AboutKathy Expertise History of the band, their music, lyrics, instrumentation, touring, hits, chart activities, and just about everything else in between.
Experience
REO Speedwagon fan for over 35 years, having attended hundreds of concerts all over the world
Organizations belong to: President of REO FANS, the band's largest fan club with members in all 50 states and 26 countries overseas. Check us out at SPEEDWAGON.INFO and REO-FANS.COM!
Other great REO sites? SPEEDWAGON.INFO: http://Speedwagon.info
REO FANS eGroup: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/REOFANS
Gary Richrath: http://GaryRichrath.com Gary Richrath eGroup: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Gary_Richrath
Publications: REO FANS NEWS, Editor & Publisher for the last 15 years
Education/Credentials: Attorney
Awards and Honors: With a 30+ year photographic history of the band, one of her photos was selected to appear on the band's 25th anniversary t-shirts. She was also featured on VH-1's "Rock Collectors" program in January 2000 where her rock photography was displayed.
Thanks for all the hard work you do. I have a question and a couple of comments. My memory not being what it used to be I do remember seeing REO at the Kickapoo Creek Rock Festival in Heyworth, IL in 1970 and since I'm kind of sure that Gary didn't join the band until later that year I was wondering if Steve Scorfina was playing with them at the festival? I used to be in a couple of bands in Decatur, IL and we had the pleasure of opening a few shows for REO back in the early days. I got to know Terry Luttrell best of all since we were both singers but I also got to know the other guys a little and let me tell you that Gary is by no means a prima donna like Kevin. I hadn't seen them for several years and then in 1975 I think it was REO was opening for ZZ Top in Seattle. Gary actually spotted me in the crowd near the front of the stage and came up to the edge to say hi and invited me to come backstage after their set. Never had much use for the band after the Cowhide album but I've always loved the early days and respected the heck out of Gary, Alan, Neal, Terry and Gregg.
By the way, the tore it up at Kickapoo Creek. The crowd was blown away and even after Canned Heat came on they were still chanting for REO.
Alan
Answer Hi Alan!
Yes, Steve Scorfina was REO's lead guitarist at the Kickapoo Creek Rock Festival. That concert was held over the Memorial Day Weekend in 1970, and Gary Richrath didn't join REO until later that year. I wasn't at the show, but understand from Terry Luttrell that it was pretty amazing. He said REO's songs, "5 Men Were Killed Today," "Anti-Establishment Man," and "157 Riverside Avenue" were big hits with over 60,000 in attendance.
I know there's a movie documenting that festival, but from what I understand, there's little footage of the bands. http://www.kickapoocreekmovie.com
The Daily Illi had a pretty good article about the movie, which includes the rumor that John Fogerty was at the festival, and wrote his famous lyrics upon returning: "Just got home from Illinois, lock the front door, oh boy! Got to sit down, take a rest on the porch..." Here's the link: http://media.www.dailyillini.com/media/storage/paper736/news/2005/08/31/Features...
I understand that R.C. Raycraft, who originally put together the Kickapoo documentary, may be in the process of updating some sections with newly discovered footage. If you hear anything more, please drop me a line at reofans (at) yahoo.com.
