Where did REO Speedwagon record its first album? At the late, Bridgeport-born, Paul Leka’s Connecticut Recording Studio on Main Street Downtown. Leka co-wrote the anthem classic “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.”
The most popular track on REO’s first release was “157 Riverside Avenue” in Westport where the band stayed while recording in Leka’s studio. The song references “from Bridgeport to Westport” in the opening lyrics.
REO and Styx will front the opening night first concert at the 6,000-seat Bridgeport Amp July 28. Tickets for the “We Are Back” tour go on sale Friday, 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.
Live Nation concert promoter Jim Koplik, who has booked REO and Styx at various Connecticut venues for decades, has locked in local ties for the opener. REO’s hits include Keep On Loving You, Take It On the Run, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Time For Me To Fly, Roll With The Changes.
REO vocalist Kevin Cronin highlights Bridgeport roots when the band plays Connecticut venues. Now he’ll do it in real time.
Finishing touches topping the amp’s tensile membrane.
“It’s truly an honor to have two iconic bands open our magnificent facility, especially REO Speedwagon having roots in the Connecticut area, specifically a recording studio in Bridgeport and coming up with songs while they were staying in Westport,” said amphitheater developer Howard Saffan.
In Styx, the Amp will come alive with front man Tommy Shaw belting out Renegade, Too Much Time On My Hands, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man.
See full concert Amp schedule here.
For more than 20 years the financial story of this local property has been partially to fully shielded from public notice and comment. Yes votes taken by our City Council to enter into, exit from, or commit additional funds to get to “success” have been reported and discussed. But here is a new opportunity for a fresh start looking at all the agreements, the responsibilities of the City currently and into the future and see how the commitment of public assets and additional funds will gain or cost the City with the newly created 6,000 seat civic platform. A balance sheet and expense statement for the 2020-21 year and each year into the future would be a start. And including the effects on electronic signage, parking lots and other City managed, controlled , or owned properties that will benefit when tickets are bought and used will be worthy of notice as well. Time will tell.