REO Speedwagon, Styx will play 2020 Carb Day concert

David Lindquist | IndyStar

Show Caption Hide Caption Carb Day concerts through the years REO Speedwagon and Styx will co-headline the 2020 Carb Day concert at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Two classic rock bands from Illinois will play the 2020 Carb Day concert at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

REO Speedwagon and Styx will co-headline May 22 inside Turn 4 at the track. Styx will perform before REO Speedwagon.

Known for 1980s hits "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Take It On the Run" and "Keep On Loving You," REO Speedwagon formed on the campus of the University of Illinois in 1966.

The band's lineup includes founding member Neal Doughty, a keyboard player who lived in Evansville, Indiana, until age 12. Vocalist Kevin Cronin has written five Top 20 singles as a member of REO Speedwagon.

Indiana blues-rock musician Duke Tumatoe played guitar in REO Speedwagon in 1969.

Styx, known for 1970s hits "Come Sail Away," "Renegade" and "Blue Collar Man," formed in Chicago in 1972.

The band's lineup includes founding members James Young (guitar) and Chuck Panozzo (bass). Vocalist-guitarist Tommy Shaw wrote Top 20 singles "Renegade" and "Too Much Time on My Hands."

Dennis DeYoung, who wrote and sang Styx hits such as "Babe" and "Lady," exited the band in 1999. On Monday, DeYoung announced an Oct. 2 performance at Brown County Music Center.

Carb Day, which trails only Race Day in attracting the largest May crowds at IMS, has presented bands such as Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top since shifting from a Thursday to a Friday on the track's calendar in 2005. Foreigner and Kool & the Gang played the 2019 Carb Day concert.

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“(REO Speedwagon and Styx) came from Midwestern roots to become enduring global superstars, just like the Indy 500," IMS President Doug Boles said in a statement. "Our fans will love rocking to hit after hit performed by these legendary artists at the best high-horsepower party of the year."

General admission tickets, $30, are available for purchase at ims.com. A limited number of tickets closest to the concert stage are available for $55. Premium tickets range from $95 to $250.

In addition to the 3:30 p.m. concert, Miller Lite Carb Day includes the final practice for the Indy 500, the annual Pit Stop Challenge and the Indy Lights Freedom 100 race.

Carb Day is one of three music events leading up to the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Luke Bryan will headline the country-themed Legends Day concert on May 23. Performers for the EDM-themed Indy 500 Snake Pit on May 24 have yet to be announced.

The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to start at 12:45 p.m. May 24.

Carb Day performers

Concert headliners since Carb Day shifted from a Thursday to a Friday on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway calendar:

2005: The Black Crowes

2006: The B-52s, Third Eye Blind

2007: Kid Rock

2008: Stone Temple Pilots

2009: Three Doors Down

2010: ZZ Top

2011: Staind, Papa Roach

2012: Lynyrd Skynyrd

2013: Poison

2014: Sammy Hagar

2015: Jane’s Addiction, 38 Special

2016: Journey

2017: Steve Miller Band, Barenaked Ladies

2018: Train, Blues Traveler

2019: Foreigner, Kool & the Gang

2020: REO Speedwagon, Styx

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Contact IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at dave.lindquist@indystar.com or 317-444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.