‘Ridin’ the Storm Out’: REO Speedwagon donates to Illinois Rock & Roll Museum to aid in tornado recovery efforts

JOLIET, Ill. – Band members and management of the legendary rock band REO Speedwagon made a major donation to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum to help with repairs costs after the July 15 tornado.

Officials said while the artifacts on display inside the museum were unscathed, the building’s roof was heavily damaged. Gigantar, the museum’s iconic guitar mounted to the front of the building, also suffered minor damage.

“REO was honored to be inducted in the inaugural class of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum’s Hall of Fame. I was again honored to induct my friend and original producer Gary Loizzo (Bend Me, Shape Me). When Bruce Hall alerted us that our home state’s Rock Hall was in need, we did not hesitate to step up. We are proud of our Illinois roots, and our brother and sister Illinois artists,” said Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon.

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Museum management said they’re extremely thankful for the band’s support.

“The museum is a labor of love for me and is inspired by many of my musical heroes,” said Museum Executive Director and Board Chair Ron Romero. “To see it hit so hard is absolutely crushing, but receiving the call from REO Speedwagon to let us know that they were donating to our recovery efforts means the world to us. Not only will that help during these challenging times, but it also means that a band that I have so much admiration for believes in this museum and the people that are working so hard every day to preserve the musical history from Illinois.”

The museum hopes the donation will generate additional support and help them ride out the storm.

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