How Old Are The Reo Speedwagon Members
Let's talk about a band that basically defined the late '70s and early '80s rock scene: Reo Speedwagon. If you grew up listening to Hi Infidelity, you already know the massive...
Let's talk about a band that basically defined the late '70s and early '80s rock scene: Reo Speedwagon. If you grew up listening to Hi Infidelity, you already know the massive hits that dominated the radio back then. But have you ever wondered how old the guys actually are behind those killer keyboard riffs and soaring vocals?
Kevin Cronin: The Voice of a Generation
First up is the man who really put the band on the map, Kevin Cronin. Born on October 6, 1951, Cronin is currently cruising around 72 years old. Honestly, he looks better now than he did when he was belting out "Keep On Loving You" back in the day.
It is wild to think that this guy has been rocking out for over five decades. His voice hasn't lost an ounce of that classic power, either. You could say his vocal cords are basically timeless, defying the laws of aging rockstars everywhere. He continues to tour and captivate audiences with his magnetic stage presence.
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Neal Doughty: The Original Keyboard Wizard
Next, we have the founding member and keyboard master, Neal Doughty. He was born on October 29, 1948, making him the senior citizen of the group at roughly 75 years old. Doughty has been laying down those iconic synth lines since the very beginning of the band's incredible journey.
When you look at how long he has been playing, it is truly impressive. The man practically invented the rock keyboard solo back in the day. His fingers have been flying across the keys longer than most of us have been alive, and honestly, it shows no signs of stopping!
Bruce Hall: The Steady Bassist
Keeping the low end grounded is Bruce Hall, the band's steady bassist. He was born on May 3, 1953, which puts him at about 70 years old. Hall joined the band in 1970 and has been the solid backbone keeping everything together ever since.
You might not always notice the bass, but you definitely feel it when it's missing. His steady grooves have held the whole ensemble together through thick and thin. It is safe to say that Bruce is the unsung hero of the group. The man knows exactly how to lock in with the drummer perfectly.
How Old Are The Reo Speedwagon Members | Detroit Chinatown
Dave Amato: The Guitar Slinger
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the talented guitarist Dave Amato. He was born on March 3, 1953, making him the same age as Bruce Hall at 70 years old. Amato joined the band in 1989, right when they were still dominating the airwaves with their catchy hooks.
He stepped into the big shoes left by the legendary Gary Richrath, and honestly, he did an amazing job. Amato has been shredding those guitar solos for over three decades now. It is hard to imagine Reo Speedwagon without his signature sound lighting up the arena.
Bryan Hitt: The Modern Drummer
Keeping the beat on the drums is Bryan Hitt. Born on August 12, 1956, Hitt is currently 67 years old. He joined the band in 1989, the same year as Amato, and has been the reliable rhythmic engine driving the band ever since.
You would never guess his age when you see him playing live on stage. His energy is absolutely infectious, driving the band forward with relentless passion. Bryan proves that you are only as old as you feel, especially when you are hitting the drums. He brings a youthful enthusiasm that keeps the whole show moving.
A Quick Nod to the Legends
Of course, no conversation about Reo Speedwagon is complete without mentioning Gary Richrath. The original guitarist was born on October 18, 1950, but sadly passed away in 2015 at age 64. He was taken far too soon, cutting his time with the band much shorter than the others.
How Old Are The Reo Speedwagon Members | Detroit Chinatown
Richrath wrote some of the band's biggest hits, including "Ridin' the Storm Out." His legacy lives on every time the band plays those classic tracks. The band owes a huge debt of gratitude to his incredible talent and vision for the music.
Alan Gratzer: The Original Beat
Before Bryan Hitt took over the kit, Alan Gratzer was the one keeping the tempo. He was born on September 15, 1947, making him around 76 years old now. Gratzer was the original drummer who helped build the band's foundation back in the early days of their career.
He eventually stepped away from the touring circuit in 2000 to pursue other passions. However, his contributions to the classic sound cannot be overstated by anyone who loves the band. Without his early beats, the band might never have gotten off the ground.
Aging Like Fine Wine
So, there you have it! The Reo Speedwagon members are ranging from their late 60s to mid-70s, proving that rock stars really do age like fine wine. These guys have been rocking the world for over half a century, and they show absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering their classic music, it is impossible not to appreciate the longevity of their talent. The fact that they are still touring and playing live is a true testament to their love for the craft. Keep on rocking, guys—you are never too old to have a good time!