REO Speedwagon have not yet been nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but singer Kevin Cronin is still a big supporter. REO was in Cleveland for a private show for the Best Western hotel owners and managers, and Cronin visited the museum.
Cronin 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.
Kevin said, "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.
Bassist Bruce Hall recently paid tribute to his predecessor, Gregg Philbin, who passed away last month. Hall said, "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.”
He added,"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.”
Hall also said, "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."
REO Speedwagon has a show in Fort Worth tonight and then on to Newkirk, Ohio on Saturday.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]