It was like the crowd was putting quarters in a jukebox four decades ago
![REO Speedwagon live 2024 [Credit: Matt Bishop]](https://therockrevival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/380A0138-1024x683.jpg)
Last night at the Pennsylvania, classic rock heavyweights REO Speedwagon and 80s icon Rick Springfield kicked off their 2024 tour at the Santander Arena. The co-headlining run is a barrage of classic rock hits that make the audience feel like they’re throwing quarters into a jukebox. Check out our review of the show, and full live photo galleries below.
Springfield took the stage first. The singer and guitarist is much more than that; a bona fide pop culture icon. When the lights went down, a video played across the massive LED screed in the background showcasing Springfield’s wild career. From massive music hits to on-screen acting gigs, Rick’s done it all. One clip in particular was from the hit Showtime series, Californication, where Peter Gallagher’s character exclaims, “Is that Rick Springfield?” Damn right it is.
Rick took the stage and kicked things off with “Affair of the Heart.” From their, he proceeded to put together a 12-song set with material from eight of his albums. Throughout the set, Springfield teased his signature track, “Jessie’s Girl,” but continued to fake out the capacity crowd. He did a great job of keeping the fans occupied, though, distracting them with other hits like “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” and more. After the latter track, a shirtless Springfield returned to the stage to crank out “Jessie’s Girl” in full. It’s hard to believe that the guy is 74-years old. Springfield looked great and sounded great, giving an energetic performance and proving that he’s still a heartthrob all these generations later.
Rick took the stage and kicked things off with “Affair of the Heart.” From their, he proceeded to put together a 12-song set with material from eight of his albums. Throughout the set, Springfield teased his signature track, “Jessie’s Girl,” but continued to fake out the capacity crowd. He did a great job of keeping the fans occupied, though, distracting them with other hits like “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Love Somebody,” and more. After the latter track, a shirtless Springfield returned to the stage to crank out “Jessie’s Girl” in full. It’s hard to believe that the guy is 74-years old. Springfield looked great and sounded great, giving an energetic performance and proving that he’s still a heartthrob all these generations later.
Icon of the 1980s Rick Springfield still tours relentlessly. The GRAMMY® Award-winning singer has sold over 20 million albums and has served as a great example of longevity in music. Two of his classic albums – 1981’s Working Class Dog and 1982’s Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet – both landed in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
In addition to his music career, Springfield is also an accomplished actor. He had a starring role in the 1984 film, Hard to Hold. He’s also appeared alongside Meryl Streep in 2015’s Ricki and the Flash. On television, Rick starred in the long-running soap opera General Hospital from 1981 to 1983 as Dr. Noah Drake. He reprised the role from 2005 through 2008, and again in 2012. He starred in the series High Tide from 1994 to 1997, and has had roles in Hot in Cleveland, Supernatural, American Horror Story, and HBO’s True Detective.
In 2009, Springfield guest-starred in Season 3 of Showtime’s hit show, Californication, playing a raunchy, stereotypical rockstar version of himself.
REO Speedwagon are certified classic rock juggernauts, and that is evident every time they perform. Lit up like the sun, the band strolled onto the stage and launched into “Don’t Let Him Go” from their 1981 watershed album, Hi Infidelity. From there, was a barrage of hits including “Take It On the Run,” Keep Pushin’,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me to Fly,” and many more. The capacity crowd was on their feet the entire time, singing along with every word. It was an incredible testament to the band’s staying power, and the strength of their catalog.
They wrapped things up with the 1973 fan favorite, “Ridin’ the Storm Out.” The show was far from over, though, as REO returned for an epic two-track encore. Saving arguably the best for last, they churned out mega-hits “Keep On Loving You” and “Roll With the Changes,” which features some of the evening’s dazzling guitar work. The song is perhaps the most underrated arena rock anthem of all time, and unmistakably the band’s finest moment.
Last January, founding keyboardist Neal Doughty announced his retirement from touring with the band after five decades. Longtime frontman Kevin Cronin remains, alongside bassist Bruce Hall, who joined the band in 1977. When Doughty confirmed his retirement from the road, Hall said that he would always be a member of the REO Speedwagon brotherhood, and that the door for him to play with the band again would always be open.
Cronin and Hall tour with guitarist Dave Amato, who joined the group in 1989, and drummer Brian Hitt, who came aboard in 1990.
REO Speedwagon are taking the stage at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas for six nights later this year. The “An Evening of Hi Infidelity…and More” residency will see the storied group perform their entire landmark LP, Hi Infidelity, from beginning to end, along with a second set of hits and fan favorites.
REO Speedwagon’s last album was 2007’s Find Your Way Home. The band’s fifteenth studio effort, it featured the Billboard-charting single, “I Need to Fall.” The record was released through the band’s own label, Speedwagon Recordings. Throughout their, REO Speedwagon have sold over 40 million records worldwide. They’ve released 13 Top 40 hits, including chart-toppers “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.” The crown jewel of their catalog is 1980’s Hi Infidelity, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has since received the rare diamond certification from the RIAA.
