REO Speedwagon have yet to be nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but that hasn’t stopped singer Kevin Cronin from being a supporter.
Last weekend, while the band was in town for a private show for the Best Western hotel owners and managers, Cronin paid a visit to the museum.
He says he saw “[REO keyboardist] Neal Doughty’s iconic ‘Trout Hat’, along with a pair of [former drummer] Alan Gratzer’s drum sticks, and [Cronin’s] blue Ovation guitar.
“We are happy for our friends Pat Benatar and [her husband and guitarist] Neil Giraldo as they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this [Saturday in Los Angeles], and now that they are members, Neil has promised he will vote next year for the induction of a pair of my socks from the Hi Infidelity tour. I have my fingers, (and toes) crossed.”
REO have been eligible for induction since 1996.
In other REO news, bassist Bruce Hall has paid tribute to his predecessor, Gregg Philbin, who died last month.
He says, “He was always so nice to me and I will always be grateful for that because he could have hated my guts after I joined the band.
“Butter, (the bass guitar which Gregg played), has been with me for over 50 years, and I have always felt such pride and happiness in knowing that I bought that bass from Gregg.
“Even though I didn’t know Gregg the way that Neal, Alan, [late guitarist] Gary [Richrath], and Kevin did, I always admired him and valued his friendship. Rest In Peace ‘Regis’, and say hi to Gary for me.”
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