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The Words of Lonn Friend

written by REO Speedwagon September 11, 2021

Hi friends, former editor-in-chief of Rip magazine, and long-time amigo, Lonn Friend was one of the five thousand in attendance at our sold out concert in Las Vegas last night. Lonn has a rare gift with words, to which I aspire in my own writing, and I was not about to even attempt topping the little essay he sent me via email this morning. Lonn agreed when I asked to post his message on the REO socials, so here it is. The photo of Lonn and me from a few years ago was heavily influenced by a bottle of our buddy Sammy Hagar’s tequila, just before we were asked by security to leave my dressing room after another show in Sin City…always remember. … kc

PS. In the Cronin home we mourn the great loss of so many American families due to the 9-11 attacks, as we celebrate the twenty-second birthday of our twin sons, and members of the band Sir Please who are opening for REO this weekend in Vegas and Reno…Happy Birthday Josh and Shane.

The words of Lonn Friend:
“Mind muddles and eyes puddle in reverent recollection of the day the earth stood still 20 years ago as we prayerfully process the preservers tossed, souls lost, bridges burned and lessons learned. Rolling with the changes as humanity rearranges, we return to source for the sustenance of song, heartened by breath, belief, brotherhood and a boundless sense of sentient survival. Whatever keeps you pushing on through the mayhem, don’t let it go.

Music. You are my lifeline. When I said that I loved you I meant that I loved you forever. So I’m gonna keep on loving you, ‘cause at this point in the storm, it’s the only thing left I want to do.”

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