The lead singer of the iconic rock band REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin, reunited with his former bandmates over the weekend after a split that had raised eyebrows among fans. This gathering took place in their hometown, where Cronin was joined by former bassist Bruce Hall, keyboardist Neal Doughty, and drummer Alan Gratzer. The reunion marked a significant moment for the band, following their breakup last year due to “irreconcilable differences.”
The four musicians participated as grand marshals for the University of Illinois homecoming parade in Champaign, Illinois. It was their first performance together since December 31, 1988. During halftime of a college football game against the University of Southern California (USC), the band played fan favorites such as “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll With the Changes,” and “157 Riverside Avenue.”
Doughty, who retired in 2023, and Gratzer, who left the band in 1988, both expressed excitement about the reunion. Cronin, who had recently completed a tour with Styx, previously missed an REO Speedwagon reunion event in June. At that time, he expressed feeling “deeply disturbed and hurt” over scheduling conflicts that prevented his participation.
In a positive turn of events, Cronin spoke enthusiastically about the band’s legacy and current reunion. “The fans all around the country know that we’re going to be together for the first time in a long time,” he stated. He emphasized the band’s ethos: “REO Speedwagon has always stood for…we ride the storm out. We roll with the changes. We keep pushing. We’re a positive energy source.”
The reunion held sentimental value, especially as it took place in Champaign, the city where the band originally formed. Gratzer, who co-founded the group in 1967 with Doughty, noted the unpredictability of future collaborations: “You never know,” he remarked.
The band’s history is rich with milestones. Gratzer co-wrote several early hits, including “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It On the Run,” and played a vital role in producing the band’s celebrated 1980 album “Hi Infidelity,” which achieved diamond status. Cronin joined the group shortly after their debut album release in 1972 and has been a significant driving force in the band’s success for over five decades. He is known for his lead vocals and contributions to timeless tracks such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep the Fire Burnin’.”
As fans speculate on the possibility of more reunion events or tours, the camaraderie displayed by Cronin, Hall, Doughty, and Gratzer suggests a willingness to overcome past challenges in service of their music and their loyal fan base. With the band’s enduring popularity, many are eager to see what the future holds for REO Speedwagon.
