Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Ten years before REO Speedwagon released their most successful album in 1980, “Hi Infidelity”, lead guitarist & songwriter Gary Richrath joined the band that was founded in 1967 in Illinois by keyboard player Neil Doughty. Lead singer, songwriter, guitar & piano player Kevin Cronin-who turns 69 today- joined in 1972, left the next year due to alleged “internal conflicts” but returned in 1976. With Bruce Hall on bass and Alan Gratzer on drums. the band put out a few hard rock records in the 1970’s before switching to their more pop oriented sound on the 1980 album.

That had a lot to do with Cronin as the songwriter behind the band’s two number one hits, “Keep On Loving You” from this album & “Can’t Fight This Feeling” from 1984’s “Wheels Are Turnin'”. Both songs were too popish for my taste, but today’s song from the 1980 record written by Richrath was a whole different story. It has a much more hard rock feel thanks to its guitar driven sound including the solo. Also, it is not a tender love song but rather more in line with the name of the album as it tells a tale of betrayal. It went to #5 in 1981 and I absolutely adore it. Richrath stayed with the band until 1989 and passed away in 2015 following stomach surgery. Cronin continues to tour with Doughty, Hall, Dave Amato on lead guitar & Bryan Hitt on drums in the current lineup of REO Speedwagon.

“Take it on the run baby
If that’s the way you want it baby
Then I don’t need you around
I don’t believe it, not for a minute
You’re under the gun so you take it on the run“.

REO Speedwagon circa 1980 (L-R): Bruce Hall, Alan Gratzer, Kevin Cronin, Neil Doughty & Gary Richrath (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

REO Speedwagon: “Take It On The Run” (1980, written by Gary Richrath).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.