REO Speedwagon performed December 5, 1980 Follow us on Social Media: / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / tmstvshow
Gary was a perfect 70s' guitar god. Unknown to most of the world, he was huge in my teenage musical universe. "You Get What You Play For" is still one of my favorite live albums 50 years (hard to believe!!) later.
Saw REO with Gary a few times. Also saw one of his solo tours opening for Trower. Drove in to Phoenix from LA. If I remember correctly, I was there as a request to be one of the sound guys. At the last minute the original guy got his stuff sorted out and I didn't go out on the rest of the tour. Still got paid for the show and all my expenses! Awesome experience. Both Gary and Robin were great. As players and as human beings.
Mr. Neal Doughty was my neighbor in Belleville, Illinois We lived on Cambridge Drive, he lived #8 & i lived @ #23. He taught me@ his home to play the piano when i was 13 years old. I'm 70 now! Neal retired a few years ago! Last remaining original member! Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Doughty! 11/16/ 2024 I was friends with his brother, Randy!
You were close but it should have read... Gary Richrath on guitar. Bruce Hall on bass. Neal Doughty on keyboards. Alan Gratzer on drums I'm Kevin Cronin and we're REO Speedwagon. We love you! Thank you and goodnight!! Man I loved Reo before High Infidelity.
Gary Richrath putting on a clinic as he always did. One of the most criminally underrated guitarists of all time. He was the driving force behind REO Speedwagon and the band was never the same after he left. R.I.P. Gary!
i love this band and grew up with a couple of these guys in Champaign but this isnt a Gary clinic. This was pulled directly from the album track with only Kevins vocal track and backing vocals done live. They were all basically faking it.
A clinic? They weren’t playing their instruments live here. Not even the background vocals were live. The only thing that wasn’t prerecorded here is Kevin’s vocals
Also, Gary was NOT underrated. He was always known as a fantastic guitarist… there’s always gotta be at least one “one of the most underrated _____” posts on these videos 🙄
I was there that night! They must have played this song 10 times, can’t remember if it was technical problems or just to get different camera angles. I was 16 or 17. I’ll be 62 soon. Best of times.
I was at the Tesla show when they recorded the video for Love Song. I was pretty tired of hearing it by the end of the show, but the video is incredible and I can always say I was there.
Me too. Was able to see them live in about 2003 and they blew me away. I only wish I would've realized how good they were earlier and seen Gary Richrath live, have an unhealthy mancrush on him!
There are (IMO) 2 lead guitar players that are truly "ONE' with the instrument that is far beyond most others. Angus Young Gary Richrath They way they carry themselves as they play and having a damn good time doing it.
Midnight special is hit and miss… Sometimes you get an honest live performance. Other times you get live singing to pre recorded backing tracks. And sadly some time you get the full Milli Vanilli
I was never a huge REO fan but GD they were so good at their peak. I realize that now. And those kids who were so lucky to get into see the Midnight Special shows, I hope they know the greatness they witnessed.
This song helped me through 20+ of the most difficult years of my life. Corporate America, here is my single-fingered salute to you, every time I hear and play this song! .|.
Absolutely. 1000%! One of the greatest Rock & Roll songs ever. Both musically and lyrically. It should be put on a gold disc and sent out into interstellar space. 🤘 🪐 🤘
The whole band clicked at that time. Gary with his melodic scorching leads, Neil with his keyboard classic licks, Alan one of the most consistent and steady drummers in rock history, Bruce great base playing and vocals, and of course Kevin. REO is not REO without Kevin's voice. Glad I got to see them several times back then.
There are (IMO) 2 lead guitar players that are truly "ONE' with the instrument that is far beyond most others. Angus Young Gary Richrath They way they carry themselves as they play and having a damn good time doing it.
20 yrs old back then, loved REO named after Oldsmobile firetrucks, which my young son called firefks, working 2 jobs didn't get to see this one but it was the only way to see bands other than going to their concerts.
Their best song + obviously a great performance. Whenever both richrath + keyboard player (cannot remember how to spell his name) are in top form, reo seem invincible!
This is exactly why I stayed up to watch the Midnight Special. REO,Speedwagon. This was so amazing to watch live. No other show brought it like the Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. This was a time when rock and roll was alive and well and going strong. It was amazing to be born back then. I'm grateful that I was.
Right from the beginning at :09 you can see how Gary is basically ONE with his guitar. So damn cool. And thankfully, since Cronin wasn't in control of the cameras (like in most videos), we actually get to see a LITTLE of Gary.
So much true talent....I've seen them more than a few times since the 70's. They give you more than your money's worth! And I'll see them again! I went through 3 copies of You Can Tuna Fish and loved every minute........
One of my all time favorite songs. I believe it's the greatest Rock and Roll song ever recorded. It has it all. Been listening since it's release and every time that piano intro starts, I crank up the volume and Jam. It's my goto song for Motivation. I even quote it when giving Seminar talks. Thanks, Kevin Brother for this song!!!
Another great REO performance! They really had that crowd pumped!! 🔥💜 I saw a familiar name on the end credits Dick Ebersol, who later produced for SNL. Thanks for another awesome bit of history, Midnight!✌️ Special!
This was one of my favorite songs for a minute. I love the change over from Neil on the piano/keyboard to Gary😇 guitar. Too bad the "changes" they were talking about was their change in their overall product with "Hi Infidelity" It got them their well-deserved millions but was a drastic change to the dark side of HI. I bought the album the day it was released. Listened to it twice and sent it to my 12-year-old sister and said you're gonna love this. She didn't. She couldn't even believe it was REO. THIS was the good stuff. It's a crime they're not in the R&R HOF They're still touring. Catch them while you still can.
1:47 That's some serious talent on background vocals: Richard Page, who later went on to found and front Mr. Mister, and Tom Kelly, who went on to co-write countless #1 hits.
This timeless, perfect rock masterpiece still brings tears of joy to my 63 year old eyes! Such incredible memories when I hear it! And Gary Richrath was beyond amazing! Everything about that dude oozed pure unadulterated honest rock!
My favorite band of all time... And I love them all... No better time in music with all the great bands we have had!!! Dennis was special... Unfortunately rock and roll is changing... But for me it's all about the 60's , 70,s and how about those 80,s.
Fantastic. Thanks for posting this (just wish we could have seen the full ending of the song). Gary Richrath (RIP) was so darn good with that Les Paul that he looked like he wasn't even breaking a sweat.🤘
Saw them live a couple of times. He sounds as good every time he sings this song, LIVE, not lip sync'd like so many on the show did in the later years.
the rest of the band was recorded on this though. only kevin and the backing guys had live mics. Kevins voice was great in this though. powerful; and right on the edge of ragged!
i tried collage for a bit in 81 (so that went great, lolz) and everyone was listening to REO it seemed like, so i hopped on board and purchased couple their latest tapes.. was Paris Jr College, N Texas. all the young guys with a little money were driving Turbo Trans Ams, and listening to REM. also Ozzy, Rush, Van Halen etc.. some good times! ☮
Gary was a perfect 70s' guitar god. Unknown to most of the world, he was huge in my teenage musical universe. "You Get What You Play For" is still one of my favorite live albums 50 years (hard to believe!!) later.
"You Get What You Play For" is excellent, dude with Gregg Philbin on the bass or Regis is what Kevin called him.
Boy you got that right! I put it up there with the Outlaws and the UFO double live albums as my top 3. (Thin Lizzy #4.)
IMHO he had the ultimate rock guitar tone. It was perfection.
@@eric_in_florida Outlaws "Bring It Back Alive" is one of my all time favorites! Fantastic live album!
Also very underrated as a songwriter.
Garys swagger always matched his playing.That little smile. He knew.
Tone, tone, the perfect sound and master g, player.
I love how every old REO video is full of people who came here for Gary. Simply one of the best.
Saw REO with Gary a few times. Also saw one of his solo tours opening for Trower. Drove in to Phoenix from LA. If I remember correctly, I was there as a request to be one of the sound guys. At the last minute the original guy got his stuff sorted out and I didn't go out on the rest of the tour. Still got paid for the show and all my expenses! Awesome experience. Both Gary and Robin were great. As players and as human beings.
Gary shreads so much. One of my favorite things b this tune!!!
Mr. Neal Doughty was my neighbor in Belleville, Illinois We lived on Cambridge Drive, he lived #8 & i lived @ #23. He taught me@ his home to play the piano when i was 13 years old. I'm 70 now! Neal retired a few years ago! Last remaining original member! Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Doughty! 11/16/ 2024 I was friends with his brother, Randy!
Incredible player. He makes mimicking that organ solo look effortless, hitting every key. One of the best on the Hammond.
Kevin Cronin: vocal + piano
Gary Richrath: guitar
Bruce Hall: bass
Neal Doughty: keyboards
Alan Gratzer: drums
You were close but it should have read...
Gary Richrath on guitar.
Bruce Hall on bass.
Neal Doughty on keyboards.
Alan Gratzer on drums
I'm Kevin Cronin and we're REO Speedwagon. We love you! Thank you and goodnight!!
Man I loved Reo before High Infidelity.
@@darlawrence9295 High Infedelity was the beginning of the end.
@@genericusername1365 💯
Gary Richrath putting on a clinic as he always did. One of the most criminally underrated guitarists of all time. He was the driving force behind REO Speedwagon and the band was never the same after he left. R.I.P. Gary!
i love this band and grew up with a couple of these guys in Champaign but this isnt a Gary clinic. This was pulled directly from the album track with only Kevins vocal track and backing vocals done live. They were all basically faking it.
A clinic? They weren’t playing their instruments live here. Not even the background vocals were live. The only thing that wasn’t prerecorded here is Kevin’s vocals
Look at 02:52. Bass players clapping but bass chords continue to play 😂
Also, Gary was NOT underrated. He was always known as a fantastic guitarist… there’s always gotta be at least one “one of the most underrated _____” posts on these videos 🙄
@@JD-bd5rd Drums aren’t pre-recorded either.
We were lucky enough to see REO a few times in the late 70's when they were really rocking. Just an outstanding live band.
the only time they rocked
I was there that night! They must have played this song 10 times, can’t remember if it was technical problems or just to get different camera angles. I was 16 or 17. I’ll be 62 soon. Best of times.
I was at the Tesla show when they recorded the video for Love Song. I was pretty tired of hearing it by the end of the show, but the video is incredible and I can always say I was there.
Wow great to hear from you. I always wonder about the crowd hope they see themselves all these years later.
Best of times, wrong band! LOL I know what you mean, Great Era for Rock!
And still …some parts sound lifted from the original recording.
Midnight Special was worth staying up for. Late night tv these days is a frickin trash dump
Gary Richrath SO underrated R.I.P
It took me most of my life to realize how hard this band rocked.
See them live you'll really understand
Me too. Was able to see them live in about 2003 and they blew me away. I only wish I would've realized how good they were earlier and seen Gary Richrath live, have an unhealthy mancrush on him!
@@davidziemann9653 seeing them for 4th time in ten years next month jones beach they still Kik ass
sad
One of the best songs of an impressive group! Gary was smokin' on this one!
RIP Gary 🙏
There are (IMO) 2 lead guitar players that are truly "ONE' with the instrument that is far beyond most others.
Angus Young
Gary Richrath
They way they carry themselves as they play and having a damn good time doing it.
@@StudioDaVeedYou cannot leave Mark Farner off that list. Guy NEVER looks at his guitar and just jams
@@Terk131
Saw GFR in 2018 but wasn't with Mark...
@@StudioDaVeed Mark is in a league of his own man. Just Awesome
That's a 1/2 and 1/2. Kevin sang live to the music track. Keep those REO clips coming, Midnight Special. Excellent.
I kinda wondered during the keyboard solo. It was great though.
You can't go wrong with the studio recording.
That’s what I thought as I was listening to it.
Yep. I read somewhere that all Midnight Special performances were performed totally live until 1979, when they permitted pre-recorded backing tracks.
Midnight special is hit and miss…
Sometimes you get an honest live performance.
Other times you get live singing to pre recorded backing tracks.
And sadly some time you get the full Milli Vanilli
This is one of the best songs of the 70s, and it was recorded before REO hit it big by getting all "power-ballady".
I was never a huge REO fan but GD they were so good at their peak. I realize that now. And those kids who were so lucky to get into see the Midnight Special shows, I hope they know the greatness they witnessed.
This song helped me through 20+ of the most difficult years of my life. Corporate America, here is my single-fingered salute to you, every time I hear and play this song! .|.
One of the GREATEST 70s songs of all time. Still kicks ass all these years later 🤘
Absolutely. 1000%!
One of the greatest Rock & Roll songs ever. Both musically and lyrically.
It should be put on a gold disc and sent out into interstellar space.
🤘 🪐 🤘
Love Love Love!!!🎉
Wow, I just love this. I'm back in the time machine to college.
REO was always famously a great live band. Love Gary Richrath's lead riffs on this one. Great fun song!
The best Gary lead of all time imo.
Too bad this wasn’t live…..
@@rrob268 I beg to differ. Alot of of Midnight Special is lip syncing but not this performance.
The whole band clicked at that time. Gary with his melodic scorching leads, Neil with his keyboard classic licks, Alan one of the most consistent and steady drummers in rock history, Bruce great base playing and vocals, and of course Kevin. REO is not REO without Kevin's voice. Glad I got to see them several times back then.
I think if there is a god he was around in the 70ss and left in the late 80ss
One of their many gems in that back catalogue. Tremendous.
This song has some of my favorite musical moments ever…
Saw REO in '72. Gary Richrath was fantastic! "Golden Country" was stellar!
That les Paul sounds sick I love his tone
Gary RIP. So sad what happened. He was the man. Up there with Koss and Tommy Bolin. Another 2 BRILLIANT but mainly forgotten and underrated geniuses😢
I saw these dudes a couple of times back in this time. Always a good show! Gary Richrath was such a badass player. Loved that dude!
@@wildwoodandonyx Excellent suggestion! I'm gonna do just that.
I love watching people when they really feel the music, like these guys!
Has everything you could possibly want in a classic rock song!! 💯🇺🇸
The greatest song ever recorded.
Rocking REO Speedwagon, all is right in the world on a Friday.
Truly one of my very favorite songs by them. Such meaning. Such positivity. Thank you very much midnight special. You rock!
oh yeah, killer keyboard solo by Neal, followed by Gary's guitar solo, such a magical song
There are (IMO) 2 lead guitar players that are truly "ONE' with the instrument that is far beyond most others.
Angus Young
Gary Richrath
They way they carry themselves as they play and having a damn good time doing it.
This was the times! Used to be fun, energetic and just sucked you in. Still one of my favorite Rock Anthems!
20 yrs old back then, loved REO named after Oldsmobile firetrucks, which my young son called firefks, working 2 jobs didn't get to see this one but it was the only way to see bands other than going to their concerts.
Good song! Sometimes, it's not always easy to "Roll With The Changes,"but time just keeps moving on.
Happy Friday 🥳 Thank you for sharing! 💖
Naw, it Keeps Pushin On. 😂
It's very rock gospel. It changed my life.
Their best song + obviously a great performance. Whenever both richrath + keyboard player (cannot remember how to spell his name) are in top form, reo seem invincible!
Good song.❇️🌞
say what you will about REO, this song and performance are badass.
This is exactly why I stayed up to watch the Midnight Special. REO,Speedwagon. This was so amazing to watch live. No other show brought it like the Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. This was a time when rock and roll was alive and well and going strong. It was amazing to be born back then. I'm grateful that I was.
Reo is a bittersweet part of my Early twenties still love them at 65
Right from the beginning at :09 you can see how Gary is basically ONE with his guitar. So damn cool. And thankfully, since Cronin wasn't in control of the cameras (like in most videos), we actually get to see a LITTLE of Gary.
Thumb up, even though they cut off the ending.
So much true talent....I've seen them more than a few times since the 70's. They give you more than your money's worth! And I'll see them again! I went through 3 copies of You Can Tuna Fish and loved every minute........
The sound of Gary's Gibson in this song is addicting. The man had something going on and he knew it.
Jesus he was amazing. The pick slides! I wasn't a huge REO fan but Gary....oh yeah. Same with Kath in Chicago. So under rated.
'Roll With The Changes' and 'Hold Your Head Up' by Argent - the two songs that will get you thru life no matter what.
This is a great song that brings back great memories😊👍
One of my all time favorite songs. I believe it's the greatest Rock and Roll song ever recorded. It has it all. Been listening since it's release and every time that piano intro starts, I crank up the volume and Jam. It's my goto song for Motivation. I even quote it when giving Seminar talks. Thanks, Kevin Brother for this song!!!
OUT-F**king-STANDING!!! 💖
Another great REO performance! They really had that crowd pumped!! 🔥💜
I saw a familiar name on the end credits Dick Ebersol, who later produced for SNL. Thanks for another awesome bit of history, Midnight!✌️ Special!
You are very welcome, Burt Sugarman
I noticed that also.👍
This was one of my favorite songs for a minute. I love the change over from Neil on the piano/keyboard to Gary😇 guitar.
Too bad the "changes" they were talking about was their change in their overall product with "Hi Infidelity" It got them their well-deserved millions but was a drastic change to the dark side of HI. I bought the album the day it was released. Listened to it twice and sent it to my 12-year-old sister and said you're gonna love this. She didn't. She couldn't even believe it was REO.
THIS was the good stuff. It's a crime they're not in the R&R HOF
They're still touring. Catch them while you still can.
One of the best bands ever! ❤
Gary was a great guitarist. The glue in that band for sure!
Was fortunate to see REO in Champaign in 1981. Gary Richrath was a great guitarist. Watch a live version of Golden Country. RIP Gary.
Perfect music.
My first concert was REO in ‘79
I hate REO Speedwagon. I never, ever tire of this song. I am a beautiful mystery.
It must be 1:30 in the morning on a Saturday night! Oh wait. I'm not in high school anymore. But watching that sure made me feel like a kid again!😊❤
Kick-Ass guys kick ass 💯👍😎
A fine performance and a good time for all who were there.
Gary was very underrated
Howard Stern absolutely killing the vocals
Who would've thought he'd go woke in 2024.
Amazing
What I would pay to go back in time to see Gary and REO Speedwagon live
What a tune!🎵 It still sounds great x❤️
Gary made this band what it is. Without him REO would have been another bar band. He gave it direction.
Yes he did, but with out Gary he would of been just a piano player from chicago
1:47 That's some serious talent on background vocals: Richard Page, who later went on to found and front Mr. Mister, and Tom Kelly, who went on to co-write countless #1 hits.
One of the greatest B3 solos ever recorded
Make it scream Gary man jamming on out you were the best,
I have seen them seven times and can't wait until the eight I hope it will be soon
Gary Richrath was for real . Boy could play.
Top 5 most under-rated guitarist: Randy Rhodes, Gary Richrath, Mick Taylor, Tommy Bolin and Ted Nugent.
Like the guitar was part of his anatomy. Defineately one of the very best Rock guitarist of all time.
Am I losing it? I think this is the first time I can recall seeing a live performance on TMS.
My FAV jam song of all time !!!!!!!!! Listened to it 1,000's of times and it NEVER gets old !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great camera work with Kevin and the rest of the guys. 😎🎸🎸🎸🎸.
I wish I could time travel back!!!! Space ace Ron ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Back in the day I didn't think this band was cool enough. In retrospect, they absolutely killed it.
This song is so damn inspirational. It is almost too good.
This timeless, perfect rock masterpiece still brings tears of joy to my 63 year old eyes! Such incredible memories when I hear it! And Gary Richrath was beyond amazing! Everything about that dude oozed pure unadulterated honest rock!
De uma época em que as músicas eram feitas para sempre!!!...👏👏👏
My favorite band of all time... And I love them all... No better time in music with all the great bands we have had!!! Dennis was special... Unfortunately rock and roll is changing... But for me it's all about the 60's , 70,s and how about those 80,s.
REO Speedwagon NEVER disappointed in concert! They still tour as far as I know. I saw them through four decades.. always a great show!
What a fantastic band REO was
Gary was awesome. Always a great show.
From 1980? I don't think the Philly area even had "Midnight Special" in 1980. More like "SNL". Thanks for posting Midnight Special. Cheers!🥨
Nice combo of live and tape, including the air guitar solo!
Yes the guitar isn’t live
Fantastic. Thanks for posting this (just wish we could have seen the full ending of the song).
Gary Richrath (RIP) was so darn good with that Les Paul that he looked like he wasn't even breaking a sweat.🤘
Good stuff, good times 🍻
Everyone one of those guys were fabulous and they made great magic together for us to love. Thank you guys. We love ya
Gary was so freaking good.
Saw them live a couple of times. He sounds as good every time he sings this song, LIVE, not lip sync'd like so many on the show did in the later years.
the rest of the band was recorded on this though. only kevin and the backing guys had live mics. Kevins voice was great in this though. powerful; and right on the edge of ragged!
Love REO ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Their live shows are legend! Totally genuine and real music.
Thanks for sharing ❤❤❤✌️🇺🇲🙏
I am ready to roll with the changes in 2025!❤❤❤❤!
One of the best rocken bands ever. they were all sooo good Ive always loved that oregon at the end and top that with Garys guitar screaming Les paul
I was 15, a freshman in high school in 1980 when the "High Infidelity" album came out & it was awesome!!
Best keyboard/guitar solo ever. Hail!!!
i tried collage for a bit in 81 (so that went great, lolz) and everyone was listening to REO it seemed like, so i hopped on board and purchased couple their latest tapes.. was Paris Jr College, N Texas. all the young guys with a little money were driving Turbo Trans Ams, and listening to REM. also Ozzy, Rush, Van Halen etc.. some good times! ☮