The Reunion of Classic REO Speedwagon Members: An Emotional Affair at Illinois Halftime Show
In a heartwarming moment for rock music enthusiasts, the four remaining members of the iconic REO Speedwagon—singer Kevin Cronin, keyboardist Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, and drummer Alan Gratzer—came together for a special halftime performance during the University of Illinois’s homecoming football game on Saturday in Champaign. This event marked a significant occasion as it was the first time the band had shared the stage since Gratzer’s retirement back in 1988, creating a wave of nostalgia for fans of their legendary 1977-1988 lineup.
The classic lineup is renowned for crafting some of REO Speedwagon's most beloved albums, including the monumental 1980 release, Hi Infidelity, which remains one of their best-selling works. With a beaming smile, Cronin addressed the audience, saying, "Hi, everybody. I’m Kevin. On behalf of Alan, Neil, Bruce, and the entire REO Speedwagon family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Illinois, the city of Champaign-Urbana, and this esteemed university for being the launchpad for our musical journey, which has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you all!"
Interestingly, the roots of REO Speedwagon can be traced back to the University of Illinois, where Doughty and Gratzer were students when they first ventured into forming the band. This backdrop adds a layer of sentimentality to their reunion at an institution that played a pivotal role in their inception and initial growth.
During the performance, Cronin and his bandmates were accompanied by the massive 400-member Marching Illini band. Together, they treated the audience to a medley of three tracks, with highlights including "Ridin' the Storm Out," a song penned by the late guitarist Gary Richrath who was also a vital part of the classic lineup. The medley also featured fan favorites like "Roll with the Changes" and "157 Riverside Avenue," igniting excitement among the crowd and bringing back cherished memories.
Adding to the weekend’s festive atmosphere, Cronin, Doughty, Hall, and Gratzer took on the honor of serving as Grand Marshals for the homecoming parade, creating a dynamic and festive weekend. The events culminated in a thrilling football game where the 22nd-ranked Illinois team triumphed over the USC Trojans with a close score of 34-32, making the weekend unforgettable.
The reunion of Cronin and Hall is particularly encouraging, especially following Cronin’s earlier exclusion from a "retrospective" reunion concert that took place on June 14th in Champaign. This absence arose amidst reports of "irreconcilable differences" between Cronin and Hall, leading to a challenging rift within the band. These tensions had even prompted an announcement stating that REO Speedwagon would cease touring after 2024.
In contrast to the collective efforts of his bandmates, Cronin embarked on a solo tour this past year, performing under his own name yet accompanied by many of the same musicians who had joined the latest version of REO Speedwagon. He's candidly expressed the challenges of promoting his solo act, noting that selling tickets has proven to be more difficult compared to when he was part of the band. Despite this, he continues to pursue his passion for music, reminiscent of REO's rock legacy.
You can check out the footage from REO Speedwagon’s captivating halftime show alongside the Illinois marching band below, sparking memories for those familiar with their legendary performances.
What are your thoughts on this reunion? Do you believe the band can mend its past differences and continue to thrive? Or do you think their best days are behind them? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a lively discussion below!
