THIS GUITAR THOUGH! | REO Speedwagon - Ridin' the Storm Out | REACTION

[@markstearns8029]

They gave us one of the greatest rock songs of the seventies, a true Midwest classic played at every party, bar every where. Gary slayed the guitar

[@roccaclassico9028]

Some songs are just made for being played live, and this is one of them. I was fortunate enough to be able to see REO three times in the '80s, at their height of popularity. They always ended the show with this song. Gary Richrath was a tragically underrated guitarist & songwriter.

[@dewdewism]

Back on the Road Again is what I heard as their oncore. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6XJl35-qK2ki8k

[@marlew6629]

Spot on. No one could play a riff like Richrath. Criminally underrated

[@mariejustme]

Ditto. One of me and my husbands favorite bands. Live they were amazing. 🤘🏼

[@70srocknroll]

Yep seen them a few times

[@kenperkins7921]

Super 70s Blowing it out!

[@kathieovercash8414]

One of the best concerts I've ever been to. They have so many great songs.

[@kriskammeraad3955]

Golden County , 157 Riverside Ave. , Flying Turkey Trot . Do the live versions !

[@danhuyck527]

This was what we did in the late 70s and early 80s on the weekends. Smoke weed and co to concerts

[@joejawson5264]

They played our state fair. They got delayed because of thunderstorms. REO opened with this song with lightning in the background. Awesome concert.

[@markkassuba8134]

Saw REO SEVERAL TIMES! Including this Sept 2!! Still absolutely on fire!!

[@dennytaylor1005]

Kevin Cronin has a great voice ... but ANYTHING that showcases any bit of Gary Richrath is GOLDEN! I loved that you caught the riff shred at your timestamp 3:57 ... that is classic Gary R. Great reaction again Mr SalvoG.

[@richardfletcher8922]

Listen to the version off the “You Get What You Play For”! Every song is their best live cut. You won’t be disappointed with anything on this album!

[@rayphil9641]

Saw them live at least a dozen times. Took my 16 year old daughter to see them and STYX in Peoria in 1998. Her reaction was awesome. She said her generations music sucked, and she wanted me to pick the concerts from now on./ We sat right next to the stage, elevated about 5 feet. Kevin threw her several of his picks and Styx bassist came off stage and played right in front of us. She is a classic rock fan till this day.

[@Cashcrop54]

REO was one of my favorite live bands. Great energy and lots of songs written for being played live. Kevin has a great voice and Gary was amazing on guitar. They weren't the same without Gary.

[@dawnpatrol700]

The live one you played was circa 1980, with Kevin Cronin. Cronin left the band during the making of the Riding the Storm out album in 73, so the version you played was new singer Murphy, right after they scrapped Kevins version. Kevins original version showed up on a greatest hits in 1980, as a bonus track. The live version radio played was from " you get what you play for"

[@suzanneprock7286]

Love REO, they were extremely popular my Senior year (1977) and my girlfriend and I loved driving her T-top TransAm to this song, particularly.

[@Squidette18]

Omg 6 times I have seen this Band love them! RIP Gary my favorite guitar player , not to mention one of the most underrated guitar player

[@seiraeiramasil2302]

Yeah, there's another live version of the song, at the start of the song, you'll hear Kevin say, "One more people!". That studio version is with a different singer. I think Kevin's voice was best suited for the song. REO Speedwagon are a great live band. Thanks for doing this reaction!

[@randallpetersen9164]

The awesome live version with Kevin Cronin singing is from You Get What You Play For (It's 'last song people!'). That album also includes the incredible Golden Country.

[@seiraeiramasil2302]

@@randallpetersen9164Oh yeah, I know, like I said, they really are a great live band!

[@toddthousand1976]

There is a great studio version with Kevin as well. The one that most people hear is the studio version with Michael Murphy

[@johnfoster5295]

The studio version from the album is Mike Murphy singing, but there is a studio version with Kevin on vocals that he recorded before he left the band. It is out there if you want to listen to that.

[@coachjdc]

Kevin is 71 and still out there sounding great!

[@keelsmac01]

I saw them about 10 yrs ago…they sounded great!

[@michaelrutkowski4954]

I saw REO Speedwagon in a bar in East Lansing in 1973 when they were just breaking out ! We sat at a table directly in front of the stage and I was completely blown away !

[@kevinsmallwood8584]

The live concert has Kevin Cronin singing; whereas, the studio version features Mike Murphy. I know you read that in Wikipedia, but that's why the vocals are different. Kevin has been with the band most of the years. REO Speedwagon usually used "Ridin' The Storm Out" as their first encore song in most concerts; it was a big crowd favorite.

[@xtrmfc]

💯 Correct

[@bluesaloon]

@@xtrmfc The original version with Kevin is available. They put it out on a compilation a few years back as well as part of the Ridin' The Storm Out album that's part of a box set. REO posted it on their KZbin page as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5CwY6t8n8SDp80&pp=ygUwcmVvIHNwZWVkd2Fnb24gcmlkaW4gdGhlIHN0b3JtIG91dCBrZXZpbiBjcm9uaW4g

[@garysteinert8040]

It’s the correct version May I suggest Time for me To Fly, live also.

[@karengoodenough827]

Definitely have to agree with the previous comments, check out Golden County, and 157 Riverside Blvd

[@bobbolan4672]

Every party I went to they played this in the 80's. Classic and just plain good. Haven't heard it in awhile. Thx G.

[@gandalf679]

Saw REO back in the mid 70's, since I live in the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, the prefaced this song with " If you're ever in the Rocky mountains when the wind comes up and the sun goes down, and the snow starts to fly, well, since you live here, then you already know, there's only one thing you can do, and that's Ride That Storm Out!!" The venue erupted!!!

[@dewdewism]

Born in Cheyenne, raised in Denver. I love the Rocky Mountains.

[@terryp5807]

Through 50 years and two wives I have seen REO in concert 40 times. My current wife didn't even know who REO was when we got together in 1998. She has now been to 25 REO concerts. BTW - if you really want to appreciate Kevin's vocals, as well as Gary's guitar, look up an old version of "157 Riverside Avenue". It will blow your mind.

[@CubsFan2023]

Another great live track from 'You Get What You Play For' that became a classic rock staple is "157 Riverside Avenue".

[@dgator3599]

I saw them on their Hi Infidelity album tour when I was in the 10th grade. Kevin Cronin's voice sounds exactly like their studio cut. Gary Richrath was amazing to watch. Great concert and memories.

[@johnnytorbett9883]

I seen them live in Tulsa ok. 1979 they were great .I'll never forget them and especially gary fantastic one of the best...top 10.

[@Cheryltwin2012]

Gary Richrath, the lead guitarist, is from my neck of the woods. He was born in East Peoria, IL, just across town from my hometown of Peoria. REO played a lot of local dances and proms in that area so I got to see them live a number of times before they went all poppy and ruined it. Gary's not with us anymore, but he's loved and respected here in Central Illinois. My older brother used to say that Gary was such a good guitar player because he had huge hands. Rest in peace, Gary! Peoria still loves you!

[@Robert41265]

Back in the 80s, Gary's parents lived in Lake Camelot. I know, because we had a family tree business then, and we did tree work for them.

[@Cheryltwin2012]

@@Robert41265 Wow...that's interesting. We had next door neighbors who moved there in the early 70's and we used to visit them all the time. Small world, huh?

[@karenmandeville7116]

saw them in 75. outdoor concert. they were great.

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Anytime you get to watch Gary play is a good thing.

[@davidburkett4005]

My favorite band. Best live!!

[@patrickking535]

I wore out their live album back in the late ‘70’s. Just amazing!

[@joepegel]

REO was a really good 80's pop band, but before that they were a kick-ass 70's rock band. Especially live. The live album "You Get What You Play For" is awesome. I'd recommend "Golden Country", "Like You Do", and/or "I Believe Our Time Is Gonna Come".

[@davidolson2729]

You have the right version in my opinion. This is the one I watched repeatedly on MTV back in the 80’s. Yes, I’m old.

[@MaddyN999]

I’ve tried to keep my concert tickets and I actually still have this one from I think 1982 at the Miami Baseball Stadium ✌️. Great concert I think 😅.

[@swampfizz]

hey..these guys never forgot where came from..awesome band with many hits

[@bradsense7431]

I saw them live with many other bands in July 1974 at the Ozark Music Festival in Sedelia Missouri. Three days of great music, mind altering substances, necked people and blistering heat. Other groups performed were; Eagles, Joe Walsh, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent, America, Charlie Daniels, Bob Seger, Elvin Bishop and others.

[@earlfox6030]

Seen them on that tour at Texas World Music festival

[@tonythegoodman]

Saw REO in Indianapolis in 79..the old Market Square Arena...Blackfoot opened for them..

[@JohnGunn-o6l]

If you want to know how good Gary Richraft was try flying turkey trot live REO Speed wagon guitar solo and don't forget golden country live

[@JohnGunn-o6l]

Garys solo on flying turkey trot live guitar solo best

[@jodij6280]

Concert t-shirts were popular in the 80s and lots of people in my high school were wearing REO (and Styx) shirts. They were huge on the radio. The 2nd video you watched isn't Kevin Cronin singing, unless his voice completely changed.

[@kevinlese633]

That's the 1st time I saw that video. There was another 1out there that has the extended guitar solo.

[@KathyKobell-ub9ow]

And that's where I feel in love with REO speedwagon

[@doplinger1]

Sounds good for live, but then they were probably recording it for a live album; it may even have been a track from "You Get What You Play For". My wife was actually at one of the concerts that they recorded tracks for it - on Halloween in Indianapolis - "Golden Country", one of my favorite tracks.

[@reddoxx4754]

This is a good version, and it's always fun to watch Gary Richrath play. Probably the best way to listen to it live is to hear the version on the live album, "You Get What You Play For". Definitely have to hear it live. The studio version isn't as good.

[@dewdewism]

I saw them at Red Rocks Amphitheater in the early 80's when I was a young man. The sun was just setting and the first song they played, he told a story about how it was written. Red Rocks Amphitheater is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This song is about Rocky Mountain Nuclear Weapons plant between Red rocks Amphitheater and Boulder Colorado. Only miles away. Reo Speedwagon was at Rocky Mountain national park on vacation and could see Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons plant down below and was storming at the time, and wrote this song. Hence Riding the Storm out. Waiting for the Fall Out from the nuclear bombs that Russia has pointed at Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant back in the 80's. They make the nuclear bombs there.

[@jayhoyer3395]

Back on the Road Again is a hard rockin banger from REO!

[@ianhamilton2035]

Got to see them live late 70's, Gary was ridiculous!!! Very underated artist!! 😃

[@edlane1883]

Another REO song you should react to is “Time for me to fly” the ultimate kiss off/break up song….awesome!

[@scottchapin2323]

There isn't a "wrong" version of this song, they are all great, just slightly different

[@lorriredmon8212]

REO Speedwagon was my jam in the late 70's to late 80's! The live of this is great but the effects on the album recording are awesome!

[@RunExtraStLouis]

This video was taken from a live performance in late 1981 at McNichol Arena in Denver during the "Hi Infidelity Tour". The concert had the distinction of being the first live stereo broadcast on a fledgling new cable network called MTV. Unfortunately the sound isn't the greatest, I believe because they recorded from external microphones instead of the band's mixing boards. Epic Records worked a deal with MTV to release the concert recording, but for some reason chose to offer it on Laserdisc. It also eventually found it's way to VHS tapes, mostly for the video rental industry. Laserdisc and VHS copies of this concert in good condition are very hard to find. Despite the poor sound quality, "Ridin' the Storm Out" and "Take It On The Run" became official videos for those songs. "Like You Do", "Only the Strong Survive", "Flying Turkey Trot", "Say You Love Me (or Say Goodnight)" and "Back On the Road Again" from this concert video are all worth viewing if you can find quality copies. When people speak of the live version of this song, they are talking about the album "Live: You Get What You Play For". During the mid 1970's, REO was earning a reputation as a band who played fast and loud with everything they had. They were selling out 12,000 seat halls and arenas across the midwest, yet virtually unknown on either coast. The live album, which was released in 1977, began seeing consistent play on the radio and truly helped broaden the band's exposure. In my opinion, a number of the live recordings from this album surpass the studio versions. "Ridin' The Storm Out" for sure, but also "Being Kind (Can Hurt Someone Sometimes)", "Keep Pushin'", "(Only A) Summer Love" and "157 Riverside Avenue" all showcase that energy they put into their live shows. The last song on the album, "Golden Country", is Gary Richrath at his finest. If you want some good studio songs a little on the obscure side, check out "Lightning" from 1976 album "R.E.O.", "Meet Me On The Mountain" from 1979's "Nine Lives", and "Follow My Heart" from 1980's "Hi Infidelity". The latter album also includes what I think is Kevin Cronin's best vocal performance on "I Wish You Were There". I'm hoping for and looking forward to more REO reactions.

[@clintlandrum9498]

There is a definitive live version of this song where singer Kevin Cronin tells the true story of the song and guitarist Gary richrath has a long solo at the end that feels like 90 seconds long and is absolutely blistering. I'm hoping someone out there knows the one I'm talking about. I know the version on their live album is very strong.

[@jimfussell5589]

I know the version you're talking about. It was at the old Kemper Arena in Kansas City, and it was AMAZING! I know because I was there! It is by far the best live version! While the arena is filled with the sounds of whipping winds and foreboding lightning strikes, lead singer Kevin Cronin tells the story of the band driving across "flat lands and cornfields" to get to a gig in the Rocky Mountains. He tells the audience in a fun and dramatic true story how they all drive in their old station wagon into dangerous weather and just try to hang on and "ride the storm out." The whole performance is incredible, including - yes - what seems like the best solo by Gary Richrath at the end!! You all HAVE to find THAT version, or you haven't heard the best of this song!!!

[@clintlandrum9498]

@@jimfussell5589 that sounds right. Thank you. I hope salvog sees this bc it is def worth it.

[@g.e.5723]

Anybody else grow up in the StL area? REO were HUGE in the Midwest.

[@troythomason8032]

Check out the live version of 157 Riverside Avenue from the Decade album. Fun song that has put Gary's guitar skills on full display.

[@linkjones4535]

REO Speedwagon were my first conert in 1978 when they toured You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish. I had never heard of them before that concert but I was impressed at how good their music was. Kevin is an amazing front man and had the audience in his hand. I remember when they played Riding The Storm Out and it sounded good. The next day I bought the album. They spoiled for every concert I went to after that, none have been as good with the audience.

[@wallacewhipps1206]

Golden Country live is a must!

[@kevinfeldman5100]

Did you know, R E O Speedwagon was the first 4 wheel drive ever produced.

[@kathyjaissle6791]

Gary Richrath (lead guitar) was amazing!!!! Love this song!

[@oceanbluebandflorida]

Have always loooooooved this banger!!!! Live version always the must see version

[@jimmayors2315]

Did you notice the gap from when the song was released until it hit on the charts?? Pretty cool

[@richardfletcher8922]

Check out 157 Riverside Avenue and Son Of A Poorman on “You Get What You Play For”. I saw them the summer of ‘77… they were awesome!

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

They were great in concert

[@Baldeson]

First concert I ever saw. Riding the Storm Out was always their encore. It was close to Peoria, so Gary was really up for the show. Laurie below is right though, you want the live version off You Get What You Play For. Wore that 8-track OUT.

[@robot9991]

So many people "judge" REO by their Hi Infidelity album (which is good, don't get me wrong), but REO LIVE??!?!?! Holy hell, they ROCK! Thankful that I saw them multiple times in the past RIP Gary.

[@randyhochstein8455]

I saw REO in the 70’s, the 80’s, and in the 2000’s, and Kevin Cronin amazes me. Aside from the length of his hair, he doesn’t seem to change. Sure, a few more wrinkles, and possibly a half step slower, but otherwise, he’s a vampire vocalist. ♥️✌🏼😎

[@pm7lucas]

I agree COMPLETELY!

[@herbconner8066]

From You Get What You Play For or A Decade of Rock-n-Roll.

[@kennelson6055]

Album live version off You Get What You Play For much better recording. For that matter the whole album deserves a reaction.

[@annewoodard6803]

This is a studio version favorite for me, with the original singer. I was there, that’s how we did it. 🤷🏼‍♀️😁

[@angelagreen778]

I hope you listened to the studio edit, as this: GOLD!

[@oceanbluebandflorida]

Soooooooo awesome!!!!

[@Dennisgayhart]

That studio version is not Kevin Cronin. Cronin has a very distinct way of singing the lyrics.

[@rowdyharger2799]

75-76 in Norfolk VA, one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Molly Hatchet was the warm up band.

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

No rock guitarist ever made more of an entrance than Gary did. You need to hear the live version of this from You Get What You Play For.

[@SouthernArtist77]

They were so underrated.

[@SaltLifeTradition]

Yeah Gary has never been given his due credit, he was awesome on the Les, one of the cleanest i've ever heard

[@spawn4582]

This is Jam, this is a masterpiece, the guitar sound is incomparable

[@wen-nz3sk]

Yea, different live version, Gary goes off in the end LONGER!! Great song. ❤🔥

[@kevinlese633]

I remember kevin cronan saying that the concert was on halloween

[@melissakhalar1842]

Another classic song that brings back memories. Sad news from Canada, Mr. Gordon Lightfoot passed away. Rest in Peace you brilliant and lovely Man. @SalvoG perhaps you could do a tribute to Gordon and do a reaction to one of his many songs. May I suggest the Canadian Railroad Trilogy or Beautiful but any of his other songs would be great.

[@DowJonesDave]

Studio is their original singer. The live is their final singer, Kevin Kronin. You'd have to listen to a later song than this one to hear Kronin in the studio.

[@keefmack]

Gary Richrath was one of rock's greatest guitarists

[@earlfox6030]

Also the live version on decade of rock is awesome

[@bluesaloon]

“Ain’t nobody who talks with his guitar like Gary does!”

[@rodb9275]

Awesome!

[@missst4063]

Favorite from REO - "Time for Me to Fly" (studio version is classic)

[@imthemanntoo]

Wow! I have been a fan for over 45 years and I have never heard the studio version of this song. That live version smokes though.

[@ThePersistentRumor]

Even though they were considered cheesy, no one ever turned them off when they came on. :-D

[@jerrybutler1336]

yes, do try the live album version, the organ does a great storm siren before, but i have to warn you, state law dictates you turn up the volume with the siren if you hear it in your car, just a warning

[@ORagnar]

Love the guitar play of this group. 3.o

[@oceanbluebandflorida]

Banger alert!!!!!!!

[@jeffkellyb7712]

Listen to the whole "You Get What You Play For" album. Especially if you can get the vinyl version! It includes more than the CD, it was a double album and didn't fit on a CD. By the way, the studio version is with Murphy who replaced Cronin, and then was replaced by Cronin. In my opinion, the Speedwagon sound is Richrath, Cronin, and Doughty (keys).

[@TheRatsCast]

So Carly Simon is best known for the song ;You're So Vain'; however, she would sing along side Janet Jackson for her song 'Son of a Gun (I Bet You Think This Song is About You). In which Carly and Janet sing the classic line for the chorus, and Carly adds a kind of rap sequence to the song, referring to the 'Clouds in my Coffee' bit oh her song. If you haven't heard 'You're So Vain'; you should listen to hat one first, before listening to Janet's song

[@LegionOfNeil]

157 Riverside Avenue on the live album is incredible, give it a listen.

[@pgko7123]

Can you also try their power ballads like "In My Dreams"? Pleeeease!

[@sonjarussell7332]

Ahhhhh, yes! The great “initial” bands! * ABBA * AC/DC * BOC * BTO * CCR * CSN (and sometimes Y) * ELO * ELP * REO * REM * ! So much music…so little time! Better get busy…need more of your great reactions please!

[@chriswheeler151]

listen to the opening " last song people" THATS the one you want

[@SusanTaylor-rp2pd]

Another great song by them is..Keep The Fire Burning! Some great instrument solo’s I especially enjoy the Guitar solo by Gary & I think that you will too! ♥️😊😎

[@toddk2737]

This is a good version for your reaction.