Happy REO Speedwagon Day! Our favorite rockers from the early 80s are in town here in Tampa Bay to play a gig tonight at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Stuck in the 80s will be there, of course. We're just upset this day hasn't been designated a state holiday.

(Sadly, my orchestrated attempted to pull a Ferris with the clammy hands was rejected by the bosses, so I'm at work until showtime.)

If you haven't heard our interview with lead singer Kevin Cronin, click here to download it now. Or click here to get all our great podcasts for free via iTunes.

Now that I've whipped you into a frenzy for tonight's show, you might be wondering how many of the old hits REO will be playing. The answer: Nearly all of them. Here's a quick look at what we believe is tonight's setlist:

• Don't Let Him Go: Perfect song to open the show with.
• Music Man: Great version of the sing available on Youtube.
• Take It on the Run: Reminds me of a bad breakup. Will use this moment for bathroom break.
• Keep Pushin': I'd swap this for something like "That Ain't Love" or "157 Riverside Avenue."
• Needed to Fall: First single off new album. Fantastic tune.
• Tough Guys: Possibly my favorite REO song. Love the "Lil Rascals" intro. ("Hey, Romeo, what about your promise to the he-man woman hater's club...")
• Dangerous Combination: Another song off new album.
• Can't Fight This Feelin: Theme to my senior prom. (My date was able to fight my feeling.)
• Smilin' in the End: Another good choice from new album.
• Time For Me To Fly: If you listen closely tonight, you'll hear Sean Daly and I singing along -- poorly.
• Back On the Road Again: Might be better played higher on the set list.
• Keep On Lovin' You: A song nobody can butcher in karaoke. I've proven this time and time again.
• Roll With the Changes: One of the all-time great songs live.
• Encore: Ridin' the Storm Out: A perfect ending to a perfect night, I'm hoping.

Moment of serendipity: Tonight's concert is 26 years -- plus one day -- since the first concert I ever saw -- Journey on their Escape tour, Oct. 22, 1981, at the Lakeland Civic Center. Come back, Steve Perry! Come back!

[AP photo]