REO welcomed back Cronin. But the creative friction between Gary and I wasnt there anymore. By the early '70s, Doughty and Gratzer had welcomed aboard guitarist Gary Richrath, who would soon prove to be the group's spark plug (and one of rock's more underrated players), in addition to bassist Gregg Philbin and singer Terry Luttrell. Ill take the credit [laughs]. [14] On December 2, the band released an online video game, Find Your Own Way Home, produced by digital design agency Curious Sense. He also planned to return to the band in 2016, but stomach problems and his death on September 13, 2015, prevented him from returning to the group. Ha-ha! Richard Marx joined REO on stage for a joint performance of two of his hit songs. Cronin and his wife, Denise, had a son in 1977 named Paris. After touring for several years, the Richrath band released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo label. Discover This Time We Mean It by REO Speedwagon released in 1975. So when they fired me it was more of a relief than anything else. Michael Murphy is the former keyboard player and lead singer for REO Speedwagon from 1973-76. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Centennial High School (in Champaign, Illinois), You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, Not So Silent NightChristmas with REO Speedwagon, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, Not So Silent Night Christmas with REO Speedwagon, List of artists who reached number one in the United States, "Now It's Cheat to the Beat, as Reo Speedwagon Finally Arrives with 'Hi Infidelity', "REO Speedwagon Will Dedicate Every Show to Late Guitarist Gary Richrath 'Probably Forever', "REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on Louisville, power ballads and if my wife's a slut", "Styx, REO Speedwagon Team Up For "Rockin'" Tour, Single", "REO Speedwagon Plans 'Hi Infidelty' 30th Anniversary Reissue, Tour", "Live Nation Announces REO Speedwagon And Chicago Summer Tour", "Def Leppard Announce Summer Tour With REO Speedwagon and Tesla", "UK TOUR WITH STATUS QUO & THE LOUNGE KITTENS ANNOUNCED", "Styx, REO Speedwagon, Don Felder Ready for 'United We Rock' U.S. Tour, Starting June 20th", "REO Speedwagon's 'Hi Infidelity' receives 10X Diamond Award", "Chicago and REO Speedwagon Announce Co-Headlining Summer Tour", "REO Speedwagon drive back into the charts thanks to Ozark appearance", "Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66", "live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK", "REO Speedwagon with Larry the Cable Guy Roll with the Changes", Not So Silent NightChristmas with REO Speedwagon, The Yule Log DVD, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=REO_Speedwagon&oldid=1152195581, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles needing additional references from January 2023, All articles needing additional references, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Alan Gratzer drums, percussion, backing vocals, Gregg Philbin bass guitar, backing vocals, Mike Murphy lead vocals, occasional rhythm guitar, Melanie Jackson-Cracchiolo backing vocals, Derek Hilland keyboards, organ, piano, synthesizer, backing vocals, John Aldridge percussion, occasional drums, This page was last edited on 28 April 2023, at 19:43. With Richrath on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. In 1972, he was fired from the group, and was only reinstated four years later. Music is an ever-evolving art form. Michael Murphy is the former keyboard player and lead singer for REO Speedwagon from 1973-76. What did you spend it on? In a 2001 episode of VH1s Behind the Music series that focused on REO Speedwagon, Cronin and Richrath cleared up any misconceptions of ill will existing between either camp and voiced approval of a possible reunion in the future. Where were you when you heard the news? It was called My Little XKE written about a Jaguar car. "Here with Me" cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten on the Adult Contemporary chart. The new band made a list of songs to learn over the summer break. A graduate of University of Ottawa, Murphy was a member of the famed 1975 Vanier Cup champion Ottawa Gee-Gees team. The sessions started out with Kevin Cronin, but he left the band before the album was finished, due to creative differences. The name "REO Speedwagon" refers to Ransom Eli Olds, the founder of Oldsmobile. 29. Real Name: Michael Bryan Murphy Profile: Former keyboard player and vocalist with REO Speedwagon from 1973-75, Murphy went on to perform with such noteworthy groups as Chuck E. Weiss & The Goddamn Liars, and Billy Vera and the Beaters. [22] In 2017, the Hi Infidelity album received the Diamond Award for official U.S. sales of over 10 million copies. He also owned the The REO Motor Truck Company, which made a model in 1915 called the Speedwagon, a forerunner to the pickup truck. 19731978Diana Verom. Was there a pivotal moment in the making of Hi Infidelity? REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin admits that the band made a major mistake at the start of the 1980s. ), but the hits dried up shortly thereafter. John Aldridge, Bryan Hitt's drum tech since July 2005, performed additional percussion parts live from around July 2005 until around February 2017. I thought hed want to come back, and whatever needed to happen he would do his part. Notably, these five band members have been together since 1989. But the first real song was Little World Of Make Believe. They continued to perform cover songs in campus bars, fraternity parties, and university events. I never thought that it was an issue, but when I went through some therapy as an adult it turns out it was (laughs). I was ready to go. And when the sales start going down, that takes its toll. It was awesome! Thats how we connected. This lineup also released an unabashed record of Christmas songs in 2009, titled Not So Silent Night. How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)? My solo career hadnt set any world records. I loved that jangly sound, and the vocal harmony thing. Terry Luttrell The group's best-selling album, Hi Infidelity (1980), contained four US top 40 hits and sold more than 10 million copies.[1]. When you look back on your career, what is REO Speedwagons legacy? The song refers to the band being stuck in a harsh winter blizzard after a show in Boulder, Colorado, at a bar named Tulagi (now closed). With Doughty's retirement from touring being announced in January 2023, Derek Hilland has been filling-in for Doughty live since January 2023. The four previous chart-toppers from her Teenage Dream set were "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework"; and, "E.T.". And then Keep On Loving You knocked Dolly Partons 9 To 5 off the top of the US chart. But I wasnt meant to be a solo artist. The commercial failure of the band's newer material with its revised lineup demanded a change in marketing strategy. The title track did make R&R's AC Top 30 chart. Its been a wild ride, its had its ups and downs, but here we are today, and hopefully we can inspire people to never give up, to stay vibrant and to keep your dreams alive. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Michael Martin Murphey/Spouse. No. What is Michael Murphys political consultants middle name 2005? REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin is one. [4] Depending upon which member is expressing an opinion, it was either because Philbin was disenchanted with the new corporate-structure REO where Cronin and Richrath got bigger slices of the pie instead of the equal credit they once shared as a "garage band", or that he was asked to leave over his lifestyle issues affecting the music quality. The artwork was already done too, so they airbrushed me out and put Murphy in. Thats where it all coalesced for us. As Ian Dury once noted, there aint half been some clever bastards. And that chorus featured a rhyming scheme of truly epic proportions: I cant fight this feeling anymore/Ive forgotten what I started fighting for/Its time to bring this ship into the shore/And throw away the oars, forever And if I have to crawl upon the floor/Come crashing through your door/Baby I cant fight this feeling anymore. Seriously, Kevin, do you think you might have over-egged the pudding there? England and Wales company registration number 2008885. [23] REO and Chicago teamed up once again in the summer of 2018 for a 30-city tour.[24]. When did REO Speedwagon come back to the studio? He then joined REO once again in Los Angeles in May 2000 for the same encore but no serious plans for a reunion ever materialized. When REO returned to the studio later in the 2000s, however, it was without Richrath. The band was formed by Gratzer and Doughty, who were students at the University of Illinois. Lets face it: Gary is irreplaceable. Rather than pronouncing REO as a single word as the motor company did ("REE-oh"), they chose to spell the word out, pronouncing each letter individually ("R-E-O"). Nine Lives was another Top 40 album. This lineup did only one show, on January 7, 1989, in Via del Mar, Chile, where it won the award for best group at the city's annual International Song Festival. Leon Huffman from Casey, Il I saw REO Speedwagon several times in the 70's and they were great. T.W.O., but the other members grew impatient with their slow progress toward a commercial breakthrough, and gave Cronin his walking papers. The line is from an Ajax commercial where a white knight rides around destroying dirt. Our drummer Alan Gratzer retired in 1988, and by the end of 89 my working relationship with Gary had deteriorated. In 2000, REO teamed up with Styx for an appearance at Riverport Amphitheater in St. Louis, which was released as a live concert video Arch Allies: Live at Riverport. It was pretty cohesive for a 14 year old! So I blew my voice out. Mary Maciukasm. REO Speedwagon Follow Artist + Hard-working and hard-rocking band from the Illinois heartland who morphed into million-selling power balladeers by the '80s. Gary Richrath is such a great guitarist and songwriter. Site Overview. The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the right direction though, judging from 1972's R.E.O. In early 1968, Terry Luttrell became lead singer, and Bob Crownover joined as the guitar player, replacing Matt. We were in Colombia, so you can imagine. Bath Discover Lost in a Dream by REO Speedwagon released in 1974. When that album made the Top 30, did you feel like youd made it? It wasnt like something cataclysmic happened that broke up the band. Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. REO once again teamed with Styx in 2003 for the Classic Rock's Main Event tour which also included another band from their common rock era, Journey. After the appearance, four of REO's songs reentered the Billboard rock charts. Well, as a singer, when your voice is failing you, it puts you in a bad place. The album comprised of eight band originals, all credited to the band as a whole, with the song "Sophisticated Lady," a Little Richard influenced tune, released as a single, but it did not sell in large numbers. [4], Cronin's return came after Greg X. Volz turned down the position for lead vocalist after becoming a Christian.[6]. Youve always said that The Beatles had a profound effect on you as a kid. This becomes a bonding moment for the two characters, who were previously enemies in the "Karate Kid" movies. In early 1989, Gary Richrath was fired after tensions between him and Kevin Cronin boiled over. REO Speedwagon (originally styled as R.E.O. Crownover played guitar for the group until the summer of 1969 when Bill Fiorio replaced him. I dont know that there will be a next one. [13], In November 2009, REO Speedwagon released a Christmas album, Not So Silent NightChristmas with REO Speedwagon. Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022.[27]. And he wanted me to do some song writing with him, so you never know. Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois, United States. Made a mistake getting rid of Gary. Mike Murphy (musician) (1946-2006), American drummer for the Bee Gees and Chicago Michael Bryan Murphy, lead singer of REO Speedwagon Michael John Murphy, American folk musician Mike L. Murphy (born 1975), American film maker and animator Michael Murphy (singer) (born 1986), New Zealand Idol runner up The band's debut album, R.E.O. There are times when even I gag on it. Bruce was a Champaign guy and I wanted to get him in the band from the day I met him in 1972, when we bonded at a party, singing Beatles songs. Was there a defining moment when you realised youd had enough of drugs? The studio version of "Ridin' the Storm Out" with Cronin on vocals was released on the compilation "Box Set Series" in 2014, "The Early Years 1971-1977" boxed set in 2018 and as a downloadable track in the music video game Rock Band. Epic Records signed the band to a recording contract in 1971. So when he brought the song to REO, it was a no-brainer that he would sing it. Oh, no. [4] Doughty had seen the name written across the blackboard when he walked into his History of Transportation class on the first day they had decided to look for a name. Mike Murphy View source Mike Murphy Contents 1 Biography 2 Discography 2.1 With REO Speedwagon 3 References Biography Discography With REO Speedwagon Ridin' the Storm Out Lost in a Dream This Time We Mean It References Categories Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted. REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which failed to chart. I thought it sucked, to tell the truth. They are popular on the fair and casino circuits, but still team with other acts to play larger venues. On his first night, he met another student, Alan Gratzer. It was right after Elton Johns Madman Across The Water was released, and there was a song on it, Holiday Inn, that I used to sing it in folk clubs in Chicago. Don't care for Kevin Cronin's attitude anyway and don't listen to them anymore. Oh, no. Lets go! So thats kind of where the rift began. Released in 1976, R.E.O. ", A monthly update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs. 538727 226130086 2008-07-16T23:14:22Z 75.117.56.68 * [[Michael Murphy (actor)]] (born 1938), American actor * [[Michael Murphy (artist)]] (born 1975), American visual artist * [[Michael Murphy (author)]] (born 1930), American Integral Movement author and co-founder of the Esalen Institute * [[Michael Murphy (diver)]] (born 1973), retired Australian Olympic diver * [[Michael Murphy (politician . Having lost their recording contract with Epic, REO Speedwagon ended up releasing Building the Bridge (1996) on the Priority/Rhythm Safari label. No! The days of touring in a Chevrolet station wagon were still fresh in our minds. The album title. And I was an only child till I was seven, when my parents adopted three children. The only thing that makes me a little crazy about that song is the vocal performance I recorded. We realised we needed each other at right around the same moment. Steve Scorfina (who would go on to found progressive rock/album-oriented rock band Pavlov's Dog) came aboard for over a year, composing with the band and performing live, before being replaced by Gary Richrath in late 1970. Read Full Biography. But he was never a good fit for REO Speedwagon. But Joe Walsh had called his record The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic. Cronin's original version of "Son of a Poor Man" is featured on the compilation albums A Decade of Rock and Roll: 1970-1980, and The Essential REO Speedwagon. I think that fame and the riches that come with it can also bring out the demons in people. The album sold over two million copies in the US, ultimately achieving double platinum status. The hired guns brought in since have had stints in band's like Ted Nugent and Wang Chung.
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