REO Speedwagon rolled with the changes into Raleigh, North Carolina on August 9 on the Summer Road Trip 2024. The tour made a stop at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. It was a hot humid night and the venue was packed full of people ready to have a good time. With a career spanning over five decades, it has to be a difficult task in making a setlist. The hit the stage with a fury with “Don’t Let Him Go” and never slowed down. Well, except for when it was time for a ballad. Fun fact: The first time I saw REO Speedwagon was back in 1985 and they opened the show with…..wait for it…..wait for it…..”Don’t Let Him Go.” Lead singer Kevin Cronin must collapse when the show is over because he is all over the stage for the entire show and he doesn’t show his age. I hope I can move around like that when I’m that age! The entire band was all smile for the whole show and having genuine fun up there. That kind of genuine fun is infectious when you’re in the crowd watching. “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Time For Me To Fly” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” were all there. The “hair bands” of the 80’s get credit for the “power ballad” but REO Speedwagon came out with “Keep On Loving You” in 1980 and it was a huge hit. Just something to think about. What a great show! These guys show no signs of slowing down and when you sound this good and are having this much fun, who can blame them! A full setlist follows the photo gallery.

Review & pix by I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price