Truman State University - Echo Yearbook (Kirksville, MO)

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 Like You Do” I It takes a lot of hard work and money to put on concert with big bands. said Mike Morris, spring concert committee chairman. Considering the effort and expense that went into arranging the March 31 performances of R.E.O. Speedwagon and Firefall, that may have been the understatement of the year. Although the Student Senate concert committee began planning for the concert in January, the contract was not signed until three days before the concert. Besides a flat fee for both R.E.O. and Firefall, there were other demands to be met. Both bands expected to be provided with hot food, fresh fruits, and several beverages, including milk, 7-UP, Coke, orange juice. Budweiser, Bordeaux and Jack Daniels. Rules prohibiting alcoholic beverages on state property released the concert committee from these last demands, but the others were fulfilled. R.E.O. also required more power than Pershing Arena could provide, so a generator was rented. The generator also increased the sound capacity of the group. Laurie Meyers, sophomore, felt that the extra sound helped enhance the music played. She added that she didn’t notice any echoes in the arena. REO Speedwagon really moves with their mus during the Spring Concert. ■ They are enjoying the spotlight and the crowd's response to the song. Like You Do.”

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Up With People cast members fully involve the audience by dancing in the aisles. The Up With Poople chorus members visited with the audience during intermission. They answered questions about being a member.

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The cost of the generator rental was split between .Student Senate and R.E.O.. and Student Senate had to pay for its transportation from Cummings. Mo. A special stage had to be built before R.E.O. would perform. In addition. Student Senate had to pay $100 as a rental fee for a piano belonging to R.E.O. to be used in their performance. Firefall's demands were similar to those of R.E.O. Student Senate was required to hire an Additional sound and light system at a cost of $1,750. Also, an organ had to be rented from R.E.O. for Firefall’s performance. Besides these expenses, a fee had to be paid to the booking agent. Total cost of the concert added up to more than $12,727. Despite some unfavorable publicity in respect to these demands, the groups were greeted enthusiastical- ly by a packed arena on the night of the concert. One student described the over 3.500 student crowd as being ‘ wall to wall people.” Firefall appeared first for 60 minutes. They performed their hits You are the Woman” and “Cinderella” among others. R.E.O. Speedwagon gave a magnetic performance with many songs from their newly released album. The audience was on their feet moving with R.E.O.'s greatest hits, including Like You Do.” “Keep Pushin,” and Golden Country. “Ridin' the Storm Out. the group s final number before returning for two encores, was highlighted by a superbly done light, fire and smoke show. During the synthesizer prelude to the song, the arena was darkened and as the cresendo increased, a blast of fire and lights prevailed. In an Index interview with R.E.O.'s lead guitarist. Gary Richrath commented on the concert: “Great! I loved it. I thought it was super.” Most students who saw it agreed. By Nancy James [Cronin made good use yed stage during REO’s jauses in his prancing for ictly in front $f the Appealing to a crowd of thousands. Firetall is well into their hit singlo You are the Women during the Spring 1977 concert. 23