When REO Speedwagon first emerged, their genre might have been best described as “alternative rock.” However, they are now considered a traditional classic rock band with their sound merging elements mix of hard rock, arena rock, and power pop.

REO stands for Ransom Eli Olds, the name of the founder of Oldsmobile (originally called "Olds Motor Vehicle Company" when founded) and the now defunct REO Motor Car Company.

REO Speedwagon is from Champaign, Illinois.

The original members of REO Speedwagon are:

• Kevin Cronin on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and occasionally piano
• Neal Doughty on keyboard
• Alan Gratzer on drums, percussion, and backing vocals
• Gregg Philbin on bass and backing vocals

The band is named after the 1915 REO Speed Wagon which was designed by Ransom Eli Olds.

Gary Richrath left REO Speedwagon in 1989 because he was not happy with the direction the band was going. He was replaced by Dave Amato who became a long-time and permanent member of the band.

REO Speedwagon's first studio album “R.E.O Speedwagon” dropped in October 1971. The album peaked at number 167 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Two notable members of REO Speedwagon that have died are:

• Gary Richrath, the band’s original drummer and founding member, died on September 13, 2015 due to complications from surgery.
• Miles Joseph, the band’s lead guitarist in 1989 before being replaced by Jesse Harms, died on December 25, 2012 due to heart failure.

“Take It On The Run” by REO Speedwagon is featured in the Netflix series Cobra Kai. The song was released in 1981 and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

REO Speedwagon was featured in episode three of the third season of the Netflix series Ozark. The episode was named after the band’s lead singer who helps the protagonist launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. It is entitled "Kevin Cronin Was Here."

REO Speedwagon has had 2,403 concerts.

REO Speedwagon is most often considered to be Rock, Pop Rock, Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Folk Rock, Soft Rock, Album Oriented Rock (AOR), Mellow Gold, Glam Metal, and Arena Rock.

The next REO Speedwagon concert is on May 01, 2024 at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, Mississippi, United States. The bands performing are: REO Speedwagon / .38 Special.

The last REO Speedwagon concert was on April 06, 2024 at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida, United States. The bands that performed were: REO Speedwagon / Cheap Trick.

The songs that REO Speedwagon performs live vary, but here's the latest setlist that we have from the April 05, 2024 concert at Hard Rock Live / Hard Rock Cafe Orlando in Orlando, Florida, United States:

1. 3 AM
2. Don't Let Him Go
3. Take It on the Run
4. Keep Pushin'
5. Live Every Moment
6. Tough Guys
7. I Wish You Were There
8. Music Man
9. Son of a Poor Man
10. Can't Fight This Feeling
11. Golden Country
12. Keep On Loving You
13. Time for Me to Fly
14. Ridin' the Storm Out
15. Back on the Road Again
16. Roll With the Changes
17. Smilin' in The End