The Danger Behind REO Speedwagon’s ‘Ridin’ the Storm Out

Aug 28

REO Speedwagon's "Ridin' the Storm Out" is a song that's been a warhorse staple of the Midwest band's set list for decades. Classic rock fans often key in on the introduction, which sounds like an air raid siren.

It's something which REO's Kevin Cronin says accurately reflects the dangerous moment which led guitarist Gary Richrath to pen the tune itself. Caught in a sudden Colorado storm, he says, "We were in danger and needed to get away from where we were quick."

"Ridin' the Storm Out" was the song which came out of their harrowing experience and it quickly landed favorably with the group's fans. "We've been doing it in every single REO Speedwagon show since 1973," he says now. "It's one of those things that people do remember us for."

The band begins their summer tour with Train tonight (July 8) in Somerset, Wisconsin with Yacht Rock Revue opening each show. To celebrate, Cronin and YRR's Nick Niespodziani joined Ultimate Classic Rock Radio's Matt Wardlaw to discuss the full story of "Ridin' the Storm Out" and also, the science and dividing line of yacht rock.