Summerfest is steadily filling out the performance card for its two biggest stages and took care of another BMO Pavilion date Monday morning with the addition of REO Speedwagon. The legacy rock group will headline the second Friday of the festival, June 28.
The announcement represents the fourth slot filled for the south-end stage. Brittany Howard and The War & Treaty will do the honors June 20, Mt. Joy on July 4 and Ivan Cornejo on July 6.
The latest headliner doesn’t need a big explainer, as REO Speedwagon has been a part of the music scene in one form or another over the past 50-plus years. They notched a couple of platinum albums (1973’s Ridin’ the Storm Out and 1978’s wonderfully titled You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish) before busting out in a huge way with 1980’s Hi Infidelity.
Tracks from those albums have been staples in all kinds of media since their release. “Ridin’ the Storm Out.” “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” “Time for Me to Fly.” “Roll with the Changes.” “Keep on Loving You.” “Take It on the Run.” Their set list practically writes itself.
Tickets for reserved seating to REO Speedwagon’s June 28 show at BMO Pavilion go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. this Friday, Feb. 9. You can pick them up online via Ticketmaster or in person at the Summerfest box office.
