"People turned on us. It was as if they resented their big secret band suddenly being the property of the mainstream." After a decade's hard slog, a sublime ballad made stars of REO Speedwagon - and their die-hard fans didn't like it one bit

REO Speedwagon pose backstage.

In late 2010, as REO Speedwagon prepared to release a 30th Anniversary edition of their diamond-selling breakthrough album Hi Infidelity, band frontman Kevin Cronin spoke with late Classic Rock writer Malcolm Dome for the first issue of AOR Magazine. They spoke about the band's breakthrough, power ballads, and the fans who hated their success.

It may seem somewhat ludicrous to suggest this, but REO Speedwagon have always been undervalued. On the surface, this is patent nonsense. The Illinois quintet have sold over 40 million records in a career that’s also seen them have 13 Top 40 hits in the US alone. And yet, the band have never really gained the respect and acclaim they deserve.