Keep Pushin’

The song "Keep Pushin’" by REO Speedwagon from their 1976 album R.E.O. is a fan favorite that captures the band’s early resilience and soulful rock spirit. In a 2016 interview with REO Speedwagon’s official website, lead singer and songwriter Kevin Cronin shared that he wrote "Keep Pushin’" from the heart, reflecting on personal struggles and the determination to move forward. Cronin noted that while the song wasn’t a major chart hit, it resonated deeply with fans, especially in the Midwest, where radio stations gave it airplay, and it became a staple in their live performances. He mentioned that its uplifting message and soulful vibe made it a precursor to later hits like "Roll With The Changes," helping build the band’s loyal following before their 1980s breakthrough.

Another tidbit about "Keep Pushin’" comes from its role in REO Speedwagon’s live shows. The song’s anthemic chorus and driving rhythm made it a standout on their 1977 live album Live: You Get What You Play For, which captured the band’s raw energy. Fans on Rate Your Music have praised the track as one of the band’s top five, tying with classics like "157 Riverside Avenue" for its rustbelt rock vibe. Cronin also reflected in the same 2016 interview that the song’s lyrics, like “I used to be lonely till I learned about livin’ alone,” spoke to his personal growth, resonating with listeners facing their own challenges. Though not a Top 40 single, its enduring popularity on classic rock stations highlights its impact.

REO Speedwagon began in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, both students at the University of Illinois, formed the band. Named after the REO Speed Wagon, a 1915 fire truck model by Ransom Eli Olds, the band’s moniker was suggested by Doughty, inspired by its bold, rebellious vibe. Early years saw a rotating lineup, with original vocalist Terry Luttrell fronting their 1971 debut album. Kevin Cronin joined for their second album, R.E.O./T.W.O., in 1972, bringing his distinctive voice and songwriting, though he left briefly due to creative differences before returning in 1976 for R.E.O.. The band’s gritty, hard rock sound in the 1970s, driven by Gary Richrath’s guitar and Doughty’s keyboards, built a strong Midwest following through relentless touring.

By the late 1970s, with bassist Bruce Hall and later drummer Bryan Hitt joining, REO Speedwagon honed their arena rock style, leading to their 1980 blockbuster Hi Infidelity, which sold over 10 million copies. Their journey from bar gigs to enormo-domes, as described in a 2007 Louder interview, was marked by perseverance through personnel changes and industry challenges. The band’s official website, reospeedwagon.com, offers tour updates and merch, while their Facebook and Instagram pages share nostalgic photos and fan interactions. On X, they post about recent performances and tributes to their legacy. Fans can connect on the REO Speedwagon Fan Page on Facebook or explore discographies on fan-driven sites like Rate Your Music.