Heavy On Your Love

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes with REO Speedwagon's "Heavy On Your Love" from their 1979 album Nine Lives. This track is a straight-up hard rock banger, kicking off the album with a ferocious riff from guitarist Gary Richrath that sets the tone for its gritty, high-energy feel. According to frontman Kevin Cronin, Richrath pushed the band to "rock a little harder" for this record, and "Heavy On Your Love" delivers that raw, badass energy in spades. The song’s lyrics, a Cronin-Richrath collaboration, pulse with a lust-driven edge, with lines like “I’m gettin’ heavy on your love, every night” backed by Neal Doughty’s fat, classic organ sound. Fans on Facebook often call it one of REO’s most electrifying openers, with Richrath’s wah-wah guitar work described as “bottom-blistering” in a 2019 Pure Grain Audio review.

Digging deeper, "Heavy On Your Love" captures REO Speedwagon at their creative peak, what some call their “white hot” moment before they leaned into the poppier sound of 1980’s Hi Infidelity. A 2020 post on X from the band’s official account celebrated Nine Lives’s release, highlighting how the album, including this track, went gold by December 1979. The song’s raw power even earned it a nod as “the most badass song REO ever recorded” in a 2024 Louder review. Longtime fans on the REO Speedwagon Fan Club group share stories of blasting this track on road trips, with one member recalling how it hyped them up for a 1979 concert where Richrath’s live solos stole the show. The song’s unpolished, in-your-face attitude reflects the band’s hunger at the time, making it a favorite for Zoo Freaks who love their rock untamed.

Now, let’s rewind to how REO Speedwagon got rolling. Formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, the band started when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, both students at the University of Illinois, bonded over music on their first night of classes. Doughty, who’d tinkered with Beatles tunes on his parents’ piano, and Gratzer, a seasoned local drummer, began jamming together. They named the band after the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck model from 1915 made by the REO Motor Truck Company, a nod to founder Ransom Eli Olds. The name, spotted by Doughty, captured their rebellious spirit and stood out on a marquee. Early on, they played college gigs and anti-war protests, building a local following with a revolving lineup that included singer Terry Luttrell and guitarist Gary Richrath by 1970.

The band’s big break came when they signed with Epic Records in the early ’70s, though their first three albums saw multiple lead singer changes. Kevin Cronin joined for 1972’s R.E.O./T.W.O. but left briefly due to internal conflicts, with Michael Bryan Murphy stepping in before Cronin returned in 1976. Their 1977 live album You Get What You Play For convinced Epic of their strength as a live act, paving the way for hits like You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish. By the time Nine Lives dropped, REO was a hard-rock powerhouse, setting the stage for their massive ’80s success with Hi Infidelity. Their journey from frat parties to arena rock stardom is a testament to their grit and staying power.

Stay connected with REO Speedwagon through their official Facebook, where they boast 1.6 million followers, their Instagram for tour updates and throwback pics, and their X account for the latest news. Fans can dive into discussions at the REO Speedwagon Fan Club on Facebook or check out REO’s official fan club for exclusive merch and content. For more on their legacy, visit fan sites like REOFan.com, a hub for diehards sharing concert stories and rare photos. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!