According to ultimateclassicrock.com, former REO Speedwagon bassist Gregg Philbin, who played for the band’s first six studio albums and also appeared on 1977’s Live: You Get What You Play For, has passed away. Singer Kevin Cronin paid tribute to Philbin in a statement made by the band that read, “No one should underestimate the Philbin Factor in the evolution of REO Speedwagon, When Gregg left the band in 1977, he took with him the prog-leaning extended instrumental section aspect of the REO sound. Gregg approached the bass guitar much like legendary Who bassist John Entwistle, They both played the bass as more of a lead instrument. But as the songs Gary Richrath and I were writing became more compact, and needing the bass to play a more traditional role of locking with the drums, Gregg’s style became an issue, and he would leave the band.”
Philbin’s time in REO Speedwagon predated Cronin’s as he appeared on the band’s self-titled debut album from 1971 and played on each successive LP through 1976’s R.E.O. Desite having musical conflicts, Cronin quickly praised Philbin’s personality and offers up his sympathies to those who were close to him. Concluding his statement by saying, “All that said, Gregg was a smart, funny, charming guy, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more savvy individual, His health had been an issue for some time, and today his soul is freed. We all loved Gregg, mourn his death and send our condolences to his surviving family members and friends. Today is a sad day in REO World.”
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