REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin joined Matt Pinfield for this episode of New & Approved to talk all about the history and current status of the band. REO Speedwagon is coming to Los Angeles on January 12th at Fred Kavli Theatre and The Grove Of Anaheim on January 14th.

Cronin goes back to the earliest days of fame as he tells Matt about the excitement he felt the first time he heard REO Speedwagon on the radio. He also dives into touring with Judas Priest during their pre-leather days. REO Speedwagon learned from Aerosmith to treat their opening bands with immense respect, and they are still applauded for it today.

Cronin also chats about MTV’s influence on REO Speedwagon, especially when their album “Hi Infidelity” was released in 1980. The band truly embraced the popularity of music videos during this decade which helped their career to skyrocket. While they struggled with getting mentioned by the press, MTV always supported the band.

Matt and Cronin also discuss the loss of Cronin’s bandmate Gary Richrath and the impact it made on his life. Matt opens up about other rock ‘n’ roll losses that have also caused a sting, including his friend David Bowie.

REO Speedwagon will also be touring this summer with Styx and Loverboy. You can catch them at FivePoint Amphitheatre on July 16th!