REO SPEEDWAGON NINE LIVES FOC GATEFOLD 12" Vinyl LP Album

The iconic REO Speedwagon released their timeless rock album, "Nine Lives," as a 12" LP Vinyl with a captivating Gatefold Cover in 1979. Featuring the talents of Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath, this musical masterpiece was crafted under the skillful hands of sound engineers Kevin Beamish and Gary Lubow at renowned studios like Sound City and Kendun Recordes. The album's aesthetic allure is credited to Tom Drennon's design and John Bilecky's photography, capturing the essence of the era. The back cover's delightful cat illustrations by G. Canzoneri, alongside models Candy Moore, Linda Thorp, Shyanne Rippee, and Karen Bilecki, add a visual charm to the musical journey encapsulated within this vinyl gem. "Nine Lives" stands as a testament to REO Speedwagon's artistic prowess and its enduring contribution to the rock scene of its time.This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

Large Hires Photo

Album Description & Collectors information:

The REO Speedwagon "Nine Lives" 12" LP Vinyl Album with Gatefold Cover is a classic rock album released by the American rock band REO Speedwagon in 1979.

REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois. The band's original lineup consisted of Terry Luttrell on lead vocals, Gary Richrath on guitar, Gregg Philbin on bass, and Alan Gratzer on drums. Over the years, the band's lineup would change, but Gary Richrath would remain a constant member until his departure in 1989.

The band's first album, R.E.O. Speedwagon, was released in 1971. It was not until the release of the band's ninth studio album, "Hi Infidelity"", in 1980, that they would achieve mainstream success. However, the band's eighth studio album, "Nine Lives"", released in 1979, was an important stepping stone in their career.

Nine Lives was released on 21 November 1979, by Epic Records.

The album contains nine tracks, all of which were written by members of the band. The opening track, "Heavy On Your Love," features a driving beat and powerful guitar riffs. "Drop It (An Old Disguise)" is a slower, more melodic track that showcases the band's harmonies. "Only the Strong Survive" is a hard-rocking anthem that features a memorable guitar solo by Gary Richrath.

Nine Lives may not have been as commercially successful as some of the band's later albums, but it was an important album in the band's career. It showcased the band's ability to write memorable hooks and catchy choruses, and it paved the way for their later success.

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

This album "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

Music Genre:

Rock

Album Production Information:

The album: "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold" was produced by: Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Kevin Beamish

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Kevin Beamish and Gary Lubow

This album was recorded at: Sound City, Studio A - Kendun Recordes, Studio D

Album cover design: Tom Drennon

Album cover photography: John Bilecky, Neal Preston

Back cover Cat Illustrations: G. Canzoneri, Tom Drennon Design

Models: Candy Moore, Linda Thorp, Shyanne Rippee, Karen Bilecki

Record Label & Catalognr:

EPIC EPC 83647

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

Made in Netherlands

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold"

Album Back Cover Photo of "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold"

Inner Sleeve of "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold" Album

Photo of "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold" Album's Inner Sleeve

Large Hires Photo

Pin-up illustration on one side of the custom inner sleeve of "Nine Lives"

Lyrics printed on the custom inner sleeve of "Nine Lives"

Photo of "REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold" EPIC Record Label

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: REO SPEEDWAGON - Nine Lives FOC Gatefold

Kevin Cronin - Vocals
Kevin Cronin an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon. Cronin joined the band in the early 1970s and was a key member of the line-up that recorded and toured for several decades. He has written many of REO Speedwagon's most famous and successful songs, including "Keep on Loving You" and "Take It on the Run". Cronin's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have been a big part of REO Speedwagon's sound and live performances over the years. He continues to lead the band to this day.
Gary Richrath - Guitars
Gary Richrath was an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer. He was best known as the lead guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon. Richrath joined the band in the early 1970s and was a key member of the line-up that recorded and toured for several decades. He was one of REO Speedwagon's primary songwriters, and wrote many of the band's most famous and successful songs, including "Ridin' the Storm Out" and "Golden Country". Richrath was known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which blended elements of blues, rock, and country music. He left REO Speedwagon in 1989 but continued to perform and record music as a solo artist. Richrath passed away in 2015.
Bruce Hall - Bass guitar
Bruce Hall an American bassist and singer. He is best known as the bass player for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon. Hall joined the band in the late 1970s and was a part of the line-up that recorded and toured for several decades. He has played on several of REO Speedwagon's most famous and successful albums, including "Hi Infidelity". Hall's powerful voice and energetic stage presence have been a key part of REO Speedwagon's live performances over the years. He continues to perform with the band to this day.
Neil Doughty - keyboards
Neil Doughty an American keyboardist and synthesizer player. He is founding member of the classic rock band REO Speedwagon. Doughty joined the band in the late 1960s and was a part of the line-up that recorded and toured for several decades. He is considered one of the pioneers of the use of synthesizers in rock music, and his keyboard and synthesizer work have been a key part of REO Speedwagon's sound over the years. Doughty continues to perform with the band to this day.
Alan Gratzer - Drums
Alan Gratzer an American musician and drummer. The drummer for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon. Gratzer joined the band in the early 1970s and was a part of the line-up that recorded and toured for several years. He helped establish REO Speedwagon as one of the top rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, playing on some of their most famous and successful albums, including "Hi Infidelity". Gratzer left REO Speedwagon in the 1990s, but has since performed with the band on occasion.