Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics Podcast: A Centrist View on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards Education
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor Blogger
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications Business
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates Chicago
  • Justice Department Health Care Fraud Unit
    Chicago Man Convicted of Participating in Illegal Kickback Conspiracy Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas receives the American Arab Chamber of Commerce 2021 Action Award for her support of Arab and Muslim Americans, returning more than $1.3 million to Arab and Muslim taxpayers.
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas refunding more than $47 million to homeowners Cook County
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job Business
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023
    Buckner slams Garcia, Johnson and Lightfoot for Crypto hypocrisies, supports probes Chicago
  • Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County Editors Pick
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Suburbs lose a great leader in Liz Gorman Blogger
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Liz Gorman brings sanity and services back to Cook County Board Blogger
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State
    Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Government
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe Blogger
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot’s CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Garcia of being AWOL from Chicagoland needs Chicago
  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Blogger

Illinois Rock Hall of Fame’s first class

Posted on September 1, 2021 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Illinois Rock Hall of Fame’s first class
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Illinois Rock Hall of Fame’s first class

Eleven inductees honored at Rialto Square Theatre

By Steve Metsch

When Kevin Cronin heard the Ides of March song “You Wouldn’t Listen” playing on the radio – most likely WLS AM 890 back in 1966 – he had a revelation.

“I knew you didn’t have to be from England to be in a rock band,” Cronin told a near-capacity crowd Tuesday night at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

Cronin, of course, went on to become the lead singer for the hugely successful rock band REO Speedwagon, which started in Champaign.

And now, REO and the Ides have something in common beyond radio airplay.

Both bands were in the inaugural 11-member class inducted Tuesday night into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame.

The star-studded list covered radio, rock, pop and the blues during a ceremony that lasted just over four hours.

Other inductees included deejay Larry Lujack, WLS-AM Radio, Chess Records, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, deejay Dick Biondi, and The Buckinghams.

Several performers took the stage. The night’s best musical moments featured Cronin.

After chatting about his career – giving much-deserved props to late great lead guitarist Gary Richrath – Cronin picked up an acoustic guitar and played “Keep On Loving You,” a huge hit song by REO.

The rest of REO was not there because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, Cronin said.

The ceremony, originally set for last year, was pushed back to Tuesday night because of the pandemic.

Noting that rock music grabbed his attention at a young age, Cronin, 69, quipped he needed “young blood with me.”

With that, out strolled The Millennials, a talented rock band that started in La Grange in 2015 when the members were in high school.

Now college age, band members had no problem backing Cronin for “Roll with the Changes” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” two oft-heard REO songs on classic rock radio stations. Cronin told of how he and Richrath, hiking in the Colorado mountains in 1972, fell victim to a sudden storm that inspired that song.

In an amusing moment, when Cronin said he “grew up in Chicago,” someone shouted “Oak Lawn.” Yes, Cronin grew up in that southwest suburb and is a graduate of Brother Rice High School.

There’s no doubting the roots of Peterik, who freely talks about growing up in Berwyn and starting the band with friends at Morton West High School in their teens.

His hair roots? Now that’s a mystery as Peterik, 70, still sports his trademark purple hair.

Peterik led the Ides on a musical tour of their songs which, of course, included “Vehicle,” the band’s biggest hit, to close the evening. It had everyone on their feet.

For each inductee, videotaped tributes were shown, mini-history lessons, if you will.

It was great to again see and hear “Superjock” Lujack, who succumbed to cancer in 2013 and who ruled the airwaves onWLS and AM Radio rival WCFL over the years.

We learned that WLS-AM, now in a talk format, played a key role in promoting local rockers over the years. The first song it played when switching to rock on May 2, 1960, was “Ally Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles.

Another nugget was that Leonard and Phil Chess, the founders of Chess Records, did much to promote black artists who performed the blues like Waters and Guy.

Mud Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, performed several of his father’s songs, including a rollicking “Mannish Boy.” We even saw a clip of the Rolling Stones with Muddy at the Checkerboard Lounge after their 1978 concert at Soldier Field.

While Chicago and Cheap Trick are busy touring and were not able to attend, Lee Loughnane and Rick Nielsen sent videos thanking the Hall for their induction.

To open the night, The Millennials played a medley of songs by Styx – how was that band not inducted? – Cheap Trick, Chicago, Ides of March, Muddy Waters, Etta James and REO

The producers of an upcoming movie about Biondi inducted the longtime deejay whose 89th birthday will be celebrated on Sept. 19 at the Arcada Theatre in Saint Charles. Biondi, they said, was fired 25 times in his legendary career.

The 11 inductees were voted by museum members from a field of 21. That had been narrowed down from a whopping 800, promoters said.

To qualify for the Hall of Fame, a performer must have been in the business at least 20 years; and must have ties to Illinois. That includes being born in the state, starting their career here, being based in Illinois or recording here.

Categories are band or solo artist, radio station, deejay, record label/company and songwriter.

The museum, at 9 West Cass Street in downtown Joliet, should be open sometime later this year, organizers said.

If you want a say-so in next year’s induction ceremony by casting a ballot, you can become a charter member of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum by visiting the website: www.roadtorock.org. Fees vary depending on membership.

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • No town too small, Pritzker visits Southwest suburbs - November 4, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Buddy Guy, Cheap Trick, Chess Records, Chicago, Dick Biondi, Ides of March, Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame, Jim Peterik, Kevin Cronin, larry Lujack, Muddy Waters, REO Speedwagon, Rialto Square Theatre, The Buckinghams

Post navigation

Previous Post: Bartlett Teen Faces Reckless Homicide Charges in Fatal Crash
Next Post: David Moore urges more support for organ donors

Related Posts

  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Suburbs lose a great leader in Liz Gorman Blogger
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal Business
  • Maria Pappas Cook County Treasurer Office. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Treasurer's office
    Pappas: Last chance for homeowners to pay delinquent taxes Briefs
  • Illini second in World Series News
  • Consumers in Cook County are fleeing rising taxation by County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and are not only buying their pop outside of Cook County to avoid the oppressive Preckwinkle Tax but are also using their out-of-county visits to purchase groceries. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Cook County Beverage Tax Repeal Vote set for October 10 Editors Pick
  • Super Bowl rejects AMVETs Ad urging players to stand during anthem News

More Related Articles

Dental exam in a pandemic Opinion
Cool under pressure News
US Navy Cmdr Tracy Joy Immaculate Heart Of Mary High School graduate, Westchester, Illinois Berwyn native participates in Navy Joint-Service training mission News
Cook County Hospital, photo courtesy of Wikipedia Retail Merchants Association deserves our support Business
Photo caption: American Arab Chamber President Hassan Nijem, Dr. Willie Wilson, and Palestine Club President Mazen Dola pause during the distribution of the masks. Dr. Wilson donates face masks to Chicagoland’s Arab American Community Chicago
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Rockford Faith Leaders Reject County Board Resolution, Standing by the Pretrial Fairness Act Crime

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor
    January 26, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe
    January 16, 2023
  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Harry and Patricia Michalski courtesy of their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10105680464226180&set=t.100009314491026&type=3
    Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness
    December 30, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Chicago Mayor Lori Lightf... Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has faile... posted on January 15, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website Vallas urges probe in Lig... Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot's CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Ga... posted on January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023 Black and Latinx Elected... Black and Latinx Elected Officials Unite Against the Chaos Caused by Mayor... posted on January 8, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash First Installment Cook Co... First Installment Cook County property taxes due date pushed to April 3 Coo... posted on January 4, 2023
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi... Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team... posted on January 17, 2023
  • NEWS
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards
    January 26, 2023
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley Named Chair of Police and Fire Committee
    January 25, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates
    January 23, 2023
  • Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
    Arrest and Criminal Charges Announced Against British and Russian Businessmen for Facilitating Sanctions Evasion of Russian Oligarch’s $90 Million Yacht
    January 23, 2023
  • Justice Department Health Care Fraud Unit
    Chicago Man Convicted of Participating in Illegal Kickback Conspiracy
    January 23, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • Stefan Noesen, Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award
    July 22, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Paul Vallas demands Lightfoot explain email scandal, and use of government resources for political campaign
    January 12, 2023
  • David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County
    Milwaukee County sells 90 lots for single family homes
    January 11, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Chicago’s Police Officers Endorse Paul Vallas for Mayor
    January 9, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Photo courtesy of the Cook County government
    Pappas: Cook County property taxes due by December 30
    December 28, 2022
  • Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Orland Park offers Christmas Tree, Wreath and Light recycling
    December 27, 2022
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023
  • United Airlines Flight at O'Hare Airport
    United offers endless airline travel problems for travelers
    December 25, 2022
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme