REO Speedwagon

As it turns out, Wednesday’s Rock to the Rescue benefit concert at Bloomington, Ill.'s U.S. Cellular Coliseum was aptly named. Although organizers won’t have a final tally until early next week, they already know that they raised more than $300,000, with additional funds still to come as online donations and merchandise sales continue.

Midwestern rockers Styx and REO Speedwagon will stage a benefit concert to aid central Illinois families impacted by the recent tornadoes and high winds that hit the area. The event, scheduled for Dec. 4 at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, has been titled Rock to the Rescue.

Since founding their Rock to the Rescue charity in 2002, frequent tourmates Styx and REO Speedwagon have raised money for a growing number of worthy causes. Their latest focus: the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

The train just keeps a ‘rollin on ‘The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express’ tour, featuring the triple bill of Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent. The classic rock collective that earned a prominent spot on our ‘Must-See Rock Concerts of 2013’ list recently made a pit stop in Springfield, Mass. on April 23. Check out our photos from the show below.

Classic rockers Styx and REO Speedwagon -- along with tour mate Ted Nugent -- have come to the rescue once again. The heartland rockers will donate a portion of the proceeds from their current Midwest Rock 'N' Roll Express tour to victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombings.

A successful two-month run in 2012 has lead to more shows together for REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent in 2013. The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express tour will begin again in April, with 20 dates announced through May 19.

The roar of the crowd was surprisingly deafening on Saturday evening when Styx frontman Tommy Shaw asked how many in attendance were seeing the group for the first time. It was a moment which provided proof positive that classic rock continues to cross over into new generations.

Styx, Ted Nugent and REO Speedwagon are teaming up for a 30-date triple-threat summer tour named “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express,” which will kick off May 1 in Hidalgo, Texas and cross all over the country before winding up in Gilford, N.Y. on July 7.

Forming in 1967 and peaking in popularity in the early 1980s, REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million records and has charted 13 Top 40 hits.  They still tour the country on a regular basis, but the lineup of the band has changed dramatically over the years.  So, which REO Speedwagon lineup is the best?