Don’t Let Him Go

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Don’t Let Him Go" by REO Speedwagon from their blockbuster album Hi Infidelity, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this underrated gem. Written by frontman Kevin Cronin, the song was the first he penned for the 1980 album, which became a defining moment for the band. Cronin has shared that the lyrics draw from the collective experiences of the band members, serving as a playful plea to their girlfriends for patience with their rock-and-roll lifestyles. Critics like Casandra Armour from vintagerock.com note the song’s narrator is vouching for a charming but flawed friend, described as having “a lot of swag but not much substance” yet deserving a chance to mature. The track’s distinctive sound owes much to a slightly tweaked Bo Diddley beat, a nod confirmed by Cronin himself, giving it a “jaunty hand-jive” vibe peppered with power chords, as Armour puts it. Its insistent rhythm led Allmusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine to praise its driving beat, while Chuck Eddy called it a “Bo Diddleyed do-si-do” for its danceable groove.

Adding to the song’s lore, "Don’t Let Him Go" reached #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a staple on Hi Infidelity, which topped the charts for 15 weeks and sold over ten million copies. The album’s recording came during a turbulent time, with band members navigating personal dramas like divorces, which influenced the album’s title—a clever pun on “high fidelity” and infidelity, reflected in its cheeky cover art of a man playing a record while an affair unfolds. In a 2013 interview, Cronin recalled the band’s mindset, saying they were on the brink of being dropped by their label but poured their hearts into the album, unaware it would catapult them to stardom. Fans on Reddit still rave about the album’s vibrant 1980s essence, with one user snagging a copy for just two dollars and calling it a must-listen. The song also got airtime on TV, with a 1981 performance on America’s Top 10, cementing its place in the era’s rock scene.

REO Speedwagon began in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer started jamming in a University of Illinois dorm basement. Named after a 1915 truck from the Reo Motor Car Company, the band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging across the Midwest, building a loyal following through their high-energy live shows. By the early 1970s, Kevin Cronin joined as lead vocalist, though he briefly left before returning in 1976, solidifying the lineup that would lead to their 1980s success. Their breakthrough came with 1978’s You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, but it was Hi Infidelity that made them household names, blending heartfelt ballads with hard-hitting rock. Over the decades, they’ve sold over 40 million records, with hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” keeping them relevant. Despite a dip in mainstream popularity in the 1990s, their live performances remain a draw, fueled by a catalog of anthems and a knack for connecting with audiences.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with REO Speedwagon on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic throwbacks. Fans can also join the vibrant REO Speedwagon Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for diehards swapping stories and concert memories. Another great spot is the REO Speedwagon subreddit, where enthusiasts discuss everything from vinyl finds to favorite tracks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, “Don’t Let Him Go” and REO’s enduring legacy are sure to keep you rocking.