REO SPEEDWAGON coming to Mobile July 19

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The legendary REO Speedwagon is coming to the Mobile Civic Center Theater on Monday, July 19, 2021. The band is currently touring in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the release of their hit album Hi Infidelity.

Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon’s main constant over the decades has been a never-ending desire to give their all to their fans, year in and year out. Formed loosely at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL, the band rode to gigs in station wagons, hopping from small gigs to even tinier gigs, just to get their name out. It worked, as fans quickly realized there was much more going on here than just your average college party band.

By the early ‘70s, the band’s unrelenting drive - as well as non-stop touring and recording - jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. It carved a path that was eventually followed by STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more. Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as Ridin’ The Storm Out followed, setting the stage for 1980’s explosive Hi Infidelity, which received the Recording Industry Association of America’s 10X Diamond Award for surpassing sales of ten million units in the U.S. REO rode the top of the charts with an RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe,

with a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles.

In 1994, when many rock bands of their era had either broken up or were feeling like their days were numbered, the REO team came up with a co-headline tour concept that brought new life into the world of touring. The “Can’t Stop Rockin’” amphitheater tour featuring Fleetwood Mac, REO, and Pat Benatar was a huge success and blazed the trail for the very popular co-headline tours that are seen nationwide today.

Today, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic. The band has gone on stage and in the studio to work – dozens of albums, thousands of concerts, and countless radio spins. Their eyes have always been on the future and on the road – not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn’t perform live, thrilling fans with hit-filled sets.

At the center of REO’s desire to keep it rocking for the fans is Kevin Cronin, who looks like he’s found the fountain of youth, along with the secret to penning some of the biggest hits in rock. With bandmates Bruce Hall on bass, keyboardist Neal Doughty, Dave Amato on lead guitar and drummer Bryan Hitt, REO has remained busy since the band celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/reomob21. Purchase in person at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, 401 Civic Center Drive.