Classic rock may return to district fair's stage with REO Speedwagon

Classic rock may return to the SEMO District Fair grandstand this year after an absence in 2006.

The official Web site of the classic rock band REO Speedwagon says the band will perform in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 14 at Arena Park at the "Southeast Missouri Fair."

Fair board president Pete Poe said he had no comment on the possible concert Thursday.

REO Speedwagon's self-titled debut album was released in 1971, featuring the hit "157 Riverside Avenue." The group scored its first top 40 hit in 1978 with "Roll With the Changes."

The only original member still with REO Speedwagon is keyboardist Neal Doughty. Since the band's 1971 founding, 13 members have been a part of the group. The current lineup features Doughty; lead singer and principal songwriter Kevin Cronin, who joined the group in time for its second album in 1972 and left before returning in 1977; bass player Bruce Hall, who joined in 1976; drummer Bryan Hitt, who joined in 1990 after playing with Wang Chung; and lead guitarist Dave Amato, who joined in 1989 after stints with Ted Nugent and Richie Sambora.

The Renegades of Southern Rock, featuring members of classic Southern rock bands, were the last classic rock act to play the fair, in 2005. Classic southern rockers .38 Special performed in 2002, while Three Dog Night performed in 2004.