Posted on 08/07/2021 3:22:28 PM PDT by nickcarraway
REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin has responded to online commenters questioning the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The band recently canceled two shows after members of the REO Speedwagon team were diagnosed with the virus. In a message posted to Facebook, Cronin updated fans on his health.
“As I sit alone in quarantine, dealing with the reduced, yet uncomfortable symptoms of Covid-19, and reading the comments regarding the shows we made the painful decision to cancel this weekend, I am struck by two things,” the frontman began. “First, on behalf of myself, our entire band, crew, and management, I would like to thank the majority of people whose comments were understanding, supportive, and empathetic. I am so touched by the outpouring of positive energy. You are awesome.”
Cronin’s second thought was less positive.
“Second, I have never personally responded to Facebook comments in the past. But as our band goes through this difficult period, the thoughtless, misinformed, and nasty comments I read this morning pushed my patience over the edge,” the rocker admitted. “I encourage lively discussion of differences of opinion. That is part of what makes the United States the Golden Country. But our organization is living through Covid, and to hear people spouting ridiculous conspiracy theories, is more than I can bear right now.”
The REO Speedwagon frontman then focussed his message squarely at the aforementioned conspiracy theorists.
“To those people: Call me back when you catch it. If you are not vaccinated you are in for a world of hurt. And if you take the vaccine, while you can still test positive, your experience will likely be mild by comparison.”
The rocker closed his post by noting that he and his band’s protocol regarding COVID has nothing tho do with their personal political opinions.
“This is a difficult medical, public health and safety issue. Within the REO organization there is a wide spectrum of political views. To connect our decision to cancel shows to some political agenda is absurd, insulting, and quite simply wrong,” Cronin remarked.
REO Speedwagon is scheduled to resume their tour on Aug. 20 in Boise, Idaho. In an interview with UCR conducted on July 29 (prior to the COVID cases within the band) Cronin stressed the importance of safety amid the pandemic.
"People are just so excited to have live music back. It’s been great for us so far. Hopefully, the rest of the country starts to wake up and get vaccinated so this virus doesn’t take over and shut everything down again," the frontman opined. "I’d like to encourage people to not look at the COVID19 vaccination as anything further than doing the best thing you can do for yourself and for your fellow Americans. Don’t take it any further than that. Don’t make it into anything else but a public health and safety issue. That’s my message to Americans."
I caught it. Never even knew. I’m good now. Thanks.
Heard it from a friend who,
Heard it from another,
REO Speedwagon hasn't been relevant in 40 years.
You take it on the arm baby
If that’s the way you want it baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t believe it
Not for a minute
You’re under the gun
So you take it on the arm
I get it, my family doesn't like my music. My wife said the worst concert she ever attended was Spyrogyra, and it was always one of my favorites. Due to a change in venue in El Paso, I was moved up to the front row...it was awesome.
This!
Man, he was a great guitar player back in the day. Cronin wanted to write crappy love songs and after Richrath was fired, they never had another hit again.
If he caught it and was vaxed and is uncomfortable enough not to perform then he owes it to his fans to cancel gigs until rates drop.
It is irresponsible to stage these shows if the vaxed are at risk of bad cases (such as he has).
I always think of the scene in Billy Madison where he comes to the high school in an REO Speedwagon T-shirt and they all look at him funny.
The talking point is that the vaxx is now a prophylactic that will lessen symptoms thus it is not a vaccination. Trump told America and the world what simply could have been done with cheap SAFE and EFFECTIVE remedies.
Oh yeah, a washed up pot smoking ‘80s band is where I loom for medical advise.
Not
Ever
Though it was Beechwood xxxx ?
The antibody test is available at any labcorp location for 10.00. I had my results the next day.
I guess he can take it on the run.
Time for you to fly, pal.
(flips bird)
He is almost 70. His choice. But I wonder what the attraction is with going to concerts put on by elderly rockers. When is the last time any of these oldsters put out a hit?
I'll be seeing him when he plays in Fort Worth in September.
...I got them on speed dial. Oh, by the way, me and my homies used to refer to them as REO sh!twagon. No offense (lol)
Take it on the run, baby
If that’s the way you want it, baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t have a problem with his statement. I just marvel at how everyone now preaches how the un-vaccinated will get it and will be in terrible pain or die.
That's the title of a Partridge Family song. I can't believe I remembered that...
But their opinion about COVID is as relevant as Kevin Cronin's...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.