In a must-hear episode of Metal Mayhem ROC, legendary rock guitarist Dave Amato joins host Jon Verno for an explosive, wide-ranging conversation. Together, they break down the
launch of the Brotherhood Of Rock Tour, reflect on Amato’s 35+ years alongside Kevin Cronin, and confront the recent REO Speedwagon tribute concert controversy.
The Brotherhood Of Rock Tour — which kicked off May 28 in Greenville, South Carolina — features Styx, the Kevin Cronin Band, and Don Felder, and will crisscross North America through fall 2025.
Amato reveals exclusive insights about the tour’s unique format, including two full-album performances each night.
“This isn’t just another nostalgia tour,” says Amato. “Fans are getting something rare — two full-album sets back-to-back. That’s a serious gift for classic rock fans.”
But the celebration has been clouded by backstage drama. Amato reacts candidly to the upcoming June 14 “retrospective” concert in Champaign, Illinois, where six former REO Speedwagon members will reunite for a tribute performance, without Kevin Cronin.
“Kevin was hurt and angry,” Amato explains. “He gave his life to REO. To not include him in a tribute to the band’s legacy… that was painful.”
Amato also revisits his electrifying ’80s run — recording and touring with Ted Nugent, singing background vocals for David Lee Roth, and laying down tracks with Mötley Crüe at the iconic Cherokee Studios. He shares a vivid memory of leaving a late-night session only to find someone passed out in a planter — a classic Crüe moment.
“The ’80s were a blur — arrows flying from Nugent’s bow, backing vocals with Roth, and chaos with Mötley Crüe. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Watch the full interview below:
State Farm Center recently announced “Honoring The Legacy Of REO Speedwagon”, set for Saturday, June 14 at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
The show will be a retrospective concert experience, honouring the legacy of REO Speedwagon, featuring special guests and former members Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina, as well as a special “In Memorium” to early band members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. The show benefits the REO Charitable Foundation.
Singer Kevin Cronin, who who is now touring with his own band, won’t be involved in the upcoming show.
REO Speedwagon’s Bruce Hall shared via social media: “So excited for this ONE night only event, back where it all began, in MY hometown! Looking forward to reminiscing, rockin with the founding fathers and saying a proper goodbye. Most importantly, this celebration benefits the REO Speedwagon Foundation for rare GU cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. I truly believe Gary is proud and smiling down on us. Let’s Rock!
Tickets available here.
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The post DAVE AMATO On Upcoming REO SPEEDWAGON “Legacy” Show Without KEVIN CRONIN – “To Not Include Him In A Tribute To The Band’s Legacy… That Was Painful”; Video appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
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launch of the Brotherhood Of Rock Tour, reflect on Amato’s 35+ years alongside Kevin Cronin, and confront the recent REO Speedwagon tribute concert controversy.
The Brotherhood Of Rock Tour — which kicked off May 28 in Greenville, South Carolina — features Styx, the Kevin Cronin Band, and Don Felder, and will crisscross North America through fall 2025.
Amato reveals exclusive insights about the tour’s unique format, including two full-album performances each night.
“This isn’t just another nostalgia tour,” says Amato. “Fans are getting something rare — two full-album sets back-to-back. That’s a serious gift for classic rock fans.”
But the celebration has been clouded by backstage drama. Amato reacts candidly to the upcoming June 14 “retrospective” concert in Champaign, Illinois, where six former REO Speedwagon members will reunite for a tribute performance, without Kevin Cronin.
“Kevin was hurt and angry,” Amato explains. “He gave his life to REO. To not include him in a tribute to the band’s legacy… that was painful.”
Amato also revisits his electrifying ’80s run — recording and touring with Ted Nugent, singing background vocals for David Lee Roth, and laying down tracks with Mötley Crüe at the iconic Cherokee Studios. He shares a vivid memory of leaving a late-night session only to find someone passed out in a planter — a classic Crüe moment.
“The ’80s were a blur — arrows flying from Nugent’s bow, backing vocals with Roth, and chaos with Mötley Crüe. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Watch the full interview below:
State Farm Center recently announced “Honoring The Legacy Of REO Speedwagon”, set for Saturday, June 14 at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
The show will be a retrospective concert experience, honouring the legacy of REO Speedwagon, featuring special guests and former members Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina, as well as a special “In Memorium” to early band members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. The show benefits the REO Charitable Foundation.
Singer Kevin Cronin, who who is now touring with his own band, won’t be involved in the upcoming show.
REO Speedwagon’s Bruce Hall shared via social media: “So excited for this ONE night only event, back where it all began, in MY hometown! Looking forward to reminiscing, rockin with the founding fathers and saying a proper goodbye. Most importantly, this celebration benefits the REO Speedwagon Foundation for rare GU cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. I truly believe Gary is proud and smiling down on us. Let’s Rock!
Tickets available here.
Make sure you are following BraveWords Records on YouTube so you don’t miss any future videos by Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Jack Starr, Prophets of Addiction, ASKA, Crimson Glory, Lillian Axe and more!
Subscribe https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords?sub_confirmation=1
The post DAVE AMATO On Upcoming REO SPEEDWAGON “Legacy” Show Without KEVIN CRONIN – “To Not Include Him In A Tribute To The Band’s Legacy… That Was Painful”; Video appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...