takin' a walk – Classic Replay and Happy Birthday to Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon
Podcast: takin' a walk (iHeartPodcasts)
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon)
Date: October 6, 2025
Episode Theme:
A deep-dive conversation with Kevin Cronin, iconic lead singer and songwriter for REO Speedwagon, about his musical journey, creative process, standout songs, family, and the future after the REO Speedwagon name. This special replay honors Kevin's birthday and legacy in American rock.
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode features an engaging walk through Kevin Cronin's life and career, exploring his formative years, songwriting magic, insights into classic hits, changes in the band's future, and reflections on legacy. The discussion is candid, warm, and filled with nostalgia, offering fans both a celebration and a behind-the-scenes look at one of classic rock's enduring voices.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Influence of Musical Heroes & Early Inspiration
- Manifesting Musical Dreams (05:16):
- Kevin’s earliest hero was Stephen Stills. The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan performance in 1964 was a watershed moment for Kevin, crystallizing his desire to be a musician.
- “I saw them on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964... That's what I want to do.”
- Kevin’s affinity for walking on the beach as a space for creative thinking—a routine he associates with getting song ideas.
- Recalls meeting Stephen Stills and being influenced by his musicianship and songwriting.
- Kevin’s earliest hero was Stephen Stills. The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan performance in 1964 was a watershed moment for Kevin, crystallizing his desire to be a musician.
Family, Upbringing, and the Start in Music
- Musical Household (07:56):
- Parents loved Broadway musicals—listened to West Side Story, South Pacific, My Fair Lady.
- The musical "Bye Bye Birdie" exposed him to rock 'n' roll via the character Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-type figure.
- Father nudged him toward the guitar instead of drums, using portability as a selling point. Kevin describes guitar as his “constant companion” and vehicle for self-expression.
- “The guitar has been my constant companion. It's been like a friend. It's been a vessel for me to express my emotions.”
Joining REO Speedwagon—A Twist of Fate
- Unique Origin Story (10:09):
- Moved from Chicago roots; met Gary Richrath through a “Musicians Referral Service” he created (originally as a way to find bandmates for himself!).
- The bizarre serendipity of joining REO:
- “I was living on campus at Loyola University in Chicago... next thing I knew, I was the new lead singer of REO Speedwagon. Pretty crazy story. There’s more to it, but that’s the gist of it.”
Songwriting Magic—On Writing Iconic Hits
- Songwriting Process (13:25):
- Kevin describes songwriting as an almost mystical process—songs arrive “without notice,” attached to emotion rather than intent.
- “I just pick it [the guitar] up and start playing. And if something's going on in my heart, that emotion will attach itself…”
- “Keep On Loving You” was born out of a 20-minute creative burst on a red Wurlitzer electric piano at 4 a.m.; he often writes verses first, then steps away before choruses come.
- Verses are “pretty dark”; choruses “hopeful”—a pattern he only realized in retrospect.
- The joy of seeing artists like Keith Urban covering "Keep On Loving You" and massive crowds singing along:
- “I'm humbled by it. The fact that that song has gotten into people's hearts and souls is just amazing to me.”
- Kevin describes songwriting as an almost mystical process—songs arrive “without notice,” attached to emotion rather than intent.
[Key Quote | 03:08 & 13:25]
"It was about 20 minutes of a burst of creative energy... And the lyric just came... A lot of times it happens for me that way, where I write the verses and then I need to get away from it a little bit and then the chorus comes."
— Kevin Cronin (03:08 & 13:25)
The Future: Life After REO Speedwagon Name
- Band Changes & New Era (18:18):
- Kevin expresses his heartbreak at not being able to tour under “REO Speedwagon” anymore:
- “I'm honestly devastated by the fact that I can't tour under the name REO Speedwagon, because I've spent my entire adult life... building up the concept of REO Speedwagon and what it stands for…”
- Despite this, the core band and crew are sticking together. Kevin is committed to keeping the spirit and live energy alive under the “Kevin Cronin Band,” promising fans a true “REO Speedwagon experience”—including performing the entire "High Infidelity" album live.
- The loss of touring as REO is due to “disputes,” but Kevin focuses on camaraderie, longevity, and respect for departed bandmate Gary Richrath.
- “Bands are intricate, unique organisms... I'm proud of everything that I accomplished with REO Speedwagon.”
- Kevin expresses his heartbreak at not being able to tour under “REO Speedwagon” anymore:
The Power of Music Across Generations
- Fan Connection (22:02):
- Celebrates the power of music in uniting fans—tells stories of young college kids singing along at shows, carrying on family traditions.
- “I see that happening and you know, I'm a dad... music has been a bond between myself and my children. And to see people bringing their kids to our shows, it’s a beautiful thing.”
- Kevin says the band’s songs are "rocked up folk songs," approachable and easy to sing along.
- Celebrates the power of music in uniting fans—tells stories of young college kids singing along at shows, carrying on family traditions.
Balancing Family and Music
- Being Dad at Home (25:57):
- Details complexity of his blended family; credits his wife Lisa for raising grounded kids and supporting his career.
- “She's just an amazing woman. She's beautiful and brilliant and fun and everything that a guy could want in a woman. I definitely married up.”
- Despite his fame, at home he’s simply “Dad,” doing chores and being present.
- Details complexity of his blended family; credits his wife Lisa for raising grounded kids and supporting his career.
Reflections on Legacy
- How He Wants to Be Remembered (27:54):
- Hopes to be known as someone who “kept it real,” worked hard, served the songs, and made the most of his gifts.
- “Music has allowed me to bloom as a human being... and as a musician, I think that's your job. The song is what it's all about.”
- Promises to bring the REO experience to fans for years to come, albeit under a new name.
- Hopes to be known as someone who “kept it real,” worked hard, served the songs, and made the most of his gifts.
[Key Quote | 27:54]
“If I was going to put it in a nutshell, gosh, I guess I would say that I serve the songs... The song is what it's all about... and it's these songs that I love that I'm fortunate enough to have written and recorded and sung on records and gotten into people's hearts and souls.”
— Kevin Cronin (27:54)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I saw [the Beatles] on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964... That's what I want to do.”
— Kevin Cronin (05:25) - “The guitar has been my constant companion. It’s been like a friend. It’s been a vessel for me to express my emotions.”
— Kevin Cronin (08:25) - “No one can stop me from spreading that same REO Speedwagon energy. And that's what I'm going to be doing this year.”
— Kevin Cronin (18:35) - "And I love singing Gary’s songs. I feel like they're my own and I'm their caretaker... That's what the Kevin Cronin Band is going to be doing: keeping that music alive and, and playing those songs and respecting those songs."
— Kevin Cronin (23:40) - “Music has allowed me to bloom as a human being. Without my guitar, I don't know where I’d be today.”
— Kevin Cronin (27:54) - “If you want that experience, that positive energy, if you want to hear those songs played live... It's not called REO Speedwagon, it's called the Kevin Cronin Band. But between you and me, it's REO Speedwagon.”
— Kevin Cronin (30:37)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|---------|------------| | 03:08 | Songwriting spark | Kevin describes spontaneous inspiration behind "Keep On Loving You" | | 05:16 | Music heroes | Kevin discusses walking, Beatles, Stephen Stills’ influence | | 07:56 | Early musical home | Broadway shows, parents’ influence, transition to guitar | | 10:09 | Joining REO | Creation of Musicians Referral Service, meeting Gary Richrath | | 13:25 | Songwriting process | Writing hits, emotional content, verses & choruses | | 18:18 | End of touring as REO | Band name disputes, continuation as Kevin Cronin Band, High Infidelity live performances | | 22:02 | Generational fans | Power of music, connecting with college-age fans, family shows | | 25:57 | Family life | Blended family, wife Lisa's role, home life v. stage life | | 27:54 | Legacy | Service to music, “keeping it real,” advice for aspiring musicians | | 30:37 | The “REO Speedwagon Experience” | Promising fans a genuine show despite the band name change |
Tone & Style
- Warm, candid, and humble, with Kevin’s characteristic self-deprecating humor
- Deep appreciation for bandmates, family, and fans
- Passionate anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights
- The conversation is direct and conversational, full of reflection and gratitude
Summary
This special replay episode is a heartfelt journey with Kevin Cronin as he reflects on a lifetime in music—from the spark of seeing the Beatles as a child and his love for Stephen Stills, to the serendipity of joining REO Speedwagon and the creative bursts behind classic rock hits. Kevin opens up about the impact of family, evolving band dynamics, the bittersweet transition away from the REO Speedwagon name, and the unwavering joy he finds in performing for fans of all ages. With stories both touching and humorous, this conversation exudes gratitude, humility, and a sincere commitment to keeping the music (and its spirit) alive.
Fans and newcomers alike will find this episode a compelling and insightful portrait of a rock legend still rolling with the changes.