In the early 1970s, a young Kevin Cronin, future frontman of REO Speedwagon, embarked on a transformative road trip from Chicago to Boulder, Colorado. This journey not only marked his first adventure away from home but also became the birthplace of one of the band’s enduring hits, “Time for Me to Fly.”

During his freshman year of college, Cronin and a friend decided to visit another high school acquaintance residing in Boulder. Upon arrival, Cronin encountered a Guild acoustic guitar tuned to an open chord—a configuration unfamiliar to him at the time. Intrigued, he began strumming and, inspired by a recent breakup with his high school sweetheart, penned the verses of “Time for Me to Fly.” However, the chorus eluded him, and the song remained incomplete for nearly a decade.

It wasn’t until the late 1970s, as REO Speedwagon prepared to record their seventh studio album, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, that Cronin revisited the unfinished song. The missing chorus finally materialized, completing the track just in time for the album’s release in 1978. “Time for Me to Fly” became a standout single, contributing to the album’s success and solidifying its place in rock history.

This Boulder-inspired anthem showcases the city’s influence on artists seeking inspiration amidst its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Cronin’s experience reflects the creative spark that Boulder has ignited in many, making it a notable landmark in the journey of REO Speedwagon’s musical legacy.

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