Take It on the Run

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic track "Take It on the Run" by REO Speedwagon from their iconic album Hi Infidelity. This song, released in 1980, became a defining hit for the band, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to posts found on X, it’s a fan favorite, with many citing its raw energy and relatable lyrics about love and betrayal. One story from a 1981 interview with lead singer Kevin Cronin reveals that the song’s inspiration came from a real-life moment of heartbreak, capturing the sting of hearing rumors about a lover’s infidelity. Cronin shared that the line “Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend” was drawn from how gossip spreads, giving the song its authentic emotional punch. The track’s driving guitar riffs and catchy chorus made it a staple of '80s rock, and its music video was one of the early staples on MTV, boosting its popularity.

Another tidbit from a 2023 post by the band’s official Facebook account celebrated the 43rd anniversary of Hi Infidelity, sharing a clip of "Take It on the Run" and asking fans for their favorite songs from the album. Fans flooded the comments, with many praising the song’s timeless appeal. Guitarist Gary Richrath’s soulful solo in the track is often highlighted as a standout, with some X users joking that it’s the kind of riff that makes you “air guitar in public.” In a 2017 interview, Cronin mentioned that the song almost didn’t make the album because the band wasn’t sure it fit the vibe, but producer Kevin Beamish insisted it was a hit. That gamble paid off, as the song helped Hi Infidelity spend 15 non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1981, as noted in an X post by @OldSchool80s.

REO Speedwagon got their start in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer formed the band while students at the University of Illinois. The name “REO Speedwagon” came from a 1915 fire truck they spotted in a history class, a nod to their Midwestern roots. Initially playing covers in local bars, they built a loyal following with their high-energy performances. By the early 1970s, they were gigging relentlessly across the Midwest, with Kevin Cronin joining as lead singer in 1972, though he briefly left before returning in 1976. Their big break came with the 1978 live album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, which showcased their knack for blending hard rock with melodic hooks. This set the stage for Hi Infidelity in 1980, which catapulted them to global fame with hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It on the Run."

The band’s gritty determination and chemistry kept them thriving through lineup changes and the evolving music scene. Their official bio on reospeedwagon.com emphasizes their blue-collar ethos and commitment to their fans, who they still call “the best fans in the world.” You can keep up with REO Speedwagon on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out fan communities like the REO Speedwagon Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. There’s also a dedicated fan site, speedwagon.com, packed with band history, discography, and fan-submitted content that keeps the spirit of REO alive.