REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon’s heartland rock was hugely popular in the Midwest of the late ’70s, and when the Illinois band scored some actual hits a few years later—like the shlocky power ballad “Keep On Lovin’ You”—they were virtually inescapable. The band splintered after a few albums, but the late-’90s nostalgia for all things ’80s brought REO back, at least to summer-festival and state-fair levels. In 2007, the band even put out its first album of original songs in 11 years, Find Your Own Way Home. The record was released directly to Walmart and these days, the band performs extensively at ribfests and county fairs, proving that these guys definitely know their audience.

Updated 06/22/2011