Guys who wear baseball caps rejoiced today at the announcement that oft-mocked but really under-appreciated stadium-rock band REO Speedwagon has agreed to play a set of all-REO covers at Chicago’s tribute band headquarters, Joe’s Bar on Weed.
Best of all — all the 7 & 7’s you can drink!
From the SID:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Two of Champaign, Illinois’ top two entertainment brands are joining forces when popular classic rock band REO Speedwagon plays a Chicagoland concert to benefit the University of Illinois I FUND. The show is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17 at Joe’s Bar.
Proceeds from the show will help fund the scholarships awarded to University of Illinois student-athletes. The cost of those scholarships has climbed by more than 120 percent over the past 10 years, placing additional revenue-producing burdens on the Illinois athletic department.
REO Speedwagon formed in Champaign in 1967. The band peaked in popularity when its 1980 album Hi Fidelity sold more than 10 million albums. Two songs from that album reached the top 10 in the United States, including “Take It On The Run” and “Keep On Loving You,” which reached No. 1. The band again topped the charts in 1985 with “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Other popular REO Speedwagon songs include “Ridin’ The Storm Out” and “Roll With The Changes.”
“We’re very pleased that REO Speedwagon is playing a show in this intimate setting primarily for our I FUND donors and Fighting Illini fans,” Illinois Director of Development Steve Greene said. “This is a unique concert setting and the benefits go to a great cause. With the concert set for the day before our annual United Center basketball game, we feel it’s an entertaining way for our fans and alumni to support Fighting Illini scholarships.”
Tickets include a top-shelf open bar, heavy hors d’œuvres and the REO Speedwagon show for $175 per person. Orders are limited to four per person for this intimate 850-person setting. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Chicago I FUND office at 312-575-7850 or by online purchase at www.athletics.illinois.edu/reospeedwagon.