Chicago & REO Speedwagon Map Summer Plans

REO Speedwagon came into existence in the late ’60s when founding member Neal Doughty was a student at the University Of Illinois, in Champaign, while Chicago hailed from, well, Chicago.

“It’s ironic, that these two legendary bands, who both have roots in Illinois, were label-mates (Columbia/Epic) in the ’70s, and experienced waves of immense success in the ’80s and ’90s, and have somehow continued to consistently make compelling music, both in-studio and on tour … have never before performed together!” Chicago’s Robert Lamm said.  “This situation is about to change, as Chicago and REO will perform together during the concert’s encore and present a finale that will thrill their audiences.  As a musician who has always respected REO’s skills, I look forward to our first rehearsals early this summer.  This will be fun!”

REO’s Kevin Cronin is also stoked about the tour.

“I love it that the Chicago guys feel the way we do about truly playing together when you tour together,” Cronin said.  “Can you imagine the Chicago horn section on ‘Roll With The Changes?’  That would blow my mind!  This tour promises to deliver some unique music from two bands who have made a ton of hit records, share that Midwest work ethic, and still refuse to sit back on their past accomplishments.  We both keep raising the bar, challenging ourselves, and rocking hard … and the audience is the ultimate winner.  We are psyched … I can’t wait for this tour.”

Presented by Live Nation, the 15-date tour will play mostly amphitheatres.  Here’s the routing:

Aug. 2 – Phoenix, Ariz., Comerica Theatre
Aug. 4 – Morrison, Colo., Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug. 7 – Kansas City, Mo., Starlight Theatre
Aug. 10 – Noblesville, Ind., Klipsch Music Center
Aug. 12 – Clarkston, Mich., DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 13 – Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 15 – Hartford, Conn., Xfinity Theatre
Aug. 16 – Holmdel, N.J., PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 17 – Wantagh, N.Y., Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 19 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 20 – Boston, Mass., Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Aug. 22 – Atlantic City, N.J., Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa / Event Ctr.
Aug. 23 – Raleigh, N.C., Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Aug. 24 – Atlanta, Ga., Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Aug. 31 – Dallas, Texas, Gexa Energy Pavilion

Fan club presales for both bands begin Jan. 14.  Citi will launch a presale for cardmembers via its Private Pass program  Jan. 15 and Live Nation will fire up its own presale Jan. 16.  General onsales for most dates begin Jan. 17.  Exceptions are Dallas which goes on sale Jan. 24, and Atlanta where the onsale date has not yet been determined. Head over to ChicagoTheBand.com and Speedwagon.com for more information.