Published: August 15, 2008 10:50 pm      

CONCERTS: REO Speedwagon draws thousands to Ulrich City Centre

A crowd of thousands filled the Ulrich City Centre on Friday to welcome classic rockers REO Speedwagon to Lockport.

The band — known for hits like “Keep on Lovin’ You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take it on the Run” and “Time for me to Fly” — rocked the city in the second-to-last event of the Molson Canal Concert Series.

The festivities started long before showtime, with the band arriving in a large tour bus and riding around the city in limousines.

Mayor Michael Tucker said he was backstage before the show when he heard REO Speedwagon’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin, was interested in learning more about Lockport.

“He said he wanted to know where the locks are,” Tucker said. “He was very interested in the canal. ... I took him on a tour.”

Tucker and Cronin took a walk down to the locks.

The singer asked a lot of questions and was interested in the old buildings downtown, like the Old Post Office and the Old City Hall, Tucker said.

Some people recognized Cronin, and he gladly took pictures with fans.

“It’s fantastic,” Tucker said, watching the crowd.

The crowd began to fill the Ulrich City Centre long before REO Speedwagon took the stage.

Opening acts — The Common Kings and Tres Bien! — drew generous applause and cheers throughout the evening.

In the minutes before REO Speedwagon took the state, the crowd began to chant: “REO! REO!”

Mike Rutkowski and his brother, Rick Rutkowski, came to the show from Orleans County.

“It’s good old music,” Mike said.

“We enjoy these kind of bands,” Rick said. “They bring back the old music ... music you always like.”

The crowd sang in unison with Cronin, cheering loudly as each song finished.

Jeff Fire, of Wilson, came to the show wearing an REO Speedwagon T-shirt. He said he’s seen them in concert at least four times before Friday.

“Kevin Cronin, he’s an unbelievable singer,” Fire said. “I’m really excited.”

Fire said he’s come to several of the Molson Canal Concert Series shows, and he’s glad they moved to Lockport.

“I was a little skeptical at first, but now I got here, it’s awesome,” he said. “The sound is excellent.”

The Aug. 21 show, the last in the series, will feature Jeff Martin and openers Johnny Nobody and Mother Red.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.