Like You Do (Live 1977)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Like You Do (Live 1977)" by REO Speedwagon from their live album Live: You Get What You Play For, a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, originally from their 1972 album R.E.O./T.W.O., comes alive in its 1977 live rendition, showcasing the band’s raw, hard-rocking roots. In a 2025 interview with Louder, frontman Kevin Cronin recalled the band’s relentless touring in the Midwest during the 1970s, where songs like "Like You Do" were staples of their setlists, electrifying audiences in packed bars and arenas. The live version captures Gary Richrath’s scorching guitar riffs and Cronin’s dynamic vocals, a testament to their reputation as a formidable live act. A fan on Discogs praised the song’s “love songs rock style,” noting its passionate delivery as a highlight of the album.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album’s recording process, which took place across multiple venues, including Kansas City’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building and St. Louis’ Kiel Auditorium. According to Wikipedia, the band’s goal was to prove to Epic Records that their live performances were their strength, and "Like You Do" exemplifies this with its extended instrumental jams and crowd interaction. A post on X by user AndyMurthi in April 2025 highlighted the band’s wild lifestyle during this era, quoting a story of all-night partying followed by their pilot flying the plane the next morning, a vibe that bleeds into the gritty energy of tracks like "Like You Do." Fans on the REO Speedwagon Fans Facebook group often share memories of hearing this song live, with one member recalling a 1977 concert where Richrath’s guitar solo “blew the roof off.”

REO Speedwagon began in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, both students at the University of Illinois, met on their first night of classes. As detailed on Wikipedia, Doughty had taught himself Beatles songs on piano, while Gratzer was a seasoned drummer from local bands. They formed the band with bassist Mike Blair, guitarist Joe Matt, and vocalist Terry Luttrell, naming it after the REO Speed Wagon, a fire truck Doughty spotted in a history class. By 1970, guitarist Gary Richrath joined, bringing a harder rock edge that defined their early sound. The band’s early years were marked by constant gigging in Midwest bars, building a loyal fanbase through their high-octane performances, as noted in their bio on AllMusic.

Despite early struggles, including multiple vocalist changes—Luttrell left in 1972, followed by Kevin Cronin’s brief exit in 1973—the band persevered. Cronin’s return in 1976 solidified their lineup, leading to the success of Live: You Get What You Play For. Their persistence paid off with the 1980 album Hi Infidelity, which sold over 10 million copies, cementing their status as arena rock giants. Fans can connect with the band on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts. The REO Speedwagon Fans Facebook group and fan sites like Classic Rock Forums offer spaces for Zoo Freaks to discuss the band’s legacy and tracks like "Like You Do."